Okay so you wanna hit up Machu Picchu, right? Hiking there is totally one of the coolest ways to see stuff when you’re hanging around Cusco, Peru (around 11,155 ft / 3,400 m high). Lots of folks agree on that. Depending on how much time you got or what your plan looks like, you could go for the famous Inca Trail. Or maybe you’re feeling a bit more adventurous? There are other paths that also get you to Machu Picchu. Just a heads-up though, the Inca Trail is super popular, so you gotta plan that way ahead. Here’s a look at some of the best walks to get you there.
Top Machu Picchu Hikes
If you’re asking yourself “Which hike should I do?”, Cusco has options.
The Classic Inca Trail
Okay this one is kinda the big deal the most famous hike in Peru maybe even all of South America. When you do this one you’re really on the original Inca Trail exploring those old paths leading to Machu Picchu. Picture yourself camping out up in the mountains with tents and gear that’s actually comfy. You get good food too and the guides seriously know their stuff. Most tours here are small groups and everything’s included so you don’t gotta worry about much. Just remember permits for this trail are limited and they disappear fast. Like gone quick. So if this is on your bucket list gotta sort it out early. No stress right?
Salkantay Trek Adventure
Alright if you’re way more into jaw-dropping nature views this might be your jam. This path takes you near Salkantay Mountain (around 20,574 ft / 6,271 m) and Humantay Lake (about 13,845 ft / 4,220 m). These spots are seriously stunning. You get to see amazing landscapes incredible snow-capped peaks pretty valleys cool lakes waterfalls and little villages out in the country. And get this you might even camp on a mountain spot looking right at Machu Picchu. It’s a real camping vibe outside with tents hot showers and sometimes they even cook food in the ground a Pachamanca style meal. Plus theres usually a chance to check out how coffee is made. It’s a whole experience.
Quick Inca Trail
Don’t have four days to hike? No worries the Short Inca Trail is like the express version just two days. It still hits some of the best parts of the longer trek. You walk through the cloudy forest with thick plants and see some really nice old Inca ruins. The best part for many is getting to Machu Picchu (around 7,972 ft / 2,430 m) by coming through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) late in the afternoon. It’s pretty epic. This way you get to see the city when almost everyone else has left it’s way less crowded. Seriously feels special.
Lares Community Trek
This one’s for you if you like going somewhere less traveled you know off the beaten path. The Lares area (start is often near Lares Hot Springs around 10,500 ft / 3,200 m) is where you can actually hang out with local folks from traditional Andean communities. You hike in the Andes mountains and it feels more quiet more alone. You learn about how people live in these places that are kinda cut off from big cities check out their culture and old ways. You might even hike alongside llamas and alpacas pretty cool huh? Sometimes you can visit a local school too. It’s more about connecting with the people and the quiet mountain life. It’s not just a hike it’s a cultural journey.