Top Trekking Routes to Reach Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is definitely one of the most famous places in the world and a must-see in Peru (located at about 2,430 meters / 7,972 feet above sea level). While you can get there by train, choosing to hike one of the trekking routes can make your trip a really special adventure. This is where you get to see amazing landscapes and cool old ruins on foot. Let’s look at some of the best hiking paths to reach Machu Picchu, what makes each one unique, and some tips for doing them.
Classic Trekking Adventures
For a memorable hike to Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail, the Salkantay route, and the Inca Jungle trek are super popular choices. If you’re up for a unique journey, these trails are awesome.
The Classic Inca Trail
The Inca Trail is probably the most famous trek in South America. It’s typically a 4-day hike that follows an ancient Inca path. As you walk, you go through historical ruins and beautiful natural areas. You get incredible views of the mountains and get to explore some cool archaeological sites along the way, like Wiñay Wayna (meaning “forever young” in Quechua, located around 2,650 meters / 8,694 feet) before finally reaching Machu Picchu.
To do the Inca Trail, you need to be ready both physically and mentally. Make sure you have the right gear – comfortable hiking shoes, warm layers, and a backpack with essentials like water and snacks. There are rules for the trail you need to follow, and it’s important to listen to your guides. Permits for the Classic Inca Trail are limited and sell out months in advance, so you need to book way ahead of time.
Here’s a quick look at some Inca Trail options:
| Trek Option | Starting Point | Difficulty | Total Distance | Max Altitude | Group Size | Approximate Cost |
| Short Inca Trail (2 Days) | Cusco | Moderate | 12 km (7.5 mi) | 2,720 m (8,924 ft) | Up to 16 ppl | From US$ 485 |
| Classic Inca Trail (4 Days) | Cusco | Moderate | 43 km (26.7 mi) | 4,215 m (13,828 ft) | Up to 16 ppl | From US$ 780 |
(Costs are approximate and can vary greatly depending on the tour operator and inclusions)
The Salkantay Trek
The Salkantay route is another really popular way to get to Machu Picchu, often seen as a great alternative to the crowded Inca Trail. It’s generally a bit more challenging than the Classic Inca Trail. This trek takes you through stunning mountain landscapes, including passing by the majestic Humantay Lagoon (around 4,200 meters / 13,780 feet). This lagoon has striking turquoise water surrounded by snowy mountains, making it a truly impressive spot to stop and just soak in the natural beauty.
If you plan to do the Salkantay Trek, make sure you’re in good physical shape. You also need to have suitable gear for the weather, as temperatures can change quite a bit during the hike. The highest point on the Salkantay trek is the Salkantay Pass, reaching around 4,630 meters (about 15,190 feet).
The Inca Jungle Trek
If you’re looking for something a bit different, the Inca Jungle trek is an excellent choice. This route is less about pure hiking and often includes other activities like mountain biking, zip-lining, and even rafting or hot springs. It takes you through really varied landscapes, going from cloud forest areas closer to the Amazon jungle down to the Andes mountains.
Along this trek, you can see cool waterfalls, clear rivers, and lots of different plants and animals that live in the region. To do the Inca Jungle trek, have good walking shoes, layers of clothing for different temperatures, and a backpack with water and snacks.
Less-Traveled Trekking Options
While the Inca Trail, Salkantay, and Inca Jungle are the most well-known ways to hike to Machu Picchu, there are other interesting paths if you love adventure and nature and want something a bit more off the beaten path.
The Choquequirao Trek
Trekking to Choquequirao (around 3,050 meters / 10,007 feet) is ideal if you want a unique experience away from the big crowds. It’s considered one of the toughest treks in the region because it involves hiking for several days over rough terrain with steep ups and downs. But man, the reward is incredible! The Choquequirao citadel is sometimes called “the other Machu Picchu.” It’s a huge archaeological site nestled in the mountains, with Inca terraces, temples, and buildings. It feels much more remote and undiscovered than Machu Picchu. On this trek, you also get awesome views of snowy peaks like Mount Salkantay (reaching about 6,271 meters / 20,574 feet at its summit) and sometimes the distant Huaytapallana mountains (a range with peaks over 5,000 meters / 16,404 feet, the highest around 5,557 meters / 18,232 feet).
- Tips for Choquequirao:
- It’s really smart to hire a specialized guide for this route because it’s challenging and less developed than the Inca Trail.
- The best time to go is during the dry season, usually from May to September.
- Carry plenty of water, food, and warm clothing. Temperatures can drop a lot at night in the mountains.
The Lares Trek
If you’re interested in seeing traditional Andean communities and how people live in the mountains, the Lares Trek is an excellent option. On this hike, you pass through beautiful mountain scenery, valleys, rivers, and lakes. You get chances to interact with local people, maybe seeing their weaving or farming methods up close. A cool highlight is that the trek often finishes near the Lares hot springs (located around 3,250 meters / 10,662 feet), where you can relax your muscles after several days of walking. The highest point on some Lares Trek variations can exceed 4,300 meters (around 14,100 feet), even reaching around 4,809 meters (15,777 feet) on some routes.
- Tips for Lares:
- Some travelers like to bring small gifts for the local communities, like pencils, notebooks, or candy (ask your guide for advice on this).
- Like other treks, the dry season (May to September) is generally recommended.
- It’s very important to acclimatize to the altitude in Cusco (around 3,400 meters / 11,152 feet) before starting the Lares Trek, as you will be hiking at high elevations.
Exploring these alternative trekking routes gives you a chance to discover different parts of the region and have a unique experience connecting with nature and Andean culture on your way to the incredible Machu Picchu.