Most popular treks to Machu Picchu
Salkantay Trek
Inca Trail
Inca Jungle Trail
Machu Picchu alternative, Choquequirao
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4-day Choquequirao TrekOriginal price was: $ 299.99.$ 275.00Current price is: $ 275.00.
Other trips to Machu Picchu
Practical information
Discover the wonders of Machu Picchu with our exciting tours! Explore the best Machu Picchu attractions. Here is some practical information, useful before booking a tour.
- Getting to Machu Picchu from Cusco:
- Train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town): The most common way to reach Machu Picchu is by bus + train (bi-modal service) from Cusco to Aguas Calientes. There are different train services available, including luxury options.
- Hiking: For the more adventurous, there are several hiking trails such as the Inca Trail or the Salkantay Trek, which lead directly to Machu Picchu and can take several days.
- Best time to visit: The best time to do one of the Machu Picchu tours is during the dry season from May to September. During these months, you’re less likely to encounter rain, and the views are often clearer.
- Altitude: Machu Picchu itself is at a lower altitude compared to Cusco, at about 2.430 meters (7,970 feet) above sea level. However, some of the hikes leading up to it, such as the Inca Trail, reach altitudes above 3,000 meters (9,840 feet).
- Duration of stay: Most visitors spend about one to two days exploring Machu Picchu. This includes time to travel from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, a full day at Machu Picchu, and the journey back. A hike or trek typically takes 4 to 5 days.
Best ways to get to Machu Picchu
- Salkantay Trek:
- A 4 or 5-day alternative trek to the Inca Trail that offers more dramatic landscapes and less crowded paths. It ends at Aguas Calientes, from where you can take a bus to Machu Picchu. The most popular of all Machu Picchu tours.
- Inca Trail Trek:
- Embark on the classic Inca Trail, a 4-day trek that leads you directly to Machu Picchu through historic Inca sites and stunning natural scenery.
- Requires a permit and typically needs to be booked well in advance due to popularity.
- Train to Aguas Calientes:
- Take a train from Cusco (or Ollantaytambo) to Aguas Calientes, the town closest to Machu Picchu. There are different train services; the luxurious Belmond Hiram Bingham, Vistadome, and the economical Expedition.
- Once in Aguas Calientes, you can take a 25-minute bus ride up to Machu Picchu.
- By car and foot (backdoor route):
- Drive from Cusco to Hydroelectric Station and then walk about 3 hours along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes. This is a less common and more adventurous compared to the other Machu Picchu tours, typically more budget-friendly.
For which type of tour/attraction visit Machu Picchu?
- Adventure travelers: The tours to Machu Picchu can include trekking, camping, and outdoor activities, particularly appealing to those who love adventure.
- Photography and nature lovers: The stunning landscapes and architectural wonders provide countless opportunities for photography.
- History and archaeology enthusiasts: Those interested in the Inca civilization and ancient cultures will find the site’s well-preserved ruins fascinating.
More information about Machu Picchu
Historically, Machu Picchu is believed to have been built in the mid-15th century under the reign of Inca emperor Pachacuti. The site was used as a royal estate for the Inca elite and as a religious retreat. Its exact purpose remains partially a mystery, which adds to the allure of the site.
The complex was abandoned during the Spanish conquests in the 16th century and remained hidden from the outside world until it was brought to international attention by Hiram Bingham in 1911. One of the most luxurious train services, available through one of our Machu Picchu tours, is named after Hiram Bingham. Since then, Machu Picchu has become one of the most recognized symbols of Incan civilization and a profound testament to the Inca’s engineering skills, with its dry-stone walls and terraces that blend beautifully into the mountain landscape.