In a nutshell
- The most authentic way to reach Machu Picchu is a multi-day hike — and you have several great trails to choose from.
- The most popular routes are the Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek, and the Lares Trek — we cover all of them in detail here.
- For each trail, we break down the costs, how many days you’ll need, whether a guide is required, difficulty level, and when to book.
- Read on to find the Machu Picchu hike that’s the perfect fit for your trip.
Important Tips for Machu Picchu
In this article, we only cover the hikes to Machu Picchu. You should also read up on Machu Picchu itself and your ticket options before you go.
That’s because you need to purchase your ticket before your hike. All of our tips about the Inca site and tickets can be found in two separate articles.
If you’re not yet sure whether you want to hike or just take a day trip to Machu Picchu, check out our article on getting to Machu Picchu as well.
Our Tips for Machu Picchu
All Machu Picchu Hikes at a Glance
Here’s a quick overview of all the Machu Picchu hiking trails:
- Inca Trail
- Salkantay Trek
- Lares Trek
- Inca Jungle Trek
We’ll take a closer look at each route and help you figure out which one is the best fit for you.
Inca Trail: The Classic
The Inca Trail is the most traditional and most famous route to Machu Picchu — and the right choice if you want the most authentic Inca experience possible.
This is the actual path the Incas once used to reach Machu Picchu, so you’re literally walking in their footsteps. The trail is widely considered one of the most beautiful in the world and one of the top highlights in Peru.
You can only hike the Inca Trail as part of a guided tour. Admission to Machu Picchu and round-trip transportation are included with all tours. You’ll sleep in tents during the trek — equipment is included.
The most important facts about the Inca Trail, short and sweet
- Distance: 43 kilometers
- Duration: 4 days
- When to book: at least 6 months in advance
- Difficulty: moderate (hardest section: ascent from 2,950 to 4,200 meters on day 2)
- Solo or with a tour?: only possible with a guided tour
- Cost: 600–800 euros
Advantages of the Inca Trail
- Authentic, historic experience
- Stunning scenery along the entire route
- Your Machu Picchu ticket and transportation are taken care of
Disadvantages of the Inca Trail
- You need to book way in advance
- It’s the most expensive option
- You can’t do it independently
Booking the Inca Trail
Since you need to book so far ahead, doing it online is definitely the way to go.
Extra tip: The Short Version of the Inca Trail
If the Inca Trail is sold out — or four days feels like too much — there’s a short version that covers just two days. You only hike the final stretch, and last-minute tickets are often still available.
This is a great option if you’re short on time but still want to experience some of the trail.
Booking the two-day Inca Trail
Get your ticket for the short version of the Inca Trail
Salkantay Trek: The Alternative
The Salkantay Trek is the right Machu Picchu hike for you if you’re planning your trip spontaneously and want more flexibility.
The Salkantay is a relatively new trail and the most well-known alternative to the Inca Trail. Unlike the Inca Trail, you can book it last-minute and hike it without a guide. Another big plus: the route takes you past the stunning Laguna Humantay.
On most Salkantay Trek tours, you’ll split your nights between tents and proper accommodation. But you also have the option of sleeping in a bed every night if that’s more your style.
The most important facts about the Salkantay Trek, short and sweet
- Distance: 74 kilometers
- Duration: 3–5 days
- When to book: usually bookable 1–2 days in advance
- Difficulty: moderate (hardest section: ascent from 4,000 to 4,600 meters on day 2)
- Solo or with a tour?: both possible
- Cost: 150–600 euros
Advantages of the Salkantay Trek
- Breathtaking scenery
- Bookable last-minute
- You can hike solo or join a guided tour
- Cheaper than the Inca Trail
Disadvantages of the Salkantay Trek
- The trail can get busy
- You have to sort out your own Machu Picchu ticket
Booking the Salkantay Trek
You can book the Salkantay Trek online in advance or in person at an agency in Cusco. Booking in person is cheaper, but tours booked online tend to be better organized and more comfortable.
Budget option for the Salkantay Trek
Luxury option for the Salkantay Trek
If you hike the Salkantay Trek independently, you’ll need to arrange your own Machu Picchu ticket and accommodation along the way.
We hiked the Salkantay Trek without a tour and have written up all the key tips from our experience in a separate report.
Read our Salkantay trip report too
Lares Trek: Hidden Gem
The Lares Trek is the right trail for you if you want a shorter, less touristy route to Machu Picchu.
The trail starts in the town of Lares, and from there you hike 37 kilometers over three days to Ollantaytambo. You’ll barely see another hiker out here. Nights are spent camping in tents.
In Ollantaytambo, you board a train to Aguas Calientes, where you spend your last night in a hotel. From there, you head on to Machu Picchu.
Overall, the route is shorter than the other options — but don’t let that fool you. The Lares Trek is still a serious workout, with plenty of uphill sections.
- Distance: 37 kilometers
- Duration: 4 days
- When to book: bookable last-minute
- Difficulty: moderate (hardest section: ascent from 3,700 to 4,700 meters on day 2)
- Solo or with a tour?: both possible
- Cost: 200–700 euros
Advantages of the Lares Trek
- Far fewer crowds than the other trails
- Bookable last-minute
- You can hike solo or join a guided tour
- You get both a multi-day hike and the scenic Machu Picchu train ride
Disadvantages of the Lares Trek
- You don’t hike the entire way through
- Guided tours are on the pricey side
- If you go solo, you’ll need to carry your tent and food yourself
Booking the Lares Trek
We’d recommend booking the Lares Trek online. You can also arrange it in person in Cusco — though we’re not sure how much lead time you’ll need if you go that route.
Inca Jungle Trek: For Adventurers
The Inca Jungle Trek is perfect if you don’t want to hike every single day and love the idea of mixing in activities like rafting or zip-lining.
You’re out for 4 days on the Inca Jungle Trek, but the big difference is that you’re not walking the whole time. In between hiking sections, you do other outdoor activities.
Mountain biking, rafting, and a zip line keep things exciting alongside the trail. On the final day, you visit Machu Picchu.
- Distance: Approximately 20 kilometers hiking and 60 kilometers by mountain bike
- Duration: 4 days
- When to book: bookable last-minute
- Difficulty: easy to moderate
- Solo or with a tour?: only possible with a tour
- Cost: 300–600 euros
Advantages of the Inca Jungle Trek
- Lots of variety — not just hiking
- Less physically demanding than the other routes
- Cheaper than the Inca Trail
Disadvantages of the Inca Jungle Trek
- Doesn’t feel much like a classic multi-day hiking trip
- Less authentic than the other Machu Picchu treks
Booking the Inca Jungle Trek
Your best bet is to book the Inca Jungle Trek online in advance. In most cases, you can also arrange it in Cusco a few days before you want to go.
Get your Inca Jungle Trek ticket
Practical Tips for Hiking to Machu Picchu
Before you book any of these routes, there are a few things worth knowing. Here are our most important pointers.
When is the best time for the Machu Picchu hikes?
The dry season from May to October is the best time for any Machu Picchu hike — that’s when you’ll have the highest chance of sunshine and the least rain. It’s also the warmest time of year.
Just keep in mind that July and August are peak season. Machu Picchu tickets sell out fast and the trails are at their busiest.
In November and April, the weather is unpredictable. You might get lucky with barely any rain — or it might pour for an entire week. The upside is that the trails are much quieter.
From December through March is the rainy season, and we honestly don’t recommend visiting then. In February, both the Salkantay Trek and the Inca Trail are even closed.
Do you need hiking experience for these trails?
Not necessarily — but you do need to be in good physical shape. The trails are not very technically demanding, so even without regular hiking experience you can manage them. That said, some experience definitely helps.
What matters more is being in good physical condition and properly acclimatized. These hikes can be seriously tough, since you’ll be at elevations between 2,000 and 5,000 meters. Plan to spend at least three days acclimatizing in Cusco before setting off.
Our tips for things to do in Cusco
What do you do if you get injured on the trail?
If something goes wrong — a twisted ankle, altitude sickness, or you simply can’t continue — there’s no need to panic.
If necessary, you can be transported by mule to the nearest village, and from there taken back to your hotel in Cusco.
