Hiking to Machu Picchu: Routes & Options

Machu Picchu can be reached in comfort by train, but for many travellers the journey on foot is the real prize. Trekking through high passes, cloud forest, and ancient stone stairways, you enter the citadel by the Sun Gate or approach it from the valley below. Several routes exist, each with its own character, cost, and challenges.

The Main Routes

Classic Inca Trail (4 days)

The best-known and most regulated route. 42 km of stone paths, crossing mountain passes up to 4,200m. Permits are strictly limited (book 6–12 months in advance) and trekking without a licensed guide is not allowed. Campsites are fixed, porters carry group gear, and the reward is entering Machu Picchu at sunrise through the Inti Punku (Sun Gate).

Short Inca Trail (1–2 days)

A condensed version beginning closer to Machu Picchu. You still enter via the Sun Gate, but with less climbing and time commitment. Popular for those short on time or reluctant to camp.

Salkantay Trek (5 days)

A high-altitude alternative, reaching 4,600m at the Salkantay Pass. Less regulated than the Inca Trail and does not require a special permit. Mixes camping and simple lodges, often finishing with a train ride into Aguas Calientes before the final bus up to the citadel.

Lares Trek (3–5 days)

Known for its cultural encounters rather than ruins. Passes remote Quechua villages and weaving communities, often with homestays or basic camps. Ends with transport to Ollantaytambo and then the train to Aguas Calientes.

Inca Jungle Trek (3–4 days)

A multi-adventure route that combines biking, hiking, rafting, and zip-lining through valleys and jungle. Less about archaeology, more about variety and adrenaline. Finishes in Aguas Calientes with a final climb or bus to Machu Picchu.

Logistics & Practicalities

• Guides: The Inca Trail must be guided. Other treks can sometimes be arranged independently, but most travellers book with licensed tour companies for logistics and safety.
• Porters: On the Inca Trail, porters carry group gear and supplies, while trekkers carry personal daypacks. On alternatives, pack animals or support vehicles may be used.
• Permits: Classic Inca Trail sells out months ahead; others are more flexible but still require advance organization.
• Season: Dry season (May–Sep) is best for trekking; Inca Trail is closed every February for maintenance.

Which Trek Should You Choose?

If you want the iconic Sun Gate arrival → choose the Classic Inca Trail. If you prefer fewer crowds and big mountain scenery → Salkantay. For cultural immersion with Andean villages → Lares. For time-limited travellers → Short Inca Trail. For a mix of adventure sports → Inca Jungle.