Table of Contents
Machu Picchu is one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World… the spectacular mountaintop complex was built around the second half of the 15th century a.D., as a vacation retreat for Inca royals and also as a highly mystical place for religious ceremonies, like ayahuasca, San Pedro (peyote), offerings to Pachamama (Mother Earth) and more.
Its architecture and location are nothing short of splendid: the finest stonework and design available at the time, in the middle of the immense Urubamba Valley, on the frontier of the Amazonian jungle. A place of warm weather, blue skies, sunlight and strong, healing natural energy. No wonder people from all over the world walk around the citadel every day! It is indeed like going back in time! Going back to a complete connection with nature.
Next, we will share with you the 7 best hikes to Machu Picchu you can do with us, TOUR IN PERU travel and tourism operators, a licensed, certified and awarded company, with more than 14 years of top-quality experience:
The 4-Day Classic Inca Trail:
One of the most important and famous of the world; 500 permits per day which sell out months in advance. This because the itinerary is really a bucket list for hiking lovers: long walks along the Andean wilderness surrounded by majestic mountains, then walking down towards the green hugeness of the Amazonian jungle; camping nights; stops at wonderful Inca building remains; priceless natural views, intense connection with nature and more. Finally, the cherry on top: the paradisiac tour of the Machu Picchu citadel. Really a classic among the best hikes to Machu Picchu.
The Short 2-Day Inca Trail:
For all those who for some reason won’t do the 4-day version; actually, the hiking part is not that long but long enough to give you the trekking experience. This version allows travelers to spend more time in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu village) instead, the very cozy, tropical town next to the archaeological site.
The Lares Trek (4 Days):
Another one of the best hikes to Machu Picchu. It has more of a cultural side in addition to the trekking: going to rural villages, knowing the people and culture, seeing Andean camels (llamas, alpacas) in their natural habitat and also enjoying the famous thermal baths in Lares. Campsite nights on the Andean windy heights, occasions to delight with typical Peruvian gastronomy, visits to Inca remains on the way and more. Finally the great arrival to the Machu Picchu area!
The 5-Day Salkantay Trek:
Perhaps the most popular of the best hikes in Peru for those who want a harder challenge than the Inca Trail itself. Although it is a combination of highlands and jungle lower lands, the Andean heights part is particularly challenging: serious cold weather, defying slopes, rocky terrain, long walking times, a real fight to conquer nature’s toughness. Includes a marvelous stop at the famous Salkantay pass, 4,630 meters above sea level (around 15,190 feet), a place that looks quite alike the Himalayan heights. Campsite nights also included.
The Inca Jungle Tour:
This 4-day package to Machu Picchu is very different. First, it takes less known routes, which are more across lower altitudes belonging to the Cusco jungle. Also, you’ll optionally have the chance to take part in mountain biking activities, riding a bicycle for many hours on day 1. If you’re not a camping lover, this member of the best hikes does not include campsite nights; visitors will sleep at route hostels. In the remaining 3 days, no more biking, it’s all trekking but taking no mainstream paths, always along the jungle region of Cusco. Finally, you won’t get to Machu Picchu by bus, you’ll walk up from Aguas Calientes, small village next to the Inca citadel.
Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu (8 days):
Now this is a real treat for hikers. First, do not mistake this tour with the one that ends at the Choquequirao site; this one goes to Choquequirao and then to Machu Picchu! First day is easy, mostly downhill, with campsite night. Second day the hike turns uphill, until the amazing Choquequirao citadel, called “Machu Picchu’s twin sister” for exploration of the place and spending the night at a campsite too. From there on, the path is mostly downhill, towards the jungle border more and more; additionally, you’ll have the chance to swim in and enjoy rivers with warm waters, waterfalls, discover unique fauna and flora of the region, going along a very hidden route, until getting close to Machu Picchu. The final part of this best hikes member is a train ride to Aguas Calientes.
The Vilcabamba Trek (5 Days):
Last but not least, one more of the best hikes to Machu Picchu. Right on day 1 you will tour the Vilcabamba Archaeological site, which was the last fortress and refuge of Inca rulers after the Spanish invasion; the Inca monarchy resisted some 40 years there, trying to find a way to defeat the Spaniards but finally they were crushed by a powerful army sent by the king of Spain himself. The Inca army was defeated almost to the last man. This is a place of major historical importance. This route to Machu Picchu is really different, almost entirely across the rainforest of Cusco. The first 3 nights are spent at camping sites, night 4 is at a hostel in Aguas Calientes, night 5 you’ll be back in beautiful Cusco city after a relaxing, rewarding train ride.
Don’t forget that, optionally and not included, you can still have more adventures hiking the Huayna Picchu mountain or the Machu Picchu mountain, both at the citadel’s area.
So, there is no shortage of great options for having an unforgettable adventure walking across mountain ranges and jungles, Inca archaeological remains, unique fauna and flora until the grand arrival at the lost countryside resort of Inca leaders.Talk to our travel specialists to book one of these best hikes to the enchanted Machu Picchu site.
