Few destinations on earth carry the same magnetic pull as Machu Picchu. Perched high in the Andes Mountains at over 7,900 feet, this 15th-century Inca citadel has captivated explorers, historians, and adventure seekers for generations. Getting there is half the journey—and what a journey it is.
Peru offers an extraordinary range of tours and hiking routes that lead to its famous Lost City, each with its own character, challenges, and rewards. The classic Inca Trail is just the beginning. There are snow-capped mountain passes, turquoise alpine lakes, ancient ruins scattered across sacred valleys, and bustling markets filled with color and tradition. Every route tells a different story.
This guide covers the 10 best Machu Picchu tours and hiking trips available, so you can choose the experience that suits you best. From multi-day treks through the cloud forest to culturally rich city tours in Cusco and Lima, there’s something here for every kind of traveler. Read on and start planning the trip of a lifetime.
Before diving into our top picks, it helps to know what sets a great tour apart from an average one. Here are a few key factors to keep in mind:
With those considerations in mind, here are the 10 best ways to experience Machu Picchu.
The Inca Trail is the most iconic hiking route to Machu Picchu—and for good reason. This four-day, 26-mile trek winds through cloud forests, alpine tundra, and Inca ruins before arriving at the Sun Gate overlooking the citadel at dawn.
Permits are strictly limited to 500 people per day (including guides and porters), so book at least six months in advance. The highlight? Watching the sunrise pour over Machu Picchu after days of trekking to reach it.
Best for: Hikers who want the full iconic experience.
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging.
The Salkantay Trek has grown in popularity as a stunning alternative to the classic Inca Trail—and it doesn’t require the same hard-to-get permits. The five-day route takes you past the snow-capped Salkantay Mountain (20,574 feet), through lush cloud forests, and down into the Sacred Valley before reaching Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
The dramatic landscapes on this route are arguably even more spectacular than the classic trail. Expect glacial lakes, towering peaks, and remote Andean villages along the way.
Best for: Adventurous trekkers looking for a permit-free alternative.
Difficulty: Challenging.
For a more culturally immersive experience, the Lares Trek is hard to beat. This four-day route passes through remote Andean villages where locals still wear traditional dress and speak Quechua. You’ll have the opportunity to meet weavers, farmers, and community leaders who offer a rare glimpse into Andean life beyond the tourist trail.
The trek ends with a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes and a guided tour of Machu Picchu, making it the perfect balance of culture and adventure.
Best for: Culture lovers and community-focused travelers.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Rainbow Mountain, or Vinicunca, has become one of Peru’s most photographed landmarks. Its striking bands of color—red, yellow, green, and purple—are the result of mineral deposits exposed by erosion and receding glaciers. The hike to the summit sits at 17,060 feet and is genuinely breathtaking, both literally and figuratively.
This full-day excursion departs from Cusco early in the morning, covers around 6 miles round trip, and rewards every step with views that stretch endlessly across the Andes.
Who it’s for: Travelers who have acclimatized to altitude and want a spectacular high-altitude experience.
Key tips:
Not every traveler has the time—or the knees—for a multi-day trek. The train journey from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes is genuinely beautiful, winding through the Sacred Valley with views that grow more dramatic with every passing mile.
A day trip from Cusco is possible, but an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes is strongly recommended. It gives you the chance to enter the ruins early in the morning before the crowds arrive—arguably the best time to visit.
Best for: Travelers with limited time or mobility considerations.
Difficulty: Easy.
The Sacred Valley of the Incas stretches between Cusco and Machu Picchu, filled with remarkable archaeological sites, traditional markets, and picturesque Andean villages. A guided Sacred Valley tour is an essential part of any Machu Picchu itinerary.
Key stops include the market town of Pisac, the fortress of Ollantaytambo (still partially inhabited today), and the salt pans of Maras—terraced pools that have been harvested for centuries. The valley also serves as an excellent place to acclimatize before tackling higher-altitude treks.
Who it’s for: All travelers, particularly those interested in Inca history and local Andean culture.
Key highlights:
Most visitors to Machu Picchu gaze up at the steep, forested peak rising dramatically behind the ruins and never think to climb it. But the hike up Huayna Picchu Mountain is one of the most thrilling experiences the site has to offer, rewarding those who make the ascent with jaw-dropping aerial views over the citadel.
The hike takes around 45 minutes to an hour each way, with some sections requiring you to climb vertical ladders carved into the cliff face. Permits are extremely limited—only 400 per day—so book as early as possible.
Best for: Fit travelers looking for a unique vantage point.
Difficulty: Challenging.
Before heading to Machu Picchu, spend time in Cusco—a city that rewards every curious visitor. Once the heart of the Inca Empire, Cusco is now a fascinating blend of Inca stonework and Spanish colonial architecture.
A guided city tour typically covers:
Cusco sits at 11,152 feet, so arriving a day or two early to acclimatize before any trekking is a smart move.
Who it’s for: All travelers—Cusco is a must-visit for anyone heading to Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu doesn’t exist in isolation—it’s part of a broader Inca landscape known as the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Combining a Sacred Valley tour with a Machu Picchu visit allows you to explore the remarkable ruins of Ollantaytambo, the traditional markets of Pisac, and the terraced salt pans of Maras before arriving at the citadel itself.
This itinerary is ideal for travelers who want historical context and variety without the rigors of a full multi-day trek.
Best for: History and culture enthusiasts, families, and first-time visitors.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
Striking out from Cusco or Mollepata, the Humantay Lake hike is one of the most rewarding single-day treks in the region. After a two-hour uphill hike, you arrive at a glacial lagoon of an impossibly vivid turquoise-blue color, surrounded by snow-capped peaks. It’s the kind of scenery that makes you stop and stare.
The hike gains around 1,300 feet in elevation and takes approximately four hours round trip. Many visitors combine this with the Salkantay Trek on day one.
Who it’s for: Travelers seeking a shorter but stunning high-altitude hike without a multi-day commitment.
The dry season (May to October) is the most popular time to visit, offering clear skies and stable trail conditions. June and July are peak months, so expect larger crowds. The shoulder months of May and September offer a good balance of good weather and fewer visitors.
For the Classic Inca Trail, aim to book at least six months in advance—permits sell out fast. Other routes and tours benefit from booking two to three months ahead, especially for the June–September peak season.
Yes. Cusco sits at 11,150 feet above sea level, and altitude sickness is a genuine concern for visitors arriving from lower elevations. Most travel experts recommend spending two to three days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before attempting any significant trekking.
Absolutely. The train route from Ollantaytambo is comfortable and accessible, and the lower sections of Machu Picchu can be explored at a gentle pace. That said, the site involves uneven terrain and steps, so those with mobility challenges should discuss specific needs with their tour operator in advance.
From the sun-drenched terraces of the Sacred Valley to the misty heights of the Inca Trail, Peru is a destination that rewards every type of explorer. The 10 tours and treks above represent the best ways to experience this extraordinary corner of the world—each one offering something unique, unforgettable, and deeply rewarding.
The most important step? Start planning now. Permits and guided tours book out fast, especially during peak season between June and August. Whether you’re drawn to the challenge of a multi-day alpine trek or the cultural richness of a guided ruins tour, the ancient world of the Incas is waiting to be discovered.
Explore your options, compare itineraries, and book with a local expert who knows these trails and sites inside out. Your Machu Picchu adventure starts here.
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All our tour itineraries are 100% customizable. Simply let us know your preferences below and we will contact you within 24 hours.
All of our tour itineraries are 100% customizable. Just let us know your preferences below and we’ll get back to you within 24-48 hours.
