Machu Picchu is not reached only by train. Several trekking routes finish with a visit to the archaeological site, but they are not the same type of trip. Some are historical, some are high-altitude mountain routes, some are cultural, and others are more backpacker-style with biking, hot springs, and long walking days.
Most treks start from Cusco (11,152 ft / 3,399 m) or the Sacred Valley (around 9,416 ft / 2,870 m). The final access usually passes through Machu Picchu Pueblo / Aguas Calientes (6,692 ft / 2,040 m), except the Classic Inca Trail, which enters through the old trail system near Intipunku / Sun Gate (8,924 ft / 2,720 m).
Before choosing a trek, check three things: your fitness, your travel dates, and your Machu Picchu ticket. Since June 2024, Machu Picchu visits use 3 main circuits and 10 official routes, so the ticket controls where you can walk inside the site. Do not treat the entrance ticket as a small detail. It is not.
Quick Comparison of the Main Treks
| Trek | Usual Duration | Best For | Difficulty | Permit Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Inca Trail | 4 days | History and original Inca path | Moderate to hard | Yes |
| Short Inca Trail | 1 or 2 days | Short hike with Inca ruins | Moderate | Yes |
| Salkantay Trek | 4 or 5 days | Mountains and varied landscapes | Hard | No Inca Trail permit |
| Lares Trek | 3 or 4 days | Villages and local culture | Moderate to hard | No Inca Trail permit |
| Inca Jungle Trek | 3 or 4 days | Biking, hiking, hot springs | Moderate | No Inca Trail permit |
| Choquequirao to Machu Picchu | 7 to 9 days | Remote ruins and strong hiking | Very hard | No Inca Trail permit |
| Inca Quarry Trek | 4 days | Less crowded alternative | Moderate to hard | No Inca Trail permit |
Classic Inca Trail
The Classic Inca Trail is the most famous trek to Machu Picchu. It usually starts at Piscacucho / Km 82 (8,923 ft / 2,720 m) and follows part of the original Inca road network through mountain passes, cloud forest, stone stairs, archaeological sites, and campsites.
This route is not just “a hike before Machu Picchu.” It is a controlled archaeological route. The trail includes sites that train travelers do not see, such as Wiñay Wayna (8,858 ft / 2,700 m), one of the most important stops before reaching the final section toward the Sun Gate.
The highest point is Dead Woman’s Pass (approximately 13,779 ft / 4,200 m). That day is the real test. People talk less there. Breathing gets loud. Nobody cares about looking cool.
The Classic Inca Trail has a daily limit of 500 entries according to official tourist-use rules for the Inca Trail network; that number includes travelers, guides, cooks, and porters. SERNANP also confirms that the Inca Trail network has 6 tourist routes and basic facilities such as checkpoints, campsites, bathrooms, and signage.
Who Should Choose It
Choose the Classic Inca Trail if you want:
- The most historical route
- Several archaeological sites before Machu Picchu
- A regulated trekking experience
- Camping with guide, cook, and porters
- A direct arrival through the old access route
Who Should Avoid It
Avoid it if:
- You did not book months ahead
- You dislike camping
- You have knee problems
- You want a flexible route
- You are traveling in February, when the route usually closes for maintenance
The Inca Trail network is closed in February for conservation and maintenance work. Recent official notices continue to describe this as an annual pause for recovery and infrastructure care.
Short Inca Trail
The Short Inca Trail usually starts near Km 104 (6,890 ft / 2,100 m). It is the best option if you want part of the Inca Trail but do not want four days of camping.
Most versions include a hike to Wiñay Wayna, then continue toward Intipunku before ending near Machu Picchu. Some operators run it as a 1-day hike, but the 2-day version is more comfortable because you sleep in Aguas Calientes and visit Machu Picchu properly the next morning.
This route still needs a permit. It is shorter, yes. It is not “free access.” The official Machu Picchu and Inca Trail systems are controlled, and visitors must use the route assigned to their ticket or permit.
Who Should Choose It
Choose the Short Inca Trail if you want:
- A real Inca Trail section
- No camping
- Less physical stress than the 4-day route
- Archaeological sites before Machu Picchu
- A good option for families with active teenagers
Main Weak Point
It is short. That is the point, but also the limitation. You do not get the full mountain-pass experience of the Classic Inca Trail.
Salkantay Trek
The Salkantay Trek is the main alternative to the Inca Trail. It usually starts near Soraypampa (12,795 ft / 3,900 m), visits Humantay Lake (13,779 ft / 4,200 m), crosses Salkantay Pass (15,190 ft / 4,630 m), then descends toward warmer valleys, coffee areas, and the final route to Machu Picchu.
This trek changes fast. Cold mountain air, high passes, cloud forest, jungle roads, coffee farms, and humid lower zones. It is not boring. It is also not soft.
Many 5-day routes include Llactapata (approximately 8,858 ft / 2,700 m), a viewpoint area where you can see Machu Picchu from a different angle before continuing toward Hidroeléctrica (5,906 ft / 1,800 m) and then walking or taking transport toward Aguas Calientes. The Salkantay route reaches around 4,630 to 4,640 meters at the pass, depending on the source and exact track.
Who Should Choose It
Choose Salkantay if you want:
- High mountains
- Strong scenery changes
- A more flexible trek than the Inca Trail
- No Inca Trail permit requirement
- A challenging route with good value
Who Should Avoid It
Avoid it if:
- You are not acclimatized
- You do not handle cold mornings
- You have poor hiking shoes
- You want an easy route
- You are traveling with very limited time
Salkantay can be amazing, but the pass is high. This is where “I go to the gym sometimes” may not be enough. Walk slow, hydrate, and respect altitude.
Lares Trek
The Lares Trek is more cultural than archaeological. It usually starts or passes near Lares (approximately 10,499 ft / 3,200 m) and crosses high Andean communities, weaving villages, potato fields, alpaca areas, lakes, and mountain passes before connecting with transport to Ollantaytambo (9,350 ft / 2,850 m). From there, travelers continue by train to Aguas Calientes.
The exact route changes by operator. Some versions cross Ipsaycocha Pass (approximately 14,599 ft / 4,450 m). Others use different passes, villages, and camping points. That is normal for Lares. It is not one fixed trail like the Classic Inca Trail.
Who Should Choose It
Choose Lares if you want:
- Local villages
- Andean textile culture
- Fewer hikers than Salkantay
- Mountain scenery without the Inca Trail permit system
- A trek that feels less commercial
Main Weak Point
Lares does not arrive at Machu Picchu by foot through an ancient final access. You trek through the Andes, then use train transport for the final connection.
That is not bad. Just know what you are buying.
Inca Jungle Trek
The Inca Jungle Trek is the casual adventure route. It often starts near Abra Málaga (14,160 ft / 4,316 m) with downhill biking toward Santa María (4,593 ft / 1,400 m), then continues with hiking through warm valleys, optional rafting, optional zipline, Cocalmayo hot springs near Santa Teresa (5,085 ft / 1,550 m), and the final walk from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes.
This is not a classic archaeological trek. It is mixed activity travel. More hostel nights, more warm weather, more backpacker energy. Some people love that. Others expect an Inca Trail feeling and get confused.
Day 2 often includes several hours of hiking through jungle-style terrain, local farms, fruit areas, coffee and cacao zones. Day 3 commonly includes the walk beside the railway from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes, around 10 km and approximately 3 hours depending on pace.
Who Should Choose It
Choose Inca Jungle if you want:
- Biking and hiking in one trip
- Warmer weather
- Optional adventure activities
- A lower-cost trekking alternative
- A social backpacker-style route
Who Should Avoid It
Avoid it if:
- You want only trekking
- You dislike biking
- You want remote silence
- You expect premium camps
- You prefer a more historical route
It is fun, but it is not the most “Inca” route. Be clear about that.
Choquequirao to Machu Picchu
The Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek is one of the hardest major routes in the Cusco region. It connects Choquequirao (approximately 10,010 ft / 3,050 m) with the route toward Machu Picchu through remote valleys, long climbs, steep descents, and high passes.
Many routes start near Cachora (approximately 9,514 ft / 2,900 m) or Capuliyoc (approximately 9,514 ft / 2,900 m), descend toward the Apurímac River (approximately 4,757 ft / 1,450 m), climb to Marampata (approximately 9,514 ft / 2,900 m), visit Choquequirao, then continue toward Yanama Pass (around 15,256 ft / 4,650 m) on longer versions.
This trek is serious. Not “a bit hard.” Serious. Some 7-day routes report around 89 km of walking and a maximum altitude of 4,650 m.
Who Should Choose It
Choose Choquequirao to Machu Picchu if you want:
- A remote route
- Fewer tourists
- Two major Inca sites in one trip
- A real endurance challenge
- Long walking days
Who Should Avoid It
Avoid it if:
- You are new to trekking
- You only have 4 or 5 days
- You do not like steep climbs
- You need easy logistics
- You are not comfortable with basic camps
This route is for strong hikers. No shame in choosing something easier. Knees are valuable.
Inca Quarry Trek
The Inca Quarry Trek, also called Cachicata Trek, is a less crowded alternative that usually finishes near Ollantaytambo before connecting by train to Machu Picchu.
The route can include Socma (approximately 10,499 ft / 3,200 m), Perolniyoc Waterfall (approximately 11,811 ft / 3,600 m), Raqaypata / Perolniyoc archaeological site (approximately 12,139 ft / 3,700 m), high passes such as Puccaqasa (approximately 14,436 ft / 4,400 m) and Kuychicassa (approximately 14,596 ft / 4,449 m), and the Cachicata quarries (approximately 12,795 ft / 3,900 m), where stones were cut for Inca construction projects.
Some operators describe the route as about 26 km of hiking, moderate to difficult, with no Inca Trail permit required.
Who Should Choose It
Choose the Inca Quarry Trek if you want:
- Fewer crowds
- Inca construction history
- Mountain passes
- A shorter alternative to Salkantay
- A route that ends near the train connection
Main Weak Point
It does not enter Machu Picchu by foot. Like Lares, it connects to the train route after the trek.
Still, it is underrated. Quiet trails, strong views, and less traffic. Good combo.
Best Trek by Travel Style
Best Historical Trek
Classic Inca Trail.
This is the best option if the main goal is Inca history, original stone paths, and archaeological sites before Machu Picchu.
Best Short Trek
Short Inca Trail.
It gives you a real section of the Inca Trail without camping for several nights.
Best Mountain Trek
Salkantay Trek.
It has the strongest mountain scenery among the common routes and the highest pass on this list, except some Choquequirao versions.
Best Cultural Trek
Lares Trek.
This route is better for villages, textiles, alpaca areas, and rural life.
Best Adventure Route
Inca Jungle Trek.
Good for biking, hiking, hot springs, and optional activities. Less traditional, more flexible.
Best Remote Trek
Choquequirao to Machu Picchu.
Hard, long, and less crowded. Not for casual hikers.
Best Less Crowded Alternative
Inca Quarry Trek.
Good if you want a shorter trek with Inca history and fewer people.
Best Time to Trek to Machu Picchu
The best trekking months are usually May to October. These months are drier and better for views, but they are also busier.
April and November can be good shoulder months. Weather is less predictable, but crowds may be lower.
December to March is the rainy season. Trails can be muddy, views can disappear fast, and some roads may be affected by weather. The Inca Trail network closes in February for maintenance, so do not plan that route in that month.
What to Check Before Booking
Machu Picchu Ticket
Make sure your trek includes the Machu Picchu entrance ticket and confirm which circuit is included. This matters a lot now.
Circuit 2 is usually preferred for a more complete first visit. Circuit 1 is more panoramic. Circuit 3 covers lower sectors and can connect with mountain options like Huayna Picchu when available.
Return Transport
Ask if the return is by train or by car.
Train return is more comfortable and faster. Car return through Hidroeléctrica is usually cheaper but longer.
Duffle Bag and Weight Limit
For camping treks, check if a duffle bag is included and how many kilos are allowed. Many operators limit carried luggage, often around 5 to 7 kg, but this depends on the company.
Sleeping Bag and Poles
Do not assume they are included. Some tours rent them separately.
Food and Water
Ask how meals are handled, if boiled water is provided, and what happens with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or allergy requests.
Group Size
A smaller group usually moves better and gets more guide attention. Large groups can still work, but pacing becomes more mixed.
Acclimatization
Spend at least two days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before a hard trek. This is especially important for Salkantay, Lares, Choquequirao, and Inca Quarry.
Altitude is not about ego. Strong people get hit too. Headache, nausea, bad sleep, and weak legs can happen to anyone.
Basic plan:
- Walk slowly on arrival day
- Drink water
- Eat light
- Avoid alcohol before trekking
- Sleep well
- Tell your guide if symptoms get worse
Do not hide altitude problems because you want to look tough. Guides have seen everything.
What to Pack for These Treks
Bring practical gear, not extra drama.
Main Items
- Passport
- Machu Picchu ticket or tour voucher
- Small daypack
- Rain jacket
- Warm jacket
- Fleece
- Quick-dry shirts
- Hiking pants
- Good hiking shoes
- Hat or cap
- Beanie
- Gloves
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Water bottle
- Personal medication
- Headlamp
- Power bank
- Cash in soles
- Toilet paper
- Wet wipes
- Extra socks
For Salkantay, Lares, Choquequirao, and Inca Quarry
Add warmer layers. Nights can be cold, especially near high passes and camps.
For Inca Jungle
Add light clothes for warmer valleys, but keep a windproof layer for the biking descent from Abra Málaga. The top can be freezing and the lower valley can feel tropical. Weird combo, but normal.
Final Recommendation
For most first-time hikers, the best treks to Machu Picchu are the Classic Inca Trail, Salkantay Trek, and Short Inca Trail.
Choose the Classic Inca Trail if you want history and the original route. Choose Salkantay if you want mountains and a tougher physical challenge. Choose the Short Inca Trail if you have limited time but still want a real hike.
Lares is better for culture. Inca Jungle is better for casual adventure. Choquequirao is for strong hikers with more time. Inca Quarry is a smart option if you want fewer people and solid trekking without the Inca Trail permit problem.
The best trek is not the hardest one. It is the one that matches your body, your dates, your budget, and the kind of trip you actually want.
