Machu Picchu offers multiple entry routes and a variety of hikes: from short and easy tours to challenging treks that can last several days. Before choosing, it’s worth asking yourself: what kind of experience are you looking to have there? Every day, around 2,500 people from all over the world visit Machu Picchu, each with different motivations. To help you define yours, here are the main access options and hiking routes. This way, you can choose the experience that best fits your expectations.

• Machu Picchu by train (1 day)
• Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu Mountain (1 day)
• Machu Picchu Citadel and Machu Picchu Mountain (1 day)
• Classic Inca Trail (4 days / 3 nights)
• Short Inca Trail (2 days / 1 night)
• Inca Jungle Trail (4 days / 3 nights)
• Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu (5 days / 4 nights)
• Frequently Asked Questions

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu by train (1 day)

• The most common way to visit Machu Picchu is by train. This is the easiest and most comfortable option, crossing stunning landscapes of the Sacred Valley to reach the town of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town).
• The train can be boarded from many stations (Wanchaq, San Pedro, Ollantaytambo, and Poroy), although the most popular is Ollantaytambo, due to its variety of schedules and its proximity to Machu Picchu.
• One great convenience of this route is that train tickets can be booked just weeks in advance, although tickets to Machu Picchu must be bought at least a month ahead (more popular tickets like Huayna Picchu Mountain and the Classic Circuit should be booked three months in advance).
• Finally, when you arrive in Aguas Calientes via train, you must choose to ascend by bus or on foot to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
• The entire trip on this route can be done in just one day. For example, with the full-day tour in Machu Picchu, the journey begins early in the morning from the city of Cusco, then travels to Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes. The tour of the Inca citadel is scheduled for midday, and the return is in the afternoon, to reach Cusco in the evening.

Route recommendations: Perfect for those who want to reach Machu Picchu effortlessly and enjoy a quick, hassle-free journey.

Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu Mountain (1 day)

• One of the best adventures you can experience in Machu Picchu is the one that takes you to the top of Huayna Picchu Mountain.
• Huayna Picchu is the iconic peak that appears in classic photos of the Inca citadel, and it is the highest one (the smaller one is Huchuy Picchu).
• The trails of this route are considered some of the best short hikes in the world, thanks to the adrenaline and the breathtaking landscapes along the way.
• From the summit (2,693 meters above sea level), you can enjoy a full view of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, as well as the tropical biodiversity surrounding the area.
• To experience this adventure, you will need to purchase the “Huayna Picchu Mountain Route (3A)” ticket, which should be reserved two months in advance (350 daily tickets available).
• There are only two time slots available for this route: the first at 7:00 AM and the second at 9:00 AM. If you didn’t get a ticket for this adventure, you can purchase one of the 50 additional tickets available daily in Aguas Calientes.
• This experience can also be done in just one day, arriving by train from Ollantaytambo.

Route recommendations: Ideal for those looking for a high-altitude adventure within Machu Picchu with spectacular views.

View of Huayna Picchu

Machu Picchu Citadel and Machu Picchu Mountain (1 day)

• A must-see route within the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is the one that ascends to the top of Machu Picchu Mountain, which is why the Inca citadel is named after it.
• Unlike the trail to Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain has wider and less steep paths. It’s an ideal option for families.
• From the summit (3,082 meters above sea level), you’ll get the broadest panoramic view of all of Machu Picchu.
• This adventure also has its own ticket, “Machu Picchu Mountain Route (1A),” which can be purchased with just one month’s advance notice.
• There are only two time slots for this trek: the first at 6:00 AM and the second at 8:00 AM. If you didn’t get a ticket for this adventure, you can purchase one of the 50 additional tickets available daily in Aguas Calientes.
• This experience can also be done in just one day, arriving by train from Ollantaytambo.

Route recommendations: The best option within Machu Picchu to enjoy scenic views of the Inca citadel and the surrounding nature.

Machu Picchu Mountain

Classic Inca Trail (4 days / 3 nights)

• The longest route, and the one where you experience the greatest adventure, is the Inca Trail. A four-day, three-night journey through historic paths and exclusive archaeological sites.
• This trek follows the same paths that the Incas themselves used to reach Machu Picchu directly. On the fourth day of hiking, you arrive at the Inca citadel through the Inti Punku entrance, experiencing a very special view of the site.
• To experience this, you need to book a tour with a travel agency (4 to 5 months in advance), as you cannot hike it independently.
• The Inca Trail is one of the most amazing hikes in the world. Its more than 500-year-old trails take you through beautiful landscapes, incredible flora and fauna, and some of the most impressive Inca structures (Llactapata, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, and Wiñayhuayna).
• The trail spans approximately 42 kilometers, making it a high-difficulty experience, though completing it can become one of the best experiences of your life.

Route recommendations: The best adventure through historical paths, ideal for those seeking a complete and challenging experience.

Short Inca Trail (2 days / 1 night)

• There is also a shorter version of the Inca Trail, lasting two days, so you don’t miss out on this adventure if you have limited travel time.
• The Short Inca Trail starts at kilometer 104, where you walk only 11 kilometers to reach Machu Picchu through the Inti Punku entrance.
• On the first day of the experience, you will arrive directly at Machu Picchu, where you’ll have a panoramic tour. The night is spent in a hotel in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town), and the following day focuses on an immersive visit to the Inca citadel.
• The experience is less intense, though you will still visit historical sites (Chachabamba, Wiñayhuayna) and trails full of incredible biodiversity.
• Reservations can be made 2 or 3 months in advance. Remember that these must also be made through an authorized tour company to ensure visitor safety and preserve the trails.

Route recommendations: Perfect if you want to experience the essence of the Inca Trail without too much effort.

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Inca Jungle Trail (4 days / 3 nights)

• One of the most incredible and adrenaline-pumping options to reach Machu Picchu is the Inca Jungle. This experience combines multiple sports to conquer sections of the path leading to the Inca citadel.
• The adventure includes downhill biking, hiking, zip-lining, and rafting. Plus, you’ll be surrounded by some of the best landscapes in all of Peru.
• In the Inca Jungle, the nights are spent in hotels in different towns along the way (Santa María, Santa Teresa, and Aguas Calientes).
• The route to Aguas Calientes follows the alternative path via Hidroeléctrica on the third day. The final day is dedicated to visiting the Inca citadel, and in the afternoon, you’ll return to the city of Cusco by train.
• The Inca Jungle tour can be booked 1 or 2 months in advance. If you’re traveling in a group, this is the best option if you want to experience diverse adventures before seeing the world wonder.

Route recommendations: The most varied option, perfect for those seeking an adrenaline-fueled experience.

The alternative route via Hidroeléctrica
The most economical option to reach Machu Picchu is the route via the Hidroeléctrica station, which involves an initial car ride to Santa María (5 hours) followed by a short hike (2 hours) to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town). The final walking section is part of the Inca Jungle and Salkantay treks, offering a simple route surrounded by nature where you’ll encounter dreamlike landscapes.

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu (5 days / 4 nights)

• A different adventure to reach Machu Picchu is the Salkantay Trek, which takes you through Andean and tropical landscapes, allowing you to explore various aspects of the diverse Cusco region.
• This 5-day route passes through trails at the foot of one of the most beautiful snow-capped mountains, Salkantay (the second highest peak in Cusco), standing at 6,271 meters above sea level.
• Other attractions along the trail include: Humantay Lake, the Salkantay Pass, the Cocalmayo Hot Springs, the Hidroeléctrica route, and cloud forest valleys.
• Nights on the Salkantay Trek are spent camping under the stars, with the final night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
• Reservations for the Inca Jungle tour can be made just 1 or 2 months in advance. If you’re traveling in a group, this is the best option if you want to experience a variety of activities before reaching the world wonder.
• Traveling with a group can enhance the Salkantay Trek experience, which can be booked 1 or 2 months in advance.

Route recommendations: The most challenging route, with a great variety of natural landscapes.

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) What is the fastest way to get to Machu Picchu?

  The most practical option is the train ride from Ollantaytambo. It is comfortable, fast, and allows you to enjoy a scenic route through the Sacred Valley effortlessly.

• 2) Can I visit Machu Picchu in just one day?

  Yes, the most practical way is to travel by train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, then take a bus or walk to the site. It’s a comfortable route designed for those who want to make the most of their day.

• 3) Should I buy my tickets to Machu Picchu well in advance?

  Ideally, you should purchase them at least a month in advance since availability is very limited. For the Huayna Picchu mountain route or the classic circuit, we recommend reserving three months ahead of time.

• 4) How difficult is it to climb Huayna Picchu?

  It’s a somewhat challenging hike with steep sections, but completely safe. If you’re looking for a short adventure with breathtaking views, this is the perfect choice.

• 5) Is Machu Picchu Mountain suitable for families?

  Yes, its trails are wider and less steep than Huayna Picchu, making it a safe hike for travelers of all ages. The panoramic view from the top is unforgettable, especially for younger children.

• 6) Is it mandatory to hire a travel agency to do the Inca Trail?

  Yes, because this route requires strict permits to protect the integrity of both visitors and the trail. Booking the Inca Trail with us ensures that you have an unforgettable and safe experience.

• 7) How far in advance should I book the Classic Inca Trail?

  It’s ideal to secure your spot 4 to 5 months in advance, as it is one of the most requested routes. If you book the Short Inca Trail, you’ll find availability 2 to 3 months prior.

• 8) Is the Short Inca Trail a good option if I have limited time?

  Definitely! It’s a two-day trek that preserves the essence of the Inca Trail and allows you to enter Machu Picchu through the iconic Inti Punku entrance. It’s more accessible and perfect if you want a more relaxed experience.

• 9) What does the Inca Jungle experience include?

  It includes downhill biking, hiking, zip-lining, and rafting, along with spectacular landscapes. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a variety of adventures before visiting Machu Picchu.

• 10) What is the experience like on the Salkantay Trek?

  The experience covers one of the most varied and challenging routes before reaching Machu Picchu. The trail passes through Andean landscapes, snow-capped mountains, lakes, and tropical zones. It’s perfect if you want an immersive experience with nature.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Jhonn K.

“Unmissable“

“The feeling you get when standing in front of that amazing 15th-century city is hard to describe in words. Perhaps if I had photographed myself with tears in my eyes, they would understand what I felt, and what you could feel in this marvel. Machu Picchu is magical, full of history and unsolved mysteries, not to mention the incredible energy you can feel.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, December 3, 2025