Machu Picchu is one of the best destinations in the world that can be visited all year round. That is why it is one of the most visited destinations by tourists from all over the world. Likewise, Machu Picchu is one of the 7 modern wonders of the world, so its worldwide fame intensified and the curiosity of thousands of tourists increased the interest in visiting it. On the other hand, Machu Picchu has many alternatives for lovers of hiking, trekking or similar routes. That is why in this blog we want to talk about the best options or walking routes that we can do in Machu Picchu. Let’s get started!

• Walking up to Machu Picchu
• Excursion to Machu Picchu along the Inca Trail
• Hike from Machu Picchu to Huayna Picchu
• Hike from upper platforms to Machu Picchu Mountain
• Hike from Machu Picchu to the Temple of the Moon
• Excursion from Hidroeléctrica
• 4 or 5 day excursion on the Salkantay Trek

These are some of the best excursions you can take to get to Machu Picchu

Walking up to Machu Picchu

After completing the train trip to Machu Picchu or doing it by another route, such as the economic route or by some other hiking route, you normally arrive first at Machu Picchu Pueblo. From this point and if time permits, you can choose from two options.

The first option is to take an eco-friendly bus to reach the access area of the archaeological site in less than 30 minutes. The second option is to take a walk of up to 2 hours. The path followed is uphill and very demanding. That is why it is not a very good option for everyone.

The ascent on foot to Machu Picchu will only require having a ticket at a time that allows you to arrive on time and the desire to do so. The walk is on an ascending route with many steps. To do so, it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes and also bring a polo shirt or similar as a change of clothes.

Details to keep in mind about the ascent on foot to Machu Picchu

• Book tickets starting at 9:00 a.m. to give you time to arrive.
• Bring a bottle of water and also some snacks or fruit.
• Please note that the tour of Machu Picchu on most of its circuits is more than 2 hours.
• Don’t rush into the hike. It’s best to start the hike well in advance.
• Many people take this route and there is also excellent signage.

Tour from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu

Excursion to Machu Picchu along the Inca Trail

This is one of the most demanding and at the same time beautiful routes to reach Machu Picchu. The Inca Trail route will begin in Piscacucho, to do so, you have to take the train services. For more information, you can see What are the trains that take you to Machu Picchu?

The Inca Trail offers a 4-day excursion in complete contact with nature. That is, the nights will be spent in camps and there will also be cooks to prepare the food. Thus, tourists will be able to enjoy beautiful views at lunch, dinner and breakfast.

During this journey on foot, you will cross part of the Cuzco Andes to enter the high Cuzco jungle. In this way, you will enjoy beautiful landscapes that change until they become filled with great vegetation. On the fourth day, in the early hours of the day, you will arrive at Machu Picchu and later you will continue with the tour of the citadel.

Details to keep in mind about the Inca Trail

• To take the Inca Trail excursion, you must reserve your ticket in advance.
• The 4-day Inca Trail ticket must be booked 3 to 4 months in advance.
• The tour can only be done with travel agencies authorized for the route.
• Unfortunately, the hike is not possible during the month of February. The route is undergoing maintenance.
• It is recommended to be physically prepared to enjoy the experience.

Hike from Machu Picchu to Huayna Picchu

This is one of the established routes in Machu Picchu, but unfortunately there is not much availability of daily tickets. This hike can only be done with the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu entrance ticket.

The hike will begin once the circuit connects with the Sacred Rock in the citadel of Machu Picchu. From that point you must pass through the checkpoint, where you will again register and validate your entry. You will also have to enter your entry time.

The hike follows an ascending path to the top of the mountain in question. In this sense, you can follow part of the Qhapac Ñam or Inca Trail. Likewise, at the top of Huayna Picchu you can find Inca constructions that are a real challenge to engineering. It is undoubtedly one of the best routes to do on foot.

Things to keep in mind about the hike to Huayna Picchu

• This route can only be accessed on foot and with the entrance ticket: Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu.
• Please note that this ticket only has 2 entry times, which are at 7:00 and 9:00 am.
• This ticket can be booked throughout the year, so it is recommended to book 3 to 4 months in advance.
• The route must be followed carefully and only following the route.
• It is advisable to hike with sturdy and safe footwear.
• You may or may not choose to take the tour with a professional tour guide.

Route to Huayna Picchu Mountain

Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu
There are currently 10 entrance tickets to Machu Picchu. All of them are designed to follow a particular circuit, which offers a different experience depending on the route taken. Thus, we have Circuit 1 or Panoramic Route, Circuit 2 or Classic Route and Circuit 3 or Royal Route. The first of these allows you to have amazing views of Machu Picchu, the second allows you to take a tour of the Inca citadel and the third allows you to take a tour of the lower part of Machu Picchu, as well as other routes such as Huayna Picchu. Of course, you will have to respect your entrance ticket.

Hike from upper platforms to Machu Picchu Mountain

Another option that can be followed on foot and along beautiful trails is the route to Machu Picchu Mountain. This excursion can only be done with the Machu Picchu + Mountain entrance ticket. It is an excellent option for those who like panoramic views.

After entering Machu Picchu and climbing to the upper platforms, you can hike to the top of the highest mountain in the entire geography surrounding the Inca citadel. For this reason, this ticket and tour allows you to take or capture the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu.

The trail follows a safe and easy route. The hike is not as steep as the one on Huayna Picchu, but it feels a bit longer. The entire experience can take up to 7 hours, so it will be important to bring water, snacks and some other provisions.

Things to keep in mind about the walking route to Machu Picchu Mountain

• It can only be done with the entrance ticket for Circuit 1: Machu Picchu + Mountain.
• The ticket in question only has two entry times. The first group enters at 7:00 a.m. and the second at 9:00 a.m.
• Tickets can be booked throughout the year and visitors can visit without any restrictions.
• To purchase this ticket, it is recommended to make a reservation 2 months in advance.
• It is important to follow the established circuit for this ticket or route through Machu Picchu.
• Don’t forget to bring a bottle of water and some snacks. Remember that the activity in total can take up to 7 hours in total.

Route to Machu Picchu Mountain

The best season to visit Machu Picchu
In the south of Peru, where Machu Picchu is located, there are two well-defined seasons. The first one begins in November and lasts until March (approximately), which is the rainy season. On some occasions, there have been road damage and similar problems due to the continuous rains. On the other hand, the second season begins from April to October, known as the dry season. During these months it is more advisable to visit Machu Picchu since it allows for a safer trip without many complications.

Hike from Machu Picchu to the Temple of the Moon

The Temple of the Moon in Machu Picchu is located approximately 2 kilometers from the citadel. To get there you have to follow the Qhapac Ñam or the Inca Trails. This is a descending route that allows you to appreciate more of the biodiversity of the place.

To continue the route on foot to the Temple of the Moon, you must also start after touring the citadel and reaching the Sacred Rock. Near this place, there is the checkpoint to continue along the route to the Temple of the Moon.

To complete the walk, it must be taken into account that this route is only open during the high season. This is mainly to make things more fluid. Upon reaching the Temple of the Moon, you will be able to appreciate the magnificent construction of the temple. The presence of a large circular stone that forms a cavern thanks to Inca walls that seem to hold the stone will stand out.

Things to keep in mind about the walking route to the Temple of the Moon

• You can only hike to this place with the ticket: Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon or The Great Cavern.
• This ticket has two entry times. One starts at 7:00 a.m. and the second starts at 9:00 a.m.
• This ticket will only be available during June 1st to October 15th. Also known as the high season.
• It is recommended to make a reservation 1 or 2 months in advance.
• You can bring a small backpack to carry your belongings and some drinks or snacks to regain your energy.

Route to the Great Cavern – Temple of the Moon of Machu Picchu

Excursion from Hidroeléctrica

This option is also known as the economical route to visit Machu Picchu. It is still an economical option even though you must spend the night in Machu Picchu. That is, it requires two days to achieve a comfortable and pleasant tour of the Inca citadel.

It will also be important to take into account the previous trip to Hidroeléctrica. That is, you will have to request the transportation service from Cusco. Once you arrive at Hidroeléctrica, you will have lunch and then take a walk to Machu Picchu Pueblo. The walk is approximately 2 hours.

On the other hand, you will have to take into account the ticket selection. That is, you will be able to choose between the 10 options that you can book. It is recommended to take the routes of the first entry groups. This is so that, on the second day, you can return without any problem.

Likewise, if you are looking for cheap accommodation, you can find some options if you look ahead. If you have a tent and sleeping bag, i.e. camping equipment, you can also spend the night at the local municipal campsite. There, the paid options will be much cheaper and even if you have the equipment, you can prepare your own food.

Details to keep in mind about the walking route along the Hidroeléctrica route

• It will be necessary to take a bus to Hidroeléctrica. The approximate time of this trip is 7 hours (Cusco – Hidroeléctrica).
• You will need to book the entrance ticket to Machu Picchu you want, but you must do so at least 1 month in advance.
• The entrance ticket must be at a time that allows you to return to Hidroeléctrica on foot before 2:00 p.m.
• You can also choose to walk to the access area of Machu Picchu as seen in the first point of this blog.
• It is recommended to only bring what is necessary, especially if you do not have much experience on the hiking route.

Hike from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu

4 or 5 day excursion on the Salkantay Trek

One of the most popular free options is the route to Machu Picchu via the Salkantay. This walking route to Machu Picchu allows you to climb up to the Salkantay pass and then descend through the mountains until you reach the high jungle of Hidroeléctrica.

The Salkantay Trek route, unlike the Inca Trail route, is not regulated by any entity. Only a few communities and personnel associated with them regulate the route. That is, they provide it with adequate maintenance and care for the safety of tourists.

In this sense, it is one of the hiking routes that can be done throughout the year and also on your own. If you have experience, you can camp on your own or look for some rental camps along the route. The Salkantay Trek can be done in 4 days or 5 days. This will depend on each group or person who dares to take on this challenge.

Details to keep in mind about the walking route along the Salkantay Trek route

• Remember that it is possible to do this tour on your own, as long as you are physically fit.
• You will have to make a reservation for the circuit or route that best suits you to visit Machu Picchu.
• It is advisable to make a reservation months in advance.
• To return to Cusco, it is recommended to purchase a train ticket to Cusco or Ollantaytambo.
• The best option is to do this tour with a travel agency that provides the equipment and everything necessary.
• Do pre-training months in advance before doing this route.

Advice from people who have been there

Huayna Picchu

By: Rigel K.

“Spectacular views“

“It is a tiring and intense climb, you must be careful where you step. I do not recommend it if you suffer from vertigo, the path is built between rocks and cliffs. On the other hand, enjoy the top of the mountain with people of all ages.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, November 28, 2024