machu picchu guide

Machu Picchu needs no introduction. It is the most iconic and representative attraction in Peru.For us Peruvians, it is a permanent source of national pride and part of our national identity. For most first-time foreign visitors, it is the main reason to visit to our country.

Machu Picchu is indeed a masterpiece of Inca architecture, urbanism, and engineering.It is set in a magical transition zone between the High Andes and the Amazon Basin that houses a diverse array of microclimates, habitats and species of flora and fauna with a high degree of endemism. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983, it is one of only 39 sites in the entire world that is recognized for its mixed universal value meaning its value to humanity is derived from both its cultural as well as its natural significance.

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For those of you planning a visit, there are many ways of arriving at and experiencing this stunning landscape, depending on you’re the amount of time, particular interests, and level of physical exertion you are willing to undergo.

If you are most interested in engaging with cultural experiences, enriching your knowledge of the world while on vacation, look for destinations where the culture and lifestyle are very different from your own, and prefer to avoid strenuous physical activity then you are a Cultural Explorer.We recommend arranging a visit to Machu Picchu in a Full Day tour or if you want to have some time to explore on your own you can arrange a second, unguided visit the following day you could arrange a 2-day / 1-night visit. If you want to steer clear of the crowds, we recommend arranging an early lunch and an early afternoon visit to the archaeological site.

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If you are the type of person that wants to get the most out of life, are willing to take risks and are looking for some excitement but also appreciate sleeping in a warm bed at night, then you are an Experience Sampler and arranging a Short Inca Trail Hike is the perfect way to visit Machu Picchu for you.You will hike for 11km or approximately 7 miles uphill from the Urubamba River Valley floor up to Inti Punku, the Gate of the Sun before walking into the archaeological site.The next day you will be able to take a guided tour of the citadel.Perhaps you are looking to experience The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, the most famous trek in South America, a 4 day / 3 night, 43-kilometer / 26-mile trek leading up to the Inti Punku (Sun Gate) and down into Machu Picchu prior to your guided visit of the site on the 5th day.If you are looking to cross this experience off your list, please make sure to plan ahead as permits usually sell out 3-4 months in advance.An alternative trek that is similar in physical exertion is the 5-day / 4-night Ancascocha & Short Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu. Slightly shorter in distance but equally challenging, this trek traverses the backcountry above the Sacred Valley past villages whose way of life has not changed much in centuries.

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If you are willing to endure some discomfort in exchange for an interesting experience, are not afraid of pushing your own limits (or finding out where they are) and actively seek out destinations where the culture and lifestyle are different from your own then you are an Adventure Intensive. Great news, the Andean backcountry has a lot of options for you and your group to explore and camp on the days leading up to your Machu Picchu Visit.The traditional overflow route to the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu has always been the Classic Salkantay Trek, however, we stopped promoting that route since 2018 due to over tourism and poor land use planning. Instead, we have developed The Hidden Valleys of Salkantay, a 52 kilometer / 32 mile trek that starts out in an old-growth Meso-Andean Relic Forest declared a Private Conservation Area by the local farming community of Misquiyaco and traverses different ecological floors across high passes down into the Sacred Valley. This trek has amazing landscapes, contact with local communities, and visit to little known archaeological sites without the crowds before arriving to Machu Picchu either by train or via The Short Inca Trail.Another option for those with more time on their hands and a bigger appetite for adventure is the Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek, a 7-day / 6-night trek that crosses the Apurimac River valley and traverses part of the Vilcabamba mountain range past two of the most iconic and majestic Inca sites in Cusco.

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For those of you who enjoy pushing their search for adventure even more intensely by doing trail running, we offer both the Inca Trail and the Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Treks in trail running versions, covering more ground in less time.

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Visiting Machu Picchu is already an unforgettable experience, but for travelers who want to see it from new angles, there are a few short hikes that take your visit to the next level. These optional routes offer different perspectives of the citadel and its surrounding peaks.

Whether you’re looking for a quiet path above the terraces or a challenging ascent with panoramic views, each of these three trails reveal a unique side of this world wonder.

Huayna Picchu Mountain

Additional Archaeological Site: Yes – includes the Temple of the Moon

Crowds: Usually crowded

Exposure: Yes

Round Trip Duration: 3–4 hours

Altitude Gain: 1,000 ft (360 m)

Distance: 2.5 miles (4 km)

Difficulty: Moderate–Difficult

Age Restrictions: 13+

Why Choose This Trek

Huayna Picchu offers some of the most dramatic and iconic views of the Machu Picchu citadel. Along the trail, you’ll find steep stone stairways, lush vegetation, and the impressive Temple of the Moon archaeological site hidden among caves.

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This trek is steep and narrow, making it ideal for experienced hikers comfortable with heights. Entry is limited to 200 visitors per day, divided into four time slots (6:00, 8:00, 10:00, and 12:00) so early booking is essential. Expect to climb around 16,000 steps.

Machu Picchu Mountain

Additional Archaeological Site: No

Crowds: Moderately crowded

Exposure: Some

Round Trip Duration: 3.5 hours

Altitude Gain: 2,132 ft (650 m)

Distance: 2.5 miles (4 km)

Difficulty: Moderate–Difficult

Age Restrictions: None

Why Choose This Trek

If you’re chasing the most panoramic, 360° views of Machu Picchu and its surrounding peaks, this is your hike. Located southwest of the citadel, the trail ascends more gradually than Huayna Picchu, offering a steadier climb and equally breathtaking scenery.

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Machu Picchu Mountain is a great option for those who haven’t trekked the Short Inca Trail (Km 104) since both routes share similar perspectives from the Inti Punku (Sun Gate). For those who want the best panoramic photo of the entire valley, this is your chance.

Permits are more available here, with 400 tickets daily, divided into two entry times (6:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m.).

Huchuy Picchu

Additional Archaeological Site: No

Crowds: Least crowded

Exposure: No

Round Trip Duration: 30–60 minutes

Altitude Gain: 220 ft (67 m)

Distance: 0.6 miles (1 km)

Difficulty: Easy

Age Restrictions: None

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Why Choose This Trek

Huchuy Picchu sits just above the main Machu Picchu complex, only 50 meters higheroffering a shorter, easier route perfect for families, older travelers, or anyone looking for a gentle adventure.

It’s an excellent alternative to Huayna Picchu for those who want an elevated view without the steep climb. The trail follows a wide, well-maintained stone path with a slight incline, surrounded by lush local flora.

There are 200 tickets per day, divided into nine hourly slots (6 a.m. – 2 p.m.), which helps avoid large crowds.

Overall Tips

- These additional hikes are ideal for travelers who want to make the most of their Machu Picchu visit.

- Perfect for adding a sense of adventure to your itinerary — especially if you’re not in a rush.

- Bring sturdy hiking boots with good traction (avoid regular sneakers).

- Tickets for these hikes sell out quickly, so reserve in advance.