The exciting hikes to Machu Picchu from Cusco are perfect for an adventure that combines Peruvian history, landscapes, and culture.
You’ll go on a journey through:
From the Inca Trail to the Salkantay Trek and the Lares Trek, there is an option for every level of trekker and mountaineer.
But it’s always a great idea to book the Machu Picchu trekking tour with experts like us at Hello Peru Tours or Hello Peru Travel anywhere across Peru.
Let’s just dive in to the guide to hiking Machu Picchu from Cusco.
Before you start trekking to Machu Picchu, it’s important to plan your trip. You need a lot of preparations before you shoul do. Your best bet would be to book the tour with us right now.
You can take a train from Cusco to Machu Picchu, and it is one of the most popular transportation options. The train ride takes approximately 4 hours and offers incredible views of the Andes Mountains.
If you love hiking, you may wonder how long the hike from Cusco to Machu Picchu is. Well, it depends on the route you choose. The Inca Trail is a four-day trek, while the Salkantay Trek five days and Lares Trek four days.
If you plan to drive to Machu Picchu, unfortunately, it is not possible. The only way to reach Machu Picchu is:
If you are short on time, you can take a one-day trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco. But we don’t recommend it due to the long travel time and limited time to explore the site itself.
Also, you may wonder if it’s difficult to get to Machu Picchu. While the journey requires some planning and physical exertion, it is not overly difficult.
With proper preparation and a positive attitude, you can successfully reach this ancient Peruvian wonder.
We’ll answer more questions by the end of this post. For now, let’s just jump straight to the hiking trails to Machu Picchu from Cusco, Peru.
The Inca Trail is one of the most rewarding hiking treks to Machu Picchu from Cusco. This ancient trail takes you through stunning Andean landscapes, past Inca ruins, and showcases the breathtaking view of Machu Picchu.
The Inca Trail hike takes four days to finish, covering a total distance of 26 miles.
On the first day, you’ll start at the checkpoint and hike for about 6.8 miles, crossing the Urubamba River and ascending through lush cloud forest to the campsite at Wayllabamba.
Day two covers 7.4 miles and features a steep climb through the Andean highlands, including:
Day three involves hiking for about 10 miles, crossing two high passes. You will visit these ruins on the way:
You’ll then descend into the cloud forest to the final campsite at Wiñay Wayna.
On the fourth day, you’ll wake up early and hike to the Inti Punku, also known as the Sun Gate. You’ll witness the breathtaking sunrise over Machu Picchu.
The trail then descends to the famous ancient ruins, where you’ll have ample time to explore and take in the awe-inspiring views.
Aside from the incredible physical challenge and stunning scenery, hiking the Inca Trail to Machi Picchu from Cusco also offers these benefits:
Also, spending time in nature and disconnecting from daily stressors can have significant mental health benefits. We’ll talk about that later in the post.
The Salkantay Trek is an excellent choice if you’re looking for an alternative route to Machu Picchu from Cusco. This trek also offers a unique perspective on the natural beauty of Peru.
The Salkantay Trek typically takes five days to complete and is more challenging than the Inca Trail. That’s why, we recommend booking a guided tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco with us at Hello Peru Tours.
But, it’s a more crowded route, allowing for a more immersive experience. Along the way, you will encounter local communities and learn about their customs and traditions.
Hiking to Machu Picchu via the Salkantay Trek is the opportunity to challenge yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. The trek demands endurance, strength, and mental resilience to navigate the terrain and the altitude.
You’ll have ample time to appreciate the tranquility of the Andean mountains, observe the diverse flora and fauna, and find solace in the beauty of nature. This connection with nature can have a positive impact on your mental and emotional well-being.
If you’re considering the Salkantay Trek, it’s essential to plan and prepare for the journey. Ensure that you have appropriate gear, including good hiking boots, waterproof clothing, and warm layers. Additionally, acclimating to the altitude is crucial before beginning the trek.
The Lares Trek one of the best hikes to Machu Picchu from Cusco to challenge yourself and experience vibrant Inca culture at the same time.
This lesser-known trail takes you through breathtaking landscapes and local communities. You’ll witness traditional customs and be captivated by stunning scenery.
The Lares Trek is a cultural immersion, offering a unique window into the lives of local communities. You’ll interact with locals, hear Quechua, the ancient Inca language, and learn about their traditions.
The trail takes you through remote villages and stunning mountain vistas, providing a truly authentic experience.
Hiking to Machu Picchu from Cusco along this route allows you to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful journey. With fewer hikers than the Inca Trail, you’ll experience a deeper connection to nature and have more opportunities for reflection and solitude.
The Ancascocha Trek is a popular alternative to the classic Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu from Cusco. Although it’s a bit longer and more challenging, it is much less crowded and gives you an authentic experience of the Andes.
The trek begins in the town of Cusco, where you will spend a few days acclimatizing to the high altitude. From Cusco, you will take a bus to the trailhead at Ollantaytambo.
The Huchuy Qosqo Trek is the short trek to Machu Picchu from Cusco that takes you through the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas. It’s a perfect option for those who want to experience hiking in Peru without committing to a longer, more challenging trek.
On this trek, you will visit Huchuy Qosqo, an ancient Inca site that was once an important religious and administrative center. Along the way, you’ll also pass through Andean villages and observe traditional farming practices.
The Huchuy Qosqo trek is a relatively easy hike, with gentle inclines and descents. It’s suitable for hikers of all levels, making it a great option for families or those looking for a more relaxed trekking experience.
The highlight of the trek is, of course, Machu Picchu.
After finishing your hike, you will take a train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and then a bus up to the iconic ruins. There, you can explore this ancient wonder and learn about its history and significance.
Overall, the Huchuy Qosqo Trek offers a well-rounded experience, combining the beauty of the Andean mountains with a cultural immersion and a visit to one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. So make sure to add it to your list of must-do hikes on your journey to Machu Picchu from Cusco.
The Choquequirao Trek is a challenging and lesser-known route to Machu Picchu from Cusco. It takes you through stunning landscapes and remote villages, providing a true off-the-beaten-path experience.
The highlight of this trek is the ancient Inca site of Choquequirao, also known as the “sister” of Machu Picchu. The ruins are thought to have been a sacred religious site and were once home to Inca rulers.
The trek itself is challenging, with steep climbs and descents, but the rewards are well worth it. The views of the Apurimac River canyon and surrounding mountains are simply breathtaking.
The Choquequirao Trek is also an excellent opportunity for wildlife spotting, as you will pass through diverse ecosystems and habitats. Keep an eye out for Andean condors, pumas, and a variety of bird and plant species.
This trek is not for the faint of heart, but if you are up for the challenge, it will be an unforgettable experience on your journey to Machu Picchu from Cusco.
Remember to pack all the necessary gear and prepare yourself physically before embarking on this trek. Alternatively, you can also join a guided tour for added support and guidance along the way.
The Inca Quarry Trail, also known as the Cachicata Hike, is one of the most beautiful and challenging hikes to Machu Picchu from Cusco.
The hiking trail takes you through some of the most stunning scenery in the Cusco region. It’s located just outside of the city of Cusco and is a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The Inca Quarry Trail is not for the faint of heart, as it is a difficult hike with some steep sections. But, the reward for finishing the hike is an incredible view of the Cusco valley and the surrounding mountains.
If you are looking for an adventure while in Cusco, then the Inca Quarry Trail is definitely the hike for you. The trail is approximately 9 kilometers long and takes on average 4-5 hours to complete.
If you are planning on doing the Inca Quarry Trail, then there are a few things you should know.
Before you go on hiking to Machu Picchu from Cuco, keep these things in mind.
The Inca Quarry Trail is a great way to see some of the most beautiful scenery in the Cusco region. If you are up for a challenge, then I definitely recommend giving this hike a try.
The Vilcabamba Trek is a long and challenging hike that leads to Machu Picchu from Cusco. It’s also known as the “last refuge of the Incas,” as it was a route used by the Incas to escape from the Spanish conquistadors.
This trek takes you through dense forests, mountain passes, and remote Andean communities. Along the way, you will also visit several Inca sites, including Vitcos and Espiritu Pampa.
The highlight of this trek is reaching Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, just like the ancient Incas did. It’s a truly unique and rewarding experience that not many travelers get to have.
The Vilcabamba Trek is a difficult and strenuous hike, with high altitudes and challenging terrain. It’s important to be physically prepared and to acclimatize properly before embarking on this journey.
But for those who are up for the challenge, the Vilcabamba Trek offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience and an opportunity to connect with the history and culture of Peru in a unique way.
You’ll enjoy a lot of benefits of hiking to Macuh Picchu from Cusco.
Le’ts dive in.
Hiking to Machu Picchu is a great way to improve your physical and mental health. It’s a challenging workout that can improve your cardiovascular health, strength and endurance, mental health, sleep quality, and self-confidence.
Here are just a few of the benefits of hiking to Machu Picchu:
Hiking to Machu Picchu offers a variety of mental health benefits, including reduced stress and anxiety, improved mental clarity and focus, enhanced self-confidence and self-esteem, and expanded perspective and social connections.
Hiking to Machu Picchu is a great way to get essential vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for bone health, immune function, and metabolism.
Your body naturally produces vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. Hiking in the Andean mountains gives your skin plenty of opportunity to absorb vitamin D.
Getting enough vitamin D can lower your risk of osteoporosis, heart disease, and certain v fv. It can also improve your mood and promote a sense of well-being.
But, too much sun exposure can be harmful to your skin. Ensure to wear sunscreen and protective clothing while hiking.
One of the most rewarding aspects of hiking to Machu Picchu is the opportunity to connect with nature on a deeper level.
The Andes mountains are a place of breathtaking beauty and tranquility, and hiking through this wilderness can be an immersive, transformative experience.
As you hike through the rugged terrain, you’ll be surrounded by stunning views of snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and crystal-clear rivers.
You can take in the sights and sounds of the Andes, reveling in the stunning landscape around you. The hiking trails to Machu Picchu allow you to experience nature in a way that is impossible to replicate in any other environment.
Hiking to Machu Picchu is a great way to connect with like-minded adventurers from all over the world. Whether on a guided tour or hiking solo, experiencing the ancient wonder can forge lasting bonds and boost well-being.
If you join a guided tour with us, you’ll have the opportunity to spend several days with fellow hikers, creating lasting bonds through the shared experience. You’ll also have the chance to learn from others and gain insights into different cultures.
The social interaction on the hike to Machu Picchu can have significant benefits for your mental well-being. Human connection is essential for our emotional health, and spending time with like-minded people can provide a sense of community and belonging.
Choosing the best hiking tour to Machu Picchu can be daunting, but it’s crucial for a successful trip. Here are some factors to consider:
Consider the duration and difficulty level of the tour. Some tours can take up to four days, while others can take up to a week. Choose a tour that matches your fitness level and hiking experience to avoid any unwanted difficulties.
Check the tour package’s inclusions and exclusions. Some tours may include meals, accommodation, and entrance fees, while others may not. Calculate the total cost of the tour, including any additional fees and expenses.
Ensure the tour guide is knowledgeable about the history, culture, and geography of the region. A good guide can make your trip more educational and enjoyable. Read reviews and testimonials about the guide’s expertise and experience.
Consider the group size of the tour. Some tours may have small group sizes, which can offer a more personalized experience, while others may have larger group sizes, which can offer more social interaction. Choose a group size that matches your preference and personality.
Check if the tour offers flexibility and customization options. Some tours may offer side trips or alternative routes, while others may have a fixed itinerary. Flexibility and customization can make your trip more tailored to your preferences and needs.
Finally, consider the price and value of the tour. Make sure to choose a tour that offers value for money. Sometimes, a slightly higher price can offer better inclusions, accommodations, and experiences.
At Hello Peru Tours, we offer a variety of hiking tours to Machu Picchu from Cusco, catering to different preferences and budgets. And we take your needs seriously.
Now is the answer question session for trekking to Machu Picchu from Cusco.
Yes, you can take a train from Cusco to Machu Picchu. There are several train options available that offer a scenic and comfortable journey to the ancient ruins.
The duration of the hike from Cusco to Machu Picchu varies depending on the route you choose. The Inca Trail typically takes four days, while alternative routes like the Salkantay Trek and Lares Trek can range from four to six days.
No, you cannot drive directly from Cusco to Machu Picchu. The ancient ruins are located in a remote area accessible only by foot or train.
Yes, it is possible to do a day trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco. However, please note that the journey involves a long day of travel and limited time at the site. It is recommended to spend at least one night near Machu Picchu to fully experience and appreciate its beauty.
Getting to Machu Picchu requires some planning and effort, but it is not overly difficult. The hiking routes can be physically demanding, especially the Inca Trail, but they are achievable with proper preparation and a reasonable level of fitness.
Alternatively, taking a train or bus offers a more accessible option. The best bet would be to go on a guided tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco with us at Hello Peru Tours.
