Machu Picchu is one of the most iconic destinations in the world and a dream for many travelers visiting Peru. While thousands of visitors arrive at the ancient Inca citadel by train each day, many adventure seekers prefer a much more rewarding experience: hiking through the Andes to reach Machu Picchu on foot.
There are several incredible treks to Machu Picchu, each offering unique landscapes, cultural encounters, and archaeological discoveries along the way. From the legendary Inca Trail to remote high-altitude routes, these Machu Picchu trekking routes allow travelers to experience the Andes in a truly unforgettable way.
In this guide, we explore the 10 best treks to Machu Picchu so you can choose the adventure that best fits your travel style and level of experience.
The Inca Trail is the most famous trekking route in South America and the classic way to reach Machu Picchu. This historic trail follows original stone pathways built by the Incas more than 500 years ago as part of their vast road network.
The trek usually takes four days and passes through cloud forests, high mountain passes, and several impressive archaeological sites such as Wiñay Wayna and Phuyupatamarca. The highlight of the journey is arriving at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) at sunrise.
Because permits are limited, booking the Inca Trail several months in advance is essential.
For travelers with limited time, the Short Inca Trail offers a shorter but equally rewarding experience. This two-day trek begins near Kilometer 104 of the railway line and follows a scenic section of the original Inca Trail.
Hikers visit the beautiful ruins of Wiñay Wayna before reaching the Sun Gate for their first panoramic view of Machu Picchu. This route provides a taste of the classic Inca Trail without the longer multi-day commitment.
The Salkantay Trek is one of the most popular alternatives to the Inca Trail and is often considered the most scenic route to Machu Picchu. This multi-day trek takes hikers beneath the towering Salkantay Mountain, one of the highest peaks in the region.
The journey crosses several ecosystems, including alpine landscapes, high mountain passes, and tropical cloud forests before reaching the town of Aguas Calientes near Machu Picchu.
Unlike the Inca Trail, this trek does not require special permits, making it a flexible option for travelers.
The Lares Trek is known for its cultural experiences and beautiful mountain scenery. Instead of focusing primarily on archaeological sites, this trek passes through traditional Andean communities where travelers can observe local farming, weaving, and alpaca herding.
The route features spectacular mountain lakes, remote valleys, and snow-covered peaks before connecting with the train route to Machu Picchu.
The Inca Jungle Trek is one of the most adventurous alternatives among the different treks to Machu Picchu. Unlike traditional trekking routes that focus mainly on hiking, this journey combines multiple outdoor activities such as mountain biking, hiking, ziplining, and sometimes even river rafting, creating a dynamic and exciting experience for travelers.
The adventure usually begins with an incredible downhill mountain biking ride from the high Andes toward the lush tropical valleys that lead to the Amazon basin. This first section offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, deep canyons, and dramatic changes in landscape as you descend from cold alpine environments to warm jungle terrain.
After the biking segment, the route continues with scenic hikes through coffee plantations, small rural villages, and dense vegetation. Along the way, travelers often visit local farms where coffee, cacao, and tropical fruits are produced. These cultural interactions make the trek even more interesting, as visitors learn about daily life in remote Andean communities.
The Inca Jungle Trek typically takes three to four days before reaching the town of Aguas Calientes, where travelers prepare for their visit to Machu Picchu. Because of its combination of adventure sports and hiking, this route has become extremely popular among younger travelers and those looking for a more diverse and adrenaline-filled journey to the famous Inca citadel.
The Choquequirao Trek is considered one of the most challenging but also one of the most rewarding trekking adventures in Peru. Choquequirao is a massive Inca archaeological complex located deep in the Andes Mountains, often referred to as the “sister city of Machu Picchu” due to its similar architecture and historical importance.
Reaching Choquequirao requires several days of hiking through dramatic canyon landscapes, particularly the impressive Apurímac Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in South America. The trail features steep ascents and descents, making it physically demanding but incredibly scenic.
One of the most fascinating aspects of this trek is that Choquequirao remains largely unexplored compared to Machu Picchu. Only a small percentage of the archaeological complex has been excavated, meaning visitors can experience the site in a much more peaceful and authentic way.
Some extended expeditions combine the Choquequirao Trek with Machu Picchu, creating a spectacular multi-day journey that can last between eight and ten days. This route crosses remote valleys, high mountain passes, and isolated landscapes rarely visited by tourists, making it one of the most epic Machu Picchu trekking routes available.
The Ancascocha Trek is one of the most beautiful and least crowded trekking routes to Machu Picchu. Often described as a hidden gem in the Cusco region, this trail offers spectacular mountain scenery without the crowds typically found on more famous routes like the Inca Trail.
This trek passes through high-altitude valleys surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks and pristine alpine lakes. One of the highlights of the route is Lake Ancascocha, a stunning turquoise lagoon located in a remote mountain basin that gives the trek its name.
Along the way, hikers encounter traditional Andean villages where local communities maintain ancient farming and herding traditions. It is common to see llamas and alpacas grazing in open fields while farmers work the land using centuries-old techniques.
Because relatively few tour groups operate in this area, the Ancascocha Trek offers a more intimate and peaceful experience. For travelers seeking solitude, dramatic landscapes, and authentic cultural encounters, this trek is considered one of the most rewarding alternatives among Machu Picchu trekking routes.
The Vilcabamba Trek takes travelers deep into one of the most historically important regions of the Inca Empire. After the Spanish conquest of Cusco in the 16th century, the remaining Inca rulers retreated into the remote Vilcabamba region, establishing what became known as the last refuge of the Inca civilization.
Today, trekking through Vilcabamba allows hikers to explore remote valleys, dense cloud forests, and archaeological sites that remain largely untouched by modern tourism. The region is home to several fascinating ruins hidden within the mountains, including Espíritu Pampa, which historians believe may have been the final capital of the Inca resistance.
The landscapes along the Vilcabamba Trek are incredibly diverse, ranging from high Andean passes to humid jungle environments. This dramatic change in ecosystems makes the trek especially interesting for nature lovers and photographers.
Because the Vilcabamba region remains relatively unexplored, trekking here feels like stepping back in time. For adventurous travelers interested in both history and exploration, this route offers a truly unique journey through one of the most mysterious parts of the Andes.
The Huchuy Qosqo Trek is an excellent option for travelers who want a shorter and less physically demanding hike while still experiencing the beauty of the Andes and Inca history. The trail leads to the archaeological site of Huchuy Qosqo, which sits high above the Sacred Valley with spectacular panoramic views.
The hike typically takes one or two days and passes through beautiful mountain landscapes, remote farming communities, and open highland plateaus where llamas and alpacas roam freely.
Upon reaching Huchuy Qosqo, visitors can explore impressive stone structures, terraces, and ceremonial buildings that once formed part of an important Inca administrative center. The name Huchuy Qosqo means “Little Cusco” in the Quechua language.
After exploring the ruins, most itineraries descend toward the Sacred Valley and finish in the historic town of Ollantaytambo. From there, travelers continue by train to visit Machu Picchu, making this trek a great introduction to trekking to Machu Picchu.
For experienced hikers seeking the ultimate adventure, some expeditions combine the Salkantay Trek with sections of the legendary Inca Trail. This extended journey allows travelers to experience both dramatic mountain landscapes and historic Inca pathways in a single expedition.
The trek begins near the towering Salkantay Mountain, one of the highest and most sacred peaks in the Cusco region. The route crosses spectacular mountain passes surrounded by glaciers before descending into lush cloud forests filled with orchids, hummingbirds, and diverse wildlife.
Later in the journey, the trail connects with sections of the classic Inca Trail, allowing hikers to walk along ancient stone pathways built more than five centuries ago. This historical segment includes visits to several lesser-known archaeological sites hidden within the mountains.
By combining two of the most famous treks to Machu Picchu, this route provides an extraordinary balance of adventure, scenery, and cultural heritage before finally reaching the iconic ruins of Machu Picchu.
Choosing the best trek to Machu Picchu depends on your interests, physical condition, and travel style.
Each route offers a different perspective of the Andes and provides a memorable journey toward one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites.
The best time for Machu Picchu trekking is during the dry season from May to September. During these months, hikers can expect clearer skies and more stable trail conditions.
The rainy season between November and March brings greener landscapes but also muddy trails and occasional heavy rain.
Choosing one of the best treks to Machu Picchu transforms a simple visit into an unforgettable adventure through the Andes. These incredible journeys allow travelers to experience breathtaking landscapes, ancient Inca history, and remote mountain communities before finally arriving at the legendary lost city of Machu Picchu.
Whether you choose the classic Inca Trail or a scenic alternative like the Salkantay Trek, hiking to Machu Picchu is truly one of the most rewarding travel experiences in the world.
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