Trekking to Machu Picchu: The Classic Routes
If you’re into trekking and don’t mind a few sore muscles, the Inca Trail is the classic. Four days, lots of ups and downs, ancient ruins along the way, and if you time it right, you enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate at sunrise. Unreal. But you need a permit, and those go fast.
Recommended Inca Trail Tour Companies:
- Llama Path: Known for treating porters well, which is a huge ethical consideration.
- Alpaca Expeditions: Praised for awesome food and quality gear.
- G Adventures: A more international option with a diverse mix of travelers.
These companies typically handle permits, meals, tents, and guides. You just have to show up and walk.
Alternative Treks: Salkantay and Lares
But maybe hiking isn’t your thing, or you couldn’t snag an Inca Trail permit. Don’t worry, there are other ways.
The Salkantay Trek:
The Salkantay Trek is one. It’s longer, a bit tougher in terms of altitude, but man, the views are nuts. Snowy peaks, cloud forests, wild landscapes.
Some companies like Salkantay Trekking do this one really well. They even have lodges with hot tubs now, which is a wild contrast after a day of hiking.
The Lares Trek:
Another less-touristy route is the Lares Trek. This one’s more about the cultural side. You pass through tiny Andean villages where people still live the old-school way, herding llamas and weaving textiles like their ancestors. It’s quiet, less crowded, super authentic. If that sounds like your vibe, check out Apus Peru. They’ve got a good rep for doing this kind of thing responsibly.
Machu Picchu by Train: A Scenic Journey
Okay, now let’s talk about the folks who want to take the train. That’s actually what I did the first time, and honestly? It was awesome. You sit back, watch the scenery change from dry highlands to lush jungle, and arrive pretty much stress-free. There are two companies: PeruRail and Inca Rail. Both are fine, and they have different price levels—from basic to full-blown luxury (we’re talking white tablecloths and champagne). I went mid-range with PeruRail’s Vistadome and had zero complaints. Big windows, comfy seats, some local music playing softly, little snack tray… it’s chill.
Arriving at Aguas Calientes: The Gateway Town
From there you end up in Aguas Calientes, which is the town at the base of Machu Picchu. It’s touristy, yeah, but it’s kind of cute in its own way. You’ll stay the night there if you’re doing the two-day trip. Next morning, you either hike up (steep!) or take the shuttle bus to the entrance. Then finally, you’re in.
Securing Your Entry to Machu Picchu and Beyond
Getting the actual entry ticket to Machu Picchu is another thing you want to handle early, especially now with the new circuits. They’ve got routes inside the site, and some are more popular than others. If you want to hike Huayna Picchu (the tall mountain you see in most photos), that’s a separate ticket too and it’s limited. Same with Machu Picchu Mountain. Basically, don’t leave stuff to chance if you can avoid it.
All-Inclusive Tour Packages and Choosing a Guide
There are full tour packages that handle everything—train, hotel, entrance ticket, bus, guide. Some solid agencies for this are Sam Travel, Tierras Vivas, and Exploor Peru. Just read reviews and see what people say about the guides. A good guide can really bring the place to life, while a boring one can make even Machu Picchu feel like a history class you didn’t want to take.
Ready to plan your own incredible journey to this ancient wonder? Find detailed tour options and essential planning tips here.