The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, has been divided into several routes and several sections, most of them start from: Km 82, and Km 104 of the railway route Cusco - Ollantaytambo...
The official Inca Trail is divided into two clear groups. The one- and two-day routes are grouped as short Inca Trails, while the four-day trek remains the classic Inca Trail.
The short routes use the final stretch of the Inca Trail starting at km 104 and pass through Wiñay Wayna before approaching Machu Picchu. The main difference is focusing the experience into one day or spreading it over two days with one night in Machu Picchu Town.
Ideal for: travelers with limited time who want to reach Machu Picchu on foot without spending several days camping.
Recommended tours:
Inca Trail Express 1 Day1 DayInca Trail express 1 day is an experience that will allow you to enjoy this beautiful tour, in an accessible version for those people...from445 USD
Inca Trail Trek 2 Days | 2 Days Inca Trek2 DaysOur 2 day Inca Trail tour allows you to visit Huiñay Huayna, the most beautiful ruins on the way to Machu Picchu.from575 USDThe Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, has been divided into several routes and several sections, most of them start from: Km 82, and Km 104 of the railway route Cusco - Ollantaytambo...
The four-day route crosses mountain passes, forests, campsites, and archaeological sites before arriving at Machu Picchu through Intipunku. It is the full version of the official Inca Trail.
Ideal for: travelers ready to hike for several days and sleep in camps while following the classic route.
Recommended tours:
There are two main ways to hike to the Inca citadel: the Classic Inca Trail (4 days) and the Inca Trail Express. Each offers a unique way to live this epic Andean...
These routes are not part of the official Inca Trail. Each subsection groups the variants that belong to the same family of trails, so travelers can compare related options without reviewing each tour as a separate category.
The Salkantay family crosses high mountain landscapes and cloud forest areas before continuing toward Machu Picchu. Its variations differ depending on duration and whether the route passes through Llactapata.
Ideal for: travelers in good physical condition looking for a four- or five-day hike with dramatic landscape changes.
Recommended tours:
Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu 4 Days4 DaysEmbark on the Inca Trail starting from the majestic Salkantay snow-capped mountain (6,271 meters); an unforgettable journey filled with surprises and beautiful places to...from679 USD
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days5 DaysThis 5 day tour from Salkantay to Machu Picchu is an extraordinary experience that will take you to discover and explore this beautiful place....from699 USDShort Inca Trail to Machu Picchu One of the best options when you cannot find availability for the 4-day Inca Trail is to take the shorter route, which lasts only 2 days,...
The Lares routes combine puna landscapes, lagoons, and Quechua communities. After the hiking section, the journey continues from the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu.
Ideal for: those who want to combine hiking, community life, and Andean scenery within a multi-day route.
Recommended tours:
With its impressive geography, Peru has the most impressive Trekking circuits, where you can enjoy the scenic wonders.
Vilcabamba offers a journey through remote landscapes and areas linked to the final years of Inca resistance. Its lower visitor frequency reinforces its expedition character.
Ideal for: experienced hikers seeking a less common route and able to dedicate several days to the trek.
Recommended tours:
Alternate Inca trails such as Salkantay and Lares are routes that connect Andean communities and cross mountain landscapes in the Cusco region. These options allow travelers to explore historic and natural paths...
This trek connects Choquequirao and Machu Picchu through an extensive route with steep elevation changes and several days of hiking. It should be presented as a full expedition.
Ideal for: travelers experienced in demanding hikes who want to link two major archaeological sites.
Recommended tours:
The Inca Trail is part of a network of stone-built roads, along with observation towers located high in the mountains, small villages, agricultural terraces, and other archaeological complexes, all built with lithic...
This section is organized into three easy-to-understand groups: Choquequirao, Ausangate, and short hikes from Cusco. Each group gathers tours related by destination or type of experience.
Access to Choquequirao involves steep descents and ascents through the Apurímac canyon. The four- and five-day versions focus on the archaeological site and its surroundings.
Ideal for: travelers with hiking experience who seek archaeology, isolation, and several days of trekking.
Recommended tour:
Choquequirao Trek 4 Days - Adventure Tours and Hiking4 DaysThis 4-day Choquequirao Tour is a unique experience, as you will visit this imposing citadel, lost in the jungle and recently discovered.from750 USD
Choquequirao trek, 5 days tour5 DaysEmbark on an epic adventure with our 5 day trek to Choquequirao. Explore breathtaking landscapes, ancient ruins and live a unique experience in Peru.InquirePeru is not only full of culture and history, but also landscapes that can be explored simply by walking. Discover the wonders of Peru through the trekking routes found throughout the country.Here,...
This group includes the multi-day trek around the Ausangate snow-capped peak and shorter routes linked to its lagoons and high-altitude landscapes. Options require acclimatization and preparation suited to the duration.
Ideal for: travelers interested in high mountains, Andean lagoons, and one-, two-, or five-day routes in the Ausangate area.
Recommended tour:
Ausangate Trek Peru: Ausangate Mountain Tour 5 Days5 DaysThe 5-day Ausangate Cusco Tour will allow you to explore one of the highest and most impressive mountains in Peru located in the Vilcanota...Inquire
Ausangate 7 Lakes Full Day Tour1 DayEmbark on an unforgettable adventure at the foot of the majestic Ausangate. Discover seven crystal-clear lagoons, a magical experience in the heart of the...from65 USD
Super 7 Tour, 7 colors mountain and 7 lagoons Ausangate 2 days2 DaysImmerse yourself in the beauty of the 7 Ausangate Lakes and marvel at the color palette of the 7 Colors Mountain. Two unforgettable experiences...from365 USDPeru is not only full of culture and history, but also landscapes that can be explored simply by walking. Discover the wonders of Peru through the trekking routes found throughout the country.Here,...
These excursions allow you to explore mountains and lagoons in a single day. Although short in duration, the altitude and elevation changes require prior acclimatization and a choice suited to physical condition.
Ideal for: travelers with one day available who want to add a nature hike to their stay in Cusco.
Recommended tour:
Rainbow Mountain Tour - Rainbow Mountain Trek Full Day1 DayA spectacular 1-day hike to the magical 7-color mountain located in the village of Pitumarca at 5200 m.a.s.l..from59 USD
Lagoon Humantay Tour - Humantay Trek 1 day1 DayJoin now this unforgettable travel experience, getting to know the imposing and beautiful Humantay Lagoon, of an intense turquoise color. Book now.from59 USD
Palcoyo Mountain of Colors Tour1 DayPalcoyo Mountain in Cusco offers vibrant landscapes and a unique trekking experience in the Peruvian Andes. Ideal for those looking to explore nature without...from66 USDDiscover the best treks in Cusco: hikes from 1 to 7 days to Machu Picchu, Ausangate, Choquequirao, and Rainbow Mountain. Options range from short routes to challenging expeditions, with prices tailored to...
We share the photos and full story of a traveler who hiked the Inca Trail with our team. A first-person account of the preparation, effort, landscapes, and arrival at Machu Picchu.
27 years after my first visit to Machu Picchu with friends, I returned to hike the 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, this time with my 13-year-old son. The landscapes, the archaeological sites, and the arrival at Machu Picchu made this trip truly meaningful. Thanks to the team at CuscoPeru.com, we were able to enjoy the Machu Picchu trekking with peace of mind and feel well supported throughout the journey.
The organization was excellent and there was also flexibility to adapt some details to our needs. I especially want to thank Carlos for the coordination and Wilver and his team for guiding us with patience, experience, and knowledge during these four days. It was a trip I will remember fondly, and I am sure my son will too.
Permits, availability, duration, camping, and fitness level can affect your choice of route. The introduction may also indicate that several answers serve as references for other hikes in Cusco
Explore the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, alternative hikes to the citadel, and routes to lagoons, mountains, and archaeological sites in Cusco. Use the filters to compare options by destination, duration, and level of difficulty.
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