Machu Picchu is on the travel vision board for many adventurers, but for the truly daring, arriving well-rested by train, freshly showered, wearing Instagram-ready clothing isn’t the ultimate feat. Machu Picchu is a well-preserved relic of the mighty Inca civilization, hidden among mountains and clouds, overlooking the aptly named Sacred Valley. It’s a jaw-dropping view that many feel demands effort to truly appreciate its historic magnificence.
The train is undoubtedly easier, but if there’s something in your heart pushing you to earn every bit of that moment, you're gonna want to do it on foot. Not sure if the Machu Picchu hike is for you? This guide has you covered, every step of the way.
How long is the hike to Machu Picchu?
You have several options. If you’re taking the most popular route, the Inca Trail, you’re looking at three nights and four days, but tack on a couple of days to adjust to the altitude first. If you’d like to hike some of the Inca Trail but prefer a unique experience with less people, check out the Lares Trek. This route is way less crowded but no less scenic — and you’ll still do a full day and night on the Inca Trail, ending up at the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu.
How long is the Inca Trail?
In distance, the hike itself is 43km (26 mi) but it's the elevation changes that make it challenging. In time, it's a full four days and three nights of hiking with the reward of Machu Picchu at the end. If your main objective in Peru is to complete the trail but time is limited, try The Inca Trail, a week-long guided tour with four days of hiking. If your legs are up to it after reaching the iconic site of Machu Picchu, we highly recommend putting in an additional hour to hike Huayna Picchu in Peru. You’re 99% of the way there and the view is worth the extra scramble.
How difficult is the hike to Machu Picchu?
Anyone who tells you it’s easy might be an Olympian but you don’t need to be one yourself to make hiking Machu Picchu happen. That said — start training. Slam that incline button on the treadmill and work your core. We can give you more training suggestions and a thorough packing list so you don’t make the hike needlessly difficult. We’re here for the panoramic views and the thighs-on-fire-sense-of-achievement; not sunburn and blisters.
Which day of the Inca Trail is the hardest?
While one of the passes (Warmiwañusca) translates from Quechua to ‘Dead Woman’s Pass’, don't be put off. It's just that he mountain range looks like a woman’s supine body, a position you might want to assume after Day 2 of the hike, once you finish climbing at 4,215m (13,828 ft). It’s actually the highest altitude along the trail, much higher (1,800m or 5,905 ft) than Machu Picchu itself. Most hikers say this viewpoint is the first feel-good moment of the hike because it’s so rewarding after the strenuous effort to get there.
Can you hike Machu Picchu without a guide?
You can visit the site of Machu Picchu without one, but you can’t hike the Inca Trail without a registered operator first securing your permits. But that’s not the only reason. Guides handle behind-the-scenes issues like language barriers, access to much-coveted permits, keeping up with changes to mountain access, liaising with porters, sorting out snacks and meals, managing safety, not to mention the decades of trekking experience. You’ll have enough to focus on during your hike to Machu Picchu without worrying about all the extras. That’s what we’re here for!
Do you need a permit for Machu Picchu?
100%. Because so many people have this iconic site on their bucket list, overcrowding is a real issue. To combat it only 500 permits are issued per day to help preserve the historic path and relics along the Inca Trail. Those 500 include 200 tourists and 300 porters, cooks, and guides. These permits are coveted to say the least and they’re only available first-come, first-serve. Again, we'll sort it all out for you.
When is Machu Picchu closed?
Never, technically. The UNESCO World Heritage site is open all year, but the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is closed every February for upkeep, safety checks, the harsh February weather, and so on. Your hike to Machu Picchu can happen during the other 11 months of the year and we have multiple departures each week.
When is the best time to hike Machu Picchu?
The Inca Trail is likely to be busiest in the dry season between April and October. June through August is understandably the most popular, since the weather is best and timed with school holidays for many. That said, you’re not guaranteed a dry time even in the dry season. Machu Picchu is in a literal cloud forest but that means there’s warm, humid weather all year round. And that means rain. That said, rainfall is at its heaviest between November and March, but the flipside is that people who don’t like getting wet avoid it and the trails are emptier.
What do I pack for a Machu Picchu hike?
No trip to Machu Picchu starts without a full packing list from us, as well as what equipment (like tents and sleeping bags) we rent out. But worn in hiking shoes or boots are an absolute must versus a shiny new pair. Don’t forget your sun hat, a high-SPF sunscreen, flip flops for boots-off relief around camp, portable chargers, ear plugs, electrolyte sachets, mosquito spray, and plastic bags to keep your stinky stuff from your clean clothes. On that note, wet wipes are your pal. On the document side, you’ll naturally need your passport but you can also get it stamped at Machu Picchu (yes, really).
Why hike Machu Picchu?
We get that the train is so much easier and definitely an option on our Machu Picchu Adventure. But it all boils down to that overwhelming, nothing-is-ever-coming-close-to-this sense of achievement. Your body and mind get pushed to the limit and you conquer it all with a group of likeminded travellers and the most badass porters you’ll ever meet.
Plus, there's learning about Incan history and Peruvian culture every step of the way. Sleeping under the stars, sipping sweetened coca tea, and spending several days working your butt off to reach the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu at sunrise. Everyone is going to get the same photo at Machu Picchu (you know the one) and explore the incredible heritage site, but not everyone will walk away with the memories of four days on the Inca Trail.
