Trekking Machu Picchu

The ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu remains an iconic location for visitors from all over the world.

Situated in Peru’s Sacred Valley, near the city of Cuzco, Machu Picchu is ensconced in the high mountains of the Andes. Reaching the site is a challenge, but that doesn’t put off thousands of visitors from making the trip each year.

There are several options if you want to hike to the site. The first, and perhaps most famous, is the Inca Trail. Places are limited and hiking seasons are imposed to give the trails a chance to recover from high visitor numbers, but book ahead and you will get a chance to make the same journey as some of the Inca arriving at the city. A four-day trip with a reputable operator will cost around $750.

One alternative is the Salkantay Trek, which takes a different route to Machu Picchu. Prices are generally around $300 for five days due to lower demand. Tour companies say the experience is just as beautiful as the traditional Inca Trail, but the Salkantay route involves a night in the town of Aguas Calientes rather than arrival directly through the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu.

Another possibility is to take public transport through the Sacred Valley to the village of Santa Teresa before embarking on a one-day hike. If you set off early enough you can make it from Cuzco to Aguas Calientes in one day, assuming transport is running!

This route requires a lot more organization on your behalf but will cost significantly less. You will have to spend a night in Aguas Calientes before visiting Machu Picchu and either hiking back down or taking the train directly to Cuzco. If you walk and take public transport both ways, you can visit Machu Picchu for around $100.