Which Machu Picchu Tour Is Right for You?
| Arrive by | Duration | Best for | Recommended tour |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trek – Classic Inca Trail | 4 days / 3 nights | First-time visitors, the iconic route | Classic Inca Trail 4D |
| Trek – Classic Inca Trail | 7 days / 6 nights | Hikers wanting the full archaeological route | Classic Inca Trail 7D |
| Trek – Short Inca Trail | 2 days / 1 night | Limited time but want to hike with comfort | Short Inca Trail 2D |
| Trek – Salkantay | 5 days / 4 nights | Adventure seekers, high passes | Salkantay Trek 5D |
| Trek – Salkantay with Sky Domes | 4 days / 3 nights | Comfort trekkers, glass-dome lodges | Salkantay Sky Domes 4D |
| Train – Direct | 1 day from Cusco | Time-sensitive travelers | Machu Picchu Full Day |
| Remote Trek – Short Inca Trail | 4 days / 3 nights | Wilderness, sunrise visit, photographers | Lars plus Machu Picchu by Train 4D |
| Trek – Short Inca Trail | 3 days | For everyone, flexible pace, comfort | Salkantay Sky Domes and Inca Trail in Only 3 Day |
Tip 1: Decide When to Go
The high season in Cusco and Machu Picchu runs from May to September, with June, July and August the busiest months. This is the dry season. Skies are clear, rainfall is at its lowest, and mornings are cold. Conditions are ideal for photography, but the site is crowded. The low season, from October to April, brings a higher chance of cloud and rain, but far fewer visitors.
Tip 2: Consider Your Tour Options
The next step is to choose the type of tour that suits your schedule and travel style. The options are varied, and the right choice depends on how you wish to reach Machu Picchu.
Here are some key areas to think about:
- Starting point: Will you join a group in Lima, or travel independently to Cusco and begin your tour there?want to travel to Cusco independently and take it from there?
- Trek or day trip: Do you prefer a multi-day trek such as the Inca Trail or an alternative route, or a direct visit by train and bus?
- Comfort level: Luxury services offer private transport, superior hotels and gourmet meals. Budget options are simpler but reliable.
- Inclusions: Some tours are fully inclusive, covering airport transfers, accommodation and meals. Independent travellers may prefer to book only the core elements.
- Duration: A standard tour visits Machu Picchu in one day. Extended itineraries allow several days to explore Cusco and the Sacred Valley at a measured pace.
Tip 3: Choose a Tour Company
There are two principal types of operator: large international companies and locally based Peruvian agencies in Lima and Cusco. Size is not a reliable measure of quality. Both categories include excellent and poor operators.
- Independent recommendations: Consult current editions of respected guidebooks and reputable travel publications. Online reviews are useful, but verify that they are recent and from verified travellers. For our own selection, see The Best Inca Trail Tour Operators in Peru.
- Travel forums: These contain recent reviews, but standards vary. Treat individual praise with caution, as some posts are written by agencies themselves. Use forums as background research, not as a final decision.
- Word of mouth: If you are already in Peru, speak to fellow travellers in Lima, Arequipa or Cusco. First-hand accounts are often the most reliable.
Tip 4: Check What Each Tour Includes
Once you have shortlisted two or three tours, compare the inclusions carefully. Price alone is misleading.For day tours, confirm: a licensed English-speaking guide; group size, ideally fewer than ten; hotel collection; return train and bus tickets; Machu Picchu entrance fee; whether Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain is included or available as an add-on; meals; and time on site, which is typically two hours.
For day tours, confirm: a licensed English-speaking guide; group size, ideally fewer than ten; hotel collection; return train and bus tickets; Machu Picchu entrance fee; whether Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain is included or available as an add-on; meals; and time on site, which is typically two hours.
For treks, confirm: guaranteed departure upon payment; licensed English-speaking guides; maximum group size; equipment provided, including tents, sleeping bags and mats; all meals and drinking water; porters or pack animals and their welfare standards; expected arrival time at Machu Picchu; and time allowed on site, including any mountain hike.
Extra Practical Notes
- When booking in advance, contact each agency with a specific question. The speed and clarity of the reply is a reliable indicator of service standards.
- Smoking and sitting or climbing on the ruins are prohibited.
- Water and snacks are available only at the main entrance and in Aguas Calientes. Bring a refillable bottle.
- Large backpacks are not permitted inside. A left-luggage facility is available at the entrance.
- Charge all devices beforehand. There are no charging facilities inside the sanctuary.
- Toilets are located only outside the entrance. There are none inside the site.
Tip 5: Physical Fitness
- Training: The Inca Trail requires a good level of fitness due to altitude and sustained ascent. Prepare with regular cardiovascular exercise four to five times per week for at least eight weeks before departure. Include hill walking or stair climbing with a weighted pack.
- Hill and stair training builds the specific strength required. If you lack access to hills, use a stair machine, building to 90 minutes with a loaded daypack. Complement this with lunges, squats and long walks.
- Trail safety: Remain on the mountain side of the path, away from exposed edges. The trail is uneven and largely unguarded. Place your feet deliberately, especially on steep, wet steps.
- Group discipline: Trek as a cohesive group. Monitor your own condition and that of others. Inform your guide immediately if you or a teammate feels unwell.
- Equipment: Invest in broken-in waterproof hiking boots, a 25 to 30 litre daypack, and layered, quick-drying clothing. Avoid cotton. Do not compromise on the quality of your sleeping bag, mat and rainwear.
- Essential kit, regardless of season: waterproof jacket and trousers, insulated layer, sun hat, gloves, sun cream, trekking poles, two to three litres water capacity, personal medication and basic first aid. Weather is unpredictable at altitude. Quality equipment can be hired in Cusco if needed.
Tip 6: Booking Your Tour
When you have identified two or three reputable operators, compare inclusions, not just price, and confirm availability. Book in advance. For the Inca Trail, reserve three to six months ahead. For Huayna Picchu, three to four months is advisable.
Alternative treks and day tours can sometimes be booked in Cusco, but availability is limited in high season. Pre-booking ensures your preferred dates and reduces uncertainty.
FAQs
Q: Should I book Machu Picchu in advance?
A: Yes. Inca Trail permits sell out 3 to 6 months ahead. Train tours should be booked 4 to 8 weeks ahead in high season.
Q: Is it better to trek or take the train?
A: Trek for the experience and arrival through the Sun Gate. Take the train for comfort, speed, or limited time.
Q: How fit do I need to be for the Inca Trail?
A: Good cardiovascular fitness is required. Train for 8 weeks with hill walking and a weighted pack.
Plan Your Machu Picchu Tour with Us
Inca Trail Hikes Peru is a Cusco-based operator specialising in small-group treks and private train tours. We secure all permits, train tickets and entry times in advance, and provide licensed English-speaking guides on every departure.
Availability for 2026 is now open. The Inca Trail requires booking three to six months ahead; Huayna Picchu three to four months. For train tours, we recommend confirming at least one month in advance during the dry season.
Our Most Popular Machu Picchu Tours
- Classic Inca Trail 4 Days
- Salkantay Trek with Sky Domes 7 Days
- Machu Picchu by Train: 1-Day and 2-Day Options
