Machu Picchu is one of the most popular “bucket list” destinations. This ancient Incan wonder is one of the most spectacular archaeological sites in the world and rests in a gorgeous natural setting among the Andes Mountains.
Journeying to the site is just as rewarding as taking in the ancient city once you arrive. Visitors have several trekking options, and you should consider all of them when planning your trip. Let’s take a look at the different ways to hike to Machu Picchu and how to choose the best one based on your needs and preferences.
1. Huayna Picchu Hike
Despite being one of the most challenging trails in Machu Picchu, the Huayna Picchu hike is also one of the most popular. This scenic trail runs along stone Incan stairways built alongside forested mountainsides, showcasing gorgeous natural scenery on your way to the iconic ancient city.
You can enjoy some of this stunning scenery from the very beginning of the hike, with panoramic views of the Putucusi Mountain and Urubamba River from the start. The hike goes uphill along the stone staircases, with vegetation-covered switchbacks that provide shade from the harsh sun. Most hikers will catch their first glimpse of the Machu Picchu Citadel within 20-30 minutes.
Although this trail is certainly challenging, it is relatively non-technical. You can reach the top of the mountain within an hour if you are fit and have hiking experience.
The popularity of the Huayna Picchu trail has led Peru to limit visitors to just 400 hikers each day, so you will need to book in advance.
2. Machu Picchu Mountain Hike
Machu Picchu Mountain stands at over 10,000 feet in elevation. The hike is longer than and just as challenging as the Huayna Picchu hike, but it is less crowded. Travelers who are looking to beat the crowds and enjoy more pristine views of the Citadel should consider this option.
The wide trail is well-marked and maintains a fairly even grade that gets progressively steeper and more difficult as you climb. The trail begins and ends at the Citadel, which rests at an elevation of about 7,972 feet. Just before the summit, you will walk through a stone gate and a mountain ridge that offer spectacular views of the Citadel and the Urubamba River. In this section, Inca priests held rituals and ceremonies.
3. Sun Gate Hike
Located off to the side of Machu Picchu Mountain, the Sun Gate hike offers a sweeping view of the entirety of Machu Picchu. Although this trail runs parallel to the Machu Picchu Mountain hike, it is less steep and not quite as challenging, making it a good choice for hikers of beginner or moderate skill levels. The entire hike takes about two hours, depending on your fitness level and skill.
Many hikers incorporate the Sun Gate hike into a larger hike that includes either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Hikers on the main section of the Inca Trail also pass through this trail. This relatively easy hike offers similarly stunning views but without the difficult and steep paths of the other two options.
You will reach the Sun Gate via a stone path that gradually slopes upward for about 1 mile, with a handful of steeper sections and only a few stairs. The return hike runs along the same path.
Hikers also have the option to take a 20–30-minute detour to the Inca Bridge, which crosses through the other side of Machu Picchu Mountain. However, this route involves some steeper drop-offs, and hikers are not permitted to cross the Inca Bridge.
4. Salkantay Trek
The Salkantay Trek is a fantastic alternative to the main Inca Trail. This route matches the beauty of the main trail’s topography, but the peak of Mount Salkantay may be even more awe-inspiring. Standing at an elevation of over 20,000 feet, the peak was sacred to the ancient Inca and continues to hold spiritual significance among modern followers of the ancient Andean religion.
The 46-mile trek stretches through the gorgeous Mollepata Valley and along Salkantay Mountain at an elevation of over 15,000 feet. The trail then drops down into a subtropical cloud forest and connects to an ancient Inca road that connected various parts of the ancient empire.
This roadway leads to the relatively newly discovered ruins of Llactapata. From this site, you can take in a panoramic view that stretches for miles across the valley, featuring a unique side view of the full Machu Picchu site. Hikers walk downhill from here and arrive at a small train station that offers transportation back to Aguas Calientes.
The full route takes anywhere from five to eight days to complete, on average. However, there are shorter options for those who have less time. The most popular option is a five-day, four-night trek that leaves from Cusco at the break of dawn and begins on the trail at about 8 a.m.
Sorry, comments are closed for this post.