Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas,” is a dream destination for many. This wonder of the modern world offers an unforgettable experience. For adventurous travelers, the allure of trekking through Peru’s cloud jungles on the famous Inca Trail is stronger than a simple bus or train ride. So, Do You Need A Guide To Hike Machu Picchu? Let’s explore!
The classic four-day, three-night trek along the Inca Trail is a popular choice for backpackers heading to Machu Picchu. This journey along the ancient stone pathway is an incredible and memorable experience.
While the hike can be challenging, with burning legs and lungs, the reward is well worth the effort. Witnessing the sunrise over Machu Picchu on the final morning is a sight you’ll never forget.
The Classic Four-Day Hike: What to Expect
The Inca Empire constructed an extensive road network throughout the Andes. Treks are available that cover Inca routes in Ecuador, Bolivia, Argentina, Chile, and Peru.
The most famous section is the “Royal Road,” used by Inca royalty and pilgrims journeying to Machu Picchu. This route typically takes four days. Numerous tour operators offer guided four-day, three-night trips along this section of the trail. While companies may differ in small ways, the overall experience remains consistent.
Day Zero: Pre-Hike Briefing
Most tour operators hold a pre-hike check-in the evening before the trek. This meeting allows you to meet your guide, receive last-minute tips, and learn about the trail’s highlights. Arrive in Cusco at least a day before your trek to attend this important meeting.
Consider arriving in Cusco several days in advance to acclimatize to the altitude. Trekking through the Andes at up to 4,215 meters (13,828 feet) without acclimatization can be dangerous. Altitude sickness can range from unpleasant to fatal.
Cusco itself is an amazing city to explore, offering historical sites and the surrounding Sacred Valley area. Take time to acclimatize and discover these attractions.
Day One: The Adventure Begins
Prepare for an early start on Day One! Most tours depart Cusco around 5 or 6 AM to reach the trailhead (a three-hour drive) with ample time for hiking.
Many tours begin at KM 82, Piscacucho, while some start at KM 88. The elevation at the start is about 2,600 meters (8,530 feet).
You’ll likely wait in line for passport and permit checks. The Peruvian government strictly regulates the number of trekkers on the Inca Trail to preserve the ancient road system.
Booking through a tour company is crucial because they handle the permits and paperwork. You only need to present your passport.
After crossing the Urubamba River on a suspension bridge, the hike begins with a relatively easy incline. Enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including snow-capped Mount Veronica, and Inca ruins like the terraces of Llactapata.
After several hours of hiking, it’s time for lunch. Your tour group includes a guide, porters, and a chef who prepare incredible meals. Multi-course meals with elaborate garnishes await you, along with a tent, tables, and chairs for dining and resting.
After lunch, continue hiking for several more hours to reach the night’s campsite. Most tours stop around the Wayllabamba camping area, at 3,000 meters (9,842 feet). Some tours offer hot showers for an extra fee, a worthwhile option for a final rinse.
Expect a well-prepared campsite and another fantastic meal upon arrival. Day one involves about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) of hiking, with a small elevation gain of 400 meters (1,300 ft.). This takes six to seven hours, excluding breaks. It’s the easiest day, preparing your body for the tougher days ahead.
The Inca Trail’s paths consist largely of original Inca stonework.
Day Two: The Toughest Challenge
Day two is the most challenging, with the largest incline and highest elevation.
The morning begins with a steady climb that lasts most of the day. The switchbacks transform into stone stairs laid by the Inca. You’ll literally climb a staircase up a mountain!
These large stone steps are difficult, even for experienced hikers. Take your time, breathe, enjoy the scenery, drink plenty of water, and consider chewing coca leaves to help with the altitude.
The views are stunning as you pass through cloud forests, observe Andean peaks, and possibly spot a condor. A lunch break provides a much-needed rest before continuing upwards.
After hours, you’ll reach Warmiwañusca, “Dead Woman’s Pass,” at approximately 4,200 meters (13,780 feet). Reaching the summit brings an overwhelming sense of accomplishment.
After a brief rest, the descent begins to the night’s campsite. The path consists of large stone steps, which can strain your knees and joints.
The second day ends at the Pacasmayo campsite, around 3,600 meters (11,811 feet), where you’ll fall asleep soundly.
Day two covers around 12 kilometers (7.5 miles), similar to day one, but the steep elevation means hiking for seven to nine hours.
Day Three: Downhill to the Final Campsite
Day three starts with an uphill section, but it’s shorter and easier than the previous day’s climb.
After passing the Runcuracay ruin, an ancient guard post and rest area for Inca messengers, you summit a smaller peak and begin a mostly downhill hike through the humid cloud forest.
You can explore other Inca ruins like Sayamarca and Qonchamarca along the way. The Inca Trail also passes through natural tunnels and the mountainside during your morning hike.
After lunch, the hike continues downhill, passing more Inca ruins until you reach a campsite near Wiñay Wayna at about 2,700 meters (8,858 feet).
Day three covers the longest distance: 16 kilometers (almost 10 miles) in about seven to eight hours.
Day Four: Machu Picchu Awaits
The final day begins very early (around 4:00 AM). You’ll eat a quick breakfast and pack up camp for the last time.
You’ll say goodbye to your porters at this point (but continue with your guide), so tip them before setting off.
Several hours of this morning will be spent hiking in the dark, entering the site from the opposite direction of day-trippers from Cusco. A headlamp with fully-charged batteries is essential.
The stone stairs in the dark require slow progress, but glimpses of the starry sky above motivate you forward.
After a couple of hours, you’ll arrive at the gate to Machu Picchu. After the gate opens, continue hiking for another hour as the sun rises, illuminating the jungle around you.
At the Sun Gate, relax and watch the sunrise over Machu Picchu. Celebrate your accomplishment of surviving the Inca Trail – an unforgettable moment.
After sunrise, a gentle downhill slope leads you into the “Lost City.” You must exit and re-enter the site with your guide, and check your backpack in at the entrance for a small fee.
Most tours offer a guided tour of Machu Picchu, explaining the different temples, architecture, and archaeological finds. If your guide doesn’t provide a tour, you can join one at Machu Picchu (tickets cost around 152 soles or $45 USD per person).
For those who haven’t hiked enough, there are additional peaks to climb.
Consider climbing Huayna Picchu for an extra fee ($85 USD per person). This steep peak overlooks the city and requires metal chains for balance. The view from the top is a panorama of Machu Picchu and the surrounding valley. However, the viewpoint from the Sun Gate is already included in your trip cost and is equally stunning.
After exploring Machu Picchu, take a bus down to Aguas Calientes. Many tour companies include a final meal in Aguas Calientes. If yours doesn’t, it’s easy to find a restaurant before heading back to Cusco.
Depending on your tour operator, your return to Cusco involves rail transportation, bus transportation, or a combination of both.
Upon arriving back in Cusco, ensure you have pre-arranged accommodation for a hot shower and cozy bed to conclude your epic adventure!
The hike into Machu Picchu on day four is eight kilometers (5 miles), excluding exploring Machu Picchu or climbing Huayna Picchu.
In total, you will have hiked at least 48 kilometers (just shy of 30 miles) in four days!
Preparing for the Inca Trail
Best Time to Travel
The Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, and other Inca archaeological sites are closed in February for restoration.
Book well in advance, ideally six months ahead, especially for group travel, to secure your desired dates and tour company and allow the company to obtain permits. Solo travelers or couples might find space on group tours with less planning.
The dry season in Cusco, from May to October, is the best time to travel. While rain is possible, downpours are less likely. Expect lower temperatures, with daytime temperatures around 18-20°C (65-70°F) and nighttime temperatures dropping to freezing. An insulated sleeping bag and warm layers are essential.
These months experience higher tourist numbers due to favorable weather and North American vacations. Since the Peruvian government limits daily tourist traffic on the Inca Trail, crowds on the trail itself won’t increase drastically, but you may need to book further in advance.
The Inca Trail’s benefit is arriving at the Sun Gate for sunrise, beating most day-trippers arriving by train or bus.
November through April (excluding February) are less crowded, marginally warmer (nighttime temperatures around 10°C (50°F)), and significantly rainier. Adjust your packing list with less warm layers and more rain protection.
Choosing a Tour Company
Yes, you must hike the Inca Trail with a guide due to government regulations. If you prefer to hike independently, consider the Salkantay and other trail options discussed below.
Choosing a tour company can be challenging due to the numerous options. Remember that most companies offer practically the same tour.
A reputable company is Alpaca Expeditions, known for quality relationships with the communities where their porters live and customized private tours. They include a porter to carry personal belongings. They also allow you to bring your own sleeping bag and mat, which can lower your costs.
Research tour operators, starting with Alpaca Expeditions. Compare their offerings with others. Look for included transportation, the number of meals, a Machu Picchu tour, and the price, including any add-ons.
The Cost of Hiking the Inca Trail
Most tour companies cost around $700 USD per person for a group rate. Private tours range from $800 USD to $1,800 USD, depending on group size.
While seemingly expensive, the cost is reasonable for what’s included. A $700 USD group tour includes permits, entrance fees for Machu Picchu, 11 meals, a tour guide, chef, porters, and transportation.
Entrance to Machu Picchu alone costs 152 soles, or $45 USD. A one-way train ticket from Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo costs between $55 USD and $180 USD.
Consider the fair price you’re paying for guides, chefs, and porters to receive decent wages.
Additional costs may include:
- An additional porter to carry personal items for $80 USD.
- The Huayna Picchu hike for $60-90 USD.
- Rental gear like sleeping bags, sleeping pads, trekking poles, rain ponchos, etc.
The cheapest way to hike the Inca Trail is with a group tour, carrying your own gear, and skipping add-ons. However, this is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, so consider splurging on desired experiences.
Tipping Guides and Other Staff
Tips are a significant part of the guides’, chefs’, and porters’ income. While optional, include tipping in your cost planning. Recommended tips range from 60-150 soles (or about $20-50 USD) per person, adjusted for group size. Give the tip money to your tour guide on the last day for distribution. Don’t forget to tip your guide as well!
Packing for the Inca Trail
A benefit of hiking the Inca Trail is not carrying your tent, food, or water.
Many companies offer to carry personal belongings for an additional charge. Whether you carry your full pack or pay for a porter, essential items include:
- Hiking boots. Break them in before your trip.
- Hiking socks. Bring at least two pairs.
- Rain poncho or rain gear.
- A cap or brimmed hat.
- Sunglasses.
- Sunscreen.
- A beanie.
- Bug spray.
- A headlamp. Essential for the last morning.
- Trekking poles. A necessity on the stone stairs.
- A water bottle or Camelback.
- Toiletries. Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and a washcloth.
- Toilet paper. The “Inca Baño” has no walls, toilet, or T.P.
- Light snacks.
- Camera! With plenty of batteries.
- Portable charger. For phones or GoPros.
- Your passport.
- Money. For tipping.
Other Options for Hiking in Peru
Shorter Inca Trail Options
If four days of trekking is too much, shorter options exist.
Alpaca Expeditions offers three-day, two-night and two-day, one-night options for hiking a shorter section of the Inca Trail.
Some involve staying at hostels instead of camping, and prices average around $500 USD.
These options suit those unsure of their trekking abilities, preferring less time without a shower or bed, or those with limited time in Cusco and Peru.
Another option is a four-day tour including a short section of hiking on the Inca Trail, entrance to and a tour of Machu Picchu, plus activities like mountain biking and white-water rafting.
Alternatives to the Inca Trail
Alternative trails are available for those seeking a Peruvian hiking experience without the Inca Trail, which can be difficult to book last-minute.
Three popular alternatives are the Salkantay, Choquequirao, and Lares treks. These trails are also suitable for hiking without a guide.
The Salkantay Trail
Highlights include views of Mount Salkantay and Lake Humantay. The trek ends at Aguas Calientes, making it easy to visit Machu Picchu.
The Salkantay trek is usually four days, three nights, but experienced hikers can complete it in three days. At 72 kilometers (45 miles), reaching 4,630 meters (15,190 feet), it is longer and higher than the Inca Trail.
The Choquequirao Trail
Another historic Inca site is Choquequirao. This trek takes four days and three nights round trip and receives less traffic.
The trail is longer (about 64 kilometers or 40 miles) and low (your top elevation will only get to about 3,050 meters (10,000 feet)), but the hike is seriously challenging thanks to a steep climb.
Entrance to Choquequirao is about 60 soles ($18 USD) per person, purchased at the gate. Ambitious hikers can extend the trek to nine days to include both Inca sites, purchasing Machu Picchu tickets in Cusco beforehand.
The Lares Trail
This trail takes two or three days, covering 36 kilometers (22 miles). However, the altitude reaches 4,800 meters (15,748 feet), so ensure you are well-acclimated.
The benefits are less traffic and crowding and the fact that you will not need to book as far in advance. The con is that you will not end in Machu Picchu.
However, most tour companies offer a day tour of Machu Picchu at the end of the trek via train or bus.
If you prefer to trek on your own without a guide, that option is available to you for all three options, but please weigh your choices carefully when choosing to trek without a guide. Some things to consider before trekking without a guide:
- Acclimatization: Ensure you have time to acclimatize to the altitude.
- Equipment: Pack all necessary equipment, including a tent, camp stove, and food.
- Machu Picchu Visit: These alternative routes do not end at the Sun Gate overlooking Machu Picchu. Arrange your Machu Picchu visit beforehand.
Whether you opt for the classic Inca Trail trek or one of the alternatives, I hope you’ll be able to visit Peru and enjoy the gorgeous natural and historical sites that this area of the world is home to, and I hope that this guide helps you plan out the perfect trip!
