Machu Picchu is South America's most popular tourist destination, top of many people's travel bucket list and considered a must-see attraction in Peru. Your only decision is how you want to get to and explore the ancient Inca Citadel rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911.
We offer a variety of different options from treks & hikes such as Salkantay, Lares and classic Inca Trail Treks plus the very popular Inca Jungle Trek Tour offering a way to get to Machu PIcchu by hiking, biking plus some rafting and ziplining options.
If you're not interested in trekking or have less time then we have shorter options of 1 or 2 days from Cusco to visit the site by train or bus including guided tours with English-speaking guides.
We have options for every budget so if you're looking for a cheap tour or a quality option for a bit more money we can arrange the excursion for you.
We work with safe operators and knowledgeable guides. While the Inca Trail and a few other options must be booked far in advance in order to get a space, some alternative treks and shorter tours usually don't require such long notice.
If you're planning on visiting Rainbow Mountain as well you might be interested in the discounted bundle of Rainbow Mountain & Machu Picchu by Train to save some money.
Machu Picchu Inca Citadel Peru
The jewel in the crown of the impressive Peruvian tourism portfolio, the ancient Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu is a UNESCO world heritage site and one of the new 7 wonders of the world.
The name Machu Picchu in the local language Quechua mean Old Mountain and refers to the location of the Inca Site.
The complex was built in the 15th century around 1450 and its origins and exact use are still debated by archaeologists, but many agree it was built as a royal estate for Pachacuti, the Incan Emperor around that time.
It was only occupied for around 80 to 100 years though as it was abandoned when the Spanish conquistadors arrived in South America and began pillaging the Inca Empire.
Left uninhabited in its obscure mountain location the Spanish never discovered the site and it was unknown to the outside world until the Yale historian Hiram Bingham shone light on its existence in 1911.
Machu Picchu receives over half a million visitors per year and there are concerns from UNESCO, environmentalists and the Peruvian government of the effects the sheer numbers of visitors were having on this historical world monument.
Visitor numbers per day have been limited for some years and since July 2017 there have been some additional changes applied by the tourism authorities of Peru.
Previously when you purchased an entry ticket for Machu Picchu you could enter and stay the entire duration of its opening hours that day. This meant of course certain periods were much more congested than others so to address this issue and make the flow of tourists throughout the day more uniform there are now two visiting slots and you must purchase a ticket for either the morning or afternoon entry period.
The morning ticket is valid from 6am to 12 midday and the afternoon ticket is valid from 12 midday through to 5.30pm.
To get to Machu Pichu you first need to travel to the town of Aguas Calientes and that usually means starting your trip from Cusco. There are several ways to get to the small town including trekking, train, bus or private vehicle.
Whilst it is possible to do everything independently (apart from the Inca Trail Trek – that must be done with a tour operator) and buy your entry tickets & transport yourself, most people opt for a tour as, apart from it being far easier, having a licenced guide to explain the history and mysteries of the Machu Picchu site makes for a much more interesting experience.
Trekking to Machu Picchu is incredibly popular and this is partly due to the Classic Inca Trail that is high up on many a visitor’s bucket list.
Permits for the Inca Trail are limited and often book up far in advance especially in peak months but there are several other treks to Machu Picchu that are equally spectacular.
The alternative treks are cheaper also so if you have missed out on a spot on the Inca Trail or are simply looking for a more budget friendly tour these make great options.
This is certainly one of and possibly THE most famous trek in the world. The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu has been featured in countless travel supplements and travel shows and is the iconic way to trek to the Inca Citadel.
The standard trek is 4 days with the final day including an early arrival at Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate.
The trek is of medium difficulty although the altitude can make it seem harder for some especially if they are not usually trekkers.
Along the way you will see several minor Inca sites, wonderfully preserved inca paving, stunning valleys and mountain scenery.
Every February the Inca Trail is closed to limit damage during the wettest part of the rainy season and to allow for some maintenance work. Machu Picchu site remains option for visits during this time.
See full details for our Classic 4 Day Inca Trail Budget Tour or if you are limited on time there is a 2 Day Inca Trail Budget option as well.
Although not as famous as the classic Inca Trail the Salkantay Trek is an extremely popular alternative and many think it offers even better scenery.
Passing by some incredible mountain vistas, the beautiful Lake Humantay and crossing mountain passes as high as 4600 meters this is a classic Andean mountain trek with a visit to Machu Picchu as an incredible finish.
You will get to see two of the highest mountains in the area with the 6270 meter Salkantay and 6070 meter Humantay peaks a prominent feature of the surrounding landscapes.
There are 4 or 5-day variations of this trek and there is also a chance to ride a zipline on day 4 with some tours as an optional extra.
The Salkantay Trek is open throughout the year and you can get spaces much easier than the Inca Trail and it costs a lot less.
See full details of our budget 5 Day Salkantay Trek with a return by Train and you can see other options below that include 4 day options and cheaper tours with return by bus instead.
This option isn’t just a trek but a multi activity 3 or 4 day tour that will including trekking, mountain biking and optional extras of rafting and a zipline.
On the last day you have a tour of Machu Picchu with a guide before returning to Cusco by Train or bus.
This tour is very popular as it offers lots of adventure and excite but it also a budget friendly way of getting to Machu Picchu
See full details for our 4 Day Inca Jungle Trek with Return by Train - we also have more options in the full tour list below including cheaper options with return by bus and tours of 3 days.
Probably the least well-known option this 4 day trek gives you a chance to experience the rural countryside of southern Peru.
You will be trekking in the Cordillera Urubamba region, passing through remote villages, past pasture fields with herds llamas and alpacas to arrive at your final destination of Aguas Calientes to rest a night before your visit to the Machupicchu site.
See full details for our 4 Day Lares Trek
If trekking isnt for you we also have plenty of tour options to visit Machu Picchu by Train which you can see in the tour list below
Last Updated 3rd August 2018
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This is our budget option for the Inca Jungle tour to Machu Picchu. It is an alternative way to get to Machu Picchu and engage in an incredible multi-activity tour that includes biking, trekking, rafting and zip-lining.The tour is 3 days that includes these activities ending in Aguas Calientes where we spend the night before ending the tour with the highlight of South America's most famous tourist attraction - the site of Machu Picchu itself on day 4.
This is the shorter version of our budget Inca Jungle Trek, a popular 3-day multi-activity tour to Machu Picchu. Biking, rafting, ziplining & trekking all add to the adventure! The tour is 2 days of hiking & biking with possible additions of rafting and ziplining before arriving in Aguas Calientes where we spend the night before ending the tour with the highlight of South America, the most famous tourist attraction - the site of Machu Picchu itself on day 3.
This is our budget option returning by bus for the Inca Jungle tour to Machu Picchu. It is an alternative way to get to Machu Picchu and engage in an incredible multi-activity tour that includes biking, trekking, rafting and zip-lining. The tour is 3 days ending in Aguas Calientes, where we spend the night before visiting the site of Machu Picchu itself on day 4. This is the ideal option for those travelling on a budget who want to avoid the more expensive return by train.
This the shorter version of our budget Inca Jungle tour to Machu Picchu returning by bus. It is an alternative way to get to Machu Picchu and engage in an incredible multi-activity tour. The tour is 2 days that include biking, trekking, rafting and zip-lining ending in Aguas Calientes, where we spend the night before visiting the site of Machu Picchu itself on day 3. This is the ideal option for those short on time and travelling on a budget who want to avoid the more expensive return by train.
This is the ideal option for those who do not have a lot of time and have a limited budget to visit Machu Picchu. Getting to Machu Picchu by bus rather than by train takes a little bit longer but it will allow you to will save a lot of money and still have a great time. You will pass through the beautiful scenery of the Andes and the sub-tropical forest of Cusco, meet friendly local people, and of course you will have plenty of time to see the incredible site of Machu Picchu itself.
A day trip to Machu Picchu is a great way if you are short on time but still want to include this wonder of the world in your itinerary. This tour starts very early in the morning in order to allow you to take one of the first trains to Aguas Calientes and have plenty of time to visit the Machu Picchu site itself.
Take this 2-day combo tour and visit the stunning Sacred Valley of the Incas on your way to world-famous Machu Picchu. With bus and train transportation you will travel to these sites past wonderful Andean scenery in comfort and have plenty of time to see the incredible site of Machu Picchu itself.
This two day tour to visit the world famous site of Machu Picchu is a popular option for those not wanting to do one of the popular treks but still visit the site of Machu Picchu. With bus and train transportation you will travel to the site past wonderful Andean scenery in comfort and have plenty of time to see the incredible site of Machu Picchu itself.
This is our budget Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu. Salkantay is a popular alternative trek to the classic Inca Trail trek but no less beautiful. The trek passes by stunning scenery including the Humantay Lake and the snowcapped peak of Salkantay mountain itself. The trek is 4 days ending in Aguas Calientes where we spend the night before ending the tour with South America's most famous tourist attraction - the site of Machu Picchu itself on day 5.
This our budget Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu returning by bus - a popular alternative trek to the classic Inca Trail trek but no less beautiful. The trek passes by stunning scenery including the Humantay Lake and the snowcapped peak of Salkantay. The trek is 4 days ending in Aguas Calientes where we spend the night before ending the tour with Machu Picchu itself on day 5. This is the ideal option for those travelling on a budget who want to avoid the more expensive return by train.
This is the shorter version of our budget Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu. Salkantay is a popular alternative trek to the classic Inca Trail trek but no less beautiful. The trek passes by stunning scenery including Humantay Lake and the snowcapped peak of Salkantay. The trek is 3 days ending in Aguas Calientes where we spend the night before ending the tour with the site of Machu Picchu itself on day 4. Recommended if you are short on time but don't want to miss out.
This is our shorter version of the budget option returning by bus for the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu. The trek passes by stunning scenery including Humantay Lake and the snowcapped peak of Salkantay. The trek is 3 days ending in Aguas Calientes where we spend the night before ending the tour with Machu Picchu itself on day 4. This is a great option for those short on time and travelling on a budget who want to avoid the more expensive return by train.
Classic Inca Trail - Budget option to Machu Picchu 4 Days - You should book your Inca Trail to Machu Picchu months in advance (for some months 5 or 6 months) in order to get a space on the dates you wish. The Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu is 43 km long and includes stunning scenery, a variety of Incan archaeological sites ending with the highlight of South Americas most famous tourist attraction - the site of Machu Picchu itself.
This is our 2-day-budget option for the world-famous Inca Trail. It is a shorter version of this trek for those who are short on time but don't want to miss out on this experience. The world famous Inca Trail is on many peoples "must do" list and it books up fast. You should book your Inca Trail to Machu Picchu months in advance in order to get a space on the dates you wish. This short version of the trek involves one day of trekking and the visit of Machu Picchu site on the second day.
Lares is a popular alternative trek to the classic Inca Trail trek and is considered the most remote of the Inca treks to Machu Picchu. The trek passes by through seldom visited areas of the Cordillera Urubamba to the East of Cusco with views of mountains and valleys. The trek is a 3-day trek ending in Aguas Calientes where we spend the night before ending the tour with the highlight of South America's most famous tourist attraction - the site of Machu Picchu itself on day 4.
This is our mid-range classic Inca Trail option - the famous 4 day trek to Machu Picchu - operated by our partner Bamba Experience, ideal for those who are not travelling on a budget and fancy a better comfort during the trip. You need to book months in advance (for peak times 5/6 months in advance). This is a 43km trek so you need to be in reasonble physical condition but if offers incredible views, passing by various Incan archaeological sites and ending at the world famous Machu Picchu - one of the worlds top attractions.
This is our mid-range option for the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu operated by our partner Bamba Experience. It is a higher and less beaten alternative trek to the classic Inca Trail trek but no less beautiful. The trek goes through another side of the Andes range and passes by remote Andean communities and stunning scenery including the snow capped peak of Salkantay and Humantay mountains. The trek lasts 4 days and ends in Aguas Calientes. Here we spend the night before ending the tour with the visit of Machu Picchu, South America's top tourist attraction.
This is our 4 day mid-range option for the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu operated by our partner Bamba Experience. The trek goes through another side of the Andes range and passes by remote Andean communities and stunning scenery including the snow capped peak of Salkantay and Humantay mountains. The trek lasts 3 days and ends in Aguas Calientes. Here we spend the night before ending the tour with the visit of Machu Picchu, South America's top tourist attraction.
The Inca Quarry trek is a good alternative way for getting to the Machu Picchu. It's a less crowded route that passes through wonderful Andean scenery with waterfalls, including also some interesting archaelogical sites such as the Cachicata Quarry. The trek lasts 4 days and ends in Aguas Calientes. Here we spend the night before ending the tour with the visit of Machu Picchu, South America's number one tourist attraction.
This is our mid-range option for the Inca Jungle tour to Machu Picchu operated by Bamba Experience. It is an alternative way to get to Machu Picchu and engage in an incredible multi-activity tour that includes biking, trekking, rafting and zip-lining. The tour is 3 days that includes these activities ending in Aguas Calientes where we spend the night before ending the tour with the highlight of South America's most famous tourist attraction - the site of Machu Picchu itself on day 4.