The location of Machu Picchu is well known, but your chosen path of getting there can define your whole trip. The first one includes walking through the traditional Incan stone trails, the second one goes through stunning mountain terrain, and other paths bring visitors to Andean villages far away from the rest of civilization.
Each path differs in distance, elevation, difficulty level, permit, and time required, which adds some value to your selection of the path. It matters much more than selecting the most popular hiking path. Your fitness, schedule, and preferences have to be considered during the process.
After analyzing all options, you will find it easy to compare different tour companies.
1. Classic Inca Trail
Inca Classic Trek is probably the most famous trekking trail. It covers roughly 42 kilometers across four trekking days. Hikers follow original stone paths through archaeological sites and cloud forests.
The challenging section reaches Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,215 meters. Proper altitude preparation before starting can make this section more manageable.
Peru’s tourism authorities limit Inca Trail access to 500 people daily. Importantly, this number includes guides and support workers as well. Entry requires an authorized agency and an advance reservation. The route also closes throughout February for annual conservation work.
It is suitable for those who prefer historical context while hiking. Reservations well in advance during peak travel time are advisable.
2. Short Inca Trail
The Short Inca Trail suits travelers with limited vacation time. Most itineraries take two days and include one hotel night.
The hike begins around Kilometer 104 near the railway line. You then pass Chachabamba before climbing toward Wiñay Wayna. Later, the trail reaches Inti Punku before entering Machu Picchu.
The typical route covers around 12 kilometers of hiking on the main day. The highest sections are considerably lower than Dead Woman’s Pass.
You still require an official permit for this route. Book early because the short trail also has controlled capacity.
3. Salkantay Trek
The Salkantay offers you a mountain trail option for those who do not want to walk on the Inca Trail.
The route crosses Salkantay Pass at approximately 4,650 meters. You encounter alpine terrain before descending toward warmer cloud forest areas. Standard five-day versions can cover around 72 kilometers in total.
But the trek is challenging, and you should be well prepared. This trek demands good preparation because altitude adds difficulty quickly. Spend several days around Cusco before beginning your hike.
Salkantay can also help when Classic Inca Trail permits disappear. However, your Machu Picchu entry still requires advance planning separately.
4. Lares Trek
The Lares Trek is suitable for tourists who would like to experience Andean communities. The route passes mountain villages and high-altitude lakes before reaching Ollantaytambo.
A common four-day itinerary covers approximately 33 kilometers overall. Ipsaycocha Pass reaches around 4,450 meters above sea level. Most programs then use the train toward Aguas Calientes before Machu Picchu.
This route does not follow the Classic Inca Trail itself. However, it gives your trip more contact with rural Andean areas.
Travelers searching for trekking routes should compare altitude carefully first. Distance does not mean easy hiking.
5. Choquequirao to Machu Picchu
Choquequirao is better suited for experienced walkers with considerably more time at their disposal. Several itineraries connect the remote archaeological complex with Machu Picchu.
A traditional version can take around seven trekking days. One current itinerary reaches elevations around 4,130 meters before finishing at Machu Picchu.
Expect long climbs and several demanding days on this route. You should train properly before choosing this particular journey.
The reward comes through visiting two major Inca archaeological destinations. Another advantage of Choquequirao is the few visitors compared to Machu Picchu.
When Should You Trek?
The dry season makes hiking in the region of Cusco easier to predict. Peru’s tourism authority identifies April through October as the more favorable period for the Inca Trail.
June through August can bring colder nights at altitude. Bring multiple layers of clothing rather than one big coat.
For 2026, Peru has also maintained controlled capacity inside Machu Picchu. The Ministry of Culture allows up to 5,600 daily visitors during specified high-season dates.
Advance reservations therefore matter beyond the trail permit itself.
Five Tour Companies to Consider
Choosing an operator deserves as much attention as selecting your route. Compare permits and emergency procedures before paying any deposit. Also make sure to check group size and exactly what the price includes.
1. Guru Explorers
Guru Explorers operates from Cusco and provides several Peru trekking options. Its current catalog includes Inca Trail and Salkantay experiences around Machu Picchu. The company states that it works with local guides and holds an operating certificate.
It offers treks in both shared and private formats for various types of clients. Ask exactly which permits and Machu Picchu tickets your chosen package includes.
2. Alpaca Expeditions
Alpaca Expeditions is a Cusco-based trekking operator with multiple Inca Trail programs. Current options include two-day and four-day Inca Trail itineraries.
The company also publishes information about licenses and porter programs. Look at their equipment list and group size before planning your trek.
3. Llama Path
Llama Path has operated from Cusco since 2003. The company states that it holds official permissions for Inca Trail operations.
Its focus includes the Classic Inca Trail and alternative routes. Travelers concerned about porter welfare may also review its published employment policies.
4. Evolution Treks Peru
Evolution Treks Peru offers several versions of the Inca Trail. Options currently include short and classic routes with different service levels.
The company also promotes women porter employment and responsible worker policies.
Consider the group size when booking your trip.
5. SAM Travel Peru
SAM Travel Peru operates both Classic and Short Inca Trail tours. It also offers Salkantay and Choquequirao combinations reaching Machu Picchu.
Its published group programs commonly use smaller trekking groups. Check current permit availability before paying your booking deposit.
What to Check Before Booking
Never compare operators by headline price alone before booking. Ask every company the same practical questions before paying.
- Ensure that your cost includes all the necessary hiking permits.
- Ask which Machu Picchu circuit comes with your package.
- Check the maximum number of hikers in your group.
- Request details about emergency oxygen and first-aid support.
- Confirm porter or horse weight rules before packing luggage.
- Inquire about the policies for cancellations because of bad weather.
- Verify hotel and train categories before paying your deposit.
Final Thoughts
Selecting which trail to follow around Machu Picchu comes down to individual preference. The Classic Inca Trail provides the richest historic walking route. Salkantay brings higher mountains and longer wilderness sections into your trip.
Lares gives you more community contact along the journey. Choquequirao suits hikers wanting a demanding multi-day adventure. For those with less vacation time, the Short Inca Trail is a better choice.
After choosing your route, compare several operators carefully. Review Guru Explorers alongside other established Cusco trekking companies. A little research before booking can prevent major problems later.
Which are some of the recommended treks to Machu Picchu?
The treks that people consider for Machu Picchu include the Classic Inca Trail, the Short Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek, the Lares Trek, and the Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu.
Do you need a permit for the Inca Trail?
Indeed. Both Classic and Short Inca Trail tours are restricted, and a permit is needed.
What should one consider when choosing the company that will organize the trip to Machu Picchu?
One should take into account such factors as permits, Machu Picchu tickets, number of tourists, emergency services, policy of porters, cancellations, accommodations, etc.
Which trail to Machu Picchu should be chosen if the vacation period is not long?
Short Inca Trail is intended for those who do not have enough time for hiking, as most of their trips last for two days.
