Machu Picchu Hikes

Tales of the legendary lost city entice many travelers to embark on Machu Picchu hikes. Depending on your fitness level and how long you want to spend on the trail, you can choose the best tour for your trip to the sacred Incan city. There are Machu Picchu hiking tours for every type of traveler, whether you want to begin your journey 75 miles away in Cusco or just a few miles away in Aguas Calientes. This semi-tropical area, with its gorgeous scenery, is ideal for a few days spent hiking. Whether you want a one-hour tour or a five-day hiking extravaganza, you will find options in this area of Peru.

When it comes to Machu Picchu hikes, you have two main decisions to make: the length of the hike and the size of the tour. Some travelers don't like the idea of joining a big tour group and would rather pay extra money to hire their own hiking guide. Others, especially solo travelers, like the idea of joining other fellow adventure enthusiasts for a hike. The second decision is the length. While it may be romantic to follow in the footsteps of the Incas along the Inca Trail connecting Cusco and Machu Picchu, not every traveler will have the fitness level and desire to make five days of hiking including camping a worthwhile adventure.

That being said, Machu Picchu hiking tours do offer breathtaking scenery. Few other hikes offer such a range, from high sierra to tropical jungle. The best part about these extended hiking tours-other than the scenery-is that everything is included in one price. Your tour will include meals, camping gear, tents, and your guide. Guides are typically bilingual and quite knowledgeable about the region and its history. One of the pleasures of these hiking tours is everything you will learn along the way. A day on the Inca trail typically begins at 7 am with a hot breakfast and concludes around 4 pm. If that amount of hiking sounds right up your alley, go ahead and make a reservation.

For a short introduction to this type of experience, some travelers choose a two-day, one-night option that doesn't include camping. This type of tour includes following the last six hours of the trail and the dramatic views of descending into the Lost City of the Incas. After a night in a hotel, this tour returns to Machu Picchu early to see an incredible sunrise. Other Inca Trail hiking tours include four- and five-day options where you can camp and enjoy evenings around the campfire. Travelers who are pressed for time or have no desire to embark on hikes that require such stamina will want to try Machu Picchu hikes from another destination: Aguas Calientes. This town is located just a 90-minute walk from the historic site, and tour guides can start a hike from here.

As the popularity of Machu Picchu has increased among international travelers, the number of tour groups have grown significantly. This is good news for travelers who can compare prices about Machu Picchu hiking tours and find the best fit for them. Whether your hike begins in Cusco, Aguas Calientes, or only includes a walk around the archaeological site, you will benefit from the knowledge of a guide who can illuminate a great deal about this sacred Incan city. It is important to be prepared for all hikes with the right equipment. Don't bring a new pair of hiking boots-these are often the source of blisters and discomfort. With a water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray nothing will distract you from enjoying the amazing views of Machu Picchu.