Best time to Hike Machu Picchu
So, someone’s caught the hiking bug and is dreaming of Machu Picchu. Classic. But before they start packing alpaca socks and buying walking poles with Bluetooth (yes, they exist), there’s one critical question they’ll have to answer: What’s the best way to hike to Machu Picchu?
Let’s break it down, with a little trail talk and a lot of oxygen-deprived enthusiasm.
The Inca Trail: For the Romantic Gluttons for Punishment
There’s a reason the Inca Trail is basically the Beyoncé of Machu Picchu hikes. Four days of lush cloud forest, stone steps crafted by actual Incas (who had legs like iron and lungs like gods), and that dramatic finale—bursting through the Sun Gate at sunrise, just in time to ugly cry at the first glimpse of the Lost City.
It’s stunning & It’s spiritual. It’s also got more stairs than an M.C. Escher drawing.
But don’t let the dream fool you. This trek is regulated tighter than your cousin’s wedding seating plan. Permits sell out faster than festival tickets, and you’ll be hiking in a convoy with other romantics and mild masochists. It’s sweaty, challenging, and deeply worth it. Just pack a sense of humor and a very forgiving pair of knees.
Salkantay Trek: For the Hardcore Nature Nerds
Now, if someone hears “altitude sickness” and thinks, Sounds like a fun challenge, then Salkantay’s their jam. It skips the Inca ruins but makes up for it with snow-capped mountains, jungle vibes, and the kind of remote beauty that makes you start questioning your city lifestyle and considering buying a yurt.
It’s five days, includes a 15,000-foot mountain pass (oh yes), and ends at—you guessed it—Machu Picchu. Bonus points: no permit required. Just bring strong legs and an appreciation for aggressive changes in weather.
Also, llamas. There are always llamas.
Lares Trek: For Culture and Cozy Vibes
This one’s for the hiker who’s not into crowds or extreme cardio, but wouldn’t say no to a hot spring and a chat with a local grandmother knitting in the Andes. The Lares Trek is more off-the-beaten-path, with gentle trails winding through Quechua villages, lakes, and pastures with kids who will definitely beat you in a footrace.
It’s shorter, quieter, and more cultural. Perfect for someone who likes their adventure with a cup of coca tea and maybe a knitted hat they bought from the person who made it.
The Train Option: For the “Hiker at Heart”
Let’s be honest—some people just want the Instagram shot and the story without sweating out half their soul. And that’s fine! There’s a train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, and a bus right up to Machu Picchu’s gate.
Zero blisters. Maximum photo ops. Unlimited smugness.
They’ll still see the ruins, just without the days of trekking and tent-dwelling. Do they deserve the view? Debatable. Will they get it? Absolutely.
Final Thoughts from the Mountain (Sort Of)
There’s no “best” way to hike Machu Picchu—only the best way for that specific soul craving altitude and awe. Whether they hike like a warrior or glide in like royalty, Machu Picchu doesn’t disappoint. It’s ancient & It’s epic. It’s crawling with history…and llamas.
Choose the trail. Pack the snacks. And for the love of Pachamama, don’t forget the toilet paper.