How To Choose The Right Machu Picchu Trekking Tour For You

How Do I Choose A Machu Picchu Trekking Tour?

First of all, it’s important to remember that everyone is different and has their own personal preferences when it comes to a Machu Picchu tour. The great thing is that there are many different types of tours to choose from, so it’s worth taking your time to evaluate the different options (we have done so later in this article).

However generally speaking, your primary consideration will most likely be around costs. It’s important to know that all Machu Picchu trips will require the purchase of the official entry ticket, and some multi-day tours will require extra permits such as the Inca Trail. So if saving is a must for you, then the Day Trip To Machu Picchu From Cusco will be your best option.

Another important factor is the kind of experience that you want. Machu Picchu itself can get quite busy, so if you’re after a combination of adventure, ancient ruins as well as more peace and quiet, then the Four Day Inca Trail To Machu Picchu Trek is by far the best option. Here you’ll camp within the unforgettable Andes mountains, whilst visiting hidden ruins such as Wiñay Wayna, Sayaqmarca and Intipata.

Which Machu Picchu Trekking Tour Is Best?

Each tour offers something very different, so again it depends on you and what kind of experience you want most.

If you want to see Machu Picchu quickly and nothing else along the way, then the day trip from Cusco makes the most sense. Otherwise the overnight trip is the most popular, since you’ll sleep in Aguas Calientes before visiting the legendary site in the early morning for sunrise.

Now if you are after a more complete and unforgettable experience, then you should look at booking a multi-day hiking tour to Machu Picchu. These include the Inca Trail, Lares Trek and Salkantay Trek – all of which visit incredible sites and pass through amazing scenery before reaching Machu Picchu at the end of each trek.

Your Options: 4+ Different Machu Picchu Trekking Tours

Now we’ll take a look at the different Machu Picchu trekking tours and experiences that you can choose between. Each offers something very different, so be sure to really explore each option before making up your mind!

Day Tour Of Machu Picchu

The legendary citadel of Machu Picchu is located some 5/6 hours away from Cusco, and usually most travellers use the overnight tour to get here. However here at AB Expeditions we also offer an incredible Day Tour To Machu Picchu From Cusco, which is the perfect in-and-out option for those in a rush. Here we’ll leave the city early and take the train to Aguas Calientes, which is shortly followed by a tour of Machu Picchu with our expert tour guide. You’ll then arrive back in Cusco in the evening (which is ideal if you’ll need to fly out that same night).

Overnight Tour Of Machu Picchu

By far the most popular option of all, the Overnight Machu Picchu Tour is perfect for those who want to experience this legendary citadel without rushing around. On our first day we’ll leave Cusco at a more reasonable hour in the morning, and then reach Aguas Calientes in the afternoon (where we can spend the day enjoying the hot springs, butterfly farms and other waterfalls around the town). After a good night’s rest, we’ll then head to Machu Picchu early in the morning and visit the site with a beautiful sunrise, and get an in-depth tour of the ruins before coming back to Cusco.

The Multi-Day Inca Trail To Machu Picchu Trek

If you are looking for the most complete archaeological and breathtaking experience of all, then you can’t do any better than by heading on the Four Day Inca Trail To Machu Picchu Trek. Here we’ll camp in stunning Andean settings each night, hike through cloud forests and over mountain passes, and also visit remote ruins such as those of Sayaqmarca, Wiñay Wayna and Intipata. On our tour here at AB Expeditions you’ll also enjoy gourmet meals with our professional chefs, high-quality camping gear, all permits and entrance tickets included, as well as an experienced Inca Trail guide to lead the way.

The Multi-Day Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu 

Whilst the Inca Trail is the most famous, there are a few other multi-day hiking circuits that culminate at Machu Picchu. The Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu Trek offers a more challenging yet incredible experience, where we will hike around snow-capped mountains, get up and close with giant glaciers, and also see the beautiful Humantay Lake along the way. Given its higher altitude, it is a harder trek than the rest of the options, so if heading on this one you’ll want to make sure you acclimate well in Cusco before, and also head on some gentle treks around the Sacred Valley so you can get properly prepared physically.

Preparing For Altitude On Your Machu Picchu Treks

One of the biggest worries for travelers heading to Machu Picchu is the altitude – and especially since it’s a common topic for Cusco and the surrounding Andean mountains.

Whilst it can be an issue in the city (3399m above sea-level) and on other mountainous treks, Machu Picchu is actually located at a much lower altitude (of just 2430m above sea-level). This is quite a comfortable altitude to walk around, and is perhaps the only destination you can head directly to once reaching Cusco without needing any kind of acclimatisation efforts.

However if you are particularly prone to altitude sickness symptoms (or will be heading on treks like the Inca Trail or Salkantay Trek that regularly pass over 4000m in altitude), then you’ll want to spend a few days in Cusco prior so your body can acclimate properly. We also recommend buying Coca Leaves and Soroche Pills, both of which will prevent altitude sickness symptoms and make it easier for you to enjoy your hike across the Andes before reaching Machu Picchu.

Frequently Asked Questions About Machu Picchu Trekking Tours

Below we’ll now answer some of the frequent questions we get about heading on a Machu Picchu trekking tour, as well as anything else important that you need to know.

Which Are The Best Machu Picchu Trekking Tours?

Usually the overnight Machu Picchu tour from Cusco is considered one of the very best, given you will experience this iconic site without rushing around. However for those who want an unforgettable time hiking around the Andes before visiting Machu Picchu, then the four day Inca Trail trek is by far the best option that you can pick – where you will camp under the stars in the remote Andes and also see many incredible Incan ruins along the way.

How Do I Prepare For Machu Picchu Trekking?

The great thing about Machu Picchu, is that unlike other more challenging destinations around the Cusco Andes, little to no preparation is needed to come here! Firstly the ruins are located at a more comfortable lower altitude (so altitude sickness won’t be an issue), and the walk around the site is quite straightforward too. Just remember to buy your entrance ticket and permit in advance – since these can sell out quickly.

Do You Have To Be Physically Fit To Go To Machu Picchu?

Not at all! Whilst there are a few platforms and stairs to walk up around the ruins, Machu Picchu is a relatively easy destination to walk around. If you’re worried about hiking to reach this remote site, then there’s also options of taking the train to Aguas Calientes (the town near Machu Picchu) instead of hiking, and also taking the buses up to the ruins from the town instead of walking up.

Is A Tour Guide Worth It In Machu Picchu?

Given Machu Picchu can be accessed independently when you have purchased your ticket, it is possible to walk around without a tour guide. However, like with any other incredible Incan creation, having a tour guide will only heighten your experience as you learn many incredible facts and history about the site. This is especially the case with our expert Machu Picchu tour guides.

Should I Go To Sacred Valley Or Machu Picchu First?

It really depends on you and your preferences, however we would suggest coming to Machu Picchu first. This is because this ancient citadel is located at a lower altitude of 2430m, whilst popular sites in the Sacred Valley can range from 2500-4000+ meters. The altitude is even more important to consider if you’ve recently reached Cusco, given altitude sickness can sometimes be an issue during your first few days here.

Overview Of How To Choose A Machu Picchu Trekking Tour

And that’s all for this guide on how to choose the best Machu Picchu trekking tour for you.

This historic site is one of the most incredible creations of the ancient Inca civilization, which has since become one of the most popular destinations to visit in all of South America (let alone just Peru). Once you’ve decided to visit, you’ll next need to pick the right tour – and in this guide we’ve evaluated all of your main options and the advantages of each one.

Are you ready for your dream trip to Machu Picchu? On Our Overnight Machu Picchu Tour From Cusco you will experience this incredible site in all its glory, whilst also having all transport, accommodation and a professional tour guide all included.