Machu Picchu is not just a visit to history but a journey to adventure. There is a variety of memorable experiences such as the Inca Trail or Huayna Picchu. In addition, there are other hiking trails, hikes and excursions.

Discover the best hiking trails in Machu Picchu.

• 1. What is the Inca Trail?
• 2. The Huayna Picchu mountain
• 3. The Machu Picchu mountain
• 4. The Intipunku (Gate of the Sun)
• 5. The Inca Bridge
• 6. The Putucusi mountain
• 7. The ascent walks from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
• 8. The walk from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes
• Other incredible hikes in Machu Picchu
  • Road through the snowy Salkantay
  • Road on the route of Lares
  • Inca Jungle Adventure Trail

1) Inca Trail Hiking Trail

The Inca Trail is the ancient network that linked Machu Picchu with the rest of the Tahuantinsuyo. Today, a section of this road is one of the most popular adventures in Cusco. It covers a total of 39.6 kilometers on a 4-day and 3-night trekking route to Machu Picchu.

These centuries-old trails cover high altitude places such as the ‘abra Warmiwañiusca’, at 4,200 meters above sea level. On the way, there are Inca archaeological remains such as the Wiñay Huayna, the Saycamarca and, as a final destination, Machu Picchu.

• How to enter? – With the entrance ticket to the Inca Trail.
• Duration of the trek – 4 days and 3 nights.
• Difficulty of trek – Moderate-high.

2) Short hike to the mountain Huayna Picchu

The Huayna Picchu (2,720 meters above sea level) is the mountain located to the north and at the top of Machu Picchu. On its roads are ancient Inca trails. In addition, there is a lithic construction made in the middle of a natural cave known as the Temple of the Moon.

The ascent to its top is arduous and vertiginous. From the highest point you can see all the beauty of Machu Picchu from a privileged angle. The descent is just as incredible. Only 400 people daily can enter this summit.

• How to enter? – With the ticket Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu.
• Duration of the trek – 2 or 3 hours.
• Difficulty of trek – Moderate-medium.

3) Ascent to the mountain Machu Picchu

The Machu Picchu mountain (3,082 meters above sea level) is the summit on whose slopes sits the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. It is known as the ‘Old Mountain’. On its slopes there are ancient Inca roads made of stone hundreds of years ago.

The climb to the top is through steep steps and dirt roads. Although there is no Inca site during the tour, This walk is known as one of the new and best adventures in the Inca Llaqta.

• How to enter? – With the ticket Machu Picchu + Mountain.
• Duration of the trek – 3 or 4 hours.
• Difficulty – Moderate-high.

4) Walk to the Intipunku (Sun Gate)

The Intipunku (2,745 meters above sea level) is an Inca construction located at the top of Machu Picchu. During the Inca period, it served as a control gate for entry and exit of the Inca Citadel. It is currently the arrival point of visitors from the Inca Trail.

Intipunku in Quechua means ‘ Sun Gate ‘. During the summer solstices, the sun’s rays pass through its walls. Due to its location at the top of Machu Picchu, getting there is an adventure. At the top you have a privileged view of the Wonder of the World.

• How to enter? – With the ticket Machu Picchu Solo.
• Duration of the trek – 3 or 4 hours.
•  Difficulty – Moderate-medium.

5) Short route to the Inca Bridge

On the west side of Machu Picchu is an Inca bridge made of stone and wood. The Inca bridge is between a steep mountain and a ravine. The location is not coincidence: the structure was removed to prevent the entry of enemies.

To get there you will cross narrow paths next to abysses of hundreds of meters. The roads are not difficult. Only follow the signs. In the control booth, the visitor must sign their name for security reasons.

• How to enter? – With the Machu Picchu Solo ticket.
• Duration of the trek – 1 hour.
• Difficulty – Moderate-low.

6) Hiking trail to the Putucusi mountain

The Putucusi (2,560 meters above sea level) It is one of the 3 summits that surround the Inca Llaqta together with the Huayna Picchu and the Machu Picchu mountain. Its name means in Quechua ‘Happy Mountain’ although it is also known as ‘The Hidden Jewel of the Sanctuary’.

To climb its difficult slopes, you must enter from the town of Aguas Calientes. Its roads are steep and not very well marked. To reach the top you must climb an immense bamboo staircase with a 90º slope.

• How to enter? – Admission is free.
• Duration of the trek – 3 or 4 hours.
•  Difficulty – Moderate-high.

7) The ascent walks from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu

The most usual way to get to the Machu Picchu gate is with a 30-minute bus ride from Aguas Calientes. However, this route can also be done on foot. It is an ascent (and descent) on well-signposted flat and steep roads.

The walk from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu ascends about 400 meters and runs almost 9 kilometers. It starts on the Hiram Bingham road to a point where you ascend by stairs. The end is the gateway to the Inca Llaqta.

• How to enter? – Admission is free.
• Duration – 1 or 2 hours.
• Difficulty – Moderate-medium.

8) The walk from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes

There are 3 ways to get to the Inca Citadel: through a train trip, with the Inca Trail or with the alternative route by Hydroelectric to Machu Picchu. The latter is the least known. In its final section it connects a hydroelectric station with the town of Aguas Calientes.

The road along this stretch is flat and runs parallel to the rails of the train and the Vilcanota River. It is estimated that in total there are 10 kilometers that go through streams, bridges, tunnels and beautiful tropical landscapes with the typical flora and fauna of the region.

• How to enter? – Admission is free.
• Duration – 2 or 3 hours.
• Difficulty – Moderate-medium.

Other incredible hikes in Machu Picchu

Like the Inca Trail, there are several hiking trails that end in Machu Picchu. These are the most famous trekking routes to the Wonder of the World:

• I walk through the snowy Salkantay – A trekking route of 5 days and 4 nights that crosses the falas of the imposing snowy Salkantay to finally arrive at Machu Picchu through the town of Aguas Calientes.
• Road on the route of Lares – A trekking route of 4 days and 3 nights that crosses high Andean landscapes such as the town of Lares before reaching Machu Picchu passing through Aguas Calientes.
• Inca Jungle Adventure Trail – A popular tour of 4 days and 3 nights where various adventure sports are practiced (cycling, trakking, zip line, canoeing) before reaching Machu Picchu through the town of Aguas Calientes.