How Much Is It To Hike Machu Picchu?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Reliable and good local operators typically charge

around US$700-US$900 per person for a 4D/3N Inca Trail trek

. At this price the service will usually involve joining a group of 8-12 trekkers and include the following: Pick-up from your hotel and transport to the start of the trek (KM82) in the Sacred Valley.

How long does it take to hike to Machu Picchu?

How long does it take to hike to Machu Picchu? There are a number of trekking routes along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. However, the Classic Inca Trail route is a 3 to 5 day hike, and on average, it takes

4 days and 3 nights

to reach Machu Picchu.

How expensive is it to hike the Inca Trail?

The 4 day/3 night Inca Trail trek typically costs anywhere from

$500 to $1,000

. If you’re on a tight budget and don’t want a luxury trek with all the trimmings, consider $500 to $600 as a good price to aim for.

What is the entrance fee for Machu Picchu?

Type of ticket Adult Child Machu Picchu Ticket

US$ 45.00

US$21.00
Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu US$56.00 US$35.00 Machu Picchu + Mountain US$56.00 US$35.00

Is Machu Picchu worth?

And yet, my response:

It’s absolutely worth it, provided you’re prepared to do a bit of planning

. Below, I’ve outlined how to make your visit to Machu Picchu a day trip from Cuzco. It requires a little extra forethought, but you can do it, unrushed, in a day — saving you both time and money.

How hard is it to visit Machu Picchu?

As long as you are taking the bus up to Machu Picchu, the tour of the actual site is

as strenuous as you choose to make it

. If you climb all the way up the uneven stone steps to overlook the ruins, it is quite a bit more strenuous than walking among the ruins.

Is Machu Picchu a hard hike?

What is the Machu Picchu trek difficulty? The difficulty of the Classic Inca Trail is considered to be a

moderate level hike

. The classic Inca Trail Route is 43 km (26 mi) long and often steep, you will hike over four days at an elevation nearing 13,828 feet (4,215 meters).

Do I need a permit for Machu Picchu?


All visitors and professional crew needs a permit

. Tickets do sell out fast (Peak season sells out within days) We recommend booking as soon as there’s availability for your preferred dates.

Can you go to Machu Picchu without hiking?

Can you go to Machu Picchu without a tour?

Indeed you can, but you will not be hiking the Inca Trail to get there

. You can see Machu Picchu via a rushed day trip from Cusco, or stay in the town of Aguas Calientes and walk or bus up to the ruins.

Is the Inca Trail worth it?

The Classic Inca Trail Route to Machu Picchu is

definitely worth it

, it is considered one of the greatest adventure experiences on the planet. There are very few trails where you pass 500 year old archeological treasures while also hiking among some of the most beautiful mountains on earth.

How fit do you have to be to hike the Inca Trail?

General Levels of Fitness for the Inca Trail

We say “almost anyone” because we mean that there are is

no specific required level of fitness for the Inca Trail

. We’ve literally had people from 12 to 70 complete the trail, and many (most?) of our customers have never done anything like it before, let alone in Peru.

Can I hike the Inca Trail without a guide?

It’s Official:

You Can’t Hike the Classic Inca Trail Without a Guide

. The official Inca Trail regulations, as laid down by Peru’s Ministry of Tourism (MINCETUR), state that anyone walking the trail must be accompanied by an officially registered tour guide in an organized group.

Can you take a taxi to Machu Picchu?


There are no taxis to Machu Picchu

. Because there are no roads. The train is the only means of transportation (other than hiking).

How much does it cost to get from Lima to Machu Picchu?

Shuttle Bus Round-trip Price
Foreign adult


US$24
Peruvian adult US$15 Foreign child (5 to 11 years old) US$12

How many days do you need in Machu Picchu?

How many days in Machu Picchu do you need? For most people, one day is sufficient, but an extra day lets you explore the site and its surroundings more fully and at a more relaxed pace. However, in order to see everything and fully appreciate the site, we recommend spending

two days

at Machu Picchu.

Is Machu Picchu overrated?

Machu Picchu itself is very beautiful and full of interesting details, its worth going once in your life, but in the end its just another ruin, not the best to do in Peru,

its overrated and extremely expensive

. If you visit Peru, you need to visit Machu Picchu at least once in your life.

Is Peru expensive to visit?

For us independent travelers,

Peru can be a very inexpensive destination

, even though you will have to blow your budget to hike the Inca Trail or get out to Machu Picchu on the train and back. For a backpacker, yes, Peru is still a cheap place to travel.

What is the best month to go to Machu Picchu?

Contrary to popular belief, the best time to visit Machu Picchu or hike the Inca Trail is before and after the rainy season, that is

late March, April, May, and September, October, and early November

, the dry season months, that is June July and August, are great too but beware of the crowds.

Are there bathrooms in Machu Picchu?


Restrooms are provided outside the main entry

, and for only 2 soles per person, you can use them as frequently as you need to. But if you exit the park to have a go during your tour, you will not be allowed to re-enter with general admission tickets.

Can you go to Machu Picchu with kids?

Visiting Machu Picchu With Kids


There are three areas that you can access at Machu Picchu, depending on which ticket you purchase: the citadel ruins, Machu Picchu Mountain and Huayna Picchu

. The most kid-friendly — and the most popular overall — is the citadel.

Does it snow in Machu Picchu?

When can you find snow in Cusco – Machu Picchu? Weather stations report

no annual snow

.

How fit do you need to be to visit Machu Picchu?

Treks to Machu Picchu vary in difficulty and length, but all require

a basic level of fitness

. In general you will be trekking anywhere between 10-15km a day, for up to six days on the longer routes (i.e. Choquequirao or Salkantay / Inca Trail Combo).

Can you climb Machu Picchu in a day?


The 1-day Inca Trail, also called the Inca Trail Express, is a single day trek along the final stretch of the traditional Royal Inca Trail

. It showcases beautiful mountain scenery, orchid flora, and bird wildlife before arriving to the Intipunku Sun Gate for an unforgettable first overlook of Machu Picchu.

How do I get a permit to hike Machu Picchu?

The only way to secure your permit for the Inca Trail is

through a government-approved tour operator

. This is not to create a monopoly on the route, but so that the authorities can vet and check all the trekking providers to ensure they’re operating in an ethical manner and treat staff fairly and equitably.

What airport do I fly into for Machu Picchu?


Jorge Chávez International Airport

is Peru’s main airport, a one and a half hour flight from Cusco, Machu Picchu’s closest airport.

Which is better salkantay or Inca Trail?


Salkantay trek’s highest point is 4630 m (15190 ft), almost 200 meters higher than the Inca Trail’s highest point

. However, there is only one mountain above 3000 m (9842ft). The chances of having altitude problems are higher in Salkantay Trek, but you will be hiking only for two days at high altitudes.

How do I book the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

  1. The only way to do the Inca Trail is to hire the services of a tourism agency authorized by the Ministry of Culture of Peru.
  2. The reservation is only possible with the internet.
Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.