Machu Picchu in Peru

Machu Picchu Tours

Machu Picchu Tours are an unforgettable experience that showcase the rich culture of Peru, the dramatic landscape of the Andes Mountains, and the mysterious history of the ancient Inca civilization. Whether you plan to set out on a multi-day trek like the world famous Inca Trail or want to take part in a multi-sport adventure, there are plenty of incredible Machu Picchu Tours waiting to be experienced!

Trek to Machu Picchu

When it comes to bucket list adventures, a trek to Machu Picchu is at the top of the list for many travellers. While the most well-known of these long distance treks is the Inca Trail, over the years there have been several alternatives that have popped up and offer just as amazing of an experience, namely the Lares, Salkantay, and Choquequirao treks. If you’ve been searching for an adventure that combines the physicality of a long distance trek with unique cultural elements and rich history, then Machu Picchu tours - and a trek to Machu Picchu in particular - are the way to go.

A trek to Machu Picchu is certainly the most popular activity for those looking to visit this historic part of Peru; however, it is not the only way to experience Machu Picchu! There are plenty of other Machu Picchu tours, such as multi-sport adventures, bike tours, and family-focussed trips that all present unique ways to explore the region.

When is the Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu is open year-round, so the best time to visit Machu Picchu comes down to whether you have a high tolerance for poor weather and large volumes of tourists. The most popular time of year to visit Machu Picchu is during the period from July to August, as weather conditions during this time are most favourable. For those who want to avoid the crowds, try planning a trip for the October to April window - the weather will be less ideal, but at least you won’t have to fight other travellers for the best photo opportunities!

Machu Picchu Map

With so many different trekking routes to Machu Picchu, it can be difficult to visualize and compare each of the journeys. We’ve put together this Machu Picchu map to provide you with a bit of an overview and see the different approach that each Machu Picchu tour takes:

The Best Machu Picchu Tours

Inca Trail Trek

The Inca Trail Trek is an iconic adventure that follows the ancient route that the Inca people themselves used to access Machu Picchu. Due to permit limitations this trail needs to be booked well in advance, but it is an amazing experience that shouldn’t be overlooked if you are looking at booking Machu Picchu tours.

Lares Trek

If you are looking for an alternative route to the Inca Trail, the Lares Trek is a great option to explore. Travelling through charming villages set high in the Andes, the Lares TRek is an amazing Machu Picchu tour that should certainly be on your list!

Salkantay Trek

Another great alternative to the world famous Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek is a longer route that climbs through some of the most picturesque landscapes in Peru. If you are after a rugged experience in the Andes that holds its own against the other Machu Picchu tours, then the Salkantay Trek is the adventure for you.

Choquequirao Trek

For those who want to experience even more incredible Inca ruins, the Choquequirao Trek is the ideal Machu Picchu Tour. In addition to visiting Machu Picchu itself, trekkers will pass through Quechua villages and the site of Choquequirao, making for a trek that is filled with culture and history!

Book a Machu Picchu Tour

Want to experience the history and mystery of Machu Picchu, but don’t want to plan the entire trip yourself? Leave the hassle of planning to the professionals and book one of our incredible Machu Picchu Tours. Choosing a Machu Picchu tour removes any guesswork on the logistical side of your next trip, allowing you to focus on the unforgettable journey ahead and the memories you will make!

Frequently Asked Questions About Machu Picchu Tours

What is Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu is believed to be an estate constructed for the Inca Emperor Pachacuti and the other members of the royal elite.

Where is Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu can be found 80.0 km northwest of Cusco.

When was Machu Picchu Built?

The best estimate of when Machu Picchu was built puts the date at around 1450CE.

Who Discovered Machu Picchu?

Although locals knew of Machu Picchu for centuries, the site was ‘discovered’ by Hiram Bingham III in 1911.

How to Get to Machu Picchu?

In order to get to Machu Picchu, visitors will need to either complete a multi-day trek or take one of the public transit options to the town of Aguas Calientes, before hiking or taking a bus up to Machu Picchu itself.

How Long is the Hike to Machu Picchu?

The hike to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes is 8km and will take you approximately 2-3 hours; however, longer treks (such as the Inca Trail, Lares, and Salkantay) will take days to complete and cover anywhere from 31-50 kilometers!

Machu Picchu Elevation

Machu Picchu is situated at an elevation of 2,430m above sea level.

Machu Picchu Tour Highlights

Machu Picchu

The Incan citadel of Machu Picchu, while once shrouded in mystery, is now believed to have been constructed around 1450 CE as a royal estate for both the emperor Pachacuti and other elites. Exact numbers for how many people lived at Machu Picchu are unknown, but it is estimated that around 750 people resided at Machu Picchu, most of them working in a religious capacity or serving to accommodate the influx of royal visitors that would have visited for extended periods of time.
The site was constructed in a meticulous way by the Inca people in order to withstand the seismic activity in the region; however it was unable to weather the arrival of Europeans and was ultimately abandoned shortly after the Spanish conquest. In the following centuries the site of Machu Picchu was known only to locals, before finally being ‘discovered’ by American historian Hiram Bingham III in 1911.
Much of the site has now been excavated and restored, allowing tourists the opportunity to look through a window into the past to discover the sacred temples, terrace farms, and fascinating architecture of a civilization that was, at one point, lost in time.

Aguas Calientes

Agues Calientes (also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo) is a town in the Urubamba Province of Peru and is the closest hub to the site of Machu Picchu itself. The name of the town comes from the fact that there are natural hot springs located nearby, which are a popular amenity for weary travellers trekking along the long-distance trails to Machu Picchu. Aguas Calientes serves as a train terminal for tourists coming from Cusco, and features many hotels, restaurants, and other elements of tourist infrastructure.

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Open details for Machu Picchu Express Tour

Machu Picchu Express Tour

3 days
From US $575
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On this exclusive Machu Picchu Express itinerary, you will have a chance to spend two nights in the beautiful capital of Inca – Cusco, where you will experience the magical heritage of the Peruvian ancestral civilization. as well as spend the day exploring the world-famous Machu Picchu. Within the mountains surrounding Cusco, lies a wealth of ancient Incan temples, Spanish colonial towns, and breathtaking Andean vistas, including the highlight of the trip – Machu Picchu.

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Open details for Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley Tour

Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley Tour

4 days
From US $695
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On this exclusive Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley tour, you will enjoy memorable experiences as you explore one of the historically richest locations in the whole world. You will discover the magnificent Imperial capital of Cusco, full of magical heritage of Inca’s ancestral civilization. Take an adventure to the mystical Sacred Valley – a valley covered in beautiful archeological sites that mark a gateway to the Inca Trail – an ancient route to Machu Picchu.

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Open details for 4-Day Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

4-Day Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

4 days
From US $760
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The classic Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu in 4 days is one of the most famous treks in South America, and for good reason. Mixing history, wildlife, and spectacular scenery, this three-night adventure is an unforgettable experience, with a final destination — Machu Picchu itself — that ranks among the world’s most impressive archaeological sites.

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Open details for Machu Picchu and the Highlights of Cusco

Machu Picchu and the Highlights of Cusco

5 days
From US $785
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On this beautiful Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley and Cusco tour, you will enjoy memorable experiences as you explore one of the historically richest locations in the whole world. You will discover the magnificent Imperial capital of Cusco, full of magical heritage of Inca’s ancestral civilization.

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Open details for Inca Trail Guided Tour to Machu Picchu

Inca Trail Guided Tour to Machu Picchu

7 days
From US $945
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There are many ways travellers can visit Machu Picchu, but only the Inca Trail Tour to Machu Picchu takes you along the route ancient Inca royalty used to approach the city. When you’re on the Inca Trail, you are following in the footsteps of their sacred pilgrimage, all the while being inundated with incredible views of the surrounding Andes Mountains.

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Open details for Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek

Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek

10 days
From US $975
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Trek through the Andes mountains in the Cusco region, exploring stunning views of Ausangate, the tallest mountain in the region. This Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain Trek and Machu Picchu tour takes you over gorgeous mountain passes where you will see rugged peaks, colorful hills, and turquoise glacial lakes.

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Open details for Salkantay Trek Guided Tour to Machu Picchu

Salkantay Trek Guided Tour to Machu Picchu

8 days
From US $975
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The Salkantay Trek Guided Tour to Machu Picchu is an incredible adventure that will take you through the heart of the Pedruvian Andes to experience the ancient wonders of the Inca people and the beautifully scenic landscape that they called home.

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Open details for Lares Trek to Machu Picchu

Lares Trek to Machu Picchu

7 days
From US $995
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Explore the ancient city of Cusco, Peru, trek in the spectacular Peruvian Andes, and watch the sunrise over Machu Picchu on the Lares Trek and Machu Picchu tour. This 7-day guided trekking adventure is the experience of a lifetime and Peru’s mesmerizing Lares Trail.

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Open details for Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu

Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu

12 days
From US $1,175
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The ancient secrets of the Incas have captured the curiosity of more modern people for generations. On this Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu tour Peru, you have the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the Inca people, through their capital city of Cusco and down mountain paths high in the Andes.

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Open details for Apurimac River Rafting Tour

Apurimac River Rafting Tour

4 days
From US $1,425
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Get away from it all, go wild, and experience the thrill of a lifetime on the 4-day Apurimac River Rafting Tour. Let the soaring black and granite canyons surround you and lose yourself in the roaring of the river as your raft rides through the Apurimac’s Class III-IV rapids on this amazing river rafting adventure in Peru.

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Open details for Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour

Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour

8 days
From US $2,525
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Thrilling adventures and unreal views await on the 8-day Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour! Discover the highlights of the Sacred Valley via a range of outdoor activities like e-biking, rafting, kayaking, and hiking the KM 104 Inca Trail to the World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu. Each adventure will lead you to new incredible natural wonders and ancient ruins.

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Open details for Guided Multi-Sport Peru Family Tour

Guided Multi-Sport Peru Family Tour

7 days
From US $2,925
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Don’t expect your kids to mumble the dreadful phrase “I’m bored” on this entertaining 7-day Guided Multi-Sport Peru Family Tour! Every day on this Cusco family adventure you’ll try a new activity and explore another incredible sight. Expect to e-bike in the Sacred Valley, do watersports at Lake Huaypo, take the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, explore Cusco, try an art workshop, and raft the Rio Apurimac. Talk about an epic vacation!

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Open details for Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu Electric Bike Tour

Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu Electric Bike Tour

8 days
From US $3,125
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Explore the highlights of Cusco on this incredible 8-day Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu Electric Bike Tour, which is tailor-made for those in the mood for moderate exercise and major views. What better way to discover the hidden gems of Peru than to ride on electric bikes?

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Open details for Machu Picchu Mountain Bike Tour from Lake Titicaca

Machu Picchu Mountain Bike Tour from Lake Titicaca

12 days
From US $3,327
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Swap a typical beach holiday for an intense, epic mountain biking adventure along the backroads of the intoxicating Peruvian Andes! Adventurous bikers will ride to some of the most incredible trail-accessible views in Peru on the Machu Picchu Mountain Bike Tour from Lake Titicaca. You’ll ride between 42 and 115 kilometres a day, making the staggering vistas and cultural staples even more magical.

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Open details for 10-Day Sacred Valley Bike Tour in Cusco

10-Day Sacred Valley Bike Tour in Cusco

10 days
From US $3,475
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Discover Inca ruins and phenomenal Andean views on the unforgettable 10-Day Sacred Valley Bike Tour in Cusco. You’ll wind by a montage of exceptional scenic vistas, highlighting Peru’s storied history and vibrant culture.

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Open details for Sacred Valley Mountain Biking Tour

Sacred Valley Mountain Biking Tour

9 days
From US $3,495
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Go on rugged, adrenaline-inducing excursions on the 9-day Sacred Valley Mountain Biking Tour, Peru. Expect to traverse epic single track trails amid the Andes and crumbling Inca remnants. This adventure in Sacred Valley unveils glimpses of Peruvian culture and its storied past right from the seat of your mountain bike. It’s truly a unique, unforgettable experience, but unreal mountain biking isn’t all this tour offers!

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Open details for Active Adventure Tour in Peru

Active Adventure Tour in Peru

20 days
From US $3,555
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Active Adventure Tour in Peru immerses you in an authentic experience of Peru’s incredible nature, culture, and history. This guided adventure tour takes you to all the highlights of Peru – a destination in South that’s like no other.

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Open details for Peru, Ecuador, and Galapagos Tour

Peru, Ecuador, and Galapagos Tour

20 days
From US $5,595
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The wonders of Peru and Ecuador await you on this incredible Peru, Ecuador and Galapagos guided tour which combines cultural treasures such as Machu Picchu and Cusco with natural marvels such as the floating islands of Uros and the incomparable Galapagos Islands.

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