How to get to Machu Picchu

And then, for those who would rather arrive at Machu Picchu tired, sweaty and aching, there is the option of trekking! Well it’s not Everest but it’s certainly not a walk in the park either. Many people want to get to Machu Picchu on foot, not only for the sense of achievement but also because it immerses you in stunning Andean landscapes from cloud forest to rainforest and passes a handful of other Inca ruins. It’s important to know what to expect though.

Most choose the classic trek, the Inca Trail, which begins in Chillca, just west of Ollantaytambo, and takes four days, camping every night. You are walking on ancient stone paths, in the footsteps of the Incans themselves. There are various ways to tackle the Inca Trail depending on your budget and your fitness, but most opt to do it with the help of porters. A maximum of 500 permits are issued for the trail each day, over half of which are taken up by guides, and the porters who lug baggage, as well as tents, food and even tables and benches, up some incredibly steep paths. Walking up with just a small daypack can be exhausting – the porters do this several times a month, carrying between 20kg and 25kg on their backs, with few breaks and mind-blowing speed. And every afternoon they will also be erecting tents, cooking meals for a whole group with just a few pots and pans, and washing up, before they get to turn in themselves. They deserve enormous respect, which is why it’s so important to use a responsible operator that will ensure they are paid fairly, and not expected to carry more than they should.

The Inca Trail takes four days to cover just 43km, giving you some idea of the gradient involved. But because permits are limited and can sell out months in advance, especially for the peak months of July and August, several alternative routes are now growing in popularity. The Salkantay Trek takes up to five days, sometimes employing mules as well as porters, and takes you through a diverse range of ecosystems at very high altitudes, again camping all the way. The Lares Trek, with several different routes available, tends to be slightly less arduous, and offers a more cultural experience that winds around lower Andean slopes through Quechua villages and terraced farmland. And there is also the Moonstone Trail, which with full service camping leads you through less-frequented villages and rural areas as you approach the iconic citadel – a great option for those wanting to encounter more local people, and fewer other travelers.