Finding the perfect path to Machu Picchu can be exhausting. At Peru Jungle Trips, we know that every traveler seeks a different experience. Therefore, we specialize in small group tours with personalized advice. Whether you are looking to test your limits or enjoy a relaxing journey on a luxury train, reading this blog is the first step toward a trip that will transform you.
Furthermore, if you are ready to book your trip to Cusco, explore our Cusco Tour Package and secure your next adventure today.
The Classic path to Machu Picchu
When it comes to choosing the classic path to Machu Picchu, without a doubt, we are referring to the train to Machu Picchu route. This route is the most common one, used by hundreds of travelers, but even a classic route like this requires planning.
To begin with, to reach Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town) by train, there are two operating companies: PeruRail and Inca Rail, with PeruRail being the oldest. While both companies offer similar train services, they operate under different names.
PeruRail Services
- Expedition: This is the standard and most economical service. Ideal for practical travelers, this train features comfortable seats and interiors with large windows offering sweeping views of the Sacred Valley. Additionally, departures are daily and available at various times.
- Vistadome / Vistadome Observatory: Characterized by its panoramic side and roof windows. Moreover, the service is premium, featuring ambient background music, snacks made with Andean ingredients, and a live cultural show on the return trip.
- Hiram Bingham (A Belmond Train): The authentic luxury service on your path to Machu Picchu. From the very beginning of the journey, passengers are welcomed with a traditional show. Throughout the trip, you can enjoy a gourmet lunch, as this train boasts an exclusive Bar Observatory car accompanied by live music.
if you want to purchase your train ticket for the Hiram Bingham, it is highly necessary to check availability well in advance, because this luxury service departs less frequently than the Expedition train.
Inca Rail Services
- The Voyager: This is the most budget-friendly train, making it a highly comfortable and economical option.
- The 360°: If you love admiring the landscapes during the ride, this train is for you. Specifically, it features an impressive open-air observatory car that allows you to feel the mountain breeze as you travel through the Sacred Valley.
- The First Class: The luxury service of Inca Rail. During the trip, you will enjoy an excellent gastronomic proposal paired with fine wines. Additionally, it offers a bar-lounge car and live saxophone performances.
Ultimately, focus on enjoying the ride; we will take care of the logistics.
Path to Machu Picchu: hiking routes
If you like to challenge your limits and overcome them while discovering breathtaking trails, here we offer three distinct hiking routes. Compare them and choose your ideal path to Machu Picchu.
Inca Trail
The most beautiful, cultural, and famous trekking route in Peru. The Inca Trail is the network of trails belonging to the Qhapaq Ñan of the ancient Inca Empire. During the Inca era, this road network connected territories that currently belong to 6 countries. Despite the passage of time, this network of trails continues to be preserved in several sections. According to historians and researchers such as Lumbreras (2004), the Inca road network was not built entirely during the Inca period, but instead incorporated pre-existing paths from older cultures such as the Wari culture. Today you can walk this ancient trail toward Machu Picchu!
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a route that few travelers have the privilege of completing because there are very limited entries available each day, with only 500 permits per day. Of the 500 entrance permits, 200 are allocated to tourists and 300 to tourism staff such as guides, porters, chefs, among others. In February, the Inca Trail remains closed. This hiking route is perfect for travelers who want their path to Machu Picchu to be an exclusive experience. Get excited and book your Inca Trail today!
Do you want to hike the Inca Trail? These are the most popular options!:
- Short Inca Trail: The duration of this route is 2 days. You will be able to explore the Wiñaywayna archaeological center, which can only be reached by taking this specific route.
- Classic Inca Trail: In four days full of adventure and history, you will visit Wiñaywayna, Warmiwañusca, Llactapata, and more.
This route is ideal for you if:
- You enjoy learning about the history of ancient civilizations.
- You want to reach Machu Picchu by crossing the legendary Sun Gate (Inti Punku).
Salkantay Trek
Undeniably, this is one of the most challenging trekking routes, filled with impressive natural landscapes. Hiking from Salkantay is a favorite path to Machu Picchu among travelers. In just a few days, you have the opportunity to visit striking lagoons like Inkachiriasqa and Humantay. Moreover, you will marvel at the history surrounding this imposing snow-capped mountain. During the Inca era, the bond with the Apus (mountain spirits) was a core part of their worldview; thus, mountains were more than just geographical features—they were sacred, towering entities that could protect or punish. In addition, during the pre-Inca era, according to chroniclers like Garcilaso de la Vega (1609), it can be inferred that nearby places like Taramoqo, Chilcapata, Qotomarca, and others were inhabited by the Rimactampus.
Do you want to do the Salkantay trek? These are the most popular options!:
- Salkantay trek 4 days: On the first day, you will visit the breathtaking Humantay Lake, and subsequently, you will camp under a marvelous starry sky. You will be dazzled by the transition from towering snow peaks to the lush cloud forest.
- Salkantay trek 5 days: This extended hiking route will allow you to explore lesser-visited places such as Sahuyaco Beach.
This route is ideal for you if:
- You love adventure.
- You enjoy camping near imposing snow-capped mountains.
Lares Trek
The Lares district (located in Calca) is characterized by its diverse flora, including stunning orchids. Additionally, it features medicinal hot springs that ensure your hiking adventure begins with the best energy. Along the route, you will visit small villages where local residents will share their knowledge of ancestral textile art with you. Furthermore, throughout the journey, you will be able to see animals like llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, guanacos, sheep, and more up close. In short, this route will conquer your heart.
Do you want to do the Lares trek? These are the most popular options!:
This route is ideal for you if:
- You enjoy a cultural immersion experience by learning from local residents.
- You enjoy exploring impressive landscapes surrounded by llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas.
Inca Jungle Trek
This is, undoubtedly, the ultimate route for true adrenaline lovers! The journey begins in Cusco, but the real start is at Abra Málaga, where you will descend via mountain biking until you reach Santa María. Once in Santa María, the excitement continues with white-water rafting and zip-lining—featuring one of the longest zip lines in Peru! Additionally, you will be able to delight your coffee-loving palate by discovering authentic cacao right from its origins. Clearly, this route combines everything an adventurous traveler seeks on their path to Machu Picchu.
Do you want to do the Inca Jungle trek? These are the most popular options:
- Inca Jungle 3 days: In just three days of adventure, enjoy mountain biking, rafting, zip-lining, and hiking towards Machu Picchu.
- Inca Jungle 4 days: Besides hiking, zip-lining, rafting, and mountain biking, you will be able to enjoy a cacao experience and relax in the Cocalmayo hot springs.
This route is ideal for you if:
- Adrenaline runs through your veins.
- You enjoy high-energy activities like mountain biking, hiking, and rafting.
Beyond the classic paths: alternative routes in Cusco
- Choquequirao trek: this ancient place is considered the last refuge of the Incas. Surrounded by impressive lush jungle, it is a hiking route that few travelers dare to complete.
- Ausangate and the Seven Colored Mountain Trek: an authentic adventure among snow-capped mountains, allowing you to visit famous places such as the Seven Colored Mountain and the Red Valley. You will also be able to see beautiful lagoons throughout the journey.
Without a doubt, these alternative trekking routes will take your breath away. Secure your favorite trek today.
Magical moments in Machu Picchu
There are moments in life that are only lived once but remain etched in eternity. Because we work with small groups at Peru Jungle Trips, we can accompany our travelers in each of their adventures and special moments, such as birthdays, marriage proposals, and other special occasions.
Marriage proposal in Machu Picchu
Are you looking for the ideal moment to propose to your partner? Without a doubt, a world wonder like Machu Picchu is the perfect place and moment! Imagine proposing while this world wonder witnesses that special moment and surrounds you with a unique energy.
With our private Machu Picchu tours, the guide and our team will find the perfect place and moment for your proposal in the sacred citadel.
Birthday in Machu Picchu
A birthday is undoubtedly a very personal and special celebration. Coordinate with our team and they will prepare the best itinerary so you can enjoy your birthday in Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
Graduation trip to Machu Picchu
You only travel with your school graduation group once in your life! For several years, at Peru Jungle Trips, we have been preparing the best itineraries for graduation trips for students from all over the world. Ask about our Cusco packages and special discounts for graduation groups.
Ready to choose the best path to Machu Picchu? Book here!
