If you are one of the people who like to venture through inhospitable landscapes, discover ancient cities, feel nature and spend the soles of their shoes on old paths, then do not think more, Machu Picchu, the sacred city of the Incas and wonder of the world, offers many adventures, some considered among the best in the world.

Enjoy the great adventure of knowing the Inca city of Machu Picchu

The adventure of reaching Machu Picchu

While you have heard that the trip to Machu Picchu can be one of the most pleasant and quiet you can do, it is true, because if your desire is to go comfortably to the Inca city you can find comfortable and exclusive services. But if on the contrary, your adventurous spirit emerges, you can go to the Inca city living the most incredible experiences.

• The Inca Trail

  Undoubtedly the most spectacular way to get to Machu Picchu is by the Inca Trail. A 4-day tour that will take you on a path made by the Incas themselves, between beautiful landscapes of the Andes and the cloud forest, and by stone paths and Inca constructions that you can only see here. There is nothing that can be compared in the world, that is why it is considered one of the best walks in the world, an experience with everything a great adventurer is looking for.

• Machu Picchu by the route of Santa Teresa

  It is one of the alternative routes to reach Machu Picchu, first you have to embark on a bus trip from 5 to 6 hours approximately from Cusco to the town of Santa Teresa, from there you can take the mobility to the place called “Hydroelectric”, from here your adventure will begin, a 10 km walk, between the jungle and the railroad tracks, which will take you to the town of Aguas Calientes. In this small cosmopolitan town you can rest so that the next day you are ready to go up to the Inca city. There are buses that will take you to the entrance to Machu Picchu, but as you wish to live more adventures you can walk up to Machu Picchu on a properly marked trail that will take between one and two hours.

• Along the Salkantay or Choquequirao route

  If you are an experienced walker these two routes will be a delight for you. The Salkantay trek will take you through the skirts of the snowy Salkantay (one of the largest Apus of the Incas) and through beautiful high Andean landscapes to the Inca city of Machu Picchu. It is a free route and you can even do it on your own, but it is advisable to do it with a guide, keep in mind that it is a trekking route with a high degree of difficulty and that will take you up to 4630 m.a.s.l

  And if you want to have an incredible double experience, the trekking that takes you through Choquequirao and Machu Picchu is what every adventurer desires. The two most incredible Incan cities can be visited by you in a walk that will take 8 to 9 days, an intense trail that will test your will, but also delight your senses to be able to contemplate the wonder of the world and its sister citadel, an experience that has no comparison.


Adventurers traveling the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Adventure and more adventure in Machu Picchu

The adventure continues when you arrive at Machu Picchu, inside the Inca city you will not only be able to marvel at all its beautiful stone buildings, but you will be able to enjoy more adventures. Climbing to its mountains and short walks will put a lot of emotion to your adventurous spirit.

• Climbing to Waynapicchu

  If there is something that everyone wants to do inside Machu Picchu, it is to climb the mountain Huayna Picchu , an adventure considered among the best short walks in the world. With almost vertical trails, spectacular views and Inca constructions on top of the mountain, this is a magical and unique adventure. Keep in mind that to enjoy this experience you must acquire the combined ticket Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu and which must be booked months in advance.

• Climbing to Machu Picchu Mountain

  The “Old mountain” that supports the Inca city can be climbed to its summit. It is the largest viewpoint of Machu Picchu, since from there you can see all the surroundings of the sanctuary of Machu Picchu, getting the best possible view. To be able to venture on the Machu Picchu mountain trek you must acquire the ticket combined Machu Picchu + Mountain.

• Hikes to the Intipinku and the Inca Bridge

  If you want to have a less intense adventure you can take one of these walks, it is not necessary to acquire a special ticket since they are part of the route you can take with the Ticket Machu Picchu Only, either on the morning shift or the afternoon shift. The first walk will take you to the Sun Gate (Intipunku) which is the place where hikers of the Inca Trail enter. The second will take you along a very striking path to the Inca Bridge.

• Climbing to Putucusi Mountain

  Although this excursion is not part of the official tour of Machu Picchu, it is an experience that should not be missed if you are an adventure lover. You will not need any ticket to climb the “Happy Mountain“, it is recommended to go with a guide who knows the route, to avoid getting lost or going through dangerous places. From its top you can get a unique view of Machu Picchu, as you can see it laterally next to its two main mountains, a view that few lucky people have. The climb is not easy so you must have an adequate physical condition and even some experience climbing.

Start of the climb to the top of the Putucusi mountain

The adventure is guaranteed in Machu Picchu, and will fulfill the expectations of even the most demanding adventurer. You can also find new alternative routes that will take you to Machu Picchu, such as the recently inaugurated Norvraem route, for Off Road enthusiasts, with a route that will take you from the department of Junín, crossing the northern part of Cusco through the jungle of the convention to Machu Picchu.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Pedro D

“Unparalleled adventure in Machu Picchu“

“Doing the Inca Trail was simply the best adventure I've done until today, and that's why I made many other treks; But the best of all was when we made the entrance to Machu Picchu and where I could do the climb to its main mountain, just incredible. I wish to return soon to visit Machu Picchu again but by another route that they recommended me. If you are one of those who like to walk, this will be your holy grail.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, August 15, 2024