The Wonder of the World offers several short hiking trails, such as hikes to the Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu, and Putucusi mountains, or the routes to Intipunku and the Inca Bridge. Visitors can also reach the Inca City via multi-day hikes such as the Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek, or the Inca Jungle. Below we describe the hikes you can take in Machu Picchu.

• The hike up Huayna Picchu mountain
• The hike up Machu Picchu Mountain
• The hike up Putucusi Mountain
• The walk to the Puerta del Sol (Intipunku)
• The hike to the Inca Bridge
• The hike from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
• The walk from the Hydroelectric Station to Aguas Calientes
• The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
• The Salkantay hike to Machu Picchu
• The ‘Inca Jungle’ hike to Machu Picchu
• Frequently Asked Questions

Senior citizens at Inti Punku

Machu Picchu offers unforgettable hikes. Some require a special entrance ticket, like the hikes to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Others are free, such as the hikes to Putucusi or the Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes route.

The hike up Huayna Picchu mountain

• This adventure is considered one of the best short hikes on the planet .
• Explore breathtaking trails like the famous “Stairs of Death.” It begins at Machu Picchu (2,430 meters above sea level / 7,972 feet) and ends at the summit of Huayna Picchu (2,720 meters above sea level / 8,923 feet).
• In total, the trails climb approximately 2 kilometers along paths close to ravines, which can cause vertigo to visitors.
• Once at the top of Huayna Picchu, don’t miss the ‘Temple of the Moon’ , which is one of the most amazing constructions in the Inca City.

• What will you need?

  • The ticket Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Mountain or Waynapicchu (Route 3A).

• How long is the walk?

  • 2 hours round trip.

• What are the restrictions?

  • Hike only for those over 12 years old.

Tourists climbing Huayna Picchu mountain

The hike up Machu Picchu Mountain

• Machu Picchu mountain is the summit on which the Incas built the Inca City .
• The summit of Machu Picchu Mountain is located at 3,082 meters above sea level (10,111 ft). The Inca City of Machu Picchu is at 2,720 meters above sea level (8,923 ft). It covers approximately 2 kilometers.
• The trails on this mountain are wide and safe. It’s suitable for families, even small children and older adults.
• At its summit, you can enjoy beautiful views of the Inca City and the surrounding mountains of the Andes.
• This mountain is the best option for visitors who did not get an entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu.

• What will you need?

  • The Machu Picchu + Mountain ticket (Route 1A).

• How long is the walk?

  • 3 hours round trip.

• What are the restrictions?

  • Hike only for those over 12 years old.

The hike up Putucusi Mountain

• This hike starts from the town of Aguas Calientes and ends at the top of Putucusi Mountain, one of the peaks surrounding Machu Picchu .
• From Putucusi you can get unique views of the Inca City, from an angle that very few visitors know.
• Climbing this mountain is one of the most challenging experiences in Machu Picchu. You have to traverse paths covered in vegetation. The hardest part is climbing a huge wooden staircase hundreds of meters high.
• Not everyone dares to visit this summit. If you do, you’ll discover a little-explored side of the Wonder of the World.

• What will you need?

  • Admission is free.

• How long is the walk?

  • 3 hours and 30 minutes (round trip).

• What are the restrictions?

  • Risky hike not suitable for children or people with a fear of heights.

Section of the hike to Putucusi Mountain

The walk to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku)

• The Sun Gate (Inti Punku) is the place through which people who walk the Inca Trail enter the Inca City.
• This construction was also the ancient gateway to Machu Picchu during the Inca period.
• To get there from the main entrance gate to Machu Picchu, you must ascend several stone steps as well as marked paths.
• The views from Inti Punku are breathtaking. The view of Machu Picchu was the same one the Incas had when they arrived at the Inca City.

• What will you need?

  • The Machu Picchu + Inti Punku ticket (Route 1C).

• How long is the walk?

  • 3 hours 30 minutes (round trip).

• What are the restrictions?

  • No age restrictions.

Gate of the Sun Machu Picchu

The hike to the Inca Bridge

• The Inca Bridge was a kind of ‘back door’ to Machu Picchu, a secret access to the Inca City that could be closed simply by removing the bridge .
• This hike isn’t demanding. It begins at the so-called “Guardian’s House” and ends at the Inca Bridge, traversing narrow paths near cliffs and beautiful views.
• Although the Inca Bridge is not an impressive structure, nor can it be crossed by tourists, the path leading to it is considered a short but interesting hike.

• What will you need?

  • The ticket Machu Picchu + Inka Bridge (Route 1D).

• How long is the walk?

  • 40 minutes (round trip).

• What are the restrictions?

  • Hike only for those over 12 years old.

Panoramic view of the Inca Bridge in Machu Picchu

The hike from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu

• This hike goes from the town of Aguas Calientes to the entrance to the Inca City of Machu Picchu .
• Most tourists who undertake this trek want to save the cost of the bus ride from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
• However, this hike is not recommended if you are not in good physical condition. Remember that you will need energy to explore Machu Picchu.
• The route is easy to follow: follow the road until you climb a series of steps to the top.
• If you want to experience this hike, it is best to do it on the way back from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes (downhill hike).

• What will you need?

  • The walk is free.

• How long is the walk?

  • 2 hours there and 1 hour back.

• What are the restrictions?

  • No age restrictions.

Most tourists choose to take the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu. This is because they prefer to arrive at the Inca city fully energized. Therefore, tourists who hike the route should be in good physical condition.

The walk from the Hydroelectric Station to Aguas Calientes

• This hike departs from a hydroelectric station located 10 kilometers from the town of Aguas Calientes.
• It represents the final part of the alternative route to reach Machu Picchu, known as the ‘Hydroelectric’ route .
• The hike crosses beautiful landscapes parallel to the Vilcanota River. It’s the preferred option for young adventurers looking to reach Machu Picchu on a budget.
• This hike does not require booking through any tour or travel agency. It departs from Cusco to the town of Santa María and, from there, to the hydroelectric plant.

• What will you need?

  • The walk is free.

• How long is the walk?

  • 2 hours.

• What are the restrictions?

  • No age restrictions.

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

• The Inca Trail is considered one of the top 5 hikes in the world .
• Explore 500-year-old trails from the Sacred Valley of the Incas to the Sun Gate at Machu Picchu.
• The tour lasts 4 days, 3 nights, and offers incredible Inca buildings as well as a great diversity of flora and fauna. In total, tourists travel 39.6 kilometers.
• Only 500 people can hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu each day. The only way to complete this trek is by purchasing a tour online four or five months in advance (limited availability).

• What will you need?

  • Book the Inca Trail tour with an online travel agency.

• How long is the walk?

  • 4 days and 3 nights.

• What are the restrictions?

  • Not recommended for children under 8 years old.

Entrance to Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail

The Salkantay hike to Machu Picchu

• This hike runs through beautiful trails and high mountain passes such as the Salkantay Pass (4,650 masl / 15,255 ft) until reaching Machu Picchu at the edge of the Peruvian jungle.
• It is considered one of the 25 best hiking trails in the world and has a dreamy ending in the Inca City of Machu Picchu.
• The tour lasts a total of 5 days and 4 nights. Each tourist travels approximately 70 kilometers to reach Machu Picchu via the town of Aguas Calientes.
• The Salkantay Trek is also one of the best routes for birdwatchers.

• What will you need?

  • Book the tour with a travel agency.

• How long is the walk?

  • 5 days and 4 nights.

• What are the restrictions?

  • Not recommended for children under 12 years old.

Nevado Salkantay Walk to Machu Picchu

The ‘Inca Jungle’ hike to Machu Picchu

• This adventure combines hiking, downhill biking and beautiful landscapes that, after 4 days, takes the tourist to Machu Picchu .
• Additionally, you can add canoeing on the Urubamba River, rafting in the Peruvian jungle, and other sports to this adventure along the way to the Inca City.
• It follows a section of an Inca trail discovered just a few years ago and has become a favorite route for adventurous travelers who want to reach Machu Picchu via a different route.
• The only way to experience the Inca Jungle is through a tour agency. The tour includes everything: transportation, meals, sports equipment, tour guide, entrance to Machu Picchu, etc.

• What will you need?

  • Book the tour with a travel agency.

• How long is the walk?

  • 4 days and 3 nights.

• What are the restrictions?

  • Not recommended for children under 12 years of age.

Hike to Machu Picchu along the Inca Jungle Trail

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) How difficult is the hike to Huayna Picchu Mountain?

  The hike to Huayna Picchu mountain is of medium difficulty, as it is a short but high-altitude route.

• 2) What is the difficulty of the hike to Huchuy Picchu Mountain?

  The hike to Huchuy Picchu Mountain could be considered highly difficult due to the steps in the middle of the mountain it is traversed, but it can be overcome with courage.

• 3) How difficult is the hike to Machu Picchu Mountain?

  The hike to Machu Picchu Mountain is of low difficulty, a short walk, but filled with beautiful landscapes.

• 4) How difficult is the hike to Putucusi Mountain?

  The hike to Putucusi Mountain is considered highly difficult, as it traverses paths filled with vegetation alongside a wooden staircase many meters high.

• 5) How difficult is the hike to Inti Punku (Sun Gate)?

  The hike to Inti Punku in Machu Picchu is of low difficulty, as it follows trails close to the high-security citadel.

• 6) How difficult is the hike from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu?

  The hike is of medium difficulty, but involves ascending steps that may not be suitable for everyone, as they take approximately two hours to complete.

• 7) How difficult is the hike from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes?

  The difficulty of the hike from Hidroeléctrica to Machu Picchu is low, only two hours long, along paths filled with nature, where the main attraction is the biodiversity you’ll be surrounded by.

• 8) What is the difficulty of the Inca Trail?

  The 4-day Inca Trail is difficult, as it covers several days and requires good physical preparation.

• 9) What is the difficulty of the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu?

  The Salkantay hike to Machu Picchu is among the most difficult, with a distance of approximately 70 kilometers, covered in high-altitude, cold conditions.

• 10) What is the difficulty of the ‘Inca Jungle’ trek to Machu Picchu?

  The Inca Jungle hike is of medium difficulty, as it requires a sense of adventure, given the variety of sports practiced along the way.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Jean B.

“You haven't seen the best of Machu Picchu if you haven't seen it from the Huayna Picchu mountain“

“You can't go to Machu Picchu and not enter Huayna Picchu to see the Inca city from there, but you can't if you are afraid of heights. To say anything else would be in vain. You have to see it!“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, April 8, 2025