Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu, the ‘Lost City of the Incas’, is the most famous and popular Inca archaeological ruin in the world. Rediscovered on 24 July 1911 by American historian Hiram Bingham. It is spectacularly nestled 2430m above sea level in the Andean mountain range and many questions remain unanswered as to how it came to be there. It is generally thought that the ancient city was probably built around 1450, at around the height of the Inca Empire. No one knows what the real purpose of Machu Picchu was; some speculate it was a prison and some say it was a defensive retreat, but the most common belief is that Machu Picchu was the estate of an Inca emperor.
Much of the wonder of Machu Picchu is how the massive stones could have been hauled the great distances to the site and then be cut with such precision that they fitted together without the need for cement, and then remain standing for so long.
Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
The Inca Trail treks are the only hikes that lead you directly into the Machu Pichu complex.
Classic Inca Trail. Distance: 45 km, average duration: 4 days/3 nights, moderate hike.
Short Inca Trail. Distance: 45 km, average duration: 2 days/1 night, moderate hike. If you are time-poor on your trip to Machu Picchu but still want to experience the Inca Trail hike, this is the one to choose!
Salkantay / Inca Trail. Distance: 56 km, average duration: 8 days/7 nights, strenuous hike. If you are fit, in shape and love a physical challenge this is the one for you.
If you are interested in hiking the Inca Trail check out this Inca Trail Trekking Guide.
Inca Trail Permits
The Inca Trail trek is only operated by licensed trekking companies and there are only 500 permits available per day. You can not be complete this trek without using a registered trekking agency. Permits for the Inca Trail sell out months in advance so it is advised to book at least 6 months prior to your preferred trekking date.
Other Hikes AROUND MACHU PICCHU
And several other hiking trails in the Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley area you may wish to consider:
The Lares Trek. Distance: 33-45 km, average duration: 4 days
The Choquequirao Trek. Distance: 65 km, average duration: 8-10 days
The Vilcabamba Trek. Distance: 62 km, average duration: 5 days
The Huchuy Qosqo Trek. Distance: 20 km, average duration: 3 days
The Quarry Trail. Distance: 26 km, average duration: 4 days
Don’t like hiking? Take the train
Not everyone wants to hike up to Machu Picchu. The alternate way to get there is to take the train. There are two trains that climb most of the way to the ancient Incan citadel—Inca Rail and PeruRail. You’ll need three tickets to get into Machu Picchu: train, bus, and entrance ticket. All trains stop at Aguas Calientes, and buses finish your journey up to Machu Picchu.
We can recommend the Hiram Bingham train journey. The service and cuisine are faultless and the view is breathtaking. On your return trip sip on Pisco Sours and be entertained by musicians playing in the Bar Car. This enchanting journey just tops off your amazing day of exploring the famous citadel.
Book your COMPLIMENTARY
Exotic Travel Planning Session
Use our online scheduler to find a time that’s convenient for YOU.
Few romances can ever surpass that of the granite citadel on top of the beetling precipices of Machu Picchu, the crown of Inca Land.
Hiram Bingham
Inca or Mayan Ruins?
Mayan Ruins of Tikal
Mayan Ruins of Tikal Tikal is an ancient Mayan citadel in the jungles of northern Guatemala’s Petén Province. It is thought that the Mayan civilization, inhabited here from the 6th century B.C. to the 10th century A.D. The Mayan Ruins of Tikal remain one of the largest Maya sites left in the world. The UNESCO-listed Tikal…
Guatemala
Guatemala Guatemala is a small country in Central America bordered by Mexico, Belize, Honduras and El Salvador with coastlines on the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Home to volcanoes,…
Peru
Peru Peru is situated on the west coast of South America bordered by Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia and Chile with a Pacific Ocean coastline. Peru is home to a…
Dreaming of Peru and Machu Picchu?
Talk to us to start making your travel dream a reality
Amazon River
Amazon River The Amazon River is the largest river in the world by the volume of water it carries and at 6516km long it’s the second-longest river in the world. It flows through the tropical rainforests of South America, mainly in Brazil. Its source is found in the Andes Mountains of Peru, on the western edge…
Join Our Peruvian Retreat
Authentic Andean Retreat
Authentic Andean Retreat Health is our most important asset. Without our health we have nothing. During the covid shutdown did you re-evaluate your life and come to realize that you do not spend enough time taking care of your health, body and mind? In other words, make 2023/2024 the time to escape on a wonderful exotic wellness…
What Is Your Type of Travel?
Adventure Travel
Adventure Travel Adventure means an exciting or very unusual experience. We here at On The Road Again Travel specialize in small group…
Celebration Travel
Celebration Travel Celebration travel is a fun and exciting way to see the world! Are you planning an overseas trip to celebrate…
Group Travel
Group Travel Your group has decided on an overseas trip together. Group Travel can be complicated and time-consuming. Let us help coordinate…
Our Escorted Journeys
