Top 10 Tours Staying in Machu Picchu Town for 2022-2023

Get to know other travelers on this seven-day Peruvian group trip. Begin in Lima, visit the Sacsayhuamán Inca ruins near Cusco, Pisac, and Ollantaytambo, and finish in the city of Ollantaytambo. Finally, take a train to Machu Picchu and explore the spectacular Inca ruins for two days.

Hiking to Machu Picchu on the Inca Trail

Short Inca Trail Hike To Machu Picchu

7 Days from $1,772

This 7-day trip culminates in a one day hike on the Inca Trail arriving to Machu Picchu with a full day and a half to explore the ruins. Explore the Inca capital of Cusco, the Sacsayhuamán Ruins, and Sacred Valley before taking the train to marker 104 km and hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (no advance 4-day trail permit required!).

Marco, our guide with Wayna Picchu in background

Machu Picchu by Train

7 Days from $1,516

On this 7-day excursion through the Sacred Valley starting in Lima, you'll visit impressive Inca ruins such as Sacsayhuamán near Cusco, then Pisac, and Ollantaytambo. Finally, you'll take the train to Machu Picchu and spend two days exploring the most impressive Inca ruins.

Manco Multisport

12 Days from $3,174

This active 12-day tour through Peru blends exhilarating multi-sport adventures like whitewater rafting, kayaking, hiking, trekking, and mountain biking around Cusco & the Sacred Valley climaxing in an unforgettable trip to Machu Picchu. Then travel south to Puno and go sea kayaking on Lake Titicaca visiting Amantani and Ticonata Islands.

Classic Inca Trail

10 Days from $2,424

Follow in the footsteps of the Inca on this classic 10-day Inca Trail Trek. Acclimatize for three days as you explore Inca ruins and bargain at busy Andean markets in Cusco and the Sacred Valley before embarking on the 4-day 25 mile (40km) trek on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Spend a full day-and-a-half in the ruins of Machu Picchu before returning to Cusco on the train.

Islands and Incas

Galapagos & Machu Picchu
15 Days from $6,538

Combine 8 days in the Galapagos with a trip to Peru and Machu Picchu. Explore Cusco, and the Sacred Valley, and spend two days discovering Machu Picchu learning about the ancient ways of the Incas and the traditions of Andean people today. Then fly to the Galapagos Islands for 8 days of wildlife & natural discovery!

Inca Trail Express

5 Days from $1,532

This 5-day trip spends 4 days hiking the Inca Trail then visits Machu Picchu for a full day exploring the ruins. Hike with expert guides and enjoy deluxe camping to assure the best possible experience. Travelers are required to spend a minimum of two nights at high altitude before the trek, usually in Cusco, Sacred Valley, or Lake Titicaca.

Uros Island - Floating island at the Titicaca

Panoramic Peru

16 Days from $4,199

This 16-day tour highlights the best of Peru, including Islas Ballestas and Paracas, the Nazca Lines, Colca Canyon, the islands of Lake Titicaca, Cusco and the Lost City of the Incas--Machu Picchu. From the coast to the Andes to the Amazon jungle, this tour has a little bit of everything!

Incas and Rainforest

Machu Picchu & Amazon
10 Days from $2,251

Journey through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu and explore the Peruvian Amazon in this 10 day tour. Spend 3 nights in the Amazon, observing the multitude of wildlife. Continue to Cusco and make your way through the Sacred Valley, exploring markets and ruins. Your trip culminates at Machu Picchu, one of the new seven wonders of the world.

Mt Veronica - It is a beautiful mountain!

Salkantay & Classic Inca Trail Trek

12 Days from $3,359

This 12-day trek takes you along the legendary route of the Inca Trail, through the Sacred Valley and exploring the traditional colonial town of Cusco - hiking through mountain passes, glacier carved valleys, and ultimately leading to the renowned Sun Gate of Machu Picchu.

Our 4 Favorite Hotels in Aguas Calientes for 2022-2023

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo

In a private mountainside refuge deep in the lush Andean cloud forest, in the heart of the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary, lies the intimate Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. From the hotel you are only minutes away from this premier archeological adventure of the Inca Empire.

Sanctuary Lodge

Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge is one of the world's most important heritage sites; the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is a magical place of unforgettable sunrises and shimmering, moonlit nights. Set in its own gardens and the only hotel in such close proximity to the magical ruins, the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge offers twenty-nine well-appointed rooms and two suites.

El MaPi Inn

Situated in the heart of stunning Machu Picchu town, only 3 hours by train from Cusco. The stylish El MaPi offers organic gastronomy and contemporary rooms. Enjoy the unique charm of the hotel while you discover an archaeological wonder.

Inti Inn

Inti Inn is located at a privileged and very safe, clean zone and very near Machupicchu's Parade Ground. Within two blocks blocks of the craft market, it brings together all craftsmen of the region.

Machu Picchu Travel Guide

Hiking the Inca Trail

Get a better idea of the adventure ahead with this day-by-day description of the Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu. The history, ancient sites, wildlife, and culture experienced along the Inca Trail make it popular among travelers. With so much to see along the way, this active method of exploring Peru provides a travel experience of a lifetime!

Highlights of Machu Picchu

Watch the sunrise over the peaks of the Sacred Valley of the Andes. This is one of the most popular ways to experience the true majesty of Machu Picchu and why the Inca chose this site as one of their most important cities.
Explore the ruins of Machu Picchu: On a guided tour or on your own, you can see the foundations of temples and houses, markets, and storage areas, and the iconic terraces that made this a self-sustaining mountain sanctuary.
Hike Huayna Picchu, the neighboring peak that overlooks Machu Picchu (permit required); here, you can also check out the Temple of the Moon!
Hike to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) overlooking the ruins: Originally the gate of Machu Picchu, it is now an alternative and somewhat challenging way to get to the "lost city."

How to Get to Aguas Calientes & Machu Picchu
There are just two ways to get to the town of Aguas Calientes at the base of iconic Machu Picchu: by train or by foot. Deep in the heart of the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu was an Inca sanctuary.

By foot: The most immersive way to experience Machu Picchu is by hiking the Inca Trail to the town of Aguas Calientes and then rising bright and early to hike up to Machu Picchu. The treks are generally very active and take anywhere from 4-8 days.

By train: There is also a scenic train that goes from Cusco straight to Aguas Calientes with several trips daily which take from 2-3 hours. This train also has destinations in Urubamba and Ollantaytambo.

Getting to the top of Machu Picchu: You can either hike up to the top, in which case we recommend waking very early to hike before the crowds overwhelm the ruins, or you can take a bus up, which is a much less physically taxing option. Buses leave regularly throughout the day.

Inca Trail Frequently Asked Questions

Learn about the Machu Picchu region's history, landscape, & people. We have answered many of the questions you might have about this journey of a lifetime.

Best Time of Year to Visit Peru and Machu Picchu

Whether you're heading to the Peruvian Andes or the Amazon, the dry season from May to November is the most popular time to visit. May and September are widely considered the best months to travel to Peru due to good weather and smaller crowds.

Where to Stay in Machu Picchu/ Aguas Calientes
No matter which itinerary you choose- even if you are doing a trek on which you will be camping most nights - you have the option to stay in one of these comfortable hotels in "Pueblo Machu Picchu" to give you prime access to the mountain & ruins.