Three main hiking routes reach Machu Picchu, and the duration of each is the first thing to pick between.
The classic Inca Trail runs 42 km over four days from Kilometre 82 on the PeruRail line, over Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 m), and into Intipunku on day four. It is the only route that approaches the citadel on foot through the Sun Gate. Permits are capped at 500 a day including porters and sell out six months ahead.
The Short Inca Trail is the two-day version starting at Kilometre 104 — 12 km on day one, arrival at Intipunku, Aguas Calientes overnight, full citadel tour on day two. 250 permits a day; book two to three months ahead.
The Salkantay Trek is the five-day alternative route that avoids the permit system entirely. 60 km over Salkantay Pass (4,630 m) and down into the cloud forest at Santa Teresa, ending with a train or walk to Aguas Calientes. The Lares Trek is a three-to-four-day variant through Quechua communities.
Or the no-walk option: Vistadome train from Ollantaytambo (90 minutes), bus up from Aguas Calientes (25 minutes), citadel tour (3 hours).
Book the right pace at Peruways.
