Our Machu Picchu Treks
Experience the journey of a lifetime to Machu Picchu with our diverse trekking options
Trek to Machu Picchu
The Andes are calling. Which Machu Picchu route will you choose?
Landed here because you’re wondering which Machu Picchu route you should trek? Welcome, you’ve come to the right place.
You’ve seen the photos. Mist-shrouded ruins, terraces rising out of jungle, ancient stonework perfectly aligned with peaks. But if you really want to earn that view, you need to walk to it. But a Machu Picchu trek is more than just a hike; it’s stepping into history, pushing your limits, and touching one of the world’s most magical places on your own two feet.
At The Bucket List Company, we offer three unforgettable Machu Picchu trek routes: the classic Inca Trail, the culturally rich Lares Route, and the wild, scenic Salkantay Route. Use this page to decide which route to Machu Picchu fits your style, schedule and sense of adventure.
Our Machu Picchu Treks
- Peru, South America
WHY WALK A MACHU PICCHU TREK WITH THE BUCKET LIST COMPANY?
Wondering which company to do a Machu Picchu trek with? When you’ve got something so iconic on your Bucket List, it’s essential to make sure you put the right people around you. Bucket List experiences are our bread and butter. Here’s why:
- Proven experience, seamless support: Our team has been organising Machu Picchu trek trips for years. You’ll get full pre‑departure support, and expert local guides who know the Andes like the back of their hand.
- Small groups, big camaraderie: We keep groups small (max 16), so you won’t be just a number, and your fellow trekkers will become your tribe. Did you know 73 % of our travellers come solo (and leave with new friends)?
- Fully catered, meticulously planned: No guesswork. Porters, meals, campsites, emergency backups? They’re all part of the package. We design itineraries to balance challenge, acclimatisation and time to soak it all in.
- Choice, respect, sustainability: You choose the Machu Picchu route that suits you best. And you won’t be leaving a negative mark either; we pay fair wages, support local communities, and minimise environmental impact.
- Cost-effective Bucket List moments: We pass our group discounts onto you and always give you the option to pay for your adventure in instalments (so you don’t have to choose between trekking Machu Picchu or paying your rent).
Our Machu Picchu Treks TRIP REVIEWS
CHOOSING THE RIGHT MACHU PICCHU TREK
Each Machu Picchu trek route might lead to the same destination, but the journey varies massively. To help you decide which route to Machu Picchu might be right for you, here’s a breakdown:
The classic - Inca Trail:
The iconic path. The one everyone’s heard of. The one that probably turned your head to Machu Picchu in the first place. Packed with ancient ruins, jungle, mountain passes, and the famous Sun Gate revealing Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail is the only route where you’ll arrive at Machu Picchu via the original Inca pathway. Best for those who want history, prestige, and a sense of walking in ancient footsteps.
The cultural & quiet option - Lares Route:
If you’d prefer a more intimate, authentic route with fewer crowds and more local interaction, Lares could be the one for you. You’ll trek through remote Quechua villages, pass local farms, and see traditional weaving and rituals first‑hand. The final ascent on the Lares Route is actually done by bus – so if you don’t mind heading to the citadel by road, go for it. Best for adventurers who love getting off the beaten track (and who don’t mind missing the Sun Gate entry to Machu Picchu).
The wild & scenic - Salkantay Route:
If you want expansive mountain routes, fewer trekkers, and dramatic scenery, Salkantay will light you up. At 45 miles, it’s the longest Machu Picchu trek route we offer, and it crosses higher terrain than the Lares and Inca trails too, reaching some 4,600m above sea level at Salkantay Pass. Epic. You’ll trek through snow‑topped peaks, glacial landscapes, cloud forest, and dramatic descents. If solitude, rugged beauty, and variety in terrain is your vibe, this is a powerful choice.
STILL NOT SURE WHICH TREK TO MACHU PICCHU?
With so many incredible options, deciding which route to Machu Picchu is the right one can be a head-scratcher. The Inca Trail is a Bucket List classic for good reason, but the Salkantay and Lares routes offer equally epic experiences, from wild mountain pases to authentic village life.
The best choice for you will come down to the amount of time you’ve got to play with, how much peace or challenge you’re after, and the sort of adventure you want most from your Machu Picchu trek. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
Inca Trail
- Classic route with ancient ruins and the Sun Gate entrance
- Moderate to challenging terrain
- Most popular (and busiest) trail
- Ideal for first-time trekkers and history lovers
Lares Route
- Passes through remote villages and local communities
- Quiet trails with fewer trekkers
- Moderate difficulty
- Perfect for culture seekers and those craving a peaceful adventure
Salkantay Route
- Wild mountain landscapes and remote, varied terrain
- Toughest of the three treks
- Medium–low crowd levels
- Great for nature lovers and those wanting solitude and challenge
Want to chat each route through and discuss your options with an expert who cares that you have the perfect Bucket List experience? Call us on 01769 309007.
PHOTO GALLERY
Our Machu Picchu Treks FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Toilet paper goes in a bin near the toilet – may be worth bringing your own! There are infrequent toilet blocks, usually hidden from the trail so if you can’t hold it, the only option is to go behind a bush. By day 2 you may be using floor toilets which you squat over.
- Inca Trail: This classic trek typically involves hiking approximately 8-12 miles (13-19 km) per day, depending on the segment and day of the journey.
- Salkantay Trek: On the Salkantay Trek, you can expect to walk around 10-12 miles (16-20 km) daily, with some days involving more strenuous elevation changes.
- Lares Trek: The Lares Trek usually covers about 6-9 miles (10-15 km) each day, with varied terrain and cultural stops along the way.
Tents are on a twin share basis so will be 2 travellers of similar age and same gender, unless travelling in pairs.
You can either bring Sol as your currency or you can bring US dollars which are easy to exchange for Sol when you get to Lima! Some people use both, it’s really optional.
Yes. If you do not have a duffel bag you can use your preferred luggage and then transfer the bits you will need whilst trekking to a duffel bag for the porters to carry.