Machu Picchu holidays

It’ll come as no surprise when we say that trekking is one of the top things to do during your Machu Picchu holiday. But, there are plenty of other ways you can explore this breath-taking landscape, too. Set out on a guided horse-back ride through the Sacred Valley, tackling steep mountain passages and stopping off at Incan ruins. Or, visit the Urubamba River for an exciting day of white-water rafting.

If you consider yourself a real daredevil, why not take to the skies? Get your heart pumping as you paraglide or zip-line from towering heights, admiring the immense scenery as you go. Alternatively, if you’d rather keep your feet on the ground, you can plan a trip to the Maras Salt Mines to pick up some Peruvian pink salt.

There are multiple routes you can take to reach Machu Picchu, but the most famous is the Inca Trail. This 40-kilometre hike takes either four or five days to complete, taking you past lots of incredible Incan ruins along the way. What’s more, you’ll reach your destination via the Sun Gate – Machu Picchu’s iconic viewpoint.

If you fancy a slightly less crowded journey, you might want to consider an alternative route. The Salkantay Trek is a great option if you’re up for a bit of a challenge. Covering 75 kilometres and reaching altitudes of 4,630 metres, this is sure to be an epic adventure.

Alternatively, you can reduce your hiking time by taking the Lares Trail. Equally as impressive, this route gives you the option to take a train some of the way to the top.

Whilst Machu Picchu might be the main event, there are an incredible number of additional Incan ruins for you to see during your trip. You might want to stop over in Pisac – home to a hilltop fortress that overlooks a tumbling gorge. Discover the royal bath complex and Temple of the Sun, before heading back to Pisac town for some traditional Peruvian food.

Another great place to visit is Ollantaytambo. It was here that Spanish invaders lost a major battle, making for some of the best-preserved ruins you’ll see across the Sacred Valley. Or, you can head over to the fascinating circular terraces of Moray. Widely believed to be a former Incan agricultural laboratory, this truly is an awe-inspiring sight to see.

Rainy weather has its perks, but if you’re wanting to trek to Machu Picchu, clear skies and sunny days are what you’re after. The best time to go is between April and September, when rainfall is at its lowest.
If you’d rather, you can plan your holiday in a shoulder or off-peak month. However, it’s good to know that the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance in February, so you’ll need to choose a different route if travelling then.

Whenever you decide to visit Machu Picchu, there are some essentials you’ll want to bring with you. Well-worn hiking shoes are a must for avoiding blisters, and lots of warm layers and a raincoat won’t go amiss!