Best Machu Picchu Tours & Treks 2025/2026

As the mist lifts off the mountains and over the Inca ruins, Machu Picchu evokes an otherworldly feeling

It’s one of the world’s most incredible archaeological sites, with a breathtaking location to match. With all that Machu Picchu has to offer, it’s easy to understand why so many are drawn to the visitor heartland of Peru. The ultimate decision is how to get there. Choose a trek or take the train? You could hike through cloud forests along the classic Inca Trail, fulfil your Andes experience on the Quarry Trail or challenge yourself on the Choquequirao trek – it's up to you. We don’t need to tell you why the adventure is worth your while. Our local leaders will keep you safe, informed and inspired every step of the way.

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Map of Inca Trail Express including Peru

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Map of Inca Trail Express From Lima including Peru

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Machu Picchu highlights

Traveelers looking out the window on the train up to the town Aguas Calientes, to go to Machu Picchu

Choose your own route to Machu Picchu

There is no right or wrong way to get to Machu Picchu. On most of our trips, you can choose your own adventure with three incredible ways to travel through the Sacred Valley: the Inca Trail, the Quarry Trail and the train journey. That way, if hiking’s not your thing, you can still retrace the steps of the Inca and reach your final, breathtaking destination.

Inca Encounter

Machu Picchu by Train Short Break

Women walking amongst the ruins of the ancient Machu Picchu, on a cloudy day, Peru

Walk the ruins on an expertly guided tour

So, you’ve made it to Machu Picchu – now what? Your ancient Incan adventure doesn’t have to end once you reach the Sun Gate (and fill up your phone’s camera roll). Embark on a guided tour of the ruins, stopping to marvel at temples and wander around palaces while learning about a fascinating civilization from centuries ago. 

Inca Trail Express

Peru Encompassed

Inca Trail Express from Lima

Traveller looking crafts made by locals in the Sacred Valley of Peru, on the way too Machu Picchu

Explore Sacred Valley

Sometimes the stops you make along the way can be just as extraordinary as the destination itself; the Sacred Valley is one of those unforgettable stops on your journey to Machu Picchu. From terraced valley walls covered in maize crops to bead and poncho-filled market stalls, this special place has been a source of livelihood for the locals for centuries and stopping here gives you a chance to learn all about it.

Sacred Land of the Incas

Majestic Peru

Inca Trail & Amazon Adventure

Guide talking with travellers in the cathedral square of Cusco, Peru on a cloudy day

Wander the streets of Cusco

Cusco might be the entryway to the Sacred Valley, but it’s also a spectacular city in its own right. See ancient fortresses, colonial houses, fascinating museums and public plazas around every corner. It's a perfect place to acclimatize before you continue your Peruvian adventure. This charming city promises local markets to wander through and plenty of tasty food (made with Andean ingredients) to eat.

Majestic Peru

Inca Trail Express

Sacred Land of the Incas

Which route is right for you?

A map showing three trekking routes to Machu Picchu: Inca Trail, Quarry Trail and Choquequirao Trail

Classic Inca Trail

With its spectacular natural scenery and profound cultural encounters, the Inca Trail is an international beacon for trekking. Attracting thousands of hikers each year, it's a challenging yet rewarding hike that stays with you for a lifetime. Although rated moderate, the relentless uphill (and downhill) hiking is tough - the fitter you are, the more you’ll enjoy it.

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Inca Quarry Trail

For an impressive hike off the beaten path, consider the Inca Quarry Trail. This lesser-known trek offers the same magical scenery of the Andes mountains, passing through local villages and visiting three smaller archaeological sites the other trails don’t. Another bonus is that the hike doesn’t require a permit – so once you book, you’re set.

Explore route

Meet our team

Operations manager

Maritza

"I'm passionate about empowering local Indigenous communities, especially women, and am also a committed defender of Mother Earth, known in the Andes as Pachamama. I have worked tirelessly with local communities and governments to help improve the sustainability of treks in the Cusco region".

Leader

Paul

“It will be a pleasure to share our traditions and beliefs, take you to the most amazing sites and, most importantly, interact with the locals! Get ready for a behind-the-scenes tour where we’ll visit hole-in-the-wall restaurants and find the best picarones (Andean doughnuts). I’ll be waiting for you here, in my beloved Peru."

General manager

Fernando

"I like working for Intrepid because their social and environmental philosophy isn’t just a slogan to sell more trips, they really do care about it. I have changed my life in so many aspects due to all the learning coming from Intrepid, from recycling to accepting myself, and being proud of who I am."

Why choose us

Trek experts

All our guides are certified local tour guides and trained in-house on Intrepid Safety Policies. Each trekking guide also receives exclusive Intrepid training, provided by mountain rescue experts in the field.

Safety first

All our guides and trek leaders have been trained by medical specialists in handling altitude illness and are proficient in first aid. Our team carries oxygen cylinders on all treks for emergency use.

Local matters

Our team members live and work in the Andean region, which means revenue from all our treks benefit the local economy.

Full inclusions

We take care of the details, so you can focus more on enjoying the journey. Our tours include all meals, with essential camping equipment and the option to hire additional hiking equipment if needed.

Rainforest Alliance tick of approval

We are proud to have the tick of approval from the Rainforest Alliance indicating that we meet and operate at the highest standards in environmental, social and economic sustainability.

Sustainable travel

We strive to use travel as a force for good. That’s why we choose to give back to the communities we visit, carbon offset all our trips and take our social and environmental responsibilities seriously. We’ve been officially certified as the world’s largest travel B Corp, which means when you choose Intrepid Travel, you can rest assured you’re travelling to improve the planet.