Finding the Best Tour to Machu Picchu For You

So you’re visiting Peru and want to see Machu Picchu, but can’t decide what is the best Machu Picchu tour. There are a number of factors to consider when planning a tour to Machu Picchu. Things like transportation, sights you’re interested in seeing along with the way and trip duration all make a difference. Everybody w
ill answer these questions differently, so to help, we’ve put together a small guide. You can see what some of the most popular tour options are. This way you can choose the best Machu Picchu tour for your visit.

Best Machu Picchu Tour Options

Getting from your starting point to the ending point of your Machu Picchu tour can happen in a variety of ways. Typically tour operators offer transportation via bus, train, or by hiking. The tours offered can last anywhere from 1 to 5 days, depending on your mode of transportation.

For visitors with a limited amount of time in Peru, single or 2-day tours are the way to go. There are quite a few single and 2-day bus and train tours available that you can choose from. However, you can have a richer experience in Peru if you have at least 3 to 5 days to explore. Embark on one of the many exciting treks through Inca jungles and trails. Take a breath-taking and beautiful journey through the Salkantay pass on your way to Machu Picchu.

Riding Tours

If you’re looking for more comfort than a bus, a train tour’s a great option for getting to Machu Picchu. From short-term visits to family vacations, these tours get you there quickly and easily so you can enjoy the attraction.

Bus Tours to Machu Picchu

Sit back, relax and enjoy the scenic views as you take a bus ride and experience one of the best Machu Picchu tours. For two days and one night, you will travel, seeing breath-taking views including the small town of Santa Teresa. The second day you will travel to Machu Picchu and later return to your hostel or hotel. For the full details of what’s included with this amazing tour, you can check out the offer by Haku Travel.

Train Tours to Machu Picchu

If your idea of the best Machu Picchu tour involves riding a train then you’re in luck. There are multiple companies that offer train tours to the historic site. Some offer tours lasting just one day while others offer 2-day tours. Some of our recommended 2-day tour operators like Llama Path, Haku Travel, and Rasgos Del Peru are known to offer great deals. All three offer amazing 2-day/1-night train tours to Machu Picchu. With unforgettable scenery, experience Peru’s culture and small communities and towns like Ollantaytambo. Check the details of these offers to understand what exactly to expect, as they give a detailed tour outlines.

It is also possible for those short on time to get the luxurious yet efficient 1-day train journey to this hidden citadel.

Sacred Valley And Machu Picchu

An agricultural center, the Sacred Valley was viewed by the Incas to have a territorial connection to the Milky Way. View this culturally important land as you make your way towards Machu Picchu. You can experience this lush and fertile area on a 2-day tour to the Sacred Valley with Machu Picchu. Considered as one of the best Machu Picchu tours that include seeing the Sacred Valley, both Haku Travel and Rasgos Del Peru are the top operators of this tour that we would recommend.

Trekking Tours

If you want the full-on Peruvian experience and you have the time, then trekking tours are great options. With hikes ranging from 3 to 5 days, you can pick and choose the best Machu Picchu tour for your time in Peru.

Inca Jungle Trek

For thrill-seekers and visitors seeking true adventure, multiple companies offer jungle hikes towards the Machu Picchu Inca ruins. Enjoy zip-lining, downhill mountain biking, and white water rafting, as you make your way through the jungle to the site.

Companies like Peru Coca Travel, Haku Travel, and Lorenzo Expeditions, offers some of the best 4-days/3-nights Machu Picchu tour packages. Enjoy an adventure while learning and experiencing the rich Inca history. If 4 days is just a little too much for you then Rasgos Del Peru in addition to the 4-day tour offers a shorter tour lasting only 3-days/2-nights as well.

Inca Trail Trek

Follow the footsteps of the ancient Inca civilization with a tour of the Inca Trail. Lasting a total of 4-days/3-nights, you will hike the classic trail to reach Machu Picchu the authentic way, by foot. For those interested, a number of recommended operators offer this type of tour. For avid hikers and lovers of the outdoors, this might be the best Machu Picchu tour option for you.

Pass through small communities, by waterfalls, and hike for roughly 4 hours until you pass over the highest point along the trail, Dead Woman’s Pass (4215 meters/13829 feet). Journey through Cloud Forest before descending in the valley towards Machu Picchu Mountain. For more information about taking this journey, you can check with Sam Travel Peru, Alpaca Expeditions or Llama Path for an experience that is truly unforgettable.

Salkantay Trek

The ultimate experience and truly one of the best Machu Picchu tours is the Salkantay Trek. Hiking over snow-capped mountains and through lush jungles are required to reach the site of Machu Picchu. You will find some of the most spectacular views as you pass between mountains Salkantay and Humantay.

As a popular destination for visitors, there are a number of great operators we can recommend you that offer some amazing and breath-taking hiking tours. Companies Haku Travel, Llama Path, Rasgos Del Peru, and Alpaca Expeditions all offer really great deals for this tour. All of the mentioned operators have 5-days/4-night Salkantay hiking tours with Sam Travel Peru offering a slightly shorter 4-day tour. If you are looking to reach new heights of adventure during your time in Peru, then this is the tour for you.

Although knowing what is the best Machu Picchu tour can be subjective depending on the person, there is definitely something for everyone. No matter if you hike, bike, ride a bus or take a train, several operators can match the journey to your comfort level to ensure that you actually do have the best Machu Picchu tour possible.