How to Hike to Machu Picchu (not via Inca Trail)

Most travel guidebooks will tell you the only way to hike to Machu Picchu is on the Inca Trail which entails hiring a guide, $$$, and planning far in advance. They will also tell you the other way to get there is to take the train (about $100 USD round trip). In this article you will learn how to walk to Auga Caliente (the village at the base of Machu Picchu).

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Good hiking shoes
• Plenty of water
• Snacks
• Warm clothes
• Rain poncho
• Anything else you might need for a strenuous hiking trip

1. 
   Llama at Machu Picchu

   First, get yourself to Cusco and spend the night there. You need to be well rested because this will be a 20 mile hike. Please be aware that you must be very fit to do this walk! Also consider the altitude, it may make you more tired if you are not used to it.

2. 
   Machu Picchu

   Next, find the taxi cars that go out to Urubamba, Pisca, etc. Ask them to take you to Ollantaytambo. You will need to leave very early in the morning so you do not end up hiking in the dark (take a flashlight, just in case).

3. 
   House in Ollantaytambo where we stayed

   If you do not arrive in Ollantaytambo (a VERY rural village) to complete the hike before sunset you can camp in one of the villagers backyard. We stayed with a couple for $3 each. They made us a little bed on their floor. You will have to speak Spanish well enough and not be shy about asking the locals for a place to stay. This will allow you to wake up at dawn the next morning and leave first thing.

4. 
   Walking the train tracks to Agua Caliente

   From Ollantaytambo, simply follow the train tracks to Agua Caliente. You will pass ruins on this hike that most people only fly past in the train. Take pictures, but don't attempt to enter them!

5. 
   Road to Agua Caliente

   Once you arrive at Agua Caliente, find a hostal and head up to the hot springs for a soak! Your feet will need it. You will need a full day for the hike back, so you will need to stay at least 2 nights. Or you can take the train back in the evening for about $50 USD.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask a local at a hostal or hotel how much the taxi to Ollantaytambo should cost to ensure a fair price. As with all of South America, you will have to use your bargaining skills.
• If you want to camp in Ollantaytambo you will need to bring your own gear (tent and sleeping bag)
• Do not attempt this hike if you have any health concerns or are not in excellent shape, the road is very rural and no medical attention is nearby
• It is better to have a group of 4 or more since this path is VERY isolated (we only saw locals using it)
• Check the local political situations and news to make sure it is safe

[sfjeff]

on 5/2/2009 thanks for the great post! I was starting to think it was hopeless to do anything like this... any idea what the consequences would be if the guard IS at the gate, and we are without a guide?

[elexiapatterson]

on 2/24/2009 Well, when I walked by there was no guard. Remember, you're not hiking on the Inca Trail...you're hiking the railroad track that goes out to Agua Calliente. You will pass the Inca Trail gate or trail head, but you need to stay on the track or you will never reach the village by night. Hiking the track is just as pretty and is how the locals who can't afford the train get out there. Remember to check local situations and always hike in a group in South America for safety.

[tom12]

on 2/24/2009 HiThanks for this infoHow long does it take? Do you realy start walking in Ollanta? Doesn't the Inca trail guard stop you at the gate (which according to the map is next to the track)?

[gatunibi]

on 2/24/2009 This is a great post! I am planning to go there next year, so this is helpful!5* and a recommend!

[acole]

on 7/21/2008 Good travel info.