Finding Your Own Path to Machu Picchu
Everyone talks about Machu Picchu like it’s this faraway dream, a place you have to see once in your life. And maybe that’s true, but what most people don’t realize until they get there is that the real magic starts long before you reach the ruins. It’s in the journey, the road, the trail you choose. Getting to Machu Picchu isn’t one single route — it’s three very different experiences, and the one you pick kind of says a lot about the kind of traveler you are. For the complete guide, see Your guide to reaching Machu Picchu.
The Classic: The Inca Trail (History and Connection)
The first and most famous route is, of course, the Inca Trail. It’s the one everyone hears about, the legendary path that the Incas themselves used centuries ago. You walk for four days through mountains, stone steps, clouds, and silence that only the Andes can have. Every turn reveals a piece of history — ancient ruins hidden in the forest, terraces built so perfectly they still stand untouched. It’s not an easy walk, but it’s the kind of challenge that changes you.
The best part of the Inca Trail is the arrival. You get to enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, just like the ancient messengers did. The first glimpse of the city from that spot, especially at sunrise, is hard to describe. You’re tired, dirty, probably hungry, but that moment feels sacred. You feel like you earned it. That said, the trail is highly regulated. You need a permit, and those sell out months ahead, especially in the dry season. Plus, it can feel crowded. Sometimes you see more people than birds. But even with all that, it’s still the route most people dream of doing at least once.
The Wild Sibling: The Salkantay Trek (Nature and Freedom)
Then there’s the Salkantay Trek, which is like the wild, adventurous cousin of the Inca Trail. It’s less about ruins and more about landscapes. You walk beneath snow-covered peaks, past turquoise lakes, through misty jungles — it’s nature showing off, basically. The trek takes about five days, and unlike the Inca Trail, you don’t need a special permit. That freedom attracts a different kind of traveler — people who want to go at their own rhythm, who prefer open space and a bit more solitude.
One of the coolest parts about Salkantay is that you’re constantly surrounded by changing scenery. One day you’re shivering near glaciers, the next you’re in a warm valley surrounded by orchids and waterfalls. And at night, if the sky is clear, the stars look close enough to touch. Some tours even offer glass domes so you can fall asleep looking at them. The downside is that the altitude can be rough — you reach over 4,600 meters at one point — and if it rains, the trail can get muddy. But those who do it say it’s totally worth it. It feels more raw, more real.
The Comfortable Choice: Sacred Valley and Train (Balance and Culture)
And then there’s the third option, the easy one, though easy doesn’t mean less beautiful. You can take the train from Ollantaytambo through the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes, the small town right below Machu Picchu. From there, it’s just a short bus ride up the mountain. This route is perfect for those who don’t have much time or who prefer comfort over long hikes.
The train ride itself is part of the experience — you pass through green valleys, alongside rivers, with the mountains closing in around you.
The train ride itself is part of the experience — you pass through green valleys, alongside rivers, with the mountains closing in around you. Along the way, you can explore places like Pisac, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo, all full of history and charm. The Sacred Valley is like a softer version of the Andes — still majestic, but more welcoming. You get to eat good food, visit local markets, and sleep in cozy hotels before continuing your trip. When you finally get to Machu Picchu, it’s not as dramatic an arrival as hiking in through the Sun Gate, but it’s still breathtaking. You see the ruins appear out of the mist and realize that even if you didn’t walk for days, the place still moves you.
The Rhythm of the Journey
Each route has its own rhythm. The Inca Trail is about history and connection — you feel like part of something ancient. Salkantay is about freedom and nature — wild mountains, open skies, and that feeling of being small in a big world. The train route is about balance — comfort, culture, and a bit of adventure, but without the exhaustion. None of them is better than the others, it just depends on what you’re looking for.