Planning Your Trip to Machu Picchu & Cusco
There are two great ways to reach Machu Picchu: the comfortable way, by panoramic train through the Sacred Valley, or on foot via one of the legendary multi-day treks. The Salkantay Trek is the most popular alternative to the classic Inca Trail — higher, wilder and needing no permit — while the Inca Jungle adds biking, zip-lining and hot springs. Whichever you choose, every Machu Picchu Team tour is run by our own Cusco-based team.
Most travelers base themselves in Cusco (3,400 m) for a few days to acclimatise, exploring day tours such as the Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake and the Sacred Valley, before heading to Machu Picchu. For something further off the beaten path, the Choquequirao trek and the Amazon rainforest of Manu and Tambopata are unforgettable additions.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can reach Machu Picchu by panoramic train (a 1- or 2-day tour from Cusco) or on foot via a multi-day trek such as the Salkantay (5, 4 or 3 days), the classic Inca Trail (4 or 2 days) or the Inca Jungle (3–4 days). We operate all of these directly.
Yes. The classic Inca Trail has a limited number of government permits per day and sells out months in advance, so early booking is essential. The Salkantay Trek and our other routes need no permit and can be booked at short notice.
The dry season from May to September offers the clearest skies and best trail conditions. April and October are quieter shoulder months with occasional showers. The rainy season runs December to March; the Inca Trail closes every February for maintenance.
Yes. We are a 100% Cusco-based, MINCETUR-certified tour operator (MACHUPICCHU TEAM TRAVEL S.A.C). We run our own guides, cooks, transport and campsites, so you book directly with us — with fair, transparent pricing and no intermediaries.
For the classic Inca Trail, book 4–6 months ahead (permits sell out). For the Salkantay, Inca Jungle, Machu Picchu and day tours, a few weeks is usually enough — though we recommend booking earlier for the high season (June to August).