Are you interested in a hike tour to the Peruvian ruins of Machu Picchu? If so, read our guide for more facts and information…
Machu Picchu Hike Packing List
If you are hiring a hiking tour company for your hiking trip to Machu Picchu you won’t have to pack much by way of hiking and packing equipment. All you would need are your personal belongings such as clothes, and snacks. Tents, cooking utensils, water, food, etc. will be provided for by the touring company. Also provided for will be a cook, as well as one porter per two people to carry items such as tents.
The Inca Trail, which is where you would be hiking on your way to Machu Picchu is very wet, so pack a raincoat and some weather proof hiking boots with plenty of ankle support. While all meals are provided for in the tour package you should also pack some snacks to keep energy levels up. The most important thing really is comfortable and suitable clothing. Also include sunscreen, sunglasses and wide brimmed hats.
Macho Picchu Jackets
One rainproof jacket will be sufficient for a hike to Machu Picchu because of the wet weather of the region. Also pack a soft fleece jacket, and a light parka.
Machu Picchu Hike Cost
The cost of your guided tour to Machu Picchu depends on numerous factors. The price is quoted by the touring companies on a per person rate. The biggest factor that determines the cost of the tour is the duration. Obviously the longer it is the more sites are involved, the more expensive it is. The cheapest hiking tour usually starts at around USD$300 per person for a four day trip from Cusco.
There are companies that offer total packages from your arrival in Lima. These would include the bus trip to the destination at which the hike would begin. To cut down on costs you could plan your journey to the starting point of the hike yourself. These companies include Travel Network Peru, Andean Treks and South American Vacations.
Machu Picchu Hike Elevation
If you do the traditional 4 to 5 day hike from Cusco expect to hike approximately 7000 feet upwards from your starting point. The ruins themselves are located about 8,692 feet above sea level.
Machu Picchu Hike Distance
The distance of your hike will depend on the tour that you select. The 1 day excursion with the hike from Aguas Calientes is the shortest. The next shortest is a four day hike from Cusco. If beginning the trail from Cusco you will walk 27 miles. No matter where your hike begins from, you will end up on the Inca Trail from the town of Aguas Calientes which is in the valley below the ruins. It takes about 60 to 80 minutes to hike from the town to the ruins.
Machu Picchu Hiking Tours Luxury
If you want a more comfortable experience consider a luxury lodge trek to the ruins. These treks are typically done in small groups of 12 people at the most. At night, instead of camping outdoors one stays in luxury lodges along the trekking route. Luggage is transported using mules, so you only have to carry your backpack with your essentials for the day, such as cameras. Such luxury tours have fixed departures only from the months of March to December. A 9 day tour will cost you about GBP1,300 per person sharing and upwards. One of the most reputable companies to make reservations through is Tribes Travel.
