Active Tours & Trips in Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu's the classic for solid reasons, so when will you go? The Inca Trail requires permits months ahead, so planning is key. Head to Salkantay if you want to go harder, and from Cusco fora slightly easier route. Dead Woman's Pass is mind-blowing, and you’ll see nature and wildlife at every turn. It’s Peru's highlight living up to the hype.
10 best active Machu Picchu tours
Compiled by
MelissaMachu Picchu travel expert at TourRadar
- Machu Picchu by Train Independent Adventure - Upgraded
- 8 Day Salkantay Trekking Adventure
- 4 Days Journey Through Cusco, Sacred Valley And Machupicchu
- The Inca Trail Experience 8D7N
- Inca Magic
- Shades of Peru
- 5-Day Cusco & Machu Picchu essential Tour
- Machu Picchu Jungle Trek 5D/4N (Biking, Zip-Line & Rafting)
- Machu Picchu - Ausangate to Rainbow Mountain Trek 4 Days.
- Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu 4D/3N
Machu Picchu by Train Independent Adventure - Upgraded
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“the knowledge of the guide and the fun my Dad and I had will never be forgotten.”
Garret, traveled in August
Early morning access to Machu Picchu's ruins pairs with scenic train rides through Urubamba Valley. Cultural immersion includes traditional weaving at Ccaccaccollo, dining at Parwa restaurant, and archaeological insights from local guides.
Duration 3 days Destinations Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Age Range Ages 12+ Operator G Adventures From $959
30% Off- US$671You save $288
Duration 8 days Destinations Cusco, Mollepata, Salkantay Mountain, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Journey Machu Picchu Travel From
30% Off- US$1,299
4 Days Journey Through Cusco, Sacred Valley And Machupicchu
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This trip was packed with amazing sites, beautiful culture, and delicious food.”
Rebecca, traveled in April
Ancient stonework of Machu Picchu comes alive through expert guidance. The challenging Huayna Picchu Mountain climb costs $90, offering stunning citadel views. Morning access provides prime exploration opportunities.
Duration 4 days Destinations Cusco, Chinchero, Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, French, Spanish Operator Waman Adventures From
30% Off- US$1,050
The Inca Trail Experience 8D7N
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We had a wonderful experience hiking to Machu Pichu. Watched over our group carefully and was very knowledgeable of the area.”
Kevin, traveled in April
Dead Woman's Pass at 4,200m marks a milestone on the Inca Trail, led by Alpaca Expeditions experts. Cloud forests lead to Phuyupatamarka ruins and Winay Wayna camp, culminating at UNESCO-listed Machu Picchu at sunrise. Local porters handle gear while trekkers soak in Andes Mountain views.
Duration 8 days Destinations Cusco, Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Patallacta, Pacaymayo Valley, Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes, Rainbow Mountain Age Range Ages 10+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Alpaca Expeditions From
30% Off- US$1,295
Inca Magic
19 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Well organized and highly recommended!”
Rafal, traveled in April
Optional hikes up Huayna Picchu or Inti Punku reward with panoramic citadel views. Machu Picchu's hidden corners reveal underground temple complex and secret Inca Bridge military trail. Train journeys wind through dramatic Andean landscapes.
Duration 8 days Destinations Lima, Cusco, Maras, Moray, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes Age Range Ages 10+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator LimaTours From $1,240
10% Off- US$1,116You save $124
Machu Picchu's citadel unfolds during 2.5-hour guided tours of royal chambers and sacred clock. Vistadome train from Ollantaytambo offers scenic views. Ancient ruins come alive with expert guides, followed by lunch at Aguas Calientes.
Duration 7 days Destinations Lima, Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, Cusipata Age Range Ages 10+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator LimaTours From $1,175
10% Off- US$1,058You save $118
The ancient citadel of Machu Picchu reveals its secrets through the Intihuatana solar clock, Palace of the Incas, and Three Windows. A scenic train from Ollanta station leads to a 2.5-hour guided tour.
Duration 5 days Destinations Cusco, Cusipata, Rainbow Mountain, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Age Range Ages 7+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Latin Adventures From
10% Off- US$1,199
Machu Picchu Jungle Trek 5D/4N (Biking, Zip-Line & Rafting)
52 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We loved all the activities, felt safe the whole way through and had a great time meeting the people in our group.”
Shaun, traveled in May
Thrills include a 2.5-hour downhill bike ride from Malaga High Pass, class III-IV rapids on Urubamba River, and South America's highest zip-line in Santa Teresa. Remote mountain villages and cloud forests lead to iconic Machu Picchu at dawn.
Duration 5 days Destinations Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Santa Maria, Santa Teresa, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Bamba Travel From
10% Off- US$783
Machu Picchu - Ausangate to Rainbow Mountain Trek 4 Days.
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Finished an amazing 4D/3N Ausangate/Rainbow Mountain with Alpaca Expedition. Great view and great team!”
Patricia, traveled in July
High-altitude paths stretch from Pukutuni School (4,200m) to Condor Pass (4,900m), offering views of Ausangate glacier peaks. The route includes camps at Pucaccocha (4,600m) and Sororni Lake, with early Rainbow Mountain (5,030m) arrival. Guide Javier and Chef Samuel provide expertise and gourmet meals.
Duration 4 days Destinations Cusco, Rainbow Mountain, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Age Range Ages 10+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Alpaca Expeditions From
10% Off- US$795
Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu 4D/3N
58 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It IS a VERY POPULAR trek and with that means there are A LOT of people every day hiking alongside you.”
Andres, traveled in February
The trail from Piscacucho follows Vilcanota River Valley to Dead Woman's Pass at 4,215m. Hidden archaeological sites dot the path to camps at Wayllabamba (2,980m), Pacaymayo (3,600m), and Wiñayhuayna (2,650m). Pre-dawn hiking rewards with Machu Picchu's Sun Gate at sunrise.
Duration 4 days Destinations Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Piscacucho, Wayllabamba, Pacaymayo Valley, Runkuraqay Mountain, Sayacmarca, Winay Wayna, Machu Picchu, Huayna PicchuSee all destinations Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Bamba Travel From
10% Off- US$932
What people love about Active Tours in Machu Picchu
This trip was packed with amazing sites, beautiful culture, and delicious food. The itinerary was perfectly curated. Our guide, Ronald was so helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable. Of course, Machu Picchu was a major highlight, but getting there via Perurail was almost as exciting. My 12yo daughter and I had a wonderful trip! Definitely recommend this trip to anyone that enjoys culture and nature.
4 Days Journey Through Cusco, Sacred Valley And Machupicchu
- The Inca Trail Experience 8D7N
We had a wonderful experience hiking to Machu Pichu. We had a group of 7 people. Weather was wonderful and it was truly memorable experience. Herlin was a fantastic guide. Watched over our group carefully and was very knowledgeable of the area. He had excellent knowledge of the history and culture. Highly recommend!
- Inca Magic
Special thanks to the team at Lima Tours, who made our trip to peru very special and memorable.
What our customers ask about Active Tours & Trips in Machu Picchu
What unique activities are included in Machu Picchu Adventure tours?
Machu Picchu Adventure tours pack a range of high-energy activities that take travelers beyond the standard ruins visit. Guests can mountain bike down the Abra Malaga pass ride class III-IV rapids on the Urubamba River zip-line through cloud forests and trek historic Inca paths. The tours typically stop at the thermal springs of Santa Teresa and Cocalmayo while weaving in visits to local communities. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The perfect mix of adrenaline culture and fun - we experienced hiking biking zip-lining and whitewater rafting with amazing views!"
When is the best time for Adventure tours to Machu Picchu?
The most reliable weather for Machu Picchu Adventure tours runs from April through October during the dry season. This period offers stable conditions for outdoor activities and drier trails. The Lares Trek area sees its clearest skies during July and August while the Salkantay route provides the best mountain views in these months. Accommodations range from the Terra Viva hotel in Cusco to the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
How challenging is the Salkantay Trek compared to other Adventure routes?
The Salkantay Trek requires more stamina than the classic Inca Trail with its higher elevation of 4800m and diverse terrain changes. The route passes by Salkantay Mountain standing at 6271m winds through cloud forests and includes stays at camps like Soraypampa at 3850m. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "Awesome trek stunning scenery amazing meals and a great finish at Machu Picchu. The variety of landscape and experiences was incredible."
What accommodation can I expect on a Machu Picchu Adventure tour?
The accommodation mix includes both camping and hotel stays. Trekking portions use quality four-season tents at established sites such as Llulluchapampa and Phuyupatamarca. City stays include comfortable hotels like MamaSara Hotel in Cusco and El Mapi Hotel in Aguas Calientes. One TourRadar traveler shares: "The camping areas were in spectacular locations and the camp staff put up and take down all equipment allowing you to focus on the trek experience."
How challenging is the altitude on Machu Picchu Adventure tours?
The altitude poses real physical demands with trails reaching 4630m at Salkantay Pass while Machu Picchu sits at 2430m. Most tours start with 2-3 days in Cusco at 3400m staying at properties like the Hilton Garden Inn or Tierra Viva Cusco for acclimatization. As one TourRadar traveler shared "The guide carefully monitored our adjustment to altitude and ensured we took necessary breaks." Tours provide coca tea and experienced guides to help travelers adjust to the elevation.
What's included in the meals during an Adventure tour to Machu Picchu?
The tours provide full-board meals during trek days prepared by skilled mountain chefs. Daily menus start with coca tea and breakfast continue with energy-focused lunches and end with local dinner specialties. Most itineraries like those at Quiswarniyoc Camp serve three meals snacks and afternoon tea. As one TourRadar traveler mentioned "The food was consistently good throughout the trek." Special diets including vegetarian and vegan options are available when requested ahead of time at no extra cost.