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
- Inca Magic
- 4 Days Journey Through Cusco, Sacred Valley And Machupicchu
- Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu
- The Inca Trail Experience 8D7N
- Shades of Peru
- Machu Picchu Jungle Trek 5D/4N (Biking, Zip-Line & Rafting)
- Machu Picchu - Ausangate to Rainbow Mountain Trek 4 Days.
- *Premium* Inca Jungle Trek Including Biking, Rafting and Zipline
Machu Picchu by Train Independent Adventure - Upgraded
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I think G Adventures was Great. We really enjoyed ourselves.”
Bruce, 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
27% Off- US$700You save $259
Duration 8 days Destinations Cusco, Mollepata, Salkantay Mountain, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Journey Machu Picchu Travel From
27% Off- US$1,299
Inca Magic
20 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
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
10% Off- US$1,050
Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu
13 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The organization was perfect starting from the pick up time in Cusco city, the transport, the accommodation was great always clean, private and safe.”
Helene, traveled in July
The Machu Picchu adventure combines 45km cycling from Abra Malaga (4,316m), Urubamba River rafting, and extensive ziplining. Rainforest paths lead to the ancient citadel, guided by expert UNSAAC-trained professionals.
Duration 4 days Destinations Cusco, Santa Maria, Santa Teresa, Machu Picchu Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Vidal Expeditions From
10% Off- US$620
The Inca Trail Experience 8D7N
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Awesome trip!! It's really good experience, good food, good time.”
Yana, traveled in February
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
10% Off- US$1,295
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
Machu Picchu Jungle Trek 5D/4N (Biking, Zip-Line & Rafting)
52 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Incredible experience, incredible activities and we would do it again!!!”
Ian, 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
*Premium* Inca Jungle Trek Including Biking, Rafting and Zipline
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great combination of activities, well organized, good accommodations.”
Katja, traveled in November
Mountain biking, class II-III rapids, and jungle zip-lining surround Machu Picchu's majesty. Ancient stone paths lead to sunrise citadel views, with optional Huayna Picchu climb. Local homestays and authentic Peruvian meals included.
Duration 4 days Destinations Cusco, Santa Maria, Abra Malaga Mountain, Urubamba, Aguas Calientes, Santa Teresa, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator CondeTravel From
10% Off- US$549
What people love about Active Tours in Machu Picchu
- Inca Magic
Truly an amazing adventure through Peru! Hotels, transfers & tours were all exceptional, with the highlight being, not surprisingly, Machu Picchu! Highly recommend Lima Tours if you're looking at touring Peru.
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
Fantastic days that we spent on the way to Machu Picchu. We did the Inca Jungle trail four day and it combines with different activities while you approach the iconic Inca ruin. Our guide collected us from out hostel early in the morning and drive for 2 hours where we started the mountain biking, cycling for another 2 hours and descended from 4,300 meters to 1,200 meters. In the afternoon we had the whitewater rafting which was super fun and safe. On the second day we hike in the forest and visited some local farms where we taste some coffee and fruits, the hike was 7 hours and ended at the hot spring, best way to relax. The third day was more easy we did zip line in the morning and hike to Aguas Calientes town(this hike was 3 hours following the train rail) Day four was more cultural day, we got to Machu Picchu and spend 4 hours there exploring and listening the history of the Incas and back to Cusco in the afternoon. Our guide was Ubano who did a excellent job during these four days, he was very informative, his knowledge about the area and Inca history was super nice and interested. The hotel and lodge were great as well, we had a basic hostel in Santa Maria with not hot shower but the weather was very hot there which was enough. Santa Teresa hotel was nice and located in the middle of the city. The hotel in Aguas Calientes was super great, close to everything and very comfortable beds. The biking gears were excellent for this tour, always safety. Rafting instructors were professional and fun. Food the entire trip was varied and customized for someone who was vegetarian in the group. Honestly we had really good time during this Inca Jungle Trail trip, highly recommend!!
Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu
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.