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
- 04 Day Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu – Group Service
- Inca Magic
- 4 Days Journey Through Cusco, Sacred Valley And Machupicchu
- 4 Days Classic Machu Picchu Inca Jungle Tour - Standard
- Shades of Peru
- The Inca Trail Experience 8D7N
- Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu 4D/3N
- Trek & Climb: Acclimatisation & Mountain Training – 16 Days
- Trek & Climb: Nevado Qampa (5,500m) & Percocaya (5,230m) Training – 6 or 7 Days
Machu Picchu by Train Independent Adventure - Upgraded
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Very professional and well organised.”
David, 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
- US$959
04 Day Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu – Group Service
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Fun and exciting, never a dull moment.”
Ove, traveled in March
Mountain biking descends from 4,350m passes while Class III-IV rafting precedes Machu Picchu arrival. Ancient temples, astronomical sundials, and Sacred Rock Hut await dawn exploration with expert guides.
Duration 4 days Destinations Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Abra Malaga Mountain, Santa Teresa, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Inkayni Peru Tours From
- US$699
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
15% Off- US$1,054You save $186
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, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, French, Spanish Operator Waman Adventures From $1,050
30% Off- US$735You save $315
4 Days Classic Machu Picchu Inca Jungle Tour - Standard
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Machu Picchu was incredible and we go amazing spots and the adventure the entire way was beautiful and exciting.”
Cody, traveled in November
Orchid-filled cloud forests line ancient paths to Machu Picchu's sunrise views. Optional ziplining at 80km/h across six cables near Santa Teresa precedes a scenic 3-hour trek along the Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes.
Duration 4 days Destinations Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Abra Malaga Mountain, Santa Teresa, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator CondeTravel From
30% Off- US$450
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, Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes, Ollantaytambo Age Range Ages 10+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator LimaTours From $1,175
15% Off- US$999You save $176
The Inca Trail Experience 8D7N
10 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“They were a wealth of knowledge and pleasant to be with.”
Jake, traveled in January
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
15% Off- US$1,295
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, Wayllabamba, Pacaymayo Valley, Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Bamba Travel From
15% Off- US$932
Glacier skills training unfolds near Machu Picchu at Qampa Base Camp (4,850m). Climbers tackle 60-degree ice walls on Nevado Qampa (5,500m) and technical sections of Percocaya (5,230m). Professional mountain guides provide specialized equipment training.
Duration 16 days Destinations Cusco, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Unu Raymi Expeditions From $2,699
15% Off- US$2,294You save $405
The ascent features 60° ice walls and penitentes fields leading to two summits. Mountaineering skills training at 4,850m base camp prepares climbers for Qampa (5,500m) and Percocaya (5,230m) in the Ausangate region.
Duration 6 days Destinations Cusco Age Range Ages 18-60 Operated in English, Spanish Operator Unu Raymi Expeditions From
15% Off- US$1,199
What people love about Active Tours in Machu Picchu
From start to finish this tour was superb. We got to do everything from adventure activities to learning about local people, their traditions like coffee making and of course the ainca Trail and finally the amazing Machu Pitchu
04 Day Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu – Group Service
- Inca Magic
Special thanks to the team at Lima Tours, who made our trip to peru very special and memorable.
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
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.