Backpacking Machu Picchu: My Experience

machu picchu peru

Without a doubt the most popular destination in Peru (and an arguable contender for South America overall), Machu Picchu is always a good idea when heading to this continent.

In this article, we’ll cover what the trek looks like, how to get to Machu Picchu, as well as some of our best tips to get the most out of a trip.

*Also just to mention here, this article will go over the hike that starts along the hidroeléctrica track and heads to Aguascalientes. Of course there’s the popular Inca trail too, but since I haven’t done this I won’t be covering it.

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Backpacking Machu Picchu: My Experience

For more information on backpacking South America see our full guide which covers other practical tips such as budget, safety and trip planning.

Assuming you’ll be travelling independently (if not see a bit further below), then you’ll most likely start your adventure in the popular hub of Cusco.

From Cusco you’ll first need to catch a bus to Ollantaytambo, and then from here you catch another shuttle bus to the start of the hidroeléctrica tracks.

From here you can of course catch the train, but we’re here for an adventure and to save money right?!

Hiking along the tracks will take you between 2-3 hours depending on your fitness level. It’s mostly flat and you’ll be following the train tracks the entire way (so it’s impossible to get lost).

agua calientes to machu picchu

After the hike you’ll arrive in Aguascalientes, which is a nice town nestled in the mountains. Most usually sleep the night here, before making the two hour trek up to Machu Picchu the following day (or taking the bus up).

If joining a tour to come here, it’ll be pretty much the same although you’ll have all the logistics and buses covered for you from Cusco until the hidroeléctrica track.

Regardless if you go with a tour or not, you’ll need to organize your own bus up to Machu Picchu if you don’t want to walk from Aguascalientes.

aguascalientes peru

Those who are interested in going for the full Inca Trail hike can see this all-inclusive tour, which includes all meals, transport and entrance tickets

The Best time to hike Machu Picchu

If heading from Cusco, you’ll be relieved to hear that Machu Picchu is located at an altitude of 2450m, compared to Cusco’s hefty 3400m.

When I went it meant a nice break from Soroche (altitude sickness) that had plagued me during my two week trip there. You can read more and learn exactly how to prepare for high altitudes from my list of practical tips.

July through to September is the peak tourist season, as it coincides with the dry season for this region of the Andean foothills.

However, visiting slightly earlier in the year from April until June is the overall best time, as it’s still the dry season but with a drop in prices (and less crowds).

Running from November until late March, the rainy season is the least busy time to visit Machu Picchu. Of course the heavier rains put people off, and sometimes there can be issues with the paths there.

hiking machu picchu

However there are many benefits of visiting during this time, including much greener and lush landscapes as well as virtually no other people!

January is the rainiest month, with roughly 160mm falling (with the next heaviest being February with 130mm, followed by December with 120mm).

Hiking Machu Picchu: Travel Tips

Below you’ll see a few of our top recommendations for hiking Machu Picchu:

Tip 1: Leave Aguascalientes early as possible (on the first bus)

This is obvious, but the earlier you get there, the less people there will be.

As well as avoiding hordes of tourists getting in the way of your perfect view, you’ll also see the sunrise which makes for some stunning scenes.

The first shuttle bus leaves around 5am, so get prepared the night before and get ready for some truly amazing views.

Another popular time to visit is around 4pm to see the ruins during dusk.

machu picchu hike

Tip 2: Browse all tour companies before purchasing tickets

When you get to Cusco you’ll see dozens and dozens of vendors selling Machu Picchu tours.

Of course if you don’t mind how much you spend then you can pick the first you see.

However budget for us backpackers is important, and here I recommend heading to the Plaza de Armas and comparing.

It’s even possible to get a discount if you’re resilient enough.

Tip 3: Go independently (or buy a tour just to have the logistics handled)

This really depends on the person, however personally I really don’t like tours, as I like to see things at my own pace.

plaza de armas peru

However for Machu Picchu it does make things easier logistically. Also the price will be more or less the same, as the tour includes the Machu Picchu entrance ticket. See this Machu Picchu tour for the official tickets and entry.

The added benefits of course will be the transport all handled for you from Cusco. Besides, once you get to Aguascalientes you don’t need to go with the tour the whole way.

Usually you only have a 45 minute slot with a tour group but if you go independently you can spend much longer here.

When I was there I just set off on my own on the first bus up to Machu Picchu, and did not regret it!

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Hiking Machu Picchu

Every Peru itinerary should include at least one hike and The Machu Picchu hike is one of the most legendary hikes you can do in Latin America.

In this guide we’ve shared some of our best tips for having an epic experience, and what to expect during the hike, as well as the best time to visit.

If you have any questions then let us know below.

Enjoy Machu Picchu amigos!

👉🏽 P.S. If you’ve found this guide helpful, buy us a coffee here to say thanks! Or, support us by downloading our South America Travel Bible to get our best content.


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