Can you hike Machu Picchu without a guide?
Can you hike Machu Picchu independently without needing a guide?
This stunning site is a true Latin American Bucket List item, and rightfully deserves its place along any itinerary in this continent.
Not only are the sweeping panoramic views unforgettable, however here we can also venture deeper into the ancient ways of the Inca, learning why they even built Machu Picchu in the first place.
In this article we’ll explore Machu Picchu, and also find out if you can hike this gem without needing a tour or guide. As well as looking at our best recommendations for when you visit, we’ll also cover any other important information you’ll need to know.
Can you hike Machu Picchu without a guide?
Quick Answer: Yes, you can hike Machu Picchu without a guide. Whilst tours are great and you’ll learn a lot, sometimes you may just feel like doing it independently and having that kind of experience.
Logistics aren’t that hard to sort either, so it’s a pretty viable option for travelers.
Of course there’s other things to take into account before setting off, which we’ll now look at below.
Where is Machu Picchu located?
Machu Picchu is located within the Peruvian Andes, close to Cusco which is the nearest travel and backpacker’s hub.
However, unlike this cooler and higher altitude city (which sits at 3399m), Machu Picchu is actually warmer, and has a more tolerable altitude of 2430m.
The closest town to the site is Aguas Calientes, which is only 4 km from the site and is the best place to stay in.
Given it’s not the easiest of places to get to, you’ll probably be wondering how long you need in Machu Picchu. We’ve covered this in great detail in our comprehensive guide that details exactly how many days in Machu Picchu are needed to have the best experience.
Is Machu Picchu safe?
Machu Picchu is a really safe site to visit, given it’s heavily guarded 24/7.
Your main concerns are to follow the safety protocols (which include not passing the ropes) and also respecting this well-preserved ancient site.
Be sure to read our full safety guide to Machu Picchu to understand all the immediate risks.
How to Visit Machu Picchu
The most basic way of getting here is by taking colectivos (small buses) from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, and then onwards to the start of the hidroeléctrica track.
From here you’ll then need to hike for a couple of hours through the scenic mountains until you reach the clearing near Aguas Calientes.
It’s worth spending the night in this town, where you can then rest up before hitting Machu Picchu the next day. You can read more about my own trip up Machu Picchu here, and other tips that’ll make your own experience go much smoother.
Another popular way of getting to Machu Picchu is by the Inca Trail, which is one of the most incredible mountain hikes you can do in South America.
Passing by snow-capped peaks and jagged mountains, you’ll spend 4 days making your way along until you reach Machu Picchu.
We highly recommend going with this all-inclusive Inca Trail Hike, where all meals, entrance permits and equipment is all taken care of for you.
Booking a Machu Picchu Tour
There’s many advantages to booking a tour up Machu Picchu.
If you’re in somewhat of a rush (or don’t want to spend extra time in Aguas Calientes) then this full day tour is a perfect option, where you’ll have all transport included as well as the entrance ticket to the mountain-top citadel.
It’s also ideal since you’ll have a knowledgeable guide on-hand to teach you everything you need to know.
You may think that a guide isn’t needed, however I (George) made this mistake and went without one. Whilst the landscapes were incredible (which I’ll never forget), I still didn’t really remember exactly why certain temples were there and did feel like I missed out somewhat.
The last thing you’ll want to consider is taking the scenic train to Machu Picchu. From the start of the hidroeléctrica tracks you’ll find most walk the 2 hour route, however the train does also offer you another novel experience.
If this is more your style, then you can head on this tour to Machu Picchu which includes the ticket as well as the ancient stops along Circuit 5.
How far is the walk from the train to Machu Picchu?
Once you arrive at the train stop in Aguas Calientes (either by riding in style or walking along the tracks), you’ll now need to make your way up to the ancient citadel.
The walk takes roughly 1.5-2 hours, where you’ll be walking uphill (if going up the stone steps it’ll be more demanding). Make sure to invest in quality hiking boots before, as they’ll make your experience much better. We recommend these for the guys and these for the girls, which will last you a (very) long time.
Another tip we have is to leave as early as possible in the day. Given the site opens at 6:00am, it’s best to come for this time where you’ll see a beautiful sunrise above the site.
Of course there’s always the bus option, however those after the full experience will love the dark walk through the forest at 5:00am! Be sure to carry a solid water filter bottle with you, as there’ll be no vendors along this passage.
Got travel insurance for Machu Picchu?
Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.
Can you hike Machu Picchu without a guide?
And that’s all for our guide on hiking Machu Picchu… without a guide.
This impressive sight is a must visit along any Peruvian itinerary, and believe us when we say that it is 100x more incredible in actual reality than the photos show.
Machu Picchu was also a sacred site to the ancient Inca civilization, and whilst touring around you’ll get to learn more about what made this site so special.
Be sure to read our guide on Hiking Machu Picchu, where we have even more travel tips and suggestions for your trip here.
👉🏽 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.
“Dear traveler! Some links in this post contain affiliate links. Meaning, if you click through and make a purchase, book a hostel or sign up for a tour, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Your support means a lot and helps us to carry on traveling and maintaining the quality of this site for you.”
