Machu Picchu is one of those places that lives up to the hype — but the logistics of getting there are notoriously complicated. Permits, altitude, travel agency scams, and the altitude (2,430m / 7,970ft) all need planning. Here’s the 2026 state of play.
The Permits Problem: Book Now
The Inca Trail (classic 4-day hike to Machu Picchu) is limited to 500 people per day, including guides and porters. Permits for the 2026 hiking season (May-September) sold out as early as January 2026. If you want to hike the Inca Trail, you need to book your permit + operator package 6-12 months in advance.
The good news: there are excellent alternatives that don’t require permits.
Route Comparison
Inca Trail (Classic)
- 4 days / 3 nights, 42km
- Passes through cloud forest, Inca ruins, and ends at Inti Punku (Sun Gate)
- Requires booking through a licensed tour operator
- Permits are the bottleneck — once sold out, they’re sold out
Salkantay Trek (Most Popular Alternative)
- 5 days / 4 nights, 64km
- Higher altitude (4,650m at Salkantay Pass), more remote
- Passes through the Salkantay massif (one of the highest peaks in Peru)
- No permit required — book directly with an agency in Cusco
- Klook offers Salkantay trek packages with reviewed operators
Lares Trek
- 4 days / 3 nights
- Goes through remote Quechua villages, visits hot springs in Lares
- Cultural immersion focus — meets local weaving cooperatives
- Less crowded than Salkantay, more affordable
Altitude Sickness: The Real Threat
Cusco sits at 3,400m — that’s high enough for altitude sickness to affect anyone, regardless of fitness level. Symptoms: headache, nausea, shortness of breath, difficulty sleeping.
Prevention strategies:
- Arrive 2-3 days early in Cusco, do nothing strenuous — acclimatize
- Drink coca tea — it’s legal in Peru, widely available, and genuinely helps
- Sorojchi Pills (available at any Peruvian pharmacy, ~$3) — the Peruvian version of Diamox
- Stay hydrated — altitude + dry air = dehydration, which worsens symptoms
- Don’t ascend further until symptoms subside
Machu Picchu Tickets
Machu Picchu entry tickets are separate from trek permits. They go on sale ~3 months in advance at gov.ml — the official government site. Ticket types:
- Circuit 1 (Classic): Enter via the main gate, visit the terraces, the temple, and the Sun Gate viewpoint. Best for first-timers.
- Circuit 2 (Mountain): Includes Huayna Picchu mountain climb (steep, requires separate permit)
- Circuit 3 (Montaña): Less crowded, includes Montaña Machu Picchu climb
Insurance Is Essential
Trekking at altitude carries real risk — falls on steep trails, acute mountain sickness requiring evacuation, sudden weather changes. Standard travel insurance often excludes trekking above 4,000m. AirHelp insurance offers adventure activity add-ons with helicopter evacuation coverage.
Cusco Budget Tips
Cusco is backpacker-friendly:
- Hostel private room: $15-25/night
- Set lunch (almuerzo): $2-3 at local restaurants — 3 courses, massive portions
- Cusco to Machu Picchu train:
$150+ one way by Peru Rail— book 3 months ahead, or take the cheaper bus to Ollantaytambo + local train (~30% less)
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