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
- Machu Picchu Jungle Trek 5D/4N (Biking, Zip-Line & Rafting)
- 04 Day Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu – Group Service
- 4 Days Journey Through Cusco, Sacred Valley And Machupicchu
- Shades of Peru
- *Premium* Inca Jungle Trek Including Biking, Rafting and Zipline
- Huchuy Qosqo trek to Machu Picchu 3D/2N
- 4 Days Classic Machu Picchu Inca Jungle Tour - Standard
- 06 Day Essential Cusco "The Andean Jewels"
- The Charm of Cusco
Machu Picchu by Train Independent Adventure - Upgraded
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Very well organised, our guide was very helpful and spoke excellent English so we were able to communicate easily.”
Amanda, 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
- NZ$1,619
Machu Picchu Jungle Trek 5D/4N (Biking, Zip-Line & Rafting)
52 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was all well organized, tons of fun and beautiful scenery with plenty of time to take photos and relax.”
Eric, traveled in June
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, Santa Maria, Santa Teresa, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Bamba Travel From
- NZ$1,288
04 Day Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu – Group Service
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Amazing! High excitement! I felt safe in all of the activities and my teenage boys had a blast.”
Tara, 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
- NZ$1,207
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
- NZ$1,813
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 $1,933
10% Off- NZ$1,740You save $193
*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- NZ$948
Huchuy Qosqo trek to Machu Picchu 3D/2N
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Our experience was not different. Filio our guide was warm, knowledgeable, passionate and always making sure we were having a great experience.”
Gary, traveled in July
Cusco's heights give way to Machu Picchu's mysteries. Queullacocha Lake and Huchuy Qosqo ruins mark the path through mountain villages. High-altitude trails and ancient Inca paths lead to the legendary citadel.
Duration 3 days Destinations Cusco, Lamay, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Age Range Operated in English, Spanish Operator Alpaca Expeditions From
10% Off- NZ$1,018
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
10% Off- NZ$777
A 2-hour hike reveals turquoise Humantay Lake near Salkantay Mountain from Mollepata. Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) provides panoramic Ausangate views. Maras' 3,000 ancient salt wells and Moray's experimental agricultural terraces showcase Inca history through specialized guides.
Duration 6 days Destinations Cusco, Moray, Maras, Chinchero, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, Mollepata, Salkantay MountainSee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Inkayni Peru Tours From
10% Off- NZ$2,275
The ancient Inca capital of Cusco reveals massive stone ramparts at Sacsayhuamán fortress. Qenqo amphitheater's mysteries and Puka Pukara's military ruins precede Machu Picchu citadel's 2.5-hour guided tour.
Duration 4 days Destinations Cusco, Saqsaywaman, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Age Range Ages 10+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator LimaTours From $1,177
10% Off- NZ$1,059You save $118
What people love about Active Tours in Machu Picchu
Highly recommend this tour! Saulin was the best! We loved the balance of adventure sports with hiking, and our guide Saulin took care of every detail to make the trip as easy as possible. We could not have figured out directions and lodging on our own. Saulin was funny, knowledgeable about all the stops along the way, engaging with the locals, happy to answer all our questions, passionate about the jungle flora and fauna, and an all around great guide- and now friend! We cannot say enough good things about this tour and Saulin!
04 Day Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu – Group Service
Fantastic tour with Percy! We did a private, Sacred Valley, Moras/Moray/Chinchero, Macchu Picchu tour over 4 days. Very well organized from pick up, transfers, treatment of our children,14/12yr boys, food arrangements, knowledge. A special thanks you to Leo, Percy and their family in Chinchero where they did a surprise bday celebration for my wife with gifts, cake, Chicha and s great time! Thanks Waman for a wonderful experience! Highly recommend them, especially if you get Percy as your guide!
4 Days Journey Through Cusco, Sacred Valley And Machupicchu
- Machu Picchu Jungle Trek 5D/4N (Biking, Zip-Line & Rafting)
One of the best tours I did on my 8 month trip. We had an excellent guide, who was both funny and informative. The activities were great fun. I particularly loved the zip lining and hike. The accommodation was basic but we were treated to a lovely hotel the day before our Machu Picchu trek which was an unexpected bonus. The food was typical Peruvian food and delicious. And Machu Picchu was the cherry on the top. I have recommended this trip to friends and will continue to do so. Worth every penny.
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.