Do you need walking boots for Machu Picchu?

Visiting the site for a day

The citadel sits on a mountain ridge, and moving around it means climbing and descending many stone steps and walking on uneven paths. Steps can be steep, narrow and slippery when wet. Optional climbs such as Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain are much steeper and longer.

Comfortable walking shoes with a grippy, lugged sole are fine for most visitors on the main circuits. Smooth-soled trainers and fashion shoes are a poor idea on wet stone. In the wet season, waterproof walking shoes or light boots keep feet drier. Our guide to the best walking shoes for hill paths suits this kind of ground.

See walking shoes for hill paths →

Hiking the Inca Trail

The classic Inca Trail is a multi-day trek over high passes, with long stretches of uneven stone paving and steep stone steps, especially on the descents. Permits are limited and treks must be booked through licensed operators. Rain and mud are common for much of the year, and cold at camp.

Here, walking boots are the sensible choice for most people. A mid boot with a firm sole and a waterproof lining gives grip on wet stone, protection on rough paving and support on long descents. Trail runners suit some experienced, light-packed hikers, but they give less protection on rough stone.

Wet season and dry season

The region has a wetter season, broadly from around November to March, and a drier season, broadly from around April to October. The classic Inca Trail usually closes in February for maintenance. In the wet months, waterproof footwear and gaiters help on muddy sections. In the dry months, a breathable boot or shoe may be more comfortable in the warm valley, while nights at camp can still be cold.

Check your operator's advice and up-to-date conditions before you travel, as seasons and rules change.

What to look for in boots for the trek

On long descents of stone steps, toe room and heel hold matter as much as waterproofing. Make sure your toes do not hit the end when you walk downhill, and lace the ankle firmly before descents. A grippy rubber outsole helps on polished stone.

• Waterproof lining for rain and wet paths.
• Grippy outsole with defined lugs.
• A thumb's width of toe room for long descents.
• Firm heel hold and a supportive mid cut.
• Already broken in on long walks at home.

Altitude and preparation

The Inca Trail and nearby treks reach high altitude, and the region around Cusco is high too. Altitude affects people differently, so follow your operator's acclimatisation plan and seek medical advice before travel if you have any concerns. Walking practice on hills at home, in the boots you plan to wear, makes the trek more enjoyable.

Our guides to the best waterproof walking boots for men and best lightweight walking boots cover boots that suit long, varied trekking days. See how to break in walking boots before you go.

Note:Trekking at altitude and on steep steps carries risks. Book with a licensed operator, follow their safety guidance and travel with appropriate insurance.

Socks and spares

Pack several pairs of merino or synthetic hiking socks so you always have a dry pair, and light shoes or sandals for camp. Wet socks cause blisters, and blisters on day one of a four-day trek are hard to manage. Our merino vs synthetic hiking socks article explains the options.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need hiking shoes for Machu Picchu? For a site visit, grippy walking shoes are enough. For the Inca Trail, walking boots are recommended.

Can I wear trainers at Machu Picchu? Trainers with a good tread work for the main site in dry weather. Smooth soles are slippery on wet stone.

Are walking boots needed for Huayna Picchu? Not necessarily, but you need footwear with good grip for the steep, narrow steps.

Should my boots be waterproof for the Inca Trail? Waterproof boots are a sensible choice, as rain is common for much of the year.