Best Treks to Machu Picchu
If you are thinking of visiting Machu Picchu and you like to enjoy long walks and nature. We tell you that there are a variety of alternatives to visit the seventh wonder of the world, the most important tourist archaeological complex in Peru. These routes were integrated through the Coast, the Andes, and the Peruvian Amazon, especially connecting with the city of Cusco.
Since the pandemic, these routes have not been frequented by tourists and now they are waiting to be visited their incredible landscapes await, turquoise lagoons, cloud forests, historical sites, and lush vegetation, they are part of these adventures that not only mean a new way to enjoy tourism, but also a new way to explore Peru. Next, we present the best options to reach Machu Picchu in a different way.
Inca Trail
The Inca Trail is the most famous tour to visit the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu. The total length of the route is 39.5 kilometers. Traverse a small stretch of the vast network of trails this ancient civilization built throughout its empire, stretching from Ecuador to Chile. If you are interested in this option, you should know that it has a variable duration depending on the starting point of the route. It can last 4 days and 3 nights in its classic route and 2 days and night in its short version that starts at kilometer 104 of the Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes) railway, so you can adjust this walk to your time and preparation. physical. Keep in mind that for protection of the natural and archaeological spaces covered during the walk, there is a limit of 500 people per day between porter guides and passengers who can, in groups of up to 16 people. as a control measure. In the month of February, the Inca trail is closed for maintenance.
Salkantay Trail
The Salkantay Trail is considered one of the 25 best hiking trails in the world. It has a 60 km route that does not require special permits or advance reservations, which facilitates its access. There are a total of 4 days and 3 nights of travel, starting from the town of Mollepata, continuing through the Soraypampa camp, visiting the Humantay Lagoon, the slopes of the snowy Salcantay, and the town of Aguas Calientes, and ending in Machu Picchu. The Salkantay Trek can be done on your own. This is an adventure trip through majestic glaciers, lagoons, and exuberant vegetation, the main attraction being the impressive views of the Salkantay and Humantay mountains, the high jungle, and of course the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. The Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu is a good alternative to the Inca Trail, which has the advantage of being able to appreciate a variety of climates and ecosystems. You will be amazed to find yourself in the middle of a dense jungle and just an hour later you will be in front of an impressive glacier in the middle of the mountains.
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu
The Lares trek to Machu Picchu is relatively unknown among most tourists who travel to Machu Picchu. It proposes an interesting mix of nature and access to two authentic indigenous peoples from the heights of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, which provides the opportunity to get closer and interact with the locals. The actual duration of this walk is 4 days since one of the nights is spent in the rural hotel. This is a slightly more accessible trek than the Inca Trail and not as challenging. Unlike the previous routes that offer archaeological sites along the way, this one offers the opportunity to visit local towns and share experiences with the inhabitants. It has an extension of 32 kilometers, passing through the towns of Lares, Patacancha, Pallata, Pumamamarca, Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes. This is a great option for those who are new to hiking and want to enjoy more of the outdoors and the Andean landscape.
Inca Jungle Trail Machu Picchu
This is an emotional route that combines 4 days of hiking, biking, rafting, and zip-lining. It is without a doubt the most adventurous and challenging option to visit Machu Picchu. It is important to emphasize that this is a route that involves a lot of physical demand, so each activity must have previous experience in order to have maximum fun. The trip begins at the top of Abra Málaga at 4,330 meters above sea level. Then you will descend by bicycle for 3 hours over 20 kilometers until you reach the town of Santa María, where you can also go on a canoeing adventure. On the second day, you will have to take a walk through the jungle. In the third, continue practicing zip-lining and you will enjoy the beautiful landscape of the entire area from above. Finally, on day four you will visit Machu Picchu after a night in Aguas Calientes.
Huchuy Qosqo and Machu Picchu
This hike is the perfect option for travelers who enjoy hiking but do it properly and don’t want to give up the comforts of a hotel. This tour recommends a walk of approximately 6 hours to visit the various attractions of the Sacred Valley: Qenqo, Siwa, Lamay, and Ollantaytambo, among others. It’s a great way to get a closer, quieter visit to valley attractions than a motorcycle tour. Later, the members of the group were transferred to a train that would take them to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes). The next day we visit the ruins and return to Cusco. A total of two days and one night.