A visit to Machu Picchu is the highlight of most people’s trip to Peru. In fact, this ancient Inca Citadel attracts over a million visitors each year. Many visitors get there by way of the classic Inca Trail. Yet, there are numerous treks that take you there, each unique in their own right.
**Planning a Trek to Machu Picchu: Beyond the Classic Inca Trail**
Are you considering an unforgettable trekking adventure? Allow our team of experienced local specialists to assist you in meticulously crafting the perfect journey to the majestic Machu Picchu. We’re here to help you plan your trip.
**Delving Deeper into Trekking to Machu Picchu**
The awe-inspiring citadel of Machu Picchu holds an irresistible allure for travelers from across the globe. Access to this iconic destination is primarily achieved through two means: by train or by embarking on a captivating trek. A significant portion, approximately eighty percent, of visitors opt for the scenic train journey. However, for those seeking a more immersive and physically rewarding experience, trekking presents an exceptional alternative.
Among the myriad trekking options, the Inca Trail stands out as Peru’s most renowned and sought-after route. Each day, approximately 500 enthusiastic hikers set forth on this historical path. It’s important to note that while various trails are referred to as ‘Inca’ trails, only one holds the distinction of being the ‘classic route’. Securing a permit to embark on the Inca Trail requires diligent planning, often necessitating reservations made four to six months in advance, a testament to its enduring popularity.
**Venturing Beyond the Beaten Path: Alternative Treks to Machu Picchu**
For travelers seeking to escape the crowds and forge a truly unique and unforgettable experience, a plethora of exceptional alternatives exist to reach Machu Picchu. We have carefully curated a selection of these diverse options, providing you with a comprehensive overview to aid in selecting the route that resonates most with your personal preferences and aspirations.
**The Classic Inca Trail (4-5 Days): A Journey Through History**
One of the planet’s most celebrated treks, the Inca Trail meticulously traces ancient pathways once traversed by the Inca civilization, as it gracefully ascends towards the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu. This remarkable trail spans approximately 38 kilometers. For an optimal experience, we highly recommend dedicating five days to this trek, rather than compressing it into four. This extended duration allows ample time to savor the journey, marvel at the breathtaking vistas, and thoroughly explore the intriguing ruins that dot the landscape. Furthermore, by opting for a five-day itinerary, you can strategically position your trek to be slightly ahead of or behind the main throng of trekkers, affording you a greater sense of solitude and intimacy with the surroundings, allowing you to appreciate the camps and trails with a more exclusive feel.
A crucial consideration for those aspiring to undertake this iconic trek is the necessity of obtaining a permit well in advance. These permits are highly coveted and tend to sell out rapidly, particularly as they become available every January. The trail’s capacity is strictly regulated, with a daily allowance of five hundred individuals commencing the trek. Additionally, a limited number of single-day permits, capped at 250, are issued, allowing individuals to join the trek for its culminating day. Due to the trail’s immense popularity and the high volume of trekkers, stringent regulations govern camping and guide/porter services. Trekkers are required to camp at designated campsites each night, adhering to the established guidelines.
The Inca Trail’s enduring popularity is undoubtedly justified. Along its course, trekkers encounter remarkable ruins that whisper tales of the past. The trail unfolds amidst awe-inspiring panoramas of cascading rivers and majestic snow-capped mountains. Ultimately, the journey culminates with a triumphant entry through the renowned Sun Gate into Machu Picchu, bathed in the golden hues of sunset on the final day – a truly unforgettable moment.
**Note:** For travelers with limited time, the Short Inca Trail offers an enticing alternative – a one-day trek encompassing the final stretch of the classic Inca Trail.
**The Salkantay Trek (5 Days): A Symphony of Nature’s Wonders**
Renowned as the most favored alternative route to reach Machu Picchu, the Salkantay Trek shares similarities in duration and difficulty with the Inca Trail. While it may lack the abundance of ancient archaeological sites found along the Inca Trail, it compensates with an unparalleled display of natural splendor. As you ascend to an altitude of 4660 meters, you’ll traverse a diverse tapestry of microclimates, ultimately descending into the enchanting Peruvian cloud forest – a remarkable ecological transition within a span of just a few days. Towering snow-capped mountains, glistening glaciers, serene high-altitude lagoons, idyllic pastures, and lush high jungle converge to create a trekking experience that is truly captivating for nature enthusiasts.
Typically undertaken over four or five days, the Salkantay Trek culminates with a final night spent in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes. The trek is generally considered to be of moderate to challenging difficulty. The primary challenges stem from the extended hiking days and the demanding altitude of the highest mountain pass, which stands at an impressive 4660 meters (15,200 feet).
While traditional Salkantay Trek itineraries involved camping for all but the final night, a new option has emerged to cater to travelers who prefer a more luxurious experience. The Salkantay Lodge-to-Lodge Trek allows you to traverse the same breathtaking landscapes, with a captivating detour to the Llactapata Pass. This vantage point offers a privileged first glimpse of Machu Picchu from afar, an opportunity granted to a select few. Evenings are spent in exquisitely appointed lodges, meticulously designed to harmonize with their natural surroundings. For those who prefer a different mode of transportation, the trail can also be traversed on horseback.
**The Choquequirao Trek (7 Days): An Odyssey of Adventure**
For those who crave the most adventurous trekking experience, the Choquequirao Trek reigns supreme. This challenging yet immensely rewarding journey leads you along switchbacks that ascend and descend steep, forest-covered mountains, ultimately guiding you towards Machu Picchu.
The trek commences with a demanding two-day ascent to the ruins of Choquequirao, majestically perched high above the Apurimac river, surpassing the altitude of Machu Picchu by 40 meters. Remarkably, the Choquequirao ruins are even larger than those of Machu Picchu, and the ongoing process of reclaiming them from the embrace of the jungle adds to their mystique.
While the trek offers breathtaking vistas of snow-capped mountains and deep canyons, the true highlight lies in reaching the archaeological site of Choquequirao, an Inca stronghold nearly as impressive as Machu Picchu. The journey to reach this remote site deters many, making it a haven of tranquility. Trekking is the sole means of access, although discussions regarding the potential construction of a cable car from across the canyon have been ongoing.
Among the various trails mentioned, the Choquequirao Trek presents the greatest level of challenge and should only be undertaken by individuals possessing a high level of physical fitness.
**The Lares Trek (3 Days): A Cultural Immersion**
If you’re yearning for a cultural experience that intertwines with natural beauty, the Lares Trek is an exceptional choice. This trek allows you to cross a high-altitude mountain pass (4640 meters) while immersing yourself in the traditional way of life of several small villages along the route. Here, you’ll witness communities cultivating their own crops and tending to herds of llamas and alpacas, perpetuating practices passed down through generations.
The trek itself spans three days, commencing in Lares (be sure to indulge in the rejuvenating hot springs!) and leading you away from the bustling Sacred Valley into the Andes mountains north of the Urubamba River. On the third day, you’ll board a train to Machu Picchu, spending the night in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes.
While not to be underestimated, the Lares Trek is generally considered the easiest of the treks that lead to Machu Picchu. It presents an ideal option for reasonably fit hikers who seek an active holiday without pushing themselves to extreme limits.
For those who prioritize comfort, Mountain Lodges of Peru (the same company that operates the Salkantay Lodge-to-Lodge Trek) has developed a luxurious 5 or 7 day Lares Adventure to Machu Picchu, featuring stays in their exquisite lodges along the way. A third lodge is currently under construction, poised to enhance the final day of the experience.
**The Back Door to Machu Picchu (1 Day): A Convenient Alternative**
For travelers who have limited time or prefer not to undertake a full-fledged trek to Machu Picchu, the “Back Door” route offers a convenient and accessible alternative. You can take a bus to Santa Maria and then transfer to a shared car bound for Santa Teresa and the Hydroelectric train station. From this point, a relatively easy 2.5-hour walk leads to Aguas Calientes. This gentle hike meanders through the lush high jungle, where you’ll likely encounter orchids, a diverse array of flowers, banana trees, coffee plants, and a captivating assortment of birds.
This short trail, combined with the extensive walking within Machu Picchu itself, often provides a sufficient level of activity for visitors who arrive in Peru seeking a blend of exploration and relaxation. Moreover, if you have extra time to spare, Santa Teresa boasts relaxing hot springs where you can unwind and rejuvenate.
**The Llactapata Trek (2 Days): A Glimpse from Afar**
The Llactapata Trek presents another enticing option for travelers with limited time. Following the same route to Santa Teresa as described above, you’ll spend the night in Santa Teresa, taking advantage of the opportunity to soak in the therapeutic hot springs. The next morning, you’ll embark on a one-day trek along the Llactapata trail.
The route gradually climbs via switchbacks over a ridgeline before descending through the Llactapata ruins, perched high above the Urubamba valley, offering distant yet captivating views of Machu Picchu. From here, you’ll descend to Hydroelectrica, where you can either board a train or hike the remaining distance to Aguas Calientes.
**Ready to Embark on Your Trekking Adventure?**
Connect with a knowledgeable local trekking specialist in Peru who can guide you in organizing your unforgettable trek. Let’s begin planning your journey!
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