Machu Picchu is one of the most visited attractions in South America. Thousand flock to the Inca City every year to marvel at the site, its location and hear the fascinating history and the stories of the ancient Inca. While many travel to Machu Picchu by train, others trek through the Andes and arrive to the Inca city on the original Inca Trail. Whatever way you choose to travel the end result is the same, the wonderful Machu Picchu.
Here we will dive into the different treks to choose from, most starting in the Sacred Valley.
1 Day Inca Trail.
Getting off the train at KM104, this 4 to 5 hour trek start with a wonderful walk on flat terrain. Later the trail start to get steeper. Arrive at the spectacular ruin of Winay Wayna. Your guide will give you a tour of the site. Walk another hour to the Sun Gate, where you will get your finish view of Machu Picchu. Walk down to Machu Picchu and have a guided tour. When you have finished at the site, take the bus down to Aguas Calientes where you will catch the train back to Ollantaytambo. From there take your private car back to Cusco. Note this is a fast paced trek, you will need to be fit to keep the time schedule.
2 Day Inca Trail.
Today you will get off the train at KM104, this trek is at a slower pace, take around 6 to 7 hours to reach Winay Wayna. After a tour walk to the Sungate and enjoy the view. Later walk down to the viewpoint of Machu Picchu and take as many photos as you wish. Arriving in the afternoon the crowds are less so your view will be better. Take the bus down the Aguas Calientes where you will spend the night in a hotel. The next morning before sunrise travel back up to Machu Picchu to see the sunrise and have a tour of Machu Picchu. After your tour travel back to Aguas Calientes where you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo from here take the car back to Cusco. Note This tour is at a slower pace and is perfect for all the family.
4 Day Inca Trail
The ultimate trek to Machu Picchu, this is the best way to experience the classic Inca Trail and follow in the footstep of the Inca. Day one you leave the train at KM84, pass through the control and start 4 days of high mountain peaks, ancient Inca ruins. Camp under the stars, enjoy amazing food and make friends with your fellow travelers. The trail is challenging with high passes and plenty of stairs to work your knees. The last day visit Machu Picchu with your guide experiencing all the special part of the ruin. Later go back to Aguas Calientes and if you have time visit the hot springs to soak away your tired muscles. Arrive back into Cusco later in the evening.
If you cant get tickets to do the Inca Trail that you desire, dont panic there are plenty of other treks that finish in Machu Picchu. Here see some alternatives to the Classic Inca Trail.
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days
The Lares trek is the most scenic trek you will ever experience. Our four-day trek through the Lares Valley to Machu Picchu takes you to isolated villages, spectacular snow covered mountain peaks, with striking lakes. Rivers and streams that snake their way through the most tranquil and serene places in the Andes Mountains. Our trek also includes a complimentary detour to The Salt Mines (Salineras) in the colonial town of Maras. Discover an age-old tradition that has not changed much in centuries, dating back pre-Incas. This small isolated community still extracts salts the same way their ancestors did.
This trek will enhance your visual senses and take you back to a time when life was as simple as could be.
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days
This is an alternative route to the Classic Inca Trail. Walk through incredible landscapes and natural beauty with exotic flora and fauna of the region. The trek will involve hiking through valleys and mountains before arriving to the “Lost City of the Incas”, Machu Picchu. The unique and specially designed 5 day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. This trek includes incomparable views of the snow-capped mountains of Humantay and Salkantay, both sacred mountains for the Incas. Hike through the Andes Mountains and camp at our private sites. Hike through the extraordinary Peruvian cloud forest. Take the opportunity to try the fresh fruit grown there such as bananas, oranges, avocados, pineapples and much more.
Take the opportunity to tour a coffee plantation next to your campsite! Explore the fields and learn about the different varieties of beans, pick, roast, and grind your beans. You will have the opportunity to visit the Hot Springs of Cocalmayo, where you can relax your fatigued muscles. Hike up to LLACTAPATA Inca ruins, and explore the ancient Inca city, which was once coated with vegetation. This is the best viewpoint to have a glimpse of the Majestic Machu Picchu. Following in the footsteps of the Incas, explore the crevices and and niches of the “Lost City of the Incas”, Machu Picchu, one of the 7 Wonders of the World, with our expert guide.
Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu 8 Days
On this unique trek to Choquequirao, walk on Inca highways, hike through high Andean landscapes with breathtaking glaciers, descend into deep canyons where the condors fly and pass through diverse cloud forest ecosystems. Catch glimpses of native wildlife such as Andean Condors, various birds, native flora and fauna, orchids and much more. We are specialists in this incredible area and offer the most frequent departures with experienced guides. We are the only company who takes you to the hot springs of CONOC after the Choquequirao Trek, and explores the unique Inca ruins of Saywite. This incredible trek also takes you to Machu Picchu!
