THERE’S NOTHING LIKE the satisfaction of approaching Machu Picchu on one’s own two feet, which is why the classic Inca Trail hike has become so popular in recent years. The time when a traveler could roll into Cusco and set up an Inca Trail trek for the following day—or week, or month—has long since passed, though. To limit damage to the trail, the Peruvian government now limits access to 500 persons per day, porters included. Permits for the peak summer season sell out months in advance.
An alternative trek is an alternative option of a trek instead of the classic Inca Trail, also in the Andes Mountains and Cusco region. The classic Inca Trail Trek is one of the most popular and well known, but unfortunately it sells out very quickly and bookings must be made well in advance.
There are some great alternative treks that still lead to Machu Picchu. These are gaining in more popularity as they become more well known. These are not restricted by the government so they are available any time of the year. The two most popular are the Lares trek 4D/3N or the Salkantay trek 5D/4N. There are others that do not end at Machu Picchu, such as Choquequirao 5/4N, a new lost city of the Incas larger than Machu Picchu.
The actual hiking views on these Alternative Treks to Machu Picchu might be even more spectacular than what you see on the Inca Trail but instead of hiking directly into the ruins, your trek ends at Aguas Calientes and spend the night there in a hotel. These treks tend to be less crowded and you still have the Machu Picchu tour the next day and in fact get to the ruins 2 hours before the Inca Trail trekkers. On clear mornings you will see the sun rising over Machu Picchu the surrounding mountains.
We have the most scenic cultural lares trekking route. Through the Lares Valley you pass through the most isolated indigenous communities which are keeping the Inca culture alive. One of the highlights of this trek is the privilege to interact with the local people and learn about their traditional Peruvian lifestyles.. This fantastic route is incredibly picturesque, with majestic ice glaciers, shockingly blue glacial lakes, waterfalls, llamas, and alpacas.
*** Tour to the Salt mines are included in this hike!
Our specialization is in trekking, “off the beaten track.” Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu Trek is a personally designed and unique trek taking you to remote and rarely visited Inca ruins. You’ll trek by beautiful waterfalls, view wild panoramic landscapes, ancient Inca aqueducts, and take yourself back in time to the Inca stonemason’s unmatched masterpieces. You will visit the old Inca quarry from where the Incas carved the rocks to build the important Ollantaytambo Inca city, the impressive gate to Machu Picchu. Take time to explore the living Inca city of Ollantaytambo and hike up to the dusted remnants of the old Inca hillside storehouses. Then enjoy true luxury at the exclusive Veronica View Hotel! On your final day, will be the long awaited tour to explore and experience the magical UNESCO World Heritage site: Machu Picchu!
A Unique and specially designed 4 day Wilderness Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, which takes you around the stunning spectacular peak of Mount Salkantay while “trekking off the beaten track.” It is the second tallest mountain in the Cusco region (6,277m / 20,577ft). The trek then explores a gorgeous turquoise glacial lake, waterfalls, and hike through the unforgettable Peruvian cloud forest, and take the opportunity to taste the fresh fruit grown there such as bananas, oranges, avocados, pineapple and much more.
This is an alternative route to the classic Inca Trail, which will take you through incredible landscape and natural beauty with exotic flora and fauna endemic of the region. The trek will involve hiking through valleys and mountains before arriving to the “Lost City of the Incas”, Machu Picchu. A unique and specially designed 5 day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, with incomparable views of the snow-capped mountains of Humantay and Salkantay, sacred mountains for the Incas.
Trek off the beaten track, following our unique route where you visit two incredible crystal clear glacial lakes, Humantay and Salkantay. Hike through the Andes Mountains and camp at our private sites which are more remote, less crowded and off the typical path. Hike through the extraordinary Peruvian cloud forest, and take the opportunity to try the fresh fruit grown there such as bananas, oranges, avocados, pineapple 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. Then enjoy brewing your own coffee, a very unique experience! You will have the opportunity to visit the Hot Springs of Cocalmayo, where you can relax your fatigued muscles after the long hike in a bit of utopia! 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.
ORANGE NATION Peru is your best choice if you truly want to enjoy your Salkantay trek in Peru. We specialize in creating unique trekking routes, with our customized treks to Machu Picchu like the Salkantay trek which other tour operators are not offering. What that means for our clients is more unique, enjoyable and exciting treks, personalized service, and small groups, typically 2 – 6 trekkers with a maximum of 8 people in the group.
We have a large variety of alternative treks and tour Packate to Machu Picchu available. This gives our passengers plenty of options to choose. We do not just focus on the standard treks or tour that everyone else offers. Our treks have different routes, campsites, and added features that no one else does. It costs a bit more to do this but our focus is to provide the best “Off the Beaten Track Trekking” experience possible. Here are some great Tours, Treks and Packages to Machu Picchu, review and explore them bellow.
Our expedition staff are experienced, enthusiastic and among the best in the industry - they are our secret to success
Travelling with us will always feel like going with friends and not with a group of strangers in an organized tour.
With ten years’ experience and over 25 Packages to Machu Picchu alone, our team knows how to deliver a successful expedition.
The food is one of the most important things on the trek, we bring balance, and nutritive food along the trail, most of our meals are buffet with.
Education and conservation are our passion. We aim to create lifelong ambassadors for the protection of all wilderness areas.
When renting a camping tent or renting a backpack from Orange Nation, you are renting camping gear and backpacking.
We want to announce that the Classic Inca Trail will reopen in July 2021. All Inca Trail Treks (2, 4, 5 and 7 days) will be available from July 15th ahead. Permits will be released on June 25th and reservations are OPEN NOW. We do highly recommend to book this trek in advance in order to guaranty the permits. If you have postponed your Inca Trail because the pandemic, please confirm your new date as soon as possible. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipisicing elit. Illo minus ipsum recusandae vitae perspiciatis. Ipsam beatae saepe vero, tempora repellat debitis, expedita culpa fuga necessitatibus explicabo obcaecati velit recusandae omnis.
