THERE’S NOTHING LIKE the satisfaction of trekking through the Sun Gate to Machu Picchu Citadel with one’s own two feet, which is why the Classic Inca Trail hike has become so popular in recent years. There was a 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! To limit damage to the trail, the Peruvian government now limits access to 500 persons per day, porters included. The entire world is competing for permits for the peak hiking season from May to October, thus permits sell out months in advance. Many of the best dates are sold out the prior year in October when the permits become available.
An alternative trek is another for a trek instead of the Classic Inca Trail, which is 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 way in advance.
There are alternative treks that include the 2-Day Inca Trail and another popular trek such as the Lares Trek or Salkanty trek. Thus the hiker gets to experience the last part of the Inca Trail and still visit Machu Picchu at the same time. These need 2 day permits for the Inca Trail but these do not sell out as fast and there are more available. These are a great alternative for those that want to at least trek part of the way on the Inca Trail and they also get to enter into Machu Picchu passing through the famous Sun Gate or Inti Punku.
There are also some great alternative treks (that do not include the Inca Trail) that still lead to Machu Picchu. These are gaining in 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.
The Huchuy Qosqo trek takes you to a combination of amazing Inca ruins, secluded indigenous villages, incredible snow-capped mountains and exotic vegetation of different types and varieties. The trail goes off the beaten track, over high Andean passes, through the Sacred Valley of the Incas with its unforgettable scenic views, and visits both Moray and the Maras Salt Mines. It ends at the destination you have been anticipating, The New 7 Wonder of the World Machu Picchu! It is believed that the archeological site of Huchuy Qosqo was built during the reign of the eighth Inca Ruler, Wiracocha. Inca rulers acquired large royal estates to increase their power and wealth and that of their descendants who inherited the estates. Royal estates served also as elegant country palaces and, at times, fortresses to fend off rivals for power. Thus, the name Huchuy Qosqo, “Little Cusco”, was for a royal estate or government center modeled on the Inca capital.
The Incas left some fascinating archaeological sites in and around Cusco, the capital of the Inca empire, the Sacred Valley with all of its treasures and ancient ruins to discover which all lead up to the Wonder of the World, Machu Picchu, the ultimate destination at the end of this particular adventure. Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire called Tawantinsuyo and is a living museum with lively streets full of culture and tradition. You can see the different stages of development from ancient times to the Conquest until modern times, all in one place! In Cusco, there are many archeological sites, 15th Century Cathedrals, museums, and traditional shops to visit and explore. This tour package also takes us to the hotspots of the entire Sacred Valley with all of its ancient treasures and Inca sites, not to mention the world famous Machu Picchu! The Sacred Valley stretches from Pisac to Ollantaytambo with many small indigenous towns, secluded weaving villages, outdoor handicraft markets and 10th and 11th century Inca Ruins including Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Moray, Maras Salt Mines and Urubamba. Explore amazing ruins and sites, active Cathedrals and the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu.
See all the detailed itinerary and information below about the Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour!
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.
The Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu is an incredible trail! This adventure is for people who really want to experience nature and the Andes at its best: snow-capped mountains, deep valleys, pristine lakes, animals such llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and encounters with local people such as herders. This trek takes you to the most wild parts of the Andes, then to the UNESCO World Heritage site and New 7 Wonder of the World: Machu Picchu!
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.
