Embark on a journey through history and nature as we explore six off-the-beaten-track paths to reach the legendary Machu Picchu.
The satisfaction of approaching Machu Picchu on foot is incomparable
Fortunately, the Incas were masters of road construction. They have traced trails through the Andes, including many alternative paths to Machu Picchu. you will only be a short train ride from the site Here are six routes that mostly require no permits and can be organized through any equipment manufacturer in Cusco Some of these hikes are available in several variations and can be adapted to several fitness levels The routes below are the most popular
The Salkantay Trek
The classic Inca Trail route is renowned for the diversity of its topography and ecosystem However, the wide range offered by the Salkantay trek is even more impressive Mount Salkantay peaking at 6271 meters above sea level, was one of the most sacred peaks of the Inca religion. Today, he is still revered in traditional Andean religion.
This mules-assisted hike crosses the beautiful Mollepata Valley and Salkantay at an altitude of over 4500 meters Once in these cool heights, the path descends towards a tropical cloud forest and joins an ancient Inca road which was part of the Capac Ñan network, which connected the ends of the empire This artery leads to the recently discovered ruins of Llactapata
At this point, one can contemplate the valley over an area of several kilometers and have an exceptional side view of the Machu Picchu complex The path goes down the hill and ends at a small train station where a shuttle regularly runs along the Urubamba River to reach Aguas Calientes, the town located at the foot of Machu Picchu
Lares Trek
The Sacred Valley, crossed each year by hundreds of thousands of travelers on trains linking Cuzco to Machu Picchu, is legitimately renowned for its beauty It is also slightly crowded However, the Lares Valley extends beyond the gigantic snow-covered peaks that mark the northern edge of the Sacred Valley In this place for centuries, life has continued its course without being disturbed Indigenous women dressed in traditional Andean robes plant potatoes by hand, raise herds of llamas and alpacas and weave as previous generations did.
These farmers and artisans may be the only people you will meet for several days Typically, this hike begins in the small town of Lares, known for its hot spring and passes through several villages Along the way, stunning views of 5500-meter-high Mount Veronica and several high-altitude lakes The route ends in the historic ruins of Ollantaytambo and from there, the train journey to Machu Picchu takes only 90 minutes
The Inca Path In One Day
The usual Inca Trail trek lasts four days, although it is best completed in five. Time-hurried travelers who want to see two of the most beautiful sites of the famous hike can opt for its truncated version, which begins at kilometer 104 of the Machu Picchu railway line A hill is climbed for three hours towards Wiñay Wayna, a spectacular site of stone ruins and curved terraced crops clinging to a steep ridge overlooking the Urubamba River.
Hikers then have a choice They can either walk to Machu Picchu on the same day or spend the night on the road to enter the sacred city at dawn through the Sun Gate, a striking entrance that offers Inca Trail users their first glimpse of the site Note that the Inca Trail in one day requires one of the 500 daily Inca Trail permits and must therefore be booked well in advance
The Path To Vilcabamba
This walk lasts a week and stretches for almost 100 kilometers Sensitive souls refrain It begins in the town of Cachora with a two-day hike through the kilometer-and-half-deep Apurimac River Canyon to reach the isolated ruins of Choquequirao, or cradle of gold” in Quechua, which have become famous in recent years due to their resemblance to Machu Picchu
Then the path continues in places on the ancient stone roads built by the Incas and crosses the sparsely populated Vilcabamba Cordillera, which has not changed since Hiram Binghams first exploration a century ago Hikers crisscross a mountain range, cross rivers and valleys, and enter some of Perus most diverse biozones: arid bush lush cloud forest and puna, a high-altitude meadow The trek ends near Machu Picchu, accessible a few minutes on foot or by train
The Randolodge
walking during the day and sleeping every evening in clean sheets after a few cocktails and a gourmet meal You must also be prepared to pay for the privilege of spending the night in the four fully equipped lodges that dot the path The trip is similar to the Salkantay trek and offers stunning views of the sacred peaks and their glaciers, with the difference that it emphasizes comfort rather than physical exercise The trail reaches an altitude of 4500 meters before descending into a lush valley where bananas and coffee grow Lodges near Machu Picchu and a private guided tour of the site are usually included in the package price
The Chaski Or Cachicata Trek
The various posts of the vast Inca empire were connected by messengers who traveled on foot, called chaski According to accounts, they ran so fast that the emperor could eat fresh fish caught in the Pacific Ocean for his dinner in Cusco, 300 kilometers from the coast
This high-altitude path follows certain trails taken by these runners and crosses little-visited Inca sites canals and quarries, where we can directly see how the Incas pulled the stones used in their construction projects Most versions of Chaski Road provide a stop at the spectacular falls called Perolniyoc and its ruins The trail ends at Ollantaytambo, where hikers can visit one of the most famous Inca sites before hopping on the train to Machu Picchu
Impano Pierrot Mark
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