Classic Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu (4 days/3 nights)
This is the original and classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu as followed by Hiram Bingham back in 1915. The re-discoverer of Machu Picchu also found most of the sites you can now visit along the trail but you should find it a little easier going than it was back then - a machete is no longer part of the required equipment!
After four days of moderate trekking, including some of the most beautiful scenery in Peru, you will arrive at the famous Inti Punku (Sun Gate) overlooking the beautiful lost city itself and you will know that it's all been worthwhile! For a full Peru holiday including the Inca Trail, see here, or if you'd like to investigate some of the alternative treks, read on!
Shorter trek to Machu Picchu (2 days/1 night)
If you'd like to experience the drama and beauty of the Inca Trail but feel that 4 days trekking is a bit much then perhaps our 'Shorter Inca Trail' is for you. This trek begins by getting the train to Km 104 of the main trail, from where you have roughly six hours of trekking before you reach the famous sun-gate at the end of the main Inca Trail, looking out over Machu Picchu.
You then have a guided tour of the city before going down the mountain to have a relaxing night in Aguas Calientes. The next day you will return to Machu Picchu at dawn to see the ruins in perfect condition and without hordes of tourists. You have a full day at the site to explore at your leisure, before you return to Cusco by train in the evening.
Trek to Machu Picchu via Salkantay (5 days/4 nights)
Our most popular alternative to the classic Inca Trail involves a trek via the sacred mountain of Salkantay. On the first day, we travel by private bus to the village of Mollepata where our trek on ancient Inca trails begins. The trail crosses Markakaso Pass at 11,680 feet, with great views of Nevada Humantay. That night's camp site has excellent views of the sacred mountain, Salkantay. Trekking over Huarachmachay pass at 16,690ft, our Inca trail descends into jungle-like vegetation. After descending to the Rio Santa Teresa, the group arrives in Llucmabamba and then begins the steep climb over a high ridge. Near the top of the ridge are the hidden ruins of Llactapata. Descending steeply, we reach the Urubamba River and follow another original Inca trail for about an hour to reach the end of the railway. We then catch the local train to Aguas Calientes where we spend the night in a hotel before climbing up to Machu Picchu the next day.
Choquequirao to Machu Picchu (10 days/9 nights)
Beginning at Cochoro, this alternative Inca trail descends 5,000 feet into the Apurimac Canyon and the next day climb out and arrive at Choquequirao. After visiting this stunning Inca site, the trek descends into the Rio Blanca, with Inca terraces and houses along the way. Climbing out of the canyon, the trail passes over the flanks of Salkantay with excellent views of nearby mountain ranges. Crossing the Yanama pass at 14,000 feet the trail reaches the village of Yanama. Following the Rio Santa Teresa, the trail reaches the Urubamba river and returns to Machu Picchu.
OTHER HOLIDAYS TREKKING IN Peru
As well as our Inca Trails, we also offer many holidays trekking in Peru that don't include Machu Picchu. These are for people with plenty of trekking experience but for those of you who don't mind testing yourselves, and who want to see some of the most amazing scenery on the planet click here for information on our other Peru Treks.
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