Which Machu Picchu Trek Should I Do?

The Inca Trail is an iconic trek through a spectacular landscape ending at one of the most beautiful historical sights in the world; in short it’s popular for a reason. This acclaim has lead to the Peruvian government taking extra measures to protect the ancient route and there is a limit of 500 people a day allowed on the trail (including trekkers, porters and guides) and in February it’s closed all together.

Though this is great for the local environment, as it can mean that the permits for the trail are like gold dust during busy months and many people are unable to secure them for their visit. The fame of the route and the ensuing crowds have also led to some visitors seeking out alternative routes (we call them Inca hipsters). But which trek one should you choose? Here’s our run-down of the 4 most popular to help you decide:

The Classic Inca Trial

What’s the deal?
The original  and some would say best route. Starting from kilometer 82 it’s a 4 day, 3 night trek through 26 miles (yep that’s all!) of cloud forest and jungle culminating at Machu Picchu at sunrise on day 4. There is a shorter version starting at kilometer 104 which take 2 days and 1 night, if the full trek is a bit too daunting.

Best bits?
The views from Warmi Wañusqa (Dead Woman’s Pass) at 4200m are more than a little amazing, as is the feeling of “discovering” Machu Picchu from the sun gate. The food on the trail is also surprisingly good as your super-human porters run ahead (yes, literally run) to set up the tents and start cooking before your sweaty forehead even peeks over the brow of the latest hill.

Any drawbacks?
There’s no denying it can feel busy. Even with the cap on daily visits it’s unlikely you’ll get that “in the jungle on a mountain alone in the middle of South America” moment – without Dave from Kansas getting in the way of your selfie.

How tough we talkin’?
In terms of actual distance? Not very. In terms of the high altitude knocking all of the air out of your lungs at 4200m and making you feel as weak as a kitten, quite tough. We’d definitely recommend spending a couple of days in Cuzco beforehand to adjust to the height before stepping out – and that goes for all the other trails on this list too.

Llamabomb!

The Lares Trek

What’s the deal?
The Lares is a three day long trek in the mountains around Cusco and the Sacred Valley. It does not actually end in Machu Picchu but instead at Ollantaytambo (great name), from which you take the train to Aguas Calientes (another great name) ready for the bus trip to Machu Picchu the next morning.

Best bits?
The route of the Lares passes though ancient ruins, high terrace farms and communities mostly untouched by the boom in Peru’s tourism trade. It is a unique opportunity to explore a rarely visited region and still have the satisfaction of doing so on foot.

Any drawbacks?
This is not a trek TO Machu Picchu, and if that’s what you’ve got your heart set on it’s not for you.

How tough we talkin’?
The Lares is shorter than the Inca Trail (yay) but much higher (boo) with mountain passes as high as 4600m. You do get to stay in the hot spring capital of Peru (Aguas Calientes means hot water) on the third night, though, so plenty of time to soak away those aches and pains.

The Salcantay Trek

What’s the deal?
Often listed among the best hikes in the world, the Salcantay Trek lasts for 5 days with 4 days of actual trekking and the 5th reserved for a Machu Picchu tour. The route winds up through high mountain passes and past the glacier capped peak of Salcantay mountain before descending down through lush countryside and ending in Aguas Calientes. There are some options that join the Inca Trail for the last couple of days of this trek and so end at Machu Picchu itself but these are subject to the same permit issues as the Inca Trail.

Best bits?
The view from the remote (and only recently “re-discovered”) ruins of Llactapata is simply stunning and the second day of trekking which takes you from high grass lands, over the glacial mountain pass and then down through cloud forest is something truly special.

Any drawbacks?
Again, in most cases this trek does not finish at Machu Picchu itself. It’s also longer than the first two options at just under 40 miles and just as high as the Lares.

How tough we talkin’?
Though this hike would definitely be described as “difficult”, mules or alpacas are available to carry most of your gear and your guide will help you through the difficult times. Even so, this is one for hiking enthusiasts.

Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trekking

What’s the deal?
The least well known of the Machu Picchu treks as well as the longest at around 62 miles…not for the faint hearted! Again, there are various routes but the most common includes 8 days of trekking through the mountainous Choquequirao area finishing at Santa Teresa and Aguas Calientes with day 9 at Machu Picchu.

Best bits?
Choquequirao itself is second only to Machu Picchu in its grandeur and remoteness and is actually far more historically significant. The route between Choquequirao and Santa Teresa is pretty much as remote as it gets for a traveler in Peru.

Any drawbacks?
You won’t hit some of the most famous ruins on this route and the untouched nature of the surrounds can be a little intimidating if you’re not a confident hiker.

How tough we talkin’?
This is definitely not a walk in the park, but if that’s what you wanted you probably wouldn’t be here.

Honorable mention – take the bus

Trekking isn’t for everyone. There, we said it. For some the prospect of slogging along miles of ancient pathways before coming to the place you’ve already traveled half way around the world to see just isn’t fun. If that’s you then don’t force yourself just because “everyone else” is trekking – you can get the bus up from Aguas Calientes and spend the extra time exploring the ruins in the sacred valley itself.

If Peru is calling we can guarantee your permit for the classic Inca Trail if you book with enough notice. We can also help you organize the Salcantay, Lares and Choquequirao treks as well as cheap flights to get you there.