The different treks to Machu Picchu

So you’ve decided you want to trek to Machu Picchu instead of taking the more comfortable train journey up. Good for you! It’s truly a once in a lifetime experience and you’ll feel so much closer to the culture of the Incas who lived here and actually built Machu Picchu all those years ago. You’ll also meet locals, experience their cooking and see loads of breathtaking scenery and wildlife along the way.

It’s now time to decide which trek up there is right for you. They’re all spectacular in their own right. Some are more challenging, some busier, it’s just about finding which one is right for you. Read on to find out about the most popular ones... 

The Inca Trail

This is the most popular trek to Machu Picchu. So popular in fact that only 500 passes are given for each day so we recommend booking at least 6 months in advance.

It is lower in elevation than a lot of the other treks in the area, there are very steep sections and two high passes. But if you are fairly active in your daily life, and enjoy hiking long distances, you’ll do fine. The Inca Trail is usually 4 days of trekking, though we do offer some alternatives to add a couple days to truly enjoy it and not feel rushed. The trek finishes at the famous Sun Gate, where you finally see Machu Picchu and you will then have time to explore and take loads of photos.

The accommodation on the Inca Trail is camping, no option, but this just puts you closer to the nature and culture of the Incas and the locals who accompany you on the trip.

The distance covered is approximately 26 miles/38 km and the highest elevation is 4215m.

The Salkantay Trek

The Salkantay trek is the most popular alternative trek to the Inca Trail trek.

This trek is great for getting into the heart of the Andes and witnessing dramatic high mountain landscapes. You will hike on dirt trails rather than stone trails like Inca. It’s somewhat easier to find availability on the Salkantay but we still recommend you book far in advance.

This trek can be anywhere from 4 to 6 days of trekking. There are a few different routes all with different breathtaking scenery along the way. This is the perfect choice for nature lovers!

You need a few days in Cusco before starting this trek in order to acclimatise to the high altitudes. You also need at least one night in Cusco at the end before your onward travel.

You can opt to camp or stay in lodges along this route. 

The Lares Trek

The Lares trek offers a great mix of culture, history and stunning scenery! This 3-5 day trek starts in Lares where you can enjoy hot springs before you head off.

You will then camp or stay in lodges in small, Quechua-speaking villages and interact one-on-one with the direct descendants of the Incas before taking the train to the grand finale at Machu Picchu.

It’s quite challenging because you are in high altitude, but it’s still one of the “easier” treks to Machu Picchu.

You need at least 2 nights in Cusco before starting the trek in order to acclimatise. And you need at least one night in Cusco at the end before your onward travel.

The Choquequirao Trek 

This is probably the most challenging and adventurous trek. But the reward is so worth it; you will see two ruin sites for the price of one! The climb to Choquequirao takes two days and is challenging and even higher than Machu Picchu. At the time of writing trekking is the only way to see Choquequirao, and is not very crowded, not many people can say they’ve seen it which makes the experience even more magical.

You will need to be quite fit for this trek, it’s not recommended for beginners.

Whichever trek you choose we’re sure you are going to love these adventures that will give you memories for a lifetime. If you have any questions at all which trek is right for you, please do not hesitate to contact us.