The Ultimate Guide to Machu Picchu’s Best Treks
Trekking is second nature to Machu Picchu, the most visited tourist attraction in Peru. If you’re planning on making your way to Machu Picchu on foot, you’re going to want to begin by choosing the best route for you:
Lares Route
Life has continued Lares Valley the same way over the centuries — locals wearing traditional Andean, raising alpacas and Llamas, and weaving clothes. Trekking starts from this tiny town, making its way through several villages to offer an 18,000 feet view of Mount Veronica. The trip lasts between 3 to 5 days, ending near the ruins of Ollantaytambo.
Cachicata or Chaski Trail
Another trip that lasts for 3 to 5 days is the high-altitude Chaski route. Rumor has it, the outposts of the Inca Empire were connected by fleet-footed messengers who ran fast enough to allow the Cusco emperor to dine on fresh fish from the Pacific Ocean located 300 miles away! The route also meets with the Perolniyoc waterfall, ending at the Ollantaytambo to allow you to visit a famous set of Inca ruins before hitting the station for the train to Machu Picchu.
Salcantay Route
This route is widely lauded for its diversity in topography and ecosystems. The 20,500 feet high sacred peak is known to be the holiest apus in the Inca religion. The trip lasts between 5 to 8 days, with mules assisting trekkers in cutting past Mollepata Valley and Salcantay at 15,000 feet. Moving forth, you’ll descend into a subtropical forest that leads to the ruins of Llactapata and a sidelong view of the Machu Picchu complex.
Lodge Trek
Say you have around 7 to 11 days in hand, then you’re fit to take the Lodge Trek, which reaches a height of 15,000 feet before descending into a valley of bananas and coffee. You’ll enjoy views of the sacred peak as well as the glaciers with a hint of luxurious lodges.
Those are certainly a lot of options to make for the best treks in Machu Picchu. Luckily, you can discover all the best adventure and trekking tours with Rainbow Mountain Expeditions. Tours are available for Ausangate trek 4 days, Lares trek 4 days, Salkantay trek 5 days, and Rainbow Mountain trek 2 days. There are also day tours for Ananiso Canyon, Condor Canyon, Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain, and Rainbow Mountain of Love.
