The Ultimate Guide to Machu Picchu’s Best Treks
Machu Picchu, the most iconic tourist attraction in Peru, has long attracted adventure enthusiasts eager to explore its ruins by foot. If you’re planning a trek to this mystical site, your first step is to select the route that best fits your interests and physical condition. Here are some of the top routes to consider:
1. Lares Trek
For a more immersive, off-the-beaten-path experience, the Lares Trek offers an authentic glimpse into Andean life, largely unchanged for centuries. As you make your way through picturesque valleys, you’ll encounter locals wearing traditional clothing, raising alpacas and llamas, and practicing ancient crafts like weaving. Along the trek, you’ll enjoy stunning views, including a panoramic look at Mount Veronica, soaring to 18,000 feet. The route, which spans 3 to 5 days, ends near the ruins of Ollantaytambo, offering a seamless transition to catch the train to Machu Picchu.
2. Chaski Trail (Cachicata Route)
The Chaski Trail, or Cachicata Trek, spans 3 to 5 days and offers both history and adventure. The route, named after the ancient fleet-footed messengers of the Inca Empire, who traveled swiftly to deliver messages across the empire, features high-altitude trekking and remarkable scenery. Along the way, you’ll encounter the stunning Perolniyoc Waterfall, and the trek culminates at the Ollantaytambo ruins—one of the most important archaeological sites in Peru—where you can explore before boarding the train to Machu Picchu.
3. Salkantay Trek
One of the most popular and diverse trekking routes, the Salkantay Trek is a majestic journey that lasts between 5 to 8 days. The trek is known for its wide range of ecosystems, from the high-altitude desert to the lush tropical jungle. One of the highlights is Mount Salkantay, an apu (sacred peak) worshipped by the Incas, towering at 20,500 feet. You’ll hike through areas of breathtaking beauty, aided by mules to carry your gear across rugged terrain. Along the way, you’ll experience everything from the high-altitude deserts to cloud forests and subtropical rainforests, eventually leading to the Llactapata ruins and offering a side view of Machu Picchu itself.
4. Inca Jungle Trek
The Inca Jungle Trek is a bit more adventurous and includes a mix of trekking, biking, and even rafting. Over 4 days, travelers get to experience not only the typical Incan ruins and history but also adrenaline-pumping activities like mountain biking down roads and white-water rafting on the Urubamba River. It’s a more varied experience that concludes in Aguas Calientes, the base town for visiting Machu Picchu.
5. Lodge Trek Salkantay
If you’re looking for something more comfortable, the Lodge Trek is a fantastic option. This trek takes 7 to 11 days, during which trekkers enjoy stunning views of glaciers, cloud forests, and peaks while staying in comfortable lodges at each night’s stop. At altitudes reaching 15,000 feet, this trek combines rugged adventure with the comfort of luxurious accommodations. Along the way, you will pass through areas known for coffee plantations and vast banana groves, offering a uniquely subtropical view of the Andean mountains before you reach Machu Picchu.
6. Vilcabamba Trek
For seasoned trekkers, the Vilcabamba Trek provides a more remote and challenging adventure. The trek travels through the Vilcabamba mountain range and reaches the Choquequirao ruins—often referred to as the “sister city” to Machu Picchu. A 5-day trek through deep valleys, dense cloud forests, and alongside rivers brings a sense of discovery and offers incredible views. The route is often less crowded, providing solitude and immersion in nature, along with an extraordinary connection to Peru’s rich Incan heritage.
7. Classic Inca Trail (4 Days)
No guide to trekking in Machu Picchu would be complete without mentioning the iconic Inca Trail. This 4-day trek is one of the most sought-after experiences in the world, taking travelers along ancient Inca pathways, past crumbling ruins, and up to Inti Punku (the Sun Gate), where you’re rewarded with a panoramic view of Machu Picchu. The historic trek is rich with Inca history, dramatic landscapes, and challenging climbs that will test your stamina. Due to its popularity, it’s important to book your permits months in advance.
