Traditionally it is always best to approach Machu Picchu by foot, this is exactly what alternative Machu Picchu treks offer. To walk up to the Sun Gates at daybreak, is the best possible time to take this step. Plan carefully, the Ancient Inca Highways used to arrive at this pinnacle of earthly spirituality are protected and permits restricted to 500 per day.
There are six ways to trek to follow the Inca trail. These include the Salcantay Trail, Lares Route, Vilcabamba Traverse Route, one day Inca Trail, Cachicata Trail, and the Lodge Trail.
Trekking the Salcantay route offers a wide spectrum of topography, as well as eco-diversity. It cannot be beat for scenic beauty, and a view like this of the impressive Salcantay Mountain is just too good to miss. At 20,500 feet high, this is one of the most sacred peaks of Andeans of today. This was also the case for the Incan religious pantheon.
The Lares Trail through the valley is a similar route to that taken by hundreds of thousands of train commuters. It is the Sacred Valley trail from Cusco to Machu Picchu, so as you might imagine, could seem a little crowded. Lares is the home to a hot spring, and taking this route allows one to see Andeans who still live and farm in the same way as they did hundreds of years ago.
The Vilcabamba Traverse Route is 60 miles long through mountainous territory, so, is not for the faint of heart. It starts at Cachora, crossing the Apurimac River canyon, then, continues on to the ruins of the Cradle of Gold (Choquequirao in Quechua). These ruins have a remarkable resemblance to Lost City itself. Trekkers will make use of the original Inca stone highways and byways, as well as experience various Peruvian eco-zones. They will cross rivers, valleys, and a mountain range, ending in the typical train trip up to Machu Picchu itself.
Travelers who want to visit Machu Picchu and do not have a great deal of time, could take the One Day route. It only takes three hours to walk, so offers some scenic quality in a brief uphill hike, and ends with the definitive train trip to the Lost City itself. In real terms, the ideal time to spend in this area is approximately four days. Not all visitors can take this amount of time.
Another trail that could be considered to be alternative is the Lodge Trail. There has been an increase in the number of travelers with the money to mix hard days of trekking with luxurious nights. If the idea of clean white sheets, comfortable beds, and gourmet meals appeals at the end of a hard long walk, then this could be the route for you. As far as direction and scenery goes, this is similar to the Salcantay Route.
Last but certainly not least of the six alternative Machu Picchu treks, and according to Ancient Inca lore, the Cachicata Trail was used by Chaski runners who kept the empire informed of what news was taking place. Their ability to run and their endurance was legendary The trail itself is a high elevation entrance in through the Sun Gates. This trek offers much that is not seen when hiking any other route.
There are six ways to trek to follow the Inca trail. These include the Salcantay Trail, Lares Route, Vilcabamba Traverse Route, one day Inca Trail, Cachicata Trail, and the Lodge Trail.
Trekking the Salcantay route offers a wide spectrum of topography, as well as eco-diversity. It cannot be beat for scenic beauty, and a view like this of the impressive Salcantay Mountain is just too good to miss. At 20,500 feet high, this is one of the most sacred peaks of Andeans of today. This was also the case for the Incan religious pantheon.
The Lares Trail through the valley is a similar route to that taken by hundreds of thousands of train commuters. It is the Sacred Valley trail from Cusco to Machu Picchu, so as you might imagine, could seem a little crowded. Lares is the home to a hot spring, and taking this route allows one to see Andeans who still live and farm in the same way as they did hundreds of years ago.
The Vilcabamba Traverse Route is 60 miles long through mountainous territory, so, is not for the faint of heart. It starts at Cachora, crossing the Apurimac River canyon, then, continues on to the ruins of the Cradle of Gold (Choquequirao in Quechua). These ruins have a remarkable resemblance to Lost City itself. Trekkers will make use of the original Inca stone highways and byways, as well as experience various Peruvian eco-zones. They will cross rivers, valleys, and a mountain range, ending in the typical train trip up to Machu Picchu itself.
Travelers who want to visit Machu Picchu and do not have a great deal of time, could take the One Day route. It only takes three hours to walk, so offers some scenic quality in a brief uphill hike, and ends with the definitive train trip to the Lost City itself. In real terms, the ideal time to spend in this area is approximately four days. Not all visitors can take this amount of time.
Another trail that could be considered to be alternative is the Lodge Trail. There has been an increase in the number of travelers with the money to mix hard days of trekking with luxurious nights. If the idea of clean white sheets, comfortable beds, and gourmet meals appeals at the end of a hard long walk, then this could be the route for you. As far as direction and scenery goes, this is similar to the Salcantay Route.
Last but certainly not least of the six alternative Machu Picchu treks, and according to Ancient Inca lore, the Cachicata Trail was used by Chaski runners who kept the empire informed of what news was taking place. Their ability to run and their endurance was legendary The trail itself is a high elevation entrance in through the Sun Gates. This trek offers much that is not seen when hiking any other route.
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