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Treks to Machu Picchu

Rediscovered in 1911 and chosen ‘new world wonder’ in 2007, Machu Picchu is without any doubt the most famous and most stunning archaeological site of the Americas. Rising up high above the wild Urubamba River, the peak of Wayna Picchu often surrounded by mystical clouds, this ‘citadel’ amazes every visitor. Much is said and written about Machu Picchu, but its construction date and purpose are still riddles.

Different treks:

• Inca Trail: 4 days, 3 nights: $ 507
• Salkantay: 4 days, 3 nights: $ 432
• Lares: 4 days, 3 nights: $ 455

What trek do I choose?
That depends on your own preferences. But to help you choose the right trek, below we’ve written down the advantages and disadvantages of the classis Inca Trail and the alternative treks.

Please contact us for itineraries and more information.

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Advantage 1: It’s the only trek with which you hike until you reach Machu Picchu; the other treks finish the day before in the tourist village of Aguas Calientes, from where you take a bus to the ruins. You’ll never forget the first view on Machu Picchu from the ruins of the Incas Sun Gate, the Inti Punku!

Advantage 2: Along the route there are various Inca-ruins that you can visit.

Advantage 3: The route is beautifully diverged; from high Andes-passes (highest point is about 4200 meters above sea level) to the exuberant nature of the upper-jungle.

Disadvantage 1: Many tourists. Per day 500 persons – tourists and staff (guides, cooks, porters) among – are allowed to enter the Inca Trail. Normally the Inca Trail is sold-out, so that means that you’re walking along with 500 other persons.

Disadvantage 2: You have to descend on a large part of the Trail, especially on the third day, following stairways made by the Incas.  The stairs are uneven and you have to make big steps; so you’ll get a lot of pressure on your upper legs and knees.

Price 4-day Inca Trail 2012: $ 507

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

Advantage 1: There are less tourists than on the Inca Trail, so it feels more adventurous.

Advantage 2: An, at least in our opinion, even more beautiful and more diverged route than the Inca Trail. The pass that you climb on the second day (on the first day in the 4-days trek) of about 4700 meters, leads along impressive glaciers of over 6000 meters. Afterwards you descend into the beautiful upper-jungle: subtropical nature with banana, coffee and avocado trees, hot springs, etc.

Disadvantage 1: You don’t finish your hike in Machu Picchu, but arrive the evening before in Aguas Calientes. There, you stay in a hotel, and you’ll visit Machu Picchu the next morning.

Disadvantage 2: There are no Inca-ruins to visit along this route.

Price 4-day Salkantay Trek 2012: $ 432

Lares Trek to Machu Picchu

Advantage 1: Normally even less tourists than on the Salkantay Trek.

Advantage 2: You visit several real Andes-communities and get a good impression of every day life of the people in this region.

Disadvantage 1: The route is less diverged than the other treks, leading more through the Andes Mountains but not through the upper-jungle.

Disadvantage 2: You don’t finish in Machu Picchu, not even in Aguas Calientes, but in the village of Ollantaytambo. There, you’ll take the tourist train to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll stay for the night in a hotel. The next morning you’ll visit Machu Picchu.

Price 4-day Lares Trek 2011: $ 455