Alternative treks to Machu Picchu (Cusco)
There’s nothing likethe satisfaction of approaching Machu Picchu in Cusco, on one’s own two feet, which is why the classic Inca Trail hike has become so popular in recent years. But to limit damage to the trail, the Peruvian government now limits access to 500 persons per day, porters included. Permits for the peak summer season sell out months in advance.
Fortunately, the Inca were master road builders who blazed trails all throughout the Andes, and many of these are alternate routes to Machu Picchu (or at least you get as close as a quick train ride). Here are six alternatives, most of which require no permits and can be arranged through any reputable outfitter in Cusco. Some of these hikes are available in multiple variations and can be tailored to meet a particular fitness level.
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
During this hike, you appreciate warm cloud forest nature as well as the Apu Salkantay Mountain (Apu is the sacred spirit of the mountain in Quechua), you visit the Incan site of Llactapata and the “Lost City of the Incas” – Machu Picchu. To reach Salkantay you go through beautiful Andean landscapes, 5,000 meters coves, and the chance to see condors and alpacas on its natural habitat. You can take a bath in the natural hot springs from the depths of the earth. You can also climb up to either Huayna Picchu or the Machu Picchu Mountain.
Lares Valley Trek to Machu Picchu
On the way, you can observe stunning landscape of Andean mountains with snowy peaks and beautiful mountain lagoons, meet local people of remote Andean villages and visit the overwhelming Machu Picchu on the last day. There are a vast number of different itineraries and variations available on the Lares trek to Machu Picchu. The trek is also calmer than the Inca Trail as it is not well known. It is also a little bit easier than the Inca Trail. You can climb up either to Huayna Picchu or to Machu Picchu Mountain as well.
Cachiccata Trek to Machu Picchu
This place was dedicated to carve and extraction of stones that were used for the construction of Ollantaytambo and many establishments nearby and it is located 9 kilometers away from it. The tourist can see the great work done in the moment the gigantic stones were moved to build the enclosures of Ollantaytambo. There you can appreciate Incan terraces, short authentic Inca trail, Temple of the Water God above a secret holding lovely waterfall, Incan mummies and Andean highlands. On the last day, you take a train to Machu Picchu and visit the antique and mysterious Incan citadel. A climb to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain can be also added to the trek.
Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu
This authentic Inca route (in Queachua Chapaqñan) was discovered as the last, 10 years ago. It is a new trek to Machu Picchu considered more adventurous and sporty than other treks as you do mountain biking on the first day, you hike through beautiful nature of a cloud forest and you can try ZIP Line and rafting too. The last day, you observe the long-expected and stunning Inca´s city of Machu Picchu with a possibility of hiking to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
So explore with Inti Sun Trek, one of the best alternative trek to Machu Picchu. You can reserve these tours here.
