Trekking in Peru: Beyond Inca Trail Tours

The Inca Trail is undeniably one of the best treks in the world. It has it all: scenery, history, and convenience. However, the popularity of Inca Trail tours may be getting the best of this historic trail. Hundreds of trekkers hike the classic 4-day Inca trail portion every day, which has prompted the Peruvian government to regulate the number of people allowed on the trail. Tickets to hike the Inca Trail sell out months in advance, and if you plan on traveling to Peru during peak season, such as in July, you may find yourself without an entrance ticket.

If you want to hike the Inca Trail tour in Peru but find out that all the spots are sold out, don't fret! Peru has numerous spectacular treks, many of them concluding at Machu Picchu itself, and all following different parts of the Inca Trail, which actually extends all the way from Ecuador to Chile. Here are some other great treks to consider during a South America tour to Peru.

Salkantay Trek. The Salkantay trek is one of the more difficult treks in the Cuzco region. The trek typical lasts 5 days and concludes with a tour of Machu Picchu. The first day you're driven from Cuzco to Markocasa and then you hike to Soraypampa, which is 12,631 feet above sea level. The second day you'll tackle a three-hour ascent, passing 15,750 feet above sea level, a real accomplishment! On the third day you'll pass through several agricultural areas, such as orchards. On the fourth day you'll hike to the Hydro-Electric station and then take the train to the town of Machu Picchu Pueblo. Your final day will include your tour of Machu Picchu.

Lars Trek. This Inca trail trek is truly a cultural experience, taking you through local villages, most of which are extremely rural and traditional. This four-day trek starts with transportation from Cuzco to the Sacred Valley village of Lars. You'll have time to relax in the local hot springs before a leisurely walk to your evening campsite. The second day includes the highest altitude you'll experience during this hike, reaching 14,600 feet at the Pachacutec Pass. On the third day you hike to the lovely town of Ollantaytambo where you'll catch a train to Machu Picchu Pueblo. On the fourth day you'll have your tour of the Incan citadel.

Choquequirao Trek. This lovely four-day trek takes you pass some massive peaks and through beautiful landscapes. Hiking on the first day starts at San Pedro Cachora and concludes at Chiquisca. Day two takes you through a canyon. Day three is the peak day because you get to explore the massive ruins of Choquequirao, your main destination. On the fourth day you hike back towards Cuzco, passing through plantations and orchards. Unlike the other mentioned treks, this hike does not take you to Machu Picchu. However, the ruins at Choquequirao, which you see on the third day of this trek, are impressive in their own right.

Best Trekking Company in Peru

Best Trekking Company in Peru

Welcome to Salkantay Trekking! For over 8 years we have been creating inspirational, tailor made vacations and are proud of our reputation as one of the Peruvian leading specialist tour operators. Our Travel Specialists know our destinations inside and out having travelled extensively within them. They are ready to create a holiday to suit your interests, timescale and budget, as well as give practical advice and insider tips.

Our achievements have been made possible thanks to the extraordinary support of our personnel; a well-assembled team of highly trained professionals, identified with our company goals and clients’ preferences.

Knowledgeable, professional guides who will help you explore Salkantay Mountain lead our tours. Both our personnel´s top-quality professional training (guides and counters) and high- quality standards implemented when choosing our providers, have always guaranteed customer satisfaction

New entrance fees for Machu Picchu

For those who wish to visit the Incan citadel of Machu Picchu, Peru’s main tourist destination, the purchase rate this year is 152 soles for the morning group, and 100 soles in the afternoon. This is the case for Adults in general, as established by the Ministry of Culture.

According to Ministerial Resolution No. 030-2016-MC, which approves ticket values ​​for admission to pre-Hispanic archaeological monuments and museums that are part of the National Cultural Heritage, for the fiscal year of 2017, the tariff for morning entry (from 06:00 to 12:00 hours) for university and non-university higher education students is 77 soles.

In the case of kindergartenl, primary and secondary school children, as well as children up to 12 years of age, the cost of the ticket is 70 soles.

There is a special entrance with a 50% discount for adults over 60, people with disabilities and military service.

Tickets can only be purchased online at www.machupicchu.gob.pe and the Cusco Culture Decentralized Direction recommends to acquire them with due anticipation given that maximum levels have been established for both admission times to preserve the integrity of the citadel Inca and ensure an adequate tour.

AFTERNOON ENTRY
The entrance fee in the second group or afternoon (from 12:00 to 17:30 hours) for adults in general is 100 soles, while for students of university or non-university higher education is 50 soles, and for students it costs 40 soles.

COMPLEMENTARY SERVICES
For those interested in visiting, in addition to either the Llaqta, the Incan citadel, Machu Pichu mountain, Wayna Picchu mountain, the Way of the Source or the Way to Inkaraqay, the cost of the entrance ticket is 48 soles for adults in general.

FREE INCOME
Free admission to the citadel, established for the beneficiaries of the special systems, will only be in the late shift, from 12:00 to 17:30 hours, according to the availability of spaces and the capacity of load. For these visitors the tour guide service is optional.
The beneficiaries of the special systems are the citizens of Cusco and residents of Cusco who take part in social tourism programs, in recognition of the agreement signed annually between the Decentralized Culture Directorate of Cusco and the Directorate of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Dircetur) Cusco.

Citizens included in Law 29366, which provides free access for teachers, students and senior citizens on the first Sunday of each month to archaeological monuments, museums and historical sites in the national sphere are also beneficiaries. The students of primary and secondary level will only be able to enter a day different from the first Sunday of each month, previous reservation in the web page of the Decentralized Direction of Culture of Cusco.

DOUBLE TURN
Today the double timetable of entry to the Llaqta or Incan citadel, Machu Picchu came into force, in order to ensure the adequate flow of visits to the main tourist destination of Peru.
According to the Regulations for Sustainable Use and Tourist Tour for the Conservation of the Llaqta or the Incan Citadel of Machu Picchu, tourists wishing to stay the whole day to the main tourist destination of Peru must buy two tickets.

The tourist visit must be ordered in a maximum time of 4 hours from the entrance of the visitors, within the 2 established shifts.
The Decentralized Department of Culture of Cusco recalled in a recent communiqué that during the tour of the Llaqta of Machu Picchu it is not allowed to re-enter the Inca citadel, except for reasons of force majeure in accordance with Article 16 of the Regulations.

The Fastest Route To Machu Picchu

WAYS TO ACCESS:
The fastest and most recommended way to get to the town of Machu Picchu (or Aguas Calientes) is by train from the stations of Poroy and Ollantaytambo. If you are in Cusco, it is best to take a taxi to Poroy (30 minutes from the city). The cost is about S / .30. From here, Peru Rail trains take about three and a half hours to Aguas Calientes.

It should be noted that this company offers three services: the ultra-luxurious Hiram Bingham, the Vistadome (mid-range) and the Expedition (economic). For itineraries and prices visit: www.perurail.com or call: 51-84-581414.

If you decide to take the train from Ollantaytambo (two hours from Cusco and one and a half from Machu Picchu Pueblo) you have the option of choosing services from Inca Rail call: 613-5272.
Peru Rail also offers a wagon that departs from Urubamba towards Machu Picchu.

Once you have arrived in Aguas Calientes, you have two options to get to the citadel: one is to walk the 8 km to the entrance or take a bus (leaving every 15 minutes) from 5:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.
The prices for going up and down to the sanctuary are $17.00 USD for foreign adults and $12.00 USD for national adults. Please note that you must present ID or passport when you buy your ticket.
To enter the sanctuary of Machu Picchu we recommend buying the entrance ticket in advance, since the quotas are limited.

Once the reservation is made, you have six hours to pay in the offices of the Bank of the Nation or the Regional Directorate of Culture of Cusco (cash only).

Trek to Machu Picchu – BBC

The more strenuous and less crowded Salkantay trekking is becoming a more attractive option for trekkers headed to Machu Picchu.

For years, Peru’s most well researched travelers have known of the “other trail” to Machu Picchu: the Salkantay.

Today however, as the more popular Inca Trail has become overcrowded, it appears that the Salkantay is making a name for itself.

According to the BBC, “the lesser-known Salkantay Trek is quickly gaining a reputation as both a less-crowded and more strenuous alternative.”

The BBC declares that “mind-blowing visuals” and “variety of ecosystems” seen on the alternative trail are worth the extra pain and sweat.

Those who brave the trek reach 4,650m, the highest point of the hike, the Salkantay pass. According to the BBC, “‘Salkantay’ is a Quechua word, meaning ‘Savage Mountain.’”

On the Salkantay, trekkers “follow in the footsteps of the highly trained Inca messengers” through “cloud forests and alpine peaks to glacial lakes and tropical jungles” to arrive at the of the journey, “the ancient site of Machu Picchu.”

Do you have what it takes to do the Salkantay trail, Living in Peru readers?
The Salkantay trail is four-to five-day trek. And, for now it doesn’t require permits.

Alternative treks to the Inca Trail to reach Machu Picchu

Since 2005, the Peruvian government has put a maximum of 500 tourists per day whom are allowed to begin the Inca Trail, to reach the no less famous Machu Picchu. An experience that inside 4 days takes us from Cusco (the starting point) to the lost city of the Incas.

The actual amount of travelers who can take the trail each day does not exceed 200, since the rest of the quota is taken up by the necessary personnel including guides, cooks and porters.

For the summer which begins shortly, the quota has already been covered. Travelers who had plans to take this route during summer will have to look at other options, or wait until the new spring season (austral) that begins in September.

A little more effort is needed on this as the road begins with the arrival to the villa of Lucmapampa and from there by a road paved through coffee plantations. You can visit the archaeological complex of Llactapata (2700 masl), which for the most part is covered by giant trees. You can see how the roots of the trees have been invaded the original Incan walls, which gives us an idea how the first explorers found it.

Here we have our first views of the great city of the Incas: Machu Picchu and the impressive Urubamba Canyon. Going down to the station you must continue by train to Aguas Calientes (2000 m). In  general people spend the night here, and take advantage of the hot springs.

From here, the route is similar to that of the Inca Trail since the transfer to Machu Picchu is done in conjunction, usually by bus.

Where to visit in Peru

The world has choses its new Seven Wonders, and many countries choose their own (natural or not). Undoubtedly, the whole planet has beautiful things to offer and we would need a thousand rankings to be fair with each and every one of these wonders. As Peru is no stranger to wonders, we have chosen seven of our own.

This was an initiative carried out a couple of years ago by Panamericana Television which after many months arrived with the below list of the 7 Wonders, Peruvians choice.

The following have been chosen as the people’s choice:

• The Nasca Lines, located in Ica.
• Lake Titicaca, in the department of Puno.
• Forest of Stones of Huayllay, in the department of Pasco.
• The Great Pajatén, in the department of La Libertad.
• Plateau of Marcahuasi, in the department of Lima.
• The citadel of Markahuamachuco, in the department of La Libertad.
• Chan Chán Citadel, in the department of La Libertad.

Dropping pins in the map, will help you see the very best that Peru has to offer.

Salkantay Trek - The Best Way to Enjoy Machu Picchu

The next time that you are interested in visiting Machu Picchu why not try out the Salkantay Trek? The trek is an excellent alternative for regular visitors to the place as it provides a refreshing view of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and far differently compared to the classic Inca trail route provided to the tourists.

Machu Picchu - UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983

For first time travellers, Machu Picchu is an excellent place to visit as it feeds one's curiosity to the lives of the Incas as well as to the reasons for the abandonment of the stronghold in the 16th century. It also serves as a silent testimony to the modern architectural advances of the old civilization. The " Inca trail trek to Machu Picchu" is excellent for first time travellers to the ruins as it covers the original trek of Hiram Bingham and covers major archaeological sites.

The trail is a six-day hike but is divided into several smaller treks which are customized to fit travellers who have health problems but still want to enjoy the beautiful archaeological site. The trek will involve camping in different camp sites although some tour companies also have a shorter trail tour packages for those visitors who are not interested in camping and would usually run to about two days instead of the full six-day trek.

The Salkantay Trek

One problem with the classic Inca Trail trek is that one should book ahead or months before they are able to visit the place due to the restriction that the government imposes on the number of visitors allowed in the World Heritage Site. The Classic trail also includes thousands of visitors and as such, one might not really appreciate the place. Whilst that said, another alternative to the Classic Trail is the Salkantay Trek which runs for seven days. The trail is more challenging; however it provides a glimpse of the Machu Picchu without much of the heavy traffic that one would experience when one joins the Classic trail.

The Salkantay trek starts near the Mollepata town and covers the Salkantay Mountain for three days and shorter depending on whether one is an experienced trekker. On the fourth day, the trek will join the classic trail and trekkers would experience the grandeur of the archaeological sites and on the last day, experienced Machu Picchu themselves.

The trek covers not only the Inca ruins but also provides trekkers an excellent view of the snow-capped mountain peaks of Cusco in a fascinating way. The trek might be expensive for some but can be a life changing experience especially for someone who wants to enjoy the raw beauty of the ancient civilization without the trappings of modern technology.

The Famed Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Nestled high in the Andes at an altitude of 2350m, and overshadowed by a 3000m peak, lies an Old Mountain. For years, the morning mists settled on this ancient site keeping the complex beneath shrouded in mystery.

Covered in forested area and overgrown with dense vegetation, it remained hidden from the outside world until 1911, when archaeologists named Hiram Bingham, 'officially' discovered the site. "Old Mountain" was home to the ancient Inca trail trek better known today as Machu Picchu.

Thought to have been built by the Incan ruler, Pachacuti Inca Yapancui, the sanctuary of Machu Picchu overlooks the deep canyon of the Urubamba River, and covers an area of 5 square km's.

It is part of the larger Machu Picchu Heritage site, spanning an area of 32,600 hectares and is home to numerous archaeological wonders and a myriad of magnificent flora and fauna.

While the ruins of Machu Picchu can be accessed by train and a quick bus trip, the best way to arrive to the ruins is along the famed, Inca trail.

Built by the Inca's in about 500AD, the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu covers only a small section of the ancient road system, which once spanned 23000km's and connected over three million km of territory. The trail was built block by block along the spine of the Andes, linking southern Ecuador to central Chile.

Among the lists of world famous treks, the Inca Trail in Peru is undoubtedly one of the top ranking, so popular in fact that one needs to reserve a spot on the trail at least three months in advance.

Up until 2005, the number of trekkers on the route escalated out of control with the result that the paths were overcrowded and strewn with litter and garbage.

It got so bad that the government finally stepped in and imposed a restriction of 500 trekkers per day, to include guides and porters.

At a spot called Km82 on the Urubamba River, about 170 tourists gather each day, to walk the 53km famed Andean trail, to the ruins of Machu Picchu.

For many, the path give modern man a chance to walk in the footsteps of a lost civilisation, but what many people don't realise, is that the route opens a window to exquisite plant life, a myriad of old Incan Ruins and an insight into some of the old traditions of the people.