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.
