Best Machu Picchu Trek: a comparison
Best Machu Picchu Trek: a comparison
What is the best Machu Picchu hike for you? We compare the advantages and disadvantages of each route to help you choose the right hike for you
Machu Picchu, this great wonder of the world, this icon of South America, which is so omnipresent on travel websites and in the shop windows of agencies. Is it surprising that potential visitors are worried about choosing the perfect hike?
Some book your trip months in advance to make sure you get the hike of your choice, others are inconsolable when you appear and find that you have missed the boat.
Before our trip we had an urgent question: Is the Incapfad worthwhile?
With an open schedule that made it possible for us an improvised cruise and an unexpected road trip through the United States, we had no idea when we would be in Peru, let alone in Cusco, so we wanted to ensure that the incapitative was worth the additional costs and the additional planning. We went through travel routes, studied route maps and brooded over the advantages and disadvantages.
In the end we chose the best Machu Picchu hike for us: the 5-day, 4-day salkantay hike to Machu Picchu with the local company Alpaca Expeditions. We absolutely wanted to try a challenging route and avoid the crowds. Of course we understand that different people have different wishes.
Best Machu Picchu Trek: A comparison
For this reason, we have put together a great comparison table of the most popular hikes to help you choose the best Machu Picchu hike.
It will not tell you everything you need to know, but it serves as a good starting point to make a decision. Let us know what you choose.
| Inka | Salkantay | lares | Choque-Quirao | Huchuy Qosqo | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7D/6N, 5D/4N, 4D/3N, 3D/2N and 2D/1N | 5D/4N & 4D/3N | 4D/3N | 4D/3N, 5D/4N and 8D/7N | 3D/2N & 2D/1N | |
| max. Height | 4.215 m (13,821 foot) | 4,600 m (15,090 feet) | 3,850 m (12,631 feet) | 4,670 m (15,322 foot) | 4.050 m (13,287 feet) |
| light agent | medium -heavy | medium | medium -heavy | simply | |
| websites | chachabamba, wiñaywayna, incaruins | Salkantay-Berg, Santa Theresa, Intiwatana | LARES-TAL, Hot Sources, Salinas de Maras Salzminen | Choquequirao-ruinen | huchuy qosqo-ruinen, Puca Pucara |
| Terrain | levels and steep climbs | fog forest, river valleys, steeply steep | in placeslakes, cloudy mountains | gorges, river, fog forest | rocky valleys |
| excellent ruins, established campsites, historical route | Great views, unique campsites, some Inca trails included | cultural experience, remote communities, small group sizes | dramatic ruins, remote paths, excellent flora and fauna | established path, good for families and those who are looking for a gentler hike | |
| disadvantages | overcrowded, no horses allowed, carriers carry loads manually, have to book far in advance | high height | less dramatic landscape | altitude, demanding route | less dramatic landscape |
| best for | bragging rights | adventure | culture | lonely ruins | Short and flush |
| Price (USD) | $ 425- $ 1,150 | $ 555- $ 575 | $ 555 | $ 600 $ 1,050 | $ 425- $ 485 |
other hikes to take into account
- Vilcabamba (6d/5n) Trek through the Pantiacola Pass is a challenging longer trek from Vilcabamba to Machu Picchu.
- cachicata (4d/3n) Trek is a good alternative quiet hike with a view of high peaks and the visit of alternative Inca sites.
- Llama Exemption 7d/6n and 5d/4n Treks make the best of the spectacular slopes of the external Mountain, the highest summit in the Cusco region.
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Mission statement: Atlas & Boots
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