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Best Machu Picchu Trek: a comparison
What is the best Machu Picchu hike for you? We compare the pros and cons of each route to help you choose the hike that's right for you Machu Picchu, that great wonder of the world, that icon of South America so ubiquitous on travel websites and in agency windows. Is it any wonder that potential visitors worry about choosing the perfect hike? Some book their trip months in advance to ensure they get the hike of their choice, others are heartbroken when they show up and realize they've missed the boat. Before our trip we had a…
Best Machu Picchu Trek: a comparison
What is the best Machu Picchu hike for you? We compare the pros and cons of each route to help you choose the hike that's right for you
Machu Picchu, that great wonder of the world, that icon of South America that is so ubiquitous on travel websites and in agency windows. Is it any wonder that potential visitors worry about choosing the perfect hike?
Some book their trip months in advance to ensure they get the hike of their choice, others are heartbroken when they show up and realize they've missed the boat.
Before our trip, we had an urgent question: Is the Inca Trail worth it?
With an open schedule that allowed us an impromptu cruise and an unexpected road trip around the US, we had no idea when we would be in Peru, let alone Cusco, so we wanted to make sure the Inca Trail was worth the extra cost and planning. We went over itineraries, studied route maps and pondered the pros and cons.
In the end, we chose the best Machu Picchu hike for ourselves: the 5-day, 4-day Salkantay hike to Machu Picchu with local company Alpaca Expeditions. We really wanted to try a challenging route and avoid the crowds. Of course, we understand that different people have different desires.
Best Machu Picchu Trek: a comparison
That's why we've put together a super simple comparison table of the most popular hikes to help you choose the best Machu Picchu hike for you.
It won't tell you everything you need to know, but it serves as a good starting point for making a decision. Let us know what you decide.
| Inca | Salkantay | Lares | Choque-quirao | Huchuy Qosqo | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical structure | 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 feet) | 4,600 m (15,090 feet) | 3,850 m (12,631 feet) | 4,670 m (15,322 feet) | 4,050 m (13,287 feet) |
| difficulty | Light medium | Medium difficulty | medium | Medium difficulty | Simply |
| Websites | Chachabamba, Wiñaywayna, Inca ruins | Salkantay Mountain, Santa Theresa, Intiwatana | Lares Valley, hot springs, Salinas de Maras salt mines | Choquequirao Ruins | Huchuy Qosqo Ruins, Puca Pucara |
| terrain | Steps and steep climbs | Cloud forest, river valleys, steep in places | Lakes, cloud-covered mountains | Canyons, rivers, cloud forest | Rocky valleys |
| Advantages | Excellent ruins, established campsites, historic route | Great views, unique campsites, some Inca trails included | Cultural experience, remote communities, small group sizes | Dramatic ruins, secluded trails, excellent flora and fauna | Established trail good for families and those looking for a gentler hike |
| Disadvantages | Overcrowded, no horses allowed, porters carry loads manually, have to book well in advance | High altitude | Less dramatic landscape | Altitude, challenging route | Less dramatic landscape |
| Best for | Bragging rights | adventure | culture | Lonely ruins | Short and sweet |
| Price (USD) | $425-$1,150 | $555-$575 | $555 | $600-$1,050 | $425-$485 |
Other hikes to consider
- Vilcabamba (6D/5N) Trek durch den Pantiacola Pass ist ein herausfordernder längerer Trek von Vilcabamba nach Machu Picchu.
- Cachicata (4D/3N) Trek ist eine gute alternative ruhige Wanderung mit Blick auf hohe Gipfel und dem Besuch alternativer Inka-Stätten.
- Llama Ausangate 7D/6N und 5D/4N Treks machen das Beste aus den spektakulären Hängen des Ausangate Mountain, dem höchsten Gipfel in der Region Cusco.
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Mission statement: Atlas & Boots
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