The Inca Trail is one of the most iconic treks in the world. If it’s not already on your bucket list, it should be! This legendary route takes you through diverse landscapes, including alpine tundra, lush cloud forests, sub-tropical jungles, and ancient Inca ruins.

One of the toughest sections of the trek is Dead Woman’s Pass, the highest point at 4,200 metres. For many, this is a major physical challenge, so it’s essential to be in good shape and properly acclimatised before attempting the trail.

Route & Highlights:

The Inca Trail begins at Kilometre 82, a point on the train line from Cusco, and winds through the Andes towards Machu Picchu. The ultimate highlight is arriving at the Sun Gate on the final morning, where you’ll witness the sunrise over Machu Picchu before the main gates open to other visitors.
The classic Inca Trail trek lasts 4 days and 3 nights, although a shorter 2-day option is available. Trekkers camp in tents along the route, supported by experienced guides and porters. Due to its popularity, only 500 permits are issued daily, with just 200 allocated to trekkers (the rest are for porters and guides). Permits are released in January and sell out quickly, especially for the peak season. To secure your spot, booking well in advance is essential. The trail is closed in February for maintenance.

Inca Trail Trek Facts:

•    Trek Difficulty: Challenging – remote mountain trails with steep ascents and no road access
•    Duration: 4 days / 3 nights (although a shorter 2 day option is available, starting at kilometre 104)
•    Remoteness: Remote
•    Maximum Altitude: 4,200m (Dead Woman’s Pass)
•    Accommodation: Camping
•    Best Season: April – October
•    Start / End Locations: Cusco – Kilometre 82 / Machu Picchu – Cusco
•    Permits Required: Yes (limited availability, must book in advance)
•    Physical Fitness: Good fitness level and proper acclimatisation required

With 24,960 km of trails beyond the Inca Trail, Peru offers countless opportunities for incredible trekking experiences away from the crowds. While the Salkantay Trek isn’t as well-known as the Inca Trail, those who choose it are rewarded with breathtaking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and a less crowded route to Machu Picchu. As the Inca Trail becomes increasingly popular and books up months in advance, the Salkantay Trek offers a stunning alternative that few will regret.

What Makes the Salkantay Trek Special?

The Salkantay Trek winds through 15 distinct ecosystems, offering ever-changing scenery and an immersive Andean experience. Like the Inca Trail, it leads to Machu Picchu, though trekkers do not enter via the Sun Gate. Instead, the route finishes at Santa Teresa, near Aguas Calientes, the closest town to Machu Picchu.
One of the key advantages of the Salkantay Trek is the fewer crowds, allowing for a more peaceful and personal experience. Trekkers also get to enjoy spectacular views of Machu Picchu from the neighbouring mountain Llactapata—a perspective not available on any other trek.

Itinerary & Accommodation Options

The Salkantay Trek is slightly longer than the Inca Trail, typically taking 5 days and 4 nights. However, there are also options for:
•    A 4-day, 3-night shorter trek
•    A luxurious 7-day trek, featuring all the route’s highlights but with overnight stays in high-end mountain lodges instead of camping. These 4- and 5-star lodges offer comfortable beds, hot tubs, gourmet dining, and world-class hospitality.
The Salkantay Trek showcases a greater variety of landscapes than the Inca Trail, allowing trekkers to experience snow-capped peaks, cloud forests, and lush valleys at a relaxed pace.

Salkantay Trek Facts:

•    Trek Difficulty: Hard – remote mountain trails with few settlements
•    Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
•    Remoteness: Remote
•    Maximum Altitude: 4,600m (Salkantay Pass)
•    Accommodation: Camping or Mountain Lodges
•    Best Season: April – October
•    Start / End Locations: Cusco – Mollepata – Santa Teresa / Aguas Calientes – Cusco
•    Permits Required: No
•    Physical Fitness: Good fitness level and proper acclimatisation required

The Lares Trek takes you deep into the remote Andean landscapes, offering one of the most authentic and culturally immersive trekking experiences in Peru. Unlike the Inca Trail or Salkantay Trek, this route remains off the beaten track, meaning you are unlikely to encounter other tourists along the way.

This trek is perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and experience the stunning landscapes and secluded lakes of the Sacred Valley. The route passes through traditional Andean villages, where you’ll meet local communities who still live much as their ancestors did, maintaining age-old customs and traditions. More than just a trek, the Lares route is a cultural experience, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in Andean life.

Accommodation & Route:
Like the Salkantay Trek, the Lares Trek offers the option to stay in mountain lodges, where you’ll be well cared for between each leg of the journey. For those seeking a more traditional experience, camping options are also available.

The trek finishes in Ollantaytambo, from where you will board a train to Machu Picchu—a journey considered one of the most scenic train rides in the world. Among the three main treks to Machu Picchu, the Lares Trek is the least travelled, making it ideal for those looking for a more peaceful and exclusive adventure.

Lares Trek Facts:

• Trek Difficulty: Moderate – remote yet accessible trails
• Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
• Remoteness: Remote
• Maximum Altitude: 4,450m (Ipsaycocha Pass)
• Accommodation: Camping or Mountain Lodges
• Best Season: April – October
• Start / End Locations: Cusco – Lares / Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Cusco
• Permits Required: No
• Physical Fitness: Good fitness level and proper acclimatisation required

The Choquequirao Trek takes you through the rugged, remote landscapes of the Andes, offering an authentic and off-the-beaten-path trekking experience. Unlike the more popular Inca Trail, this trek leads to the stunning Choquequirao Ruins, a lesser-known Inca site often referred to as the "sister" of Machu Picchu. The route offers incredible views of the Apurímac River valley and encounters with local Andean communities who preserve traditional customs and lifestyles.

Accommodation & Route:
The trek is usually done camping, providing a true wilderness experience. The trail offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and landscapes. After completing the trek, you can continue your journey to Machu Picchu by train from Aguas Calientes, completing one of the most rewarding and scenic adventures in Peru. The Choquequirao Trek is perfect for those seeking a peaceful, less crowded route to a hidden gem in the Inca Empire.

Choquequirao Trek Facts:

• • Trek Difficulty: Challenging – steep, rugged trails with significant elevation changes
  • Duration: 4–5 days / 3–4 nights
  • Remoteness: Very remote
  • Maximum Altitude: 3,050m (Choquequirao Ruins)
  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Best Season: April – October
  • Start / End Locations: Cachora – Choquequirao / Choquequirao – Aguas Calientes – Cusco
  • Permits Required: Yes
  • Physical Fitness: Good fitness level and proper acclimatisation required

Packing the right gear is essential for a comfortable and enjoyable trek to Machu Picchu. Here's what you'll need:

Essential Gear

• 40+ litre hiking rucksack – comfortable and durable for carrying your gear
• Broken-in hiking boots or walking shoes – trainers are not suitable
• Refillable water bottle – stay hydrated throughout the trek

Clothing & Footwear

• Full rain gear – waterproof jacket, trousers, or a poncho
• Hiking trousers and shorts – for varying temperatures
• Fast-wicking, quick-drying base layers – top and bottom
• Cold-weather jacket – for chilly nights at high altitude
• Gloves – lightweight fabric or wind-stopper gloves
• Long-sleeve fleece or sweater – for warmth
• Woollen hat – to keep warm in colder conditions
• Baseball cap or sun hat – for sun protection
• Buff or bandana – versatile for dust, wind, and warmth
• Sunglasses – protect your eyes from strong Andean sun
• Comfortable walking socks – moisture-wicking to prevent blisters
• Comfortable shoes or flip-flops – for evenings at camp

Personal Items & Accessories

• Sunscreen – high SPF for UV protection
• Insect repellent – essential for jungle sections
• Casual wear for evenings – comfortable clothes for relaxing
• Camera & chargers – capture stunning landscapes