Machu Picchu Adventure Travel
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Adventure Treks to Machu Picchu: Lares, Salkantay, and Choquequirao
The Inca trail has been historically, and remains, the most popular route for trekkers to get to Machu Picchu. However, various factors may compel you to choose an alternative trek. For example, Inca Trail permits, which are limited in number, might be sold out for the dates you have available. Perhaps you’re looking for a trek which will offer a greater challenge, higher peaks to climb, or less people. Or maybe you already did the Inca trail and are seeking a different route to get to the spectacular Machu Picchu. Here are 3 alternative treks which will get you there:
Lares Trek
This 4-day/3-night trek, moderate in difficulty, goes through the Lares Valley, where you can interact with local people who still maintain many ancient cultural traditions, and run into animal life including llamas, alpacas, and guinea pigs. On the 1st and 2nd days, you will climb over passes that peak at more than 14,000 feet (4,000 meters). The Lares trek ends in Ollantaytambo, from where you can take the train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu village) and then head up to Machu Picchu.
Salkantay Trek
The Salkantay trek, 5-days/4-nights, unfolds along the Vilcabamba range, characterized by its magnificent snow-covered peaks. The first day is hard and cold – a grueling 3-hour, 3.1 mile (5 kilometer) hike that ends at 14,715 feet (4,485 meters). The second day is also difficult but exciting because you reach the peak of Salkantay at 15,340 feet (4,650 meters) where your guide will make an offering to the Apu or mountain spirit. You can make a separate offering. The next 2 days involving descending to the Santa Teresa River and offer incredible vistas of mountains, waterfalls, and lush forest. The hike ends at the hydroelectric plant, where you hop of a train to Aguas Calientes, and continue up to Machu Picchu. If you have the energy or desire, you also have the option of Hiking up to the sanctuary!
Choquequirao Trek
There are a few treks to Choquequirao, but this 10-day/9-nighter will also get you to Machu Picchu. Choquequirao is actually considered by some to be the “other” Machu Picchu and is considered to be a stronghold to which the Inca retreated. Much of the site is still unexcavated and its significance under debate. Days 1 and 2 go up and down canyon trails along the Apurimac Canyon until arriving to the Choquequirao campsite. The 3rd day is spent exploring these unique and isolated ruins. Days 4 to 8 will take you through ravines and passes, past ruins and lively villages. On Day 9 you reach Santa Teresa where you can catch the train to Aguas Calientas, and then go up to Machu Picchu the following morning. All in all, a pretty spectacular way to get to Machu Picchu.
This article about Peru Adventure Treks was written by a travel expert at Peru For Less who specializes in helping you organize best value options for how to get to Machu Picchu.
http://www.peruforless.com/packages/Trekking.php
http://www.peruforless.com/how-to-get-to-machu-picchu.php
My 24 Day Rainforest/Andean Highlands/Galapagos/Machu Picchu Adventure
