The trails of Machu Picchu are one of the most coveted destinations in
South America. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, the archaeological
park attracts tourists from all over the world for its stunning beauty,
historical richness and structural complexity. With an imposed limit of 2,500
daily visitors, entry to the Inca city is disputed and requires planning.
Access to the site can be made by train to the small town of Aguas
Calientes, with great comfort and tranquility. But the traveler with more time
and disposition can travel through trails, enjoying an unparalleled landscape.
For these adventurers, there are a variety of routes that make up the so-called
Inca Paths or Inca road system with different travel times and levels of
difficulty. Check out in this post the main trails of Machu Picchu offered by
local tourist packages and their main characteristics.
Crossing the Andes on the Inca
trail: from classic to “jungle”
Machu Picchu - Inca Trails
The Inca trail, the best known among the routes in the region, is
approximately 45 km long and takes an average of four days and three nights.
The circuit starts in Piscakucho, a town located at Km 82 of the railway that
connects Cusco to Machu Picchu, and continues along the Urubamba River, passing
through Inca ruins and breathtaking landscapes.
The walk can also be done in less time, with two days in length,
starting at kilometer 104. For those looking for an extra challenge, there is
also the “jungle” option, which includes a bicycle path.
All routes must be carried out accompanied by a guide and provided
with local authorization. This is usually included in the contracted package
and, as it is a coveted route and has daily access limits, it may require six
months to a year of planning.
These trails in Machu Picchu do not have great difficulties, but
require physical preparation. Daily walks can take 6 to 8 hours and the
altitude reaches over 4,200m. It is recommended to have an acclimatization
period in Cusco of at least two days before continuing your trip. Coca leaves,
a local product effective against altitude sickness (the famous soroche), can
be purchased at local stores and eaten when chewed dry, in the form of teas or
sweets. It is also important to stay very hydrated throughout the process.
The alternative route: through
the snowy valleys of Salkantay
Machu Picchu - Salkantay This Short
Inca trail with camping 2 days can take 4 to 5 days, depending on the
package and the number of villages to be visited. The longest route includes a
visit to thermal waters on the route between Colpapampa and La Playa. However,
both options involve a walk on the shores of Salkantay Mountain to Machu
Picchu, accompanied by the lush landscapes of the snowy valleys. It is commonly
seen as a more comfortable and less crowded trail than the classic Inca trail.
Your challenge is at altitude, which reaches 4,650 meters, and requires equal
preparation.
Regardless of the route chosen, at the end of the route it would have
been quite an experience! And the final destination will be rewarding: Machu
Picchu with all its grandeur.
So, what did you think of the Machu Picchu trails? Enjoy and subscribe
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Read also: Tips for buying
the train ticket to Machu Picchu
Read also: Questions
to Ask Before Booking any Camping or Trek Package
Read also: Benefits
of Booking Your Travel Package with an Experienced Company
Read also: Tips
for Choosing the Right Trek for Your Upcoming Vacation
Read also: BY
TRAIN OR BY TRAIL: HOW TO GO TO MACHU PICCHU?
Read also: Inca Quarry
Trek to Machu Picchu 4 days
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