Inca Trail, Salkantay Trail, or Lares Trail?
As Unesco declared Machu Picchu as a world heritage of humanity. Machu Picchu per year receives more than 1 million visitors according to records before the pandemic.
For most travelers Machu Picchu is on their must-see list, however, because of the numerous travel agencies, tour operators and options of how to get to Machu Picchu, planning your trip can be a headache.
One of the main questions many travelers ask is, How to get to Machu Picchu?
There are two very popular ways to get to Machu Picchu, the first is Tours by train to Machu Picchu and the second is by trekking. Here is the difference between 3 of the most popular and beautiful ways that will take you to Machu Picchu. 1.- Inca Trail, 2.- Lares Trail, 3.- Salkantay Trail.
4 Day Inca Trail and 2 Day Inca Trail
The 4 day Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is by far the most popular and requested option. This trail is rich in history during its 45 km total route, which passes through different types of geography, from the sacred valley, through high mountains to the cloud forests.
The original 70% of this trail is still maintained from the time of the Incas, where travelers experience the steps taken by the Incas.
Along the 4-day trek, we visit some impressive archaeological centers such as Runcu Raccay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, of which the most popular is Winay Wayna located at 2,680 meters above sea level, this place is built on a hillside that has agricultural terraces, religious sites and housing sector. On the last day of the trek, travelers enter the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu through the famous Sun Gate (Inti Punku) after having spent 3 days in camps.
There is also the option of a 2 day Inca Trail tour. This includes 1 day of trekking and 1 day of exploration in Machu Picchu, unlike the 4 day tour in this one you spend the night in a hotel in the town of Aguas Calientes, you also visit the impressive places like Winay Wayna and the entrance is through the famous Sun Gate (Inti Punku).
The Inti Punku or Sun Gate was used during Inca times as the main access and control point for people traveling to Machu Picchu.
The Inca Trail route has very strict regulations in order to preserve and conserve the flora and fauna of the place. That is why only 500 people are allowed to enter each day. For this reason, if you are planning to take this tour, you will have to book your trip at least 6 months in advance.
Reservations made are not modifiable, and cannot be transferred to other people. Our logistics will be transported by porters since the use of horses is not allowed on this route.
Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu
It is considered one of the best alternatives to the Classic Inca Trail and also one of the most challenging.
The Salkantay Trail is really a dream for nature lovers, this route passes through one of the most important sacred mountains (Apus) of the Cusco region.
The hike starts in Soraypampa at 3,900 meters above sea level, includes a visit to the famous glacial lake of Humantay with its crystal clear turquoise waters, passes so close to the snow-capped Salkantay at 4620 meters above sea level. As a result of the different altitudinal floors, visitors will appreciate different microclimates including from the puna to the cloud forest. Flora and fauna will also be different at each altitudinal level.
The total walking distance is 65 km, and this route is not as strict as the Inca Trail, travelers can book without many worries, the camps with Do Adventures will always be as distant as possible to the other groups to offer a unique experience, the last night will be in a hotel in the town of Aguas Calientes.
In this route the transportation of all our logistics will be by horses, we also include an emergency horse in case of extreme fatigue or injuries.
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu
The Lares Trek is better known as the route of the weavers, it offers a perfect combination of natural scenery and cultural immersion in the villages to be visited during the trek.
This trek is located along the Lares Valley, with a total distance of 33Km, passing through one of the picturesque Andean villages, lakes, and the Condor Mountain at approximately 4650 masl.
The Lares Trail is considered more accessible than the two previous trails, first because of the distance and because it does not have strict regulations, this is really an ideal trek for those people who like to discover less frequented places.
During the trek you will also visit the local families to interact with them in their day to day life, you will visit the basic school, for which it is suggested that you take with you toys for the children and some groceries for the local families.
Having the most outstanding details of each route, we recommend you to book the most suitable one according to your preferences.