Trekking to Machu Picchu: 3 trails for those who like adventure

Have you ever imagined reaching one of the 7 wonders of the world on foot, passing through paths full of mysteries, stories and magic? As well! Anyone visiting Peru has the opportunity to go hiking in Machu Picchu.

If you are passionate about hiking and adventure, you have probably heard of this road to the Inca city, high on the mountain. Or rather, these paths.

That's right, in addition to the traditional Inca Trail Hike or the Inca Trail 2 days, there are some alternative routes and we can guarantee that each one has its special charms. Do you want to know a little more about these routes in Machu Picchu? So stay with us and write the tips we've separated below.

Salkantay Trail

This Machu Picchu trek is one of the alternative trails to the city. Salkantay is a snowy valley located 6,271 meters above sea level. The total duration of the tour is five days and four nights of many adventures, emotions and amazing landscapes.

There are many other trekking routes in Machu Picchu, but the Salkantay trail is the most fascinating of all. With temperatures ranging from -5ºC to 26ºC, parts with closed forests, rivers, waterfalls and an immensity of mountain valleys, the trail shows how complete the Peruvian ecosystem is and its richness.

In addition, this trek to Machu Picchu does not require reservations, since it does not depend on the number of people who join. The total to cover is 55 km and requires good physical and emotional preparation.

Choquequirao Trail

The Choquequirao Trek is perfect for those who practice mountaineering, and is considered the medium to advanced level, and has many days to dedicate to visiting Machu Picchu.

The trekking has walks throughout the day on trails with magnificent landscapes and reaches 4,670 m altitude.

Through the path it is possible to admire the two most important ruins in the region, including the citadel of Choquequirao.

Known as the "sacred sister of Machu Pichu", it has striking architectural similarities and is a perfect example of the Inca's construction technique.

The Choquequirao Trail requires at least 8 days (7 nights) to complete the entire trip, which requires physical preparation, but which is rewarded by the landscape and the places visited.

Lares Trail

The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days is little known among the vast majority of tourists and backpackers, and it is an interesting sanction of nature and visiting two indigenous towns.

One detail: these indigenous peoples are only accessible on foot.

The fact that the route is little used by visitors, there is the opportunity to be very close to the natives and even interact with them.

The walk lasts 3 days (and three nights) and you have the possibility to physically recover, since one of the nights passes by a rural hotel.

The Lares Trekking is the best option for those who like poorly developed trails and also want to know the reality of the people of the Andes, despite the fact that it does not have, visually, great landscapes.

In the city of Cuzco you can find agencies that organize excursions along the trail.

Inca Jungle Trek

Without a doubt, Trekking of the Forest, also popularly known as Jungle Trekk, is the most adventurous way to get to the ruins of Machu Picchu.

At Jungle Trekk there is a mix of cycling, rafting and zip-lining, and the entire route can be completed in three to four days.

By bicycle, you can go down approximately 3,100 m of unevenness.

Rafting is done in Rio Bravo, and graduated in III and IV.

The rest of the route is done with walks that last from 6 to 8 hours, through forests and hot springs and end in a zip line over 150 meters high.

Like other existing treks, it ends with a guided visit to the city of Machu Picchu.