One of the world's best treks, there are not many that are so intriguing and enchanting as trekking to Machu Picchu. Spanning the Andes mountain range in Peru, the UNESCO World Heritage landmark is an itinerary highlight package of breathtaking scenery, Incan remains, and a memorable dash of culture. With only a handful of routes that twist through to the mythical city, however, deciding on the best Trekking Tour to Machu Picchu is intimidating.
This is where Qoricancha Expeditions, your Cusco City Adventure Tour Operator, fits into the picture. We are experts at getting tourists to choose the best-suited trail for their interests, fitness level, and travel plans. In today's blog post, we will share with you the top-rated Machu Picchu Hiking Tours and walk you through what is best for you.
1. The Classic Inca Trail (4 Days / 3 Nights)
Classic Inca Trail is the best of the best of the ultimate trek. The original trail is the original route centuries ago that the Incas used to reach Machu Picchu.
Highlights:
- Hike cloud forest, alpine moorland, and sub-tropical rainforest.
- Visit ancient archaeological sites like Wiñay Wayna and Intipata.
- Cross the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) into Machu Picchu for a dramatic entrance.
Who It's For
Best for a historical and scenic hike. A moderate fitness level is needed since the hike is moderately challenging and 43 km (26 miles) long.
Availability Tip:
Permits are heavily booked months in advance, especially for May to September. Book early with a proven operator like Qoricancha Expeditions.
2. Salkantay Trek (5 Days / 4 Nights)
If one wants a more challenging and breathtaking experience, the Salkantay Trek offers snow-capped mountains, glacial lakes, and tropical rainforest.
Highlights:
- Ascend to about towering Salkantay Mountain (6,271m).
- Observe the picturesque blue waters of Humantay Lake.
- Experience varied ecosystems from highlands to tropical rainforests.
Who It's For:
Ideal for adventure tourists and fewer tourists. Climbing is challenging but does not need a special permit.
Why Choose Qoricancha Expeditions
We employ local guides with experience to guide your safety through while telling local tales, local flora and fauna information to enhance your experience.
3. Lares Trek (4 Days / 3 Nights)
Hungry for trekking in real Andean culture? Lares Trek goes through real Quechua villages where residents live practically as their ancestors used to.
Highlights:
- Get to know locals and learn Andean customs.
- Overcome stunning mountain ridges and natural hot springs.
- Less visited than the Inca Trail.
Who It's For:
Culture enthusiasts and families. Challenging with a lot of human interaction.
Added Bonus:
You still arrive at Machu Picchu on the last day by train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
4. Inca Jungle Trek (4 Days / 3 Nights)
The Inca Jungle Trek is the perfect multi-adventure for the adventure traveler. The trek involves mountain biking, zip-lining, rafting, and hiking.
- Downhill mountain biking ride from Abra Málaga Pass (4,316m) through rainforest.
- Zip-line and whitewater rafting are optional tours.
- Coffee plantations and orchard stroll.
Who It's For:
Youth adventure-hunters who would love the adrenaline rush of these adventure sports to reach Machu Picchu.
Qoricancha Expeditions' Edge:
Offering the best equipment and safety protocol for each of these adventure sports is part of this package.
5. Short Inca Trail (2 Days / 1 Night)
- Tied up in work but want to experience the Inca Trail flavour? Do the Short Inca Trail.
- Walk the final section of the original Inca Trail.
- Visit Wiñay Wayna ruins before arriving at Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate.
- Stay one night at Aguas Calientes and visit Machu Picchu the following morning.
Who It Is Best For:
- Ideal for time-constrained or less fit travelers.
- Excellent experience with minimal discomfort of a longer trek.
- Choosing the Right Trek: Key Parameters to Look Out For
Fitness Level:
- Inca and Salkantay treks, more challenging, and Lares and Short Inca, less demanding.
- Short Inca and Inca Jungle for those with busier full-time professional lives.
- Cultural, Scenic, or Adventure
- Culture in Lares, scenery in Salkantay, and adrenaline in Jungle. Pick what gets your adrenaline pumping.
Permit Availability:
Prebooking is required for the Classic Inca Trail. The Salkantay and Lares treks have fewer controls.
Why Qoricancha Expeditions?
We are one of the top-ranked Adventure Tour Operators in Cusco City, committed to providing incredible, safe, and culturally rewarding Machu Picchu Hiking Tours. Our skilled, English- and Quechua-speaking guides just love to share Andean magic.
We provide:
- Small group tours
- Sustainable trekking policy
- Custom family, personal, and group programs
- Pre-trek acclimatization consultation and 24/7 assistance
Conclusion:
To trek to Machu Picchu is more than a physical challenge; it's a cultural, spiritual adventure as well. Trekking in the footsteps of the ancients along the Inca Trail or trekking the remote valleys of Lares, there's a cracking trek for you.
Let Qoricancha Expeditions organize the perfect Trekking Tour to Machu Picchu for you. Book your tour today and make your adventure dream a reality
