Alternative Machu Picchu treks means enjoying the privilege of drawing near to the Lost City standing on one's own two feet. Hiking is the classic way to approach this deeply spiritual destination. It has become one of the trendiest activities in recent years, but must be planned carefully today. No traveler can any longer just roll into Cusco and obtain an Inca Trail trek the next day. Damage is being limited to the highway by the Peruvian government.
Today six different trails are used. Each has their own scenic features, these are the Vilcabamba Traverse Route, Cachicata Trail, Lodge Trail, One Day Inca Route, Lares Trail, and the classic Salcantay Trek.
Trekking the Salcantay route offers a wide spectrum of topography, as well as eco-diversity. It cannot be beat for scenic beauty, and a view like this of the impressive Salcantay Mountain is just too good to miss. At 20,500 feet high, this is one of the most sacred peaks of Andeans of today. This was also the case for the Incan religious pantheon.
Taking the Lares Trail means making your way through the same sacred valley where many thousands of Andean (and tourist) train commuters pass, and follows the path of least resistance. This trail is between Cusco and Machu Picchu, passing Lares along the way. This town is popular as the home of a famous hot spring, and can be crowded at times. Although this route allows visitors to see the way real Andeans live in the same way as they did centuries ago.
The Vilcabamba Traverse Route is 60 miles long through mountainous territory, so, is not for the faint of heart. It starts at Cachora, crossing the Apurimac River canyon, then, continues on to the ruins of the Cradle of Gold (Choquequirao in Quechua). These ruins have a remarkable resemblance to Lost City itself. Trekkers will make use of the original Inca stone highways and byways, as well as experience various Peruvian eco-zones. They will cross rivers, valleys, and a mountain range, ending in the typical train trip up to Machu Picchu itself.
For those folks with little time, who still want to see Machu Picchu, the One Day Trail could be the answer. It only takes three hours along a very abbreviated version of these Inca highways. Realistically speaking, this should take at least 4 days for maximum benefit. It is an uphill hike, so take advantage of a stay overnight, and enter the Sun Gate in the morning, this is how it should be seen. Book well in advance, there are only 500 permits to trek Machu Picchu issued per day.
A new route to the city is the Lodge Route, and could be considered to be alternative by some. It is for those travelers who wish to hike Andean explorer style by day, and enjoy clean sheets, cocktails and epicurean meals by night. It is a similar way to the Salcantay Route.
Classic alternative Machu Picchu treks do not leave out the Cachicata Trail. According to Inca mythology, this is where Chaski messengers ran to keep the vast empire components in touch with one another. It offers an extremely high altitude entry to Machu Picchu, and offers some sights that cannot be seen on any other trek. Chaski messengers were reputed to be so fleet of foot that they could get fresh fish from the Pacific Ocean to the Emperor on the same day.
Today six different trails are used. Each has their own scenic features, these are the Vilcabamba Traverse Route, Cachicata Trail, Lodge Trail, One Day Inca Route, Lares Trail, and the classic Salcantay Trek.
Trekking the Salcantay route offers a wide spectrum of topography, as well as eco-diversity. It cannot be beat for scenic beauty, and a view like this of the impressive Salcantay Mountain is just too good to miss. At 20,500 feet high, this is one of the most sacred peaks of Andeans of today. This was also the case for the Incan religious pantheon.
Taking the Lares Trail means making your way through the same sacred valley where many thousands of Andean (and tourist) train commuters pass, and follows the path of least resistance. This trail is between Cusco and Machu Picchu, passing Lares along the way. This town is popular as the home of a famous hot spring, and can be crowded at times. Although this route allows visitors to see the way real Andeans live in the same way as they did centuries ago.
The Vilcabamba Traverse Route is 60 miles long through mountainous territory, so, is not for the faint of heart. It starts at Cachora, crossing the Apurimac River canyon, then, continues on to the ruins of the Cradle of Gold (Choquequirao in Quechua). These ruins have a remarkable resemblance to Lost City itself. Trekkers will make use of the original Inca stone highways and byways, as well as experience various Peruvian eco-zones. They will cross rivers, valleys, and a mountain range, ending in the typical train trip up to Machu Picchu itself.
For those folks with little time, who still want to see Machu Picchu, the One Day Trail could be the answer. It only takes three hours along a very abbreviated version of these Inca highways. Realistically speaking, this should take at least 4 days for maximum benefit. It is an uphill hike, so take advantage of a stay overnight, and enter the Sun Gate in the morning, this is how it should be seen. Book well in advance, there are only 500 permits to trek Machu Picchu issued per day.
A new route to the city is the Lodge Route, and could be considered to be alternative by some. It is for those travelers who wish to hike Andean explorer style by day, and enjoy clean sheets, cocktails and epicurean meals by night. It is a similar way to the Salcantay Route.
Classic alternative Machu Picchu treks do not leave out the Cachicata Trail. According to Inca mythology, this is where Chaski messengers ran to keep the vast empire components in touch with one another. It offers an extremely high altitude entry to Machu Picchu, and offers some sights that cannot be seen on any other trek. Chaski messengers were reputed to be so fleet of foot that they could get fresh fish from the Pacific Ocean to the Emperor on the same day.
About the Author:
Check out world dispatches.com for a summary of the things to keep in mind when booking Machu Picchu tours, now. You can also get more information about a reputable tour operator at world-dispatches.com/an-alternative-machu-picchu-trip today.
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