The Incas were undoubtedly great masters building roads and tracing routes throughout their domain, so many of these roads lead to Machu Picchu. Now to reach the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu you have a wide variety of roads depending on what type of trip you like to make, the age and physical conditions in which you are. Thus, we present some alternatives of roads to Machu Picchu which have been operated by tourism agencies.
MACHU PICCHU INCA TRAIL
The Inca Trail is one of the best-known routes in the world, it is the most popular trek to Machu Picchu and the official one.
It begins in the town of Piscacucho known as KM 82, in the Ollantaytambo district. In it, you will travel trails built over 500 years ago, combining various climates and glimpsing unique landscapes and archaeological remains, as well as appreciating a wide variety of plants, birds, and butterflies.
In addition, this is the only trekking that ends directly in Machu Picchu citadel entering through the wonderful Intipunku.
How long is the Inca Trail?
For this tour you will have 2 alternatives according to the number of days you have available:
The classic Inca Trail is 4 days and 3 nights, starts at KM 82 of the train track and travel 43 km to Machu Picchu citadel.
The Short Inca Trail is 2 days and 1 night, starts at KM 104 of the train track and travels 11 km to Machu Picchu citadel.
Can I do the Inca Trail on my own?
This trail can only be done with the company of a trained guide. The purchase of the ticket entrance can only be made through an authorized travel agency.
What is the best time to do the Inca Trail?
It is better to make the Inca trail between April to October, dry season with little rain, you will have hot days, and you can enjoy the view of the landscapes and sunrises in all their splendor.
Book the Inca Trail in advance
Because this route is very requested by travelers from all over the world and has limited places, these tend to end several months before the day of the visit, it is advisable to guarantee your reservation at least 5 months in advance.
SALKANTAY TRAIL
The Salkantay Trail is an ancient route, very famous throughout the world and is the busiest alternate route to Machu Picchu. The advantage of this route is that you will not need to book long in advance.
The tour is through the Vilcabamba mountain range, witnessing impressive the snow-capped and a great variety of flora and fauna.
This route is suitable for those who prefer less congested routes and for those who are looking for an alternate route when the spaces to the Inca Trail were exhausted.
The Salkantay Trail is for 4 or 5 days and the distance is 70 kilometers.
How long is the Salkantay Trail?
This tour has several variants, which can be done in 5 days and 4 nights or in 4 days and 3 nights.
The most popular variants are:
- The Classic Salkantay Trail
- The Llactapata Salkantay Trail
What is the best time to do the Salkantay Trail?
The best time to do this trekking is between April to October, dry season with little rain, the days are hot and the nights are cold.
INCA JUNGLE TRAIL
The Inca Jungle Trail is one of the most popular routes in Peru, young people from all over the world who like adventure prefer it, this excursion offers mountain biking, hiking, zip lines and several others. On this route, you will appreciate the great biodiversity that Machu Picchu possesses and the Peruvian high jungle
You will also visit the archaeological sites of Huamanmarca and Inkatambo.
In general, the Inca Jungle takes 3 days or 4 days until you reach one of the seven wonders of the world Machu Picchu.
How long is the Inca Jungle Trail?
It usually lasts 4 days and 3 nights, although it is also possible to do it in 3 days and 2 nights, on the last day you will visit the incredible Machu Picchu citadel.
What is the best time to do the Inca Jungle Trail?
The best time to do this trekking is between April to October, dry season of low rainfall, the days are hot.
LARES TRAIL
This is a less known route compared to the aforementioned routes. This excursion combines hot springs, hikes through elevated areas and visits to beautiful Quechua villages.
How long is the Lares Trail?
This particular route lasts 4 days and 3 nights, passing through the Lares town and on the fourth day visiting the wonder of the Machu Picchu world.
What is the best time to do the Lares Trail?
Like the other routes, it is much more advisable to do it during the dry season, between April and October, the days are hot and you can enjoy the beautiful landscapes.
BY TRAIN
The traditional and fastest route to Machu Picchu is by train. It will allow you to visit Machu Picchu in 2 days with overnight in Aguas Calientes and if you have very little time it is also possible to visit it in only one day.
Starting from Cusco in a vehicle to Ollantaytambo train station on a 2-hour trip, from Ollantaytambo the trip is approximately 2 hours to Aguas Calientes, from Aguas Calientes, you will travel 30 minutes by tourist bus until you reach the Machu Picchu wonder, then to visit the citadel, you will return to Cusco on the same route.
Train Operators
Peru Rail
- The local train. Exclusive for Peruvians, the purchase must be face-to-face with DNI, the spaces are usually sold out quickly so we recommend purchasing it at least one week in advance.
- Expedition train. Standard tourist service.
- Vistadome train. Tourist service with panoramic windows, fashion show and live show.
- Hiram Bingham train. VIP service train inspired by the Pullman wagons of the 20s with personalized service. It has a dining car, bar car, observatory car and live local music show.
Inca Rail
- Inca Rail Voyager. Standard Tourist Service
- Inca Rail the 360. Tourist service with panoramic windows
- First class. VIP service Panoramic windows, gourmet menu, bar, free drinks and live music.
- Private class VIP Private Service. Panoramic windows, gourmet menu, bar, free drinks and live music in a private car.
BY BUS
Machu Picchu by Bus is a much cheaper travel alternative than the previous routes.
The route consists of traveling by car, van or bus from Cusco to Hydroelectric passing through the town of Santa Teresa.
From Hydroelectric you should take a walk of approximately 3 hours to Aguas Calientes (there is also the possibility of doing this section by train). Upon arriving in Aguas Calientes you must spend the night there and the next morning goes to Machu Picchu citadel.
The return must do so by the same route.
It is a cheaper option but it is more tiring.
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