Machu Picchu is a XV century Inca citadel located in the Cusco Region of Peru. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South America, and many people choose to visit the site by hiking one of several trails that lead to the site.
One of the most popular hiking tours or routes to Machu Picchu is the Inca Trail, which is a four-day trek that takes hikers through the Andes mountains, across high passes, and through lush cloud forests. Along the trail, hikers will pass through several Inca ruins, including the Sun Gate, which offers a stunning view of the Machu Picchu citadel. The trail is considered moderate to challenging, and hikers should be in good physical condition before embarking on the trek.
Machu Picchu Hiking Tours is just other popular hiking route to Machu Picchu is the Salkantay Trek, which is a five-day trek that takes hikers through the Andes mountains and over the Salkantay Pass, which is the highest point on the trail at 4,600 meters (15,091 feet). This route offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, and hikers will also pass through several Inca ruins along the way. This trail is also considered moderate to challenging and hikers should be in good physical condition before embarking on the trek.
For those who want to do the famous Machu Picchu hiking tours but do not want to spend multiple days on the trail, there is the shorter one-day hike, the Machu Picchu Inca Jungle Trek, which is a combination of hiking, biking, and ziplining. This trail is considered to be moderately challenging and offers an adrenaline-fueled alternative to the traditional hiking routes.
Another popular and shorter alternative is the Lares Trek, which is a 4-day trek that takes hikers through the Andes mountains, through traditional Andean villages, and past several Inca ruins. This trail is considered to be moderately challenging and offers hikers a chance to experience the culture and way of life of the local people.
Machu Picchu Hiking tours are for those who want to hike to Machu Picchu but do not want to spend multiple days on the trail, there is the shorter one-day hike, the Machu Picchu Inca Jungle Trek, which is a combination of hiking, biking, and ziplining. This trail is considered to be moderately challenging and offers an adrenaline-fueled alternative to the traditional hiking routes.
No matter which trail you choose, all of them require a good level of physical preparation and it’s important to be in good shape. It’s also important to note that hikers must be accompanied by a guide and must have a permit to hike to Machu Picchu, as the number of hikers allowed on the trail each day is limited to protect the site and the surrounding environment.
In addition to the physical benefits of Machu Picchu hiking tours, the trails offer a chance to learn about the history and culture of the Inca civilization. Along the way, hikers will pass through several Inca ruins and will have the opportunity to learn about the engineering and architectural accomplishments of the Incas.
Overall, Machu Picchu hiking tours is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers both physical and cultural benefits. Whether you choose to hike the Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek, the Machu Picchu Inca Jungle Trek or the Lares trek, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience.
It is important to keep in mind that the Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Peruvian government has implemented regulations to preserve the site and to reduce the impact of tourism. As a result, the number of visitors is limited to 2,500 per day.
