All You Need To Know About Machu Picchu Treks

Machu Picchu Treks are considered the best option for a trek to Machu Picchu when there are no Classic Inca Trail permits. We would argue, however, that Machu Pichu treks are much more than "a second best" trekking option to get to Machu Picchu. The different Machu Picchu Treks are perfect for nature lovers who want to get off the beaten track and avoid the crowds. Our Machu Picchu Treks will take you through rural Andean Peru for insight into the way of life in the highlands and with more opportunities for local interaction with the wonderful Quechuan people. The scenery on these lesser-visited routes is nothing short of spectacular with turquoise glacial lakes, jagged snow peaks, and plenty of llamas and alpacas! Some Machu Picchu Treks have fascinating archaeological sites and others are more focussed on nature and awe-inspiring landscapes. Here we will break down the different Macchu Picchu Treks.

Getting off the beaten track on Machu Picchu Treks

Choquequirao Trek

Machu Picchu Treks - All You Need To Know!

The ultimate destination of Machu Picchu Treks is of course Machu Picchu. While the Inca Trail Trek is the only trek that hikes directly into Machu Picchu, other trekking routes such as The Choquequirao Trek will get you pretty close! Machu Picchu is one of The Seven Wonders of the World and a designated UNESCO site. This is why so many people want to visit Machu Picchu on their Peru tour packages. Whether you visit there by train or hike to Machu Picchu along one of the different treks to Machu Picchu, one thing is for sure. Machu Picchu is a must-visit! Click on the following links for more detailed information such as the history of Machu Picchu, The most famous temples and sites inside Machu Picchu, the different ways to get to Machu Picchu (remember, there are no roads!), and more general information about the iconic Inca citadel and alternative ways of how to get there!

All ABout Machu Picchu

History Of Machu Picchu

The Different Ways to Get To Machu Picchu

The Different Ways to Machu Picchu

Optional Cusco Add-Ons For Your Machu Picchu Treks

Cusco Add-Ons!

Family Travel on Machu Picchu Treks

The Nature and Ecology of Machu Picchu

Nature and Ecology in Machu Picchu

The Different Machu Picchu Treks

The Lares Trek To Machu Picchu

The Lares Trek is similar in length to The Inca Trail taking usually 3 days before your connection to Machu Picchu. This trek will take you into the remote highlands of The Sacred Valley to weaving and farming communities for an authentic taste of Andean Peru. The Lares Trek Peru is also renowned for its spectacular scenery as it winds through The Andes and is a section of the original road network of The Inca called the Qapa Ñan, making it an authentic Inca Trail! We recommend the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu for those who prefer a cultural element on their trek yet still want to see awe-inspiring Andean vistas, and experience Andean remoteness before they head to the Machu Picchu citadel.

The Lares Trek

The Choquequirao Trek

The Choquequirao Trek Peru is another spectacular trekking route that will take you down and then up as you traverse the Apurimac Canyon to visit the Choquequirao Archaeological site. You can only get to Choquequirao by hiking which means there are very people along the route. You can hike the Choquequirao trek in 2 ways: the 4 day route to the Choquequirao ruins then return the way you came, or the longer 9 day Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek which will continue from the Choquequirao ruins over mountain passes and all the way to Machu Picchu.

4 Day

The 4 day Choquequirao trek is perfect for those who don´t have too much time but want to explore Machu Picchu´s "Sister City" - Choquequirao. Choquequirao ruins are found on the other side of the Apurimac Canyon and this 4 day route will take you down into the depths of the canyon before climbing the other side to get to The Choquequirao ruins. This Choquequirao trek is technically one of the most challenging treks in the Cusco region, and although you will be hiking at a much lower elevation than other Machu Picchu treks, the steep terrain makes this a difficult trek. While this Choquequirao trek doesn't go to Machu Picchu, you can include a transfer a the end and visit The Inca Citadel.

The Choquequirao Trek (4 Day)

9 Day

The 9 Day Choquequirao Trek is the same as above, but instead of returning on the trail you came in on you continue over mountain passes and through spectacular mountain scenery. This Choquequirao Trek eventually connects with the final section of The Salkantay trek at Collpapampa and heads to La Playa. This 9 Day Choqueqirao Trek includes trekking to Llactapata on the way to hydroelectric before hiking along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes. The following day you will visit Machu Picchu. This option is for those who are well acclimatized as the lowest elevation is at 1600 m / 5250 ft and the highest point is 4500m / 14,763 ft! This option is for those who love trekking through pristine Andean landscapes on their way to Machu Picchu.

Views from The Choquequirao Trek

Moonstone Trek to Machu Picchu

The Moonstone Trek to Machu Picchu will take you to a sacred Moon temple and the archaeological site of Quillarumiyoc (Temple of the Moon). Then we will trek over Andean mountain passes and to Cachicata, the Inca quarries where the stones were taken to build Machu Picchu! Here is the spectacular Inti Punku or "Sun Gate" (not The Sun Gate in Machu Picchu!). The same as The Machu Picchu Sun Gate, these sacred doorways were used by the Incas to perform religious ceremonies of great importance. Not only to the Sun, but to the moon, the stars, and the other Inca deities. Through this Inti Punku, you will have a spectacular view of Mount Verónica, which makes for incredible vistas on your Moonstone Trek to Machu Picchu. Finally, you will descend into Ollantaytambo and take the train to Machu Picchu.

Quillarumiyoc On The Moonstone Trek to Machu Picchu

Vilcambamba Trek

The Vilcabamba trek is a way to get completely off the beaten track on treks to Machu Picchu. We are sure you won't see any other trekkers on this route that takes you to the final stand of The Incas when the Spanish invaded. The Vilcabamba Trek is a less common trekking route that takes you away from the crowds along remote high-altitude trails and through gorgeous mountain terrain with spectacular views, before descending into the lush cloud forest. This region is famous for bird watching due to the very recent discovery of new bird species. The diversity of bird life in the Vilcabamba region attracts ornithologists from all over the world to spot rare birds in their natural environment. Trekking the Vilcabamba trail is perfect for those interested in stunning scenery and different micro-climates producing an amazing number of ecosystems such as cloud forests as well as lowland rainforests. The divergence of species makes this destination an ideal place to observe the most fascinating colorful birds of the cloud forest and tropical lowland forest, while you explore the ruins you can easily spot one of these amazing species such as the Cock of the Rock, oropendolas, or woodpeckers.

The Vilcabamba Trek

Huchuy Qosqo

Huchuy Qosqo is a 1 day trek that will take you to an Inca archaeological site along a trail through the stunning Andean vistas of The Sacred Valley. The 16 km / 10 mile hike has an altitude gain of 600m making it the perfect hike for acclimatizing to high altitude, and if you are preparing for a longer trek. Unlike many other hikes in the region, the Huchuy Qosqo trek is only about an hour’s drive from Cusco, making it perfect for a day hike. Even better, the hike is seriously under the radar so you’ll likely see few other hikers along the trail to Huchuy Qosqo. Many people decide to add Machu Picchu to this trek as the trail finishes in The Sacred Valley, just a short distance from Ollantaytambo. This is where the train departs for Aguas Calientes, connecting Many Machu Picchu treks from The Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu.

The Huchuy Qosqo Trek

Humantay Lake

Trekking to Humantay Lake has to be one of the best day trips from Cusco, Peru. The mind-blowing turquoise lake high in the mountains is a photographer's dream, and the hike that leads to it gets well-deserved attention among travelers visiting the area. Even if you've never heard about the beautiful blue-green lake this day hike is the perfect preparation hike to a stunning natural destination. Close to the Salkantay trekking route, you can either visit on your Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu a 5 day trek to Machu Picchu or hike the 1 day Humantay Trek beginning and ending in Cusco.

Humantay Lake Trek

Different Treks to Machu Picchu

Tips on Physical Preparation For Your Machu Picchu Treks

Traveling to any destination anywhere in the world can be hard both emotionally and physically. Peru and South America are no exception; you need to take care of your health to enjoy your Machu Picchu Trek. Here, we will offer some useful tips for healthy travel and some advice on staying healthy during your treks to Machu Picchu.

Trip Preparation For Machu Picchu Treks

Before you Leave Home for Your Machu Picchu Trekking Adventure

Visit a medical clinic before you travel for your Machu Picchu Treks. your doctor will be able to give you the injections you need for the locations you wish to visit on your Peru vacation packages. Vaccines and medications are one of the best ways to protect yourself while traveling. Vaccines for Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Cholera, Tetanus, and a rabies vaccine are our recommendations for traveling to Peru. There are also other illnesses you could encounter, such as the famous Travelers' Diarrhoea, and colds (there are different cold viruses in Peru) are the most common things you may encounter when you travel to Peru for your Machu Picchu Treks.

First Aid Kit

Pack a good first aid kit, you may think that you do not need this but this is an essential part of any preparation for Machu Picchu Treks. Take the essentials like anti-diarrheal medication, antihistamine, anti-motion sickness medication, pain relievers, laxatives, antacids, anti-bacterial ointment, hand sanitizer, band-aids, cream for sunburn, and rehydration salts. if you don’t need them then great, but it is better to have a fully equipped first Aid kit on Machu Picchu Treks than not! Remember, your treks to Machu Picchu involve trekking in remote regions where medical facilities are scarce or non-existent.

Essential Kit on The Lares Trek

Travel Insurance

We all know when traveling this is an extra expense that you might not be thinking about for your Machu Picchu Treks. However, a basic travel insurance policy is essential for your Machu Picchu Treks, and any travel in Peru. Obviously, we hope that all will run smoothly, but, if something should happen, you can at least rely on your insurance policy for emergency treatment and to help get you home if necessary. Without it, you may be in serious trouble during your Machu Picchu Treks!

Fitness Levels

Build up your fitness level with aerobic training, or cardiovascular training before your Trek to Machu Picchu. This refers to exercise or activities that use oxygen to adequately meet the demands of exercise through aerobic metabolism and should be the focus of your preparation. Swimming, running, and hiking, are all excellent ways to prepare for your Machu Picchu treks.

Mental Preparation

Training for Machu Picchu treks is as much about your physical endurance as it is about your mental stamina. There will be points along Machu Picchu Treks that are particularly tough, usually on the way up to high passes, for example on The 9 Day Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu. Despite tired legs and sore bodies, you will need to be able to dig deep to push yourself up and over these passes. Make sure you have a positive attitude before arriving in Cusco. That means preparing yourself mentally for your Machu Picchu trekking challenge ahead!

The Trail on The Choquequirao Trek

During Your Machu Picchu Treks

Water:

Anywhere you travel in the world you need to be careful with the drinking water. Normally what most people do is buy bottled water, this is the best idea but make sure that the seal is intact. For Machu Picchu Treks, it is important to take a refillable water bottle as pre-boiled water will be provided by our chef. This is also a good way to protect the environment and avoid the use of unnecessary plastics along your journey on The Lares Trek or other Machu Picchu treks. Taking purification tablets is also a good idea depending on the season you are trekking the Lares Trek. In dry season water is harder to come by, but don´t worry, we have you covered all along your Machu Picchu Treks! We also provide plenty of hot drinks that help keep you hydrated, and warm and you know the water has been boiled to avoid any stomach issues on your treks to Machu Picchu.

Glacial Water of Humantay Lake

Food:

Eat healthy and in reputable restaurants before your Machu Picchu Treks, to avoid illness. Getting sick before your Moonstone Trek is not a good way to prepare for this challenging trek to Machu Picchu! Remember that your body is dealing with the altitude gain even before you begin to trek your stunning Machu Pichu Treks and getting sick could take away valuable travel time on your trip to Peru. Wait until after your Machu Picchu Treks to sample or experiment with the local cuisine and try all of the delicious dishes (and pisco sours) on offer during your Peru tour package!

The Altitude:

Take it easy when you arrive in Cusco and drink plenty of water. Do not take the altitude lightly this can make you feel sick and you do not want to spoil your Machu Picchu Treks. For the first few days in Cusco, do nothing more than stroll around until you feel your breathing is normal and you are used to the thinner air. After a couple of days do some day hikes around the local archaeological sites or some mountain biking in The Sacred Valley for example, which is at lower elevation.

Alcohol:

Save the parties and drinking until after your Machu Picchu Treks, your body will thank you for it. Alcohol can cause terrible hangovers at altitude and should be avoided, at least while you are acclimatizing 😊 In any case, you will probably want to celebrate completing your Trek to Machu Picchu, so save the Pisco Sours until after your Machu Picchu Treks!

Hotels:

The top-end hotels throughout Peru usually have decent gyms and excellent spa facilities to help you keep fit and well during your stay. There are a number of wellness options for those who are looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle before and after their Machu Picchu Treks, ask us at Valencia Travel for more information on wellness options for either before or after your Treks to Machu Picchu.

Staying for long periods of time in Peru:

If you plan to stay in Peru for a while, there are plenty of hiking options to help you keep fit. There are many alternative treks to Machu Picchu and many incredible treks that go nowhere near the Inca citadel! There are a number of hiking clubs in Cusco for example, where you can keep fit and also enjoy some of the more off-the-beaten-track trekking routes of the Andes in the company of other trekkers.

You can also sign up for a local gym if you want to maintain your fitness regime from back home before you hike any Machu Picchu Treks Explain to the trainer how long you have been traveling in Peru, or at high altitude, and that you want to prepare for the Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek for example. They will make sure you are not over-exerting yourself, especially in Cusco or other high-altitude cities, when you first arrive.

Huchuy Qosqo is A great Acclimatization Hike

Huchuy Qosqo Is An Excellent Acclimatization Hike!

High Altitude and Acclimatization Tips for Your Machu Picchu Treks

If you are planning to travel to Peru for Machu Picchu Treks, you will experience an incredibly diverse range of landscapes and habitats where you can take part in all types of adventurous and cultural activities. One of the ultimate trekking experiences to be enjoyed in Peru is the incredible Lares Trek which can be found at over 4100 meters above sea level, and close to the city of Cusco. The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu can be a phenomenal experience for even the most worldly-wise trekker however, acclimatization to the altitude is just as important as not forgetting your walking boots for the Lares Trek or taking plenty of water on your Machu Picchu Treks! Remember, acclimatization is a lot more complex than simply popping a few tablets. Here are some top tips to help you avoid suffering from high altitude when you arrive for your Machu Picchu Treks.

High Elevations of The Lares Trek

Take it Easy When You Arrive For Your Machu Picchu Treks

On arrival in Cusco, first thing is first, there should be no rushing around. The best thing to do is take it easy for the first 24 hours. The remarkable Andean scenery will still be there the following day! If you have made plans to trek at high altitude in Peru, such as The Lares Trek or Moonstone Trek to Machu Picchu then plan your ascent over a period of days. This gives your body time to adjust, rather than just heading off into the mountains to hike Machu Picchu treks, after leaving your bags at your hotel.

Relax as You Acclimatize For Machu Picchu Treks

There are plenty of amazing things to do in the city of Cusco and if you can allow yourself as much time as possible to relax and take things easy then you will be in much better shape for when you start to take things to a higher level on treks to Machu Picchu. Coffee shops, reading material, and getting to know the area, are all excellent ways to relax in Cusco, and as there are some impressive examples of Inca architecture to be visited before you set off on your epic Machu Picchu Treks. It is definitely worth taking a look around Cusco on a Cusco City tour as part of your acclimatization to the high altitude in the Andean region of Peru.

Take it easy for at least a few days before your Machu Picchu Treks.

Relaxation Before and After Your Trek To Machu Picchu

Pack Light On Your Machu Picchu Treks

Make sure you only take the absolute necessities on your Machu Picchu Treks. Carrying an overweight backpack will not only slow you down but will over-exert you in areas where there is less oxygen at higher elevations of treks to Machu Picchu and the difficult terrains that you will be facing. You can store your main luggage at your Cusco hotel or at our office and we will provide you with a duffle bag that mules will carry. This means that you only need to carry your essentials in your day pack for each trekking day along your Machu Picchu Treks. So, remember to pack light for everyone’s sake!

Eat Well In Preparation for Machu Picchu Treks

This refers to eating the correct way and the right meals on your arrival to Cusco… not eating everything in sight! Salads (washed in purified water), sandwiches, and plenty of water are excellent in order to prepare your body for any potential altitude issues. Don´t forget, your digestive system slows down at high altitudes so smaller more frequent meals are the way to go instead of massive plates of food. Try and stick to carbs instead of greasy food to keep your energy levels up. This is the best preparation for the Machu Picchu Treks.

Eat Light before your Treks To Machu Picchu

Eat Light Meals Before Your Machu Picchu Treks

Avoid Alcohol Before Your Machu Picchu Treks, At least!

Although all that sitting around as you acclimatize for your Machu Picchu Treks can often lead to the more sociable side of life in Peru, it is worth avoiding alcohol until your body has acclimatized to the altitude. Feeling nauseous, dizzy, and suffering severe headaches can really take their toll even without a few drinks and when altitude is combined with alcohol the effects can be seriously nasty. Save the pisco sours until after your Treks to Machu Picchu!

The Magical Coca Leaf On Machu Picchu Treks

For centuries, the humble coca leaf has been used for medicinal and ceremonial purposes in the Andes. This magical leaf helps to combat altitude symptoms, act as a diuretic, and is downright tasty! Whether you make a herbal brew or chew them directly, this incredible natural remedy will help with the headaches and other side effects of high altitude, immediately. The muleteers on Machu Picchu Treks swear by them (take some to give to the muleteers as a gift…and they will be eternally grateful!) for the extra energy boost. Mules carry all the camping equipment and your belongings along Machu Picchu Treks so any extra assistance is always welcome, as you will soon find out as you are summiting mountain passes!

Coca Tea is an exellent way to help you acclimatize and avoid altitude sickness during Machu Picchu Treks

Coca Tea is Excellent for Machu Picchu Treks and Acclimatization!

Time is a great healer as they say, and it certainly is when it comes to adequate acclimatization before your Machu Picchu Treks. Allow in general 2 to 3 days of acclimatization before even thinking about venturing along treks to Machu Picchu. Your body will thank you for it and you will have a much better Machu Picchu trekking experience if you are feeling at your best. Find out more about Machu Picchu Treks with Valencia Travel here.

We Made It On Our Machu Picchu Trek!

Trekking Distances on Machu Picchu Treks

Day-by-Day Trekking Distances Along The Lares Trek

Day 1: 10 KM / 6 Miles. (4 hours Approx.)

Day 2: 14 KM / 8.69 Miles. (7 Hours Approx.)

Day 3: 7 KM / 4.35 Miles (4 Hours Approx.)

Day 4: Machu Picchu!

Llama On The Lares Trek

Day-by-Day Trekking Distances On The Moonstone Trek To Machu Picchu

Day 1: 10 KM / 6 Miles. (7-8 Hours)

Day 2: 11.5 KM / 7 Miles. (7-8 Hours)

Day 3: 10 KM / 6 Miles. (6-7 Hours)

Day 4: 7 KM / 4.50 Miles (3-4 Hours)

Day 5: Machu Picchu!

Inti Punku On The Moonstone Trek

Day-by-Day Trekking Distances On The Choquequirao Trek

Day 1: 12 KM / 7.5 Miles. (6-7 Hours)

Day 2: 16.2 KM / 10.07 Miles. (7-8 Hours)

Day 3: 12.3 KM / 7.65 Miles. (6-7 hours)

Day 4: 3.6 KM / 2.24 Miles. (2-3 Hours)

The Choquequirao Trek

Day By Day On The Choquequirao Trek To Machu Picchu (9 Days)

Day 1: 8 KM / 4.9 Miles. (5 Hours)

Day 2: 14 KM / 8.7 Miles. (8-9 Hours)

Day 3: 8 KM / 5 Miles. (3-4 Hours)

Day 4: 18 KM / 11. 2 Miles. (9 Hours)

Day 5: 12 KM / 7.4 Miles. (8 Hours)

Day 6: 12 KM / 7.4 Miles. (8 Hours)

Day 7: 20 KM / 12.4 Miles. (7 Hours)

Day 8: 18 KM / 11.19 Miles. (9 Hours)

Day 9: Machu Picchu!

View of The Apu Salkantay From The Choquequirao Trek

Day-by-Day Trekking Distances On The Vilcabamba Trek

Day 1: 5 KM / 3 Miles. (2.5 Hours)

Day 2: 17 KM / 10.56 Miles (10 Hours)

Day 3: 14 KM / 8.69 Miles (8 Hours)

Day 4: 23 KM / 14.3 Miles ( 5 Hours)

Day 5: Machu Picchu!

Rosaspata On The Vilcabamba Trek The White Rock

The White Rock On The Vilcabamba Trek

Trekking Distance On The Huchuy Qosqo Trek (1 Day)

Hiking: 15.3 KM / 9.5 Miles. (7 - 8 hours approx.)

Huchuy Qosqo Trek

Trekking Distance On Humantay Lake Trek (1 Day)

Hiking Time: 5 KM / 3.10 Miles. (2 -3 Hours

Humantay Lake Aerial View

Starting and Ending Points for Machu Picchu Treks

Machu Picchu Treks are often considered some of the best trekking routes in the world. They weave their way through Peru's stunning Andean landscapes, and they offer an unforgettable journey to Machu Picchu. Whether you are a seasoned adventurer or a novice hiker, the Treks to Machu Picchu are an experience that will leave you awestruck. To fully enjoy the remarkable Machu Picchu Treks, it's crucial to understand the starting and ending points of the different Machu Picchu treks. Here are the most common starting and ending points for Machu Picchu Treks.