Imagine walking through cloud forest, crossing dramatic mountain passes and discovering ancient Inca ruins hidden among the peaks of the Andes.
For many travellers, arriving at Machu Picchu on foot is the highlight of a journey to Peru, but there is more than one way to experience this extraordinary landscape.
You could follow the famous Inca Trail, trek beneath the snow-capped peaks of Salkantay or explore remote Andean villages on the Lares Trail. Each route offers a different combination of scenery, walking, accommodation and cultural experiences.
At Mapping Your Travel, we can help you compare the trekking options and plan your wider Peru holiday, including flights, accommodation, local guides, transfers and time to explore Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
Whether you're looking for a challenging multi-day trek or a shorter walking experience, we'll help you explore the possibilities.
There is no single way to trek through the Andes. The right itinerary will depend on how many days you want to walk, the type of accommodation you prefer and the landscapes and experiences you'd most like to discover.
The Classic Inca Trail
Ancient pathways, mountain scenery and an unforgettable arrival at Machu Picchu
The Classic Inca Trail follows historic stone pathways through the Andes, passing archaeological sites, cloud forest and spectacular mountain scenery.
One of its most memorable moments is approaching Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, where the ancient citadel comes into view.
The classic trek typically takes four days and three nights, with a shorter two-day option available on selected itineraries.
Typical duration: Four days and three nights, or a shorter two-day option.
Accommodation:Camping on the classic multi-day trek.
Highest point: Approximately 4,200m at Dead Woman's Pass on the classic route.
Walking experience: Challenging, with steep ascents, descents and high-altitude walking.
Permits: Required and limited in number, so advance planning is important.
When to go: The drier months are generally April to October. The Inca Trail normally closes for maintenance during February.
The shorter Inca Trail is worth exploring if you would like to experience part of the historic route without committing to several nights of camping.
Snow-capped peaks, changing landscapes and a different approach to Machu Picchu
The Salkantay Trek takes you through dramatic Andean scenery, from high mountain passes beneath snow-covered peaks to greener valleys at lower elevations.
Rather than following the Classic Inca Trail, this route approaches the Machu Picchu area through a different part of the mountains. Depending on your itinerary, you may also enjoy views towards Machu Picchu from the Llactapata area before continuing towards Aguas Calientes.
The Salkantay Trek is particularly appealing if mountain scenery is a major part of your trekking ambitions.
Typical duration: Around four to five days, with longer itineraries available.
Accommodation: Camping or, on selected itineraries, mountain lodges.
Highest point: Approximately 4,600m at Salkantay Pass, depending on the route.
Walking experience: Challenging, with substantial changes in altitude and terrain.
When to go: April to October is generally a popular period for trekking, although conditions vary.
Permits: The standard Salkantay route does not use the Classic Inca Trail permit system. Machu Picchu entry and other applicable arrangements still need to be booked.
For a different style of adventure, ask us about lodge-based Salkantay itineraries, combining days in the mountains with more comfortable accommodation in the evenings.
Our own experience: We have trekked the Salkantay Route in November and enjoyed pleasant weather during our trip. Conditions can vary, so we'll help you consider the season when planning your journey.
Remote Andean landscapes and encounters with local communities
The Lares Trek offers the opportunity to discover another side of the Peruvian Andes.
Walk through mountain valleys, past lakes and through communities where traditional Andean ways of life remain an important part of everyday life.
Depending on the itinerary, you may pass through Quechua villages and learn more about the region's culture with your local guide.
Unlike the Classic Inca Trail, Lares itineraries generally do not finish by walking directly into Machu Picchu. Instead, you can continue by road and train towards Aguas Calientes before visiting the citadel.
Typical duration:Around three to four days, depending on the itinerary.
Accommodation: Camping or selected lodge-based options.
Highest point: Varies by route; some itineraries cross passes above 4,000m.
Walking experience: Moderate to challenging, depending on the route, distances and altitude.
When to go: April to October is generally a popular trekking period.
Permits: The standard Lares Trek does not require a Classic Inca Trail permit, although Machu Picchu entry must still be arranged.
The Lares Trek is worth considering if you're interested in both mountain walking and the cultural experiences of the Andes.
Explore a different Inca-era route through the Sacred Valley
The Quarry Trail, also known as the Inca Quarry Trek, explores mountain scenery and archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley area.
It offers an alternative to the Classic Inca Trail, with a route that can include ancient quarry sites and views across the surrounding valleys.
Itineraries typically finish away from Machu Picchu itself, with onward travel arranged for your visit to the citadel.
The exact route, duration, accommodation and highest altitude depend on the trekking operator. We can explore available Quarry Trail itineraries with you if you'd like to compare this option with the Inca Trail, Salkantay and Lares.
Machu Picchu may be the inspiration for your journey, but there is so much more to discover in Peru.
Spend time exploring Cusco and the Sacred Valley, visit Lima's historic neighbourhoods and restaurants, or continue to another part of the country after your trek.
If you'd love to experience more mountain scenery, you could also explore the Santa Cruz Trek in Northern Peru, surrounded by the peaks and turquoise lakes of the Cordillera Blanca.
We can bring your trekking adventure and wider holiday together into one carefully planned itinerary.
Tell us how you imagine your Peru adventure: challenging mountain days, comfortable lodges, ancient history, spectacular scenery or a little of everything.
We'll help you turn that inspiration into a trekking holiday built around you.
(1).jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
