What is the Best Machu Picchu trek for you? We compare the pros and cons of each route to help you choose the trek that’s right for you
Machu Picchu, that great Wonder of the World, that icon of South America so ubiquitous on travel websites and agency storefronts. Is it any wonder would-be visitors fret about choosing the perfect trek?
Some book their trip months in advance to make sure they get their trek of choice, others are left heartbroken when they turn up to find that they’ve missed the boat.
Prior to our trip, we had one pressing question: is the Inca Trail worth it?
With an open schedule that let us take in an impromptu cruise and an unexpected US road trip, we had no idea when we’d be in Peru let alone Cusco, so wanted to make sure the Inca Trail was worth the extra cost and extra planning. We trailed through itineraries, studied route maps and pored over the pros and cons.
In the end, we chose the best Machu Picchu trek for us: the 5-day, 4-night Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu with local company Alpaca Expeditions. We were keen to try a challenging route and avoid the crowds. Of course, we understand that different people have different desires.
Best Machu Picchu trek: a comparison
As such, we have put together a super-simple comparison table of the most popular treks to help you choose the best Machu Picchu trek for you.
It won’t tell you everything you need to know, but serves as a great starting point for making a decision. Let us know what you decide.
| Inca | Salkantay | Lares | Choque-quirao | Huchuy Qosqo | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical structure | 7D/6N, 5D/4N, 4D/3N, 3D/2N & 2D/1N | 5D/4N & 4D/3N | 4D/3N | 4D/3N, 5D/4N & 8D/7N | 3D/2N & 2D/1N |
| Max. altitude | 4,215m (13,821ft) | 4,600m (15,090ft) | 3,850m (12,631ft) | 4,670m (15,322ft) | 4,050m (13,287ft) |
| Difficulty | Easy-medium | Medium-difficult | Medium | Medium-difficult | Easy |
| Sites | Chachabamba, Wiñaywayna, Inca ruins | Salkantay mountain, Santa Theresa, Intiwatana | Lares valley, hot springs, Salinas de Maras salt mines | Choquequirao ruins | Huchuy Qosqo ruins, Puca Pucara |
| Terrain | Steps and steep climbs | Cloud forest, river valleys, steep in places | Lakes, cloud covered mountains | Canyons, river, cloud forest | Rocky valleys |
| Pros | Excellent ruins, established campsites, historical route | Great views, unique campsites, some Inca Trail included | Cultural experience, remote communities, small group sizes | Dramatic ruins, secluded trails, excellent flora and fauna | Established trail, good for families and those looking for a gentler trek |
| Cons | Crowded, no horses allowed so porters carry load manually, must book far in advance | High altitude | Less dramatic scenery | High altitude, demanding route | Less dramatic scenery |
| Best for | Bragging rights | Adventure | Culture | Secluded ruins | Short and sweet |
| Price ($ USD) | $425-$1,150 | $555-$575 | $555 | $600-$1,050 | $425-$485 |
Other treks to consider
- Vilcabamba (6D/5N) trek through the Pantiacola Pass is a challenging longer trek from Vilcabamba to Machu Picchu.
- Cachicata (4D/3N) trek is a good alternative quiet trek taking in views of high peaks and visiting alternative Inca sites.
- Llama Ausangate 7D/6N and 5D/4N treks make the most of spectacular slopes of Ausangate Mountain, the highest peak in the Cusco region.
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