Seat of the glorious Inca Empire that ruled over most of South America over several centuries, Peru is filled with extraordinary archeological treasures, an extremely rich culture, and wonderful landscapes. Of course, the main attraction of this beautiful country is without a doubt Machu Picchu, a grandiose Inca citadel hidden on top of a mountaintop in the Andes, and one of the 7 New World Wonders. Many travelers to Peru are eager to discover its magical history and follow the path of the Incas by trekking through the Andes to reach the magical ruins.
The most famous way to hike to Machu Picchu is known as the Inca Trail, which can be hiked in 2 or 4 days depending on your level of experience and preference. However, there are many more treks available that will lead all adventurers to the famous archeological site while taking them through lesser known, but equally beautiful sites and landscapes. These include the Salkantay trek, Lares trek, or Choquequirao trek.
Lasting 4 days, just as the Inca Trail, the Lares trek offers the opportunity to discover the wonders of the Peruvian Andes, finishing at Machu Picchu for an extraordinary visit. Off the beaten path, this adventure takes travelers to remote villages where the way of life has changed very little over the past 500 years. You will hike through the magnificent Lares Valley, populated by native people and exotic species, including llamas and alpacas. The difficulty level is very similar to that of the Inca Trail.
Another fascinating and a bit more challenging trekking adventure is the 5-day Salkantay trek. Taking hikers through the beautiful Salkantay Valley dominated by the majestic Salkantay Mount, meaning Savage Mountain. It is one of the highest peaks of Peru, and among the most awe-inspiring sites in the country. Following this remote trail through the Vilcabamba range, you'll pass by snow-capped peaks, mighty rivers, and picturesque traditional villages, all the way to Machu Picchu.
Finally, the Choquequirao trek is probably the most challenging, but also the most rewarding. This extraordinary adventure will take to the Choquequirao site, called the sister city of Machu Picchu. Larger than its counterpart, this site is also just as beautiful. However, its remoteness means that it is less visited. When you visit the complex, you'll truly feel like an explorer as you'll be alone to explore the ruins. This 10-day adventure is recommended for seasoned trekkers who are not afraid to stray away from the crowds.
This guide to Peru treks to Machu Picchu was written by a Peru travel expert at Peru For Less, specialist in Machu Picchu tours.
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