READERS COMMENTS

Yes, there are other trails aside from the Inca Trail. I did the 5-day Salkantay trek last August 2011 - with a group and guide. The variety and changing views were awesome - small villages, mountains, glacier and then finally Machu Picchu. Prices for the tour varies. Try to book locally - you will save a lot of $$$.
Posted: Feb 02, 2012 Glenda

Surely Machu Picchu is a must place to visit and the inca trail is not the only way to get to.
To do the inca trail you must book in advance many months in advance. There is another way to get to Machu Picchu enjoying the fantastic landscape, doing biking down hill, visiting local communities and without too many tourist. I am talking about THE INCA JUNGLE TRAIL which include biking and trekking , is the more original & fun way to Get to Machu Picchu.

There are few companies who offer quality service in this tour. Pie Peru a swiss peruvian company is safe option.
Posted: Feb 01, 2012 Katherine

Surely Machu Picchu is a must place to visit and the inca trail is not the only way to get to.
To do the inca trail you must book in advance many months in advance. There is another way to get to Machu Picchu enjoying the fantastic landscape, doing biking down hill, visiting local communities and without too many tourist. I am talking about THE INCA JUNGLE TRAIL which include biking and trekking , is the more original & fun way to Get to Machu Picchu.

There are few companies who offer quality service in this tour. Pie Peru a swiss peruvian company is safe option.
Posted: Feb 01, 2012 Katherine

I'll echo Mike's Salkantay shout-out, no need for guides on this trek and gives solitude and mountain views that the Inca Trail does not. Downside is there's not as many Inca ruins, but chances are you'll be overwhelmed by ruins anyway if you tour around Cusco and maybe the Sacred Valley on the way out.

Or if you'd like to visit a trekkers paradise while in Peru, head north from Lima to Huaraz, you can hit the Cordillera Blanca, home to the world's tallest peak in the tropical zone: Huascaran.
Posted: Jun 02, 2011 Roger

For those looking for an alternative to the classic Inca Trail, I highly recommend the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu. Less crowded, breathtaking landscapes. From my personal experience, I highly recommend Latika Salkantay (www.latikasalkantay.com).
Posted: Mar 25, 2011 Mike Curtis

Did you know there is more than one Inca Trail? The Incans developed a vast network of trails, some of which lead to Machu Picchu. When people talk about the Inca Trail, they are generally referring to the Classic Inca Trail, as mentioned above; a four- to five-day hike that usually begins at milepost 82 or 88 and goes to Machu Picchu. However, there are other alternatives, including the "Original" Inca Trail (also called the Riverside Trail or Royal Inca Trail), which is the lower-altitude route that follows the Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu. It is a pleasant hike that avoids the steep mountain passes and is much easier and a couple days shorter than the Classic Trail. Although the Original Trail also requires an Inca Trail Pass, it is much less heavily traveled, if you are looking to get away from the hordes of other trekkers. The Classic Inca Trail is around 30 kilometers (depending on where you start) and the Original Inca Trail is roughly half that (again, depending where you start).
Posted: Apr 16, 2010 sonya@incatrailhiking.com

Billy Maes here with a blatant attempt at self-promotion. Check out Sun Gate Tours, they're legit because of the press release! And while you're at it, watch Mr. Wrong at www.babelgum.com/mrwrong They're a great series of twenty 1-minute mobisodes for when you're bored! I highly recommend their services!

"There's change in my drink!" Mr. Party Animal.

On a different note, the above article was interesting. I was searching because I had heard that Machu Pichu is a dangerous hike.
Posted: Jan 19, 2010 Billy Maes

Hi just found this new article which seems very interesting
http://www.free-press-release.com/news-machu-picchu-trip-a-lifetime-experience-1263346867.html
Posted: Jan 12, 2010 Mark

I'm sorry I forgot to put their page www.sungatetours.com I highly recommended their services
Posted: Aug 27, 2009 Dave Moten

Nice information about the Inca Trail I use for this Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Sun Gate Tours, good local operator, they work with very small group not large group.
Posted: Aug 27, 2009 Dave Moten

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