Thanks to its admirable geography, Peru has some of the most impressive hiking circuits of the world, these, basically, are located around the snowy peaks of the Andes. besides the beautifull landscapes that we find hiking through the mountains, we can discover the mistic beauty of many archeological places, admiring the riches and mistery of the roads left by their ancestors.
In the time of the Incas, they would travel to Machu Picchu through a road that crossed imposing palaces and temples unitl they arrived to the Sun Gate (Intipunku) from where all the majesty of Machu Picchu can be observed. Nowadays that road, called Inca trail, is traveled by thousands of tourists that find places such as Wiñay Wayna, Phuyupatamarca, Runkuracay and Warmiwañusca among other singular buildings of Inca architecture. Due to the great number of tourists that want to live this experience we strongly recommend that you make reservations as early as possible.
The archeological remains of Choquequirao, that have been recently put in value, are perhaps as impressive as Machu Picchu's. The road that goes through high mountain zones and marvelous andean landscapes, is without doubt a harsh hike but of great satisfaction.
The Valley of Lares, located behind the Sacred Valley of the Incas, has well-maintained thermal baths. The Lares Trek is a more off-the-beaten-track alternative to the popular Inca Trail. So why choose it over the famous Inca one? Well, tons of reasons! First of all, it will make you feel like the stunning landscape and the Andes Mountains are all yours, as it is much quieter and peaceful than the other one and you are bound to meet fewer tourists on this route. Your only companions will be some curious llamas and alpacas, watching you from the sides. Although you might not see as many ruins as you can find on the Inca Trail, you will get a glimpse into real Peruvian life, passing through the village of Pisac with its ruins and the fortress of Ollantaytambo. You will also meet local people, who only speak Quechua, so if you´d like to communicate with them, you could learn a few words in advance. Although the hike might be challenging until you reach its highest peak of 4800 meters, the stunning views from there will be greatly rewarding. Of course, the jewel of this hike will be one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu, which you will get to see on the last day, as the icing from the cake. Along the way we will find native Quechua communities, as well as spectacular snow-capped peaks and lagoons, passing through Wacahuasi and Ipsaycocha until you reach Patacancha, from where you will depart to Ollantaytambo. In this paradisiacal place you will take the train to Machu Picchu.
With our company, you can also follow the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. Many people swear it´s an even more magnificent alternative to the popular Inca Trail. If you choose this trek, you will have the opportunity to walk through changing ecosystem in the same day. You will feel like you are in a movie, as you will move along stunning landscapes of snowy mountains, which change to tropical jungle, all the way observing fascinating local animals and medicinal plants. The trek will take you through remote villages, which will give you a taste of the local culture, preserved almost the same as in ancient times. During the walk around the Nevado Salkantay (Salkantay Snowy Peak), you will be overwhelmed by the beauty of its landscapes. On the first day you reach Soraypampa at 3 850 meters above sea level, where you will spend the night. On the next day, we will walk around the Umantay snow-covered mountain to reach the Salkantay-Umantay Pass at 4,500 meters above sea level, with places of overflowing beauty. From there, we will descend to Chaullay, at only 2900 m.a.s.l. to pass through the village of Santa Teresa and from there to Machu Picchu.
Whichever route you choose to trek to Machu Picchu, none will let you down. You will get to hike surrounded by the majesty of the Andes, experience local life in traditional villages and admire lonely alpacas or llamas; not to mentioned the magnificent Inca ruins that here are found almost anywhere you turn your head. Culminating with one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu, this is a trip you are guaranteed to never forget.
Happy passengers