Peru is one of South-America’s most rewarding countries for hikers. Known for its many colors, its ancient Inca culture, its unique architecture, and its delicious cuisine, Peru is at the top of many hikers and mountaineers’ bucket-lists, and for good reason.
For many, the highlight of their journey through Peru is Machu Picchu. Surrounded by dramatic landscape between the Peruvian Andes and the Amazon Basil, Machu Picchu is maybe the greatest wonder of ancient architecture in the world.
It symbolizes the Inca culture with all its historical, cultural and natural values. The nearly 200 structures may have been a royal estate or a religious site.
Machu Picchu is divided into a lower and upper part to separate farming from residential areas. It consists of subsidiary centers, an extensive road and trail system, irrigation canals and agricultural terraces. Be aware of the 3000 steps you have to climb during the day. It will be an active but unforgettable day.
The city of Machu Picchu has no airport. There are no roads from Cusco to Machu Picchu. There are two ways to get there: by train from the city of Cusco to Ollantaytambo for those who do not have a good physical condition, or by trekking, there are two trails:
Inca Trail is renowned worldwide, attracting people from many countries. It belongs to the top 5 trekking trails of the world, and not without reasons. The 43 km (26 mile) trail combines stunning mountain scenery with tropical rain forest, ancient Inca archaeological sights, and impressing cloud forests. The history says that these trail was originally created by the Incas for the “chasquis” (their messengers).
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is an alternative to the Inca Trail and considered by most to be the best alternative route (and maybe even better!). This magnificent trail is perfect for adventurers who wish to become personally integrated in changing ecosystems from one day to the next. You will walk through sweeping, magical landscapes of a snowy mountain paradise to a tropical jungle where you will find a wide range of animals and medicinal plants and flower varieties. Witness with your own eyes a living, but ancient, culture in remote villages hardly ever seen by foreigners!
The Cordillera Vilcabamba is an impressive mountain range extending over 260 km. The snow-capped mountain Salkantay rises to 6271 mts– 20574 ft in height. It is an outstanding snowy peak, located less than fifty miles northwest of the city of Cusco in south-central Peru. Because of its proximity to the city, it is easily accessible by car and it has been climbed by professional mountaineers since 1952.
You choose how to get there. Good luck, have fun and enjoy your adventure!
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