Which Trek Should You Choose?

Hikingthrough the mountains of the Sacred Valley is a must-do whilst visiting Peru. But there are so many to choose from! Do you go with the classic touristattracting Inca Trail or look for something along a road less traveled?

We offer a number of different treks so it can be a challenge to decide which one is for you. Here is a little information about each trek to help you decide. All of our treks come with professional and knowledgeable bi-lingual tour guides and a chef, who will prepare food fit for a king – any dietary requirements can be catered for at no extra cost, just alert our office team so that they can prepare. Unlike many other tour operators, Valencia Travel Cusco ensure that all of our porters have all the equipment that they need to be comfortable, such as hiking boots, rain jackets etc. and the same meals as any of the clients, which many agencies do not supply. Please check on our website for weight limits and details about hiring extra porters for your trek. We also have extended versions of most of our treks under the ‘Specials’ section of our website.

Be aware: hiking at altitude is no easy feat. It is recommended that you arrive a few days before commencing your trip so as to adjust to the altitude. Also, bringing some form of medication to counteract possible symptoms of altitude sickness is suggested. Though not everyone is effected by altitude sickness, it is always best to be prepared for it.

INCA TRAIL (classic) – Destination Machu Picchu

If you want to stick to Incan tradition, the classic Inca Trail is for you. This trek receives many tourists every day, but that won’t take away from your experience – not with our restaurant quality chef and top notch tour guides. Now, this trek may not be for the faint hearted, with a particularly tough climb on Day 2. However, you will be rewarded with spectacular views (Day 3) and a nice rest in the hot springs at Aguas Calientes (Day 4), not to mention the ultimate prize that is the lost citadel of Machu Picchu (Day 4). All this followed by a comfortable train journey back to Ollantaytambo where you will be picked up and transported back to Cusco on a private bus.

           

TheInca Trail allows you to do the same trek that the Inca people walked years ago, giving you an authentic experience of what it would have been like to hike the trail (just with a few added luxuries). However, if you’re looking for something a little more off-the-tourist-track, this trek is not for you.

    Find the complete itinerary on our website:
    Classic Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu - 5 Days

SALKANTAY – Destination Machu Picchu
           

If you prefer to steer away from the more tourist-y areas whilst experiencing a variety of different perspectives, the Salkantay trek is the one for you. So it may not be the original Incan hike, but you will get to experience valleys, jungle, cloud forests and grasslands. Again, this is not a particularly easy trek, but is slightly easier than the Inca trail. You will enjoy lunch with panoramic views of snow-capped mountains (Day 1), waterfalls (Day 3) and Incan forts (Day 4), as well as the option of experiencing the relaxing waters of the hot springs after a day of hiking (Day 3 and Day 4). All before reaching ourdestination of Machu Picchu.

           

This is a beautiful and exciting alternative to the Inca Trail and allows you to see a variety of different climates within Peru. Though please note, there is a possibility of snow on this trek so if you’re not a fan of snow, maybe this trek is not for you. If you do select this trek, be sure to bring some warm clothes.

            Find the full itinerary here:

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu - 5 Days

LARES – Destination Machu Picchu
           

Like the Salkantay trek, this is a great alternative if you want to get off-the-beaten-track. The Lares trek takes you through the rural communities inthe mountains, allowing you to get a true insight as to what it is like to live a traditional life in the Sacred Valley in modern times. The trek is of a similar difficulty to Salkantay and will take you past lagoons (Day 1), small stone villages with thatches roofs (Day 1 & 2), and the option of relaxing in the hot springs just outside of the small town of Lares. On the third day, you will hike to Ollantaytambo to board a train to Aguas Calientes, spending the night there in a hotel, where you can reward yourself with a hot shower, before heading to Machu Picchu via bus the following morning.

           

TheLares trek is the perfect trek for you if you are looking to experience traditional Peruvian culture at its base, the Sacred Valley. You can learn a little about the well-respected weaving techniques of the locals. It’s worth noting, that many of the people that originate from these towns, make extra money as porters, so your porters could be a valuable source of information providing an interesting perspective on this trip.  However, if you would prefer an adventure experienced by a larger proportion of people, the Inca trail would be a better recommendation for you.

View the whole itinerary here:

Lares Trek to Machu Picchu - 4 Days

HUCHUY QOSQO – Destination Machu Picchu
           

If you’re looking for a shorter trek away from the crowds of tourists or to experience interacting with the local people maintaining their traditions in the Valley, this is the trek for you. The first day of the hike will take you past lakes, mountains, grasslands and rural communities, with the goal of reaching a traditional Andean community in the town of Qenko. As there are not many tourists who visit the town, the locals are always extremely welcoming to those who choose to visit their town and are as intrigued about you as you are of them. On the second day, you will be taken to see a local family where you will have plenty time to bond with the locals. After this, you will continue on your trek down a trail that follows the original Inca trail through a secluded valley filled with flowers, birds and native plants. It is later on this day that you will be transported to Ollantaytambo to board a train to Aguas Calientes, getting a bus the following morning to Machu Picchu.

           

HuchuyQosqo is perfect for those that want to experience traditional Andean culture but with a little less hiking. Granted, the hike is not super easy, but is by no means the most difficult we offer, and there is a lot less of it. Though, for those more experienced hikers looking for more of a challenge, I would take a look at some of our other treks (perhaps Ausangate).

You can view the complete itinerary here:

Huchuy Qosqo Hike - Full Day

AUSANGATE – Destination Phinaya
           

This trek is perfect for those experienced hikers or those looking for a challenge. The 7 day Ausangate trek takes you through snow-capped mountains, past lagoons, hot springs, and beautiful Andean villages. You will spend time with local children in the schools (Day 2) before heading out on the trek of a lifetime. Your campsites will expose you to stunning mountainous panoramic views, to beautiful lagoons and lakes, and to tonnes of bio-diversity. The final day will be spent with a final hike in the morning, spending the day in a small Andean community, where the only vehicles are horses and bicycles.

            The Ausangate trek is great for anyone who wants to get away from the touristic side of Peru and experience authentic Andean culture. Although, due to its length and intensity, it is recommended that you have some basic fitness or experience hiking. The standard Ausangate trail does not go to Machu Picchu, however, there is an option to add Machu Picchu under the ‘Specials’ section of our website.

You can view the full itinerary here:

Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain to Machu Picchu - 7 Days


CHOQUEQUIRAO – Destination Choquequirao ruins

               

The Choquequirao trek is a great alternative for thosethat want to avoid the busyness of Machu Picchu. The abandoned city has many similarities to Machu Picchu, but aside from that, very little is known about it. During your 4 day trek, you will see a colourful variety of plant-life and birds and will be able to enjoy all in the warm sunshine. On a clear night, the campsite on Day 2 of the trek, close to the lost city, can sport an impressive and photograph worthy sunset, with the possibility of spotting some condors soaring overhead. The next morning, you will be taken on a guided tour of the lost city of Choquequirao. With only 25% of the site having been explored, there are many secrets still hidden in this mysterious place. On the final day, you will ascend the other side of the valley for one final view of Choquequirao, before heading back to Cusco by bus.

                This trek is the perfect choice for those who enjoy birds and all things nature, as well as those looking for some Andean mystery. However, if you have your heart set on a trip to Machu Picchu, this is not the trek for you.

                

To view the whole itinerary, see here:

Choquequirao Trek - 4 Days

About 500 people walk the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu daily

July 15, 2015

Hillary Ojeda

  The requires physical strength, special equipment and lots of extra hands.

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

  

The Inca Trail is the biggest tourist attraction in South America, and its number of visitors continues to rise.

A total of approximately 500 people trek through the Inca Trail on a daily basis toward Machu Picchu, reports Andina news agency.

The National Service of Natural Protected Areas (Sernanp) calculates that about 200 foreign tourists make the trek and the remaining are baggage carriers.

“These people carry food, tents and relief supplies. They do not reach the citadel and therefore tourists have to continue on their own on the last day of the journey,” head of Sernanp, Pedro Gamboa, told Andina.

Gamboa added that there is a surprising range of age groups that decide to take on the arduous trail. It requires physical strength and endurance for 4 days through the Urubamba Valley.

“You have to pass through two defiles (narrow passages between mountains). It seems that the Incas were quite tall because steps are huge,” he pointed out.

To adjust to the rising number of tourists, Sernanp and Cusco’s Decentralized Administration of Culture (DDCC) are in collaboration to potentially open two additional visiting areas said Gamboa.

The entrance fee per person into the Inca Citadel is US$ 50.

Link to article

Inca Trail Tips for First Timers

Inca Trail tips for First Timers

Classic Inca Trail

Inca Trail Tips

You’ve decided that Peru and its famous Inca Trail is at the top of your travel wish list, but how do you make it happen? Is it within reach for an inexperienced hiker and what should you know before you go? MatadorU student Leora Novick shares valuable tips to read before planning this popular trek to Machu Picchu.

I arrived at the Sun Gate at the end of a grueling four-day hike and took my first look at Machu Picchu. As the stone walls pierced the early morning fog, and the entire Inca city unfolded before me, the tiredness melted away.When I reached that peak on an early morning in January, I joined my hiking group in a series of hugs, high-fives and ear-splitting grins, but then pulled away for a moment of silent reflection. It had not been an easy journey, and there had been a moment when I’d seriously considered turning back. I’m not an athletic person by anyone’s standards, but I felt I should still be able to experience the Inca Trail.While it was the hardest, most physically challenging thing I’ve ever completed, the Inca Trail is a very realistic goal, even for inexperienced hikers. Here’s how to do it.

Hire a porter

There’s no shame in hiring a porter. In fact, I’d say anyone starting the Inca Trail without some training should take advantage of this service. Many people try to push themselves to do the trail on their own and end up burning out after one day. It may not seem like a big deal, but carrying your backpack full of snacks and clothing, with an attached sleeping mat and bag, adds up to a lot more weight than you may think.My entire experience changed on the morning of the second day, when I decided to take the advice of my guides. “If you don’t hire a porter, you’re not going to make it to Machu Picchu,” they told me. The moment I slipped off that bag and handed it over for 80 soles (US$35), my entire mood lifted and I finally started to enjoy the hike.

Not only was I able to change my personal trail experience, but by hiring a porter I was supporting a local family. Each trekker on the Inca Trail is obliged by law to sign up with a guided tour. While this includes a set number of porters who carry all campsite gear and food, you have the additional option to hire someone to help carry your personal belongings. These porters depend on this fee to help support their families.While each tour group varies greatly, there are specific companies that pride themselves on their ethical treatment of porters, providing them with clean uniforms and ensuring they receive a fair wage. Booking your Inca Trail tour with such companies can cost a bit more, but think about who that money is going to help.

Select your gear

The gear you’ll need depends on the season. I went in January, the peak of the rainy season, and had to account for that.

Rain gear

Waterproof hiking boots, pants and a solid raincoat are essential, but what really saved me was the poncho I decided to buy last-minute in Cusco. Get an over sized version that fits over your backpack and gear. When you finally reach the campsite after hiking all day at 14,000ft, and your sleeping bag is still dry, you’ll appreciate that $2 plastic poncho.

Walking sticks

Many people choose to purchase walking sticks, especially for the two-hour downhill stretch on day 3. I had a solid half hour of deliberation over taking one, but in the end decided against it. While I did have a few moments of “How the hell am I going to make it down that cliff?”, I chose to go slow and used the three-points-of-contact rule.

This meant I was pretty much crawling down a mountain, but I found a rhythm after a while and eventually felt pretty confident. If your balance isn’t great, I’d advise the sticks. Otherwise, ask yourself if this is really worth the extra weight. When you’re hiking for eight hours, every pound counts.

Clothing

After hiking those eight hours, I was happy I’d had the foresight to dress in layers. Hiking at 5am can be pretty cold, but after a few hours of uphill climbing I was sweating. Bring base layers that are good insulators. Then add a second t-shirt and hiking pants and bring a light jacket or raincoat. Make sure to add layers for your extremities for nights at camp. My last-minute purchase of an alpaca hat and gloves earned me a few extra hours of warmth in my tent, and saved me from nights of shivering sleeplessness.

Cusco lives off the tourism industry of Machu Picchu. Its streets are lined with shops offering hiking gear for rental at very fair prices. If you’re not sure you want to commit to an expensive pair of hiking boots or a North Face sleeping bag, save yourself the money (and having to lug those boots around on the rest of your trip) and go the rental route. The shops are eager for your business, especially during the off-season, so don’t be afraid to bargain. I paid 10 soles a day for my insulated sleeping bag, which totaled just $15 for the entire trip.

Consider food

The porters accompanying each group are responsible for carrying enough food for each trekker, and cooking it as well. I was surprised at how many gourmet chefs double as porters! There were some nights I was so tired from the hike I’d fall asleep in my tent before dinner. Don’t make that mistake.

Your body is burning calories at a much faster rate than normal and needs to be constantly nourished. Plus, the provided meal choices are super delicious, with options like honey-covered pancakes, vegetable soups and chicken with rice.

Snacks

It’s also important to bring along some snacks for the road. Nuts and power bars are good to keep energy levels up, but don’t forget to pack some cookies for a rush of sugar and carbohydrates.

On day two, as I was still a few hours away from the top of the pass, the skies opened and I was drenched before I could reach my poncho. Each step grew heavier, and with such thin mountain air I could barely breathe. I grabbed a packet of cookies from my pocket and quickly ate two. Instantly, I felt a little better. My dizziness grew fainter, and I was able to keep walking towards the campsite.

Plan your costs

The Inca Trail is not cheap. Yes, you can very easily find tours that cost $100 less, and swap good hiking boots for sneakers, but these decisions will affect you on the trail. As a newcomer to the world of trekking, do yourself a favor and create the most comfortable and supportive environment you can. It’s worth the extra money.

Sample budget:

Hiking boots: $200 or 50 soles rental
Plastic poncho: $2
Porter fee: 80 soles per day
Sleeping bag: $15 rental
Walking sticks: 10 soles
Snacks: 20 soles

Inca trail Packing Lis

Valencia Travel Cusco's Packing List For Treks