📍 Which Machu Picchu Trek is Right for You? |
🇵🇪 Machu Picchu isn’t just a place—it’s a journey. And depending on how you want to get there, you’ve got three incredible trekking options: the Classic Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek, and the Lares Trek.
Here’s everything you need to know before choosing your trek!👇
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1️⃣ The Classic Inca Trail: The Iconic Route 🏛️ |
💪 If you want the most legendary route to Machu Picchu, this 4-day trek is it. You’ll hike centuries-old Inca stone paths, passing ancient ruins, cloud forests, and breathtaking Andean views.
🌞 Along the way, explore sites like Wiñay Wayna (a stunning hillside ruin) and Runkurakay (an ancient Inca outpost) before reaching the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) at sunrise—where Machu Picchu reveals itself in golden morning light.
📅 Key Info:
- ✔ Limited permits (only 200 tourists/day!)—sells out 4-6 months in advance. Book early!
- ✔ Challenging but rewarding: Max altitude = 4,200m (Dead Woman’s Pass), steep steps & high-altitude trekking.
- ✔ Guide required: The Inca Trail is regulated, so you’ll need a licensed tour operator (but no need to worry about that, all our trips are run by certified local guides😉)
🕍 If you want ruins, history, and a dramatic entrance to Machu Picchu—this is your trek.
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2️⃣ The Salkantay Trek: Breathtaking Scenery, No Permit Hassles ❄️🏔️ |
🏔️ If you’re here for the views, the Salkantay Trek delivers. This 6-day adventure takes you from towering glaciers to lush jungles, covering an incredible 60+ km (37+ miles) of diverse terrain.
🌲 You’ll cross the Salkantay Pass (4,600m), the highest point of the trek, surrounded by the majestic Salkantay Mountain (6,271m), one of the most sacred peaks in Incan mythology. From there, descend into the cloud forest, passing through coffee plantations, waterfalls, and hummingbird-filled valleys before reaching Machu Picchu. Unlike the Inca Trail, no permits are required, making it a flexible and crowd-free alternative with equally stunning scenery.
📅 Key Info:
✔ No permit restrictions—perfect if you missed out on the Inca Trail!
✔ Higher altitude: Salkantay Pass (4,600m)—challenging, but fewer stone stairs than the Inca Trail.
✔ Campsites with perks: Some routes offer sky domes, jungle lodges, and even hot springs along the way.
🌿 If you want glaciers, jungles, and an epic mix of wild landscapes—this is your trek.
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Salkantay Trek Distances and Altitudes👀
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3️⃣ The Lares Trek: Culture, Hot Springs & Off-the-Beaten-Path 🛖🐑 |
🛖 If you’d rather swap crowds for authentic Andean culture, the Lares Trek is your hidden gem. This 4 day trek takes you through remote Quechua villages, where you’ll meet local families, watch master weavers create intricate textiles, and hike alongside alpacas and llamas.
🦙 Unlike the other treks, Lares focuses on cultural immersion, with opportunities to share meals with locals, visit schools, and experience Andean traditions firsthand. The landscapes? Glacial lakes, rugged peaks, and lush valleys—but without the crowds. And after a day of trekking? Soak in the Lares hot springs under the stars. ♨️
📅 Key Info:
🥰 Best for those who love cultural experiences, meeting locals, and taking the scenic, quiet route.
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4️⃣ What You Need to Know Before You Go 🎒⏳ |
🏔️ Altitude is no joke. The highest points reach 4,200m (Inca), 4,600m (Salkantay), and 4,400m (Lares). Spend 2-3 days in Cusco (3,400m) or the Sacred Valley to acclimatize. Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and consider altitude meds if needed.
🎟️ Inca Trail permits sell out fast! Only 200 per day ⌛, often gone 6+ months in advance😬 (especially May–Sept). If it’s full, Salkantay and Lares are great, no-permit alternatives. But no worries, there's still spots left on mapotapo.com 😉
🌦️ Unpredictable weather—pack smart. Dry season (May–Sept) is best, but expect hot sun, sudden rain, and freezing nights. Bring a rain jacket, warm layers, and broken-in boots.
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Imagine walking while having this view🏔
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🚀 If you'd love to start planning your next adventure, we are here for you, just text Giulia on WhatsApp and she'll help you out 🥰👇
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You can now pay in installments! 😌💸 |
💳 Big news: Booking just got WAY easier! No need to stress about paying the full amount upfront—we’ve rolled out a new checkout, and now you can split your payments with Klarna (because why not treat yourself and pay later? 😉). Prefer PayPal? That’s an option too!
🚀 So whether you’re ready to go all in or take it step by step, your next adventure is just a few clicks away!😌
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You can also pay with PayPal!💸
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📸 Pics from the community |
Discover Mapo Tapo through our travellers' eyes! In each newsletter, we'll be featuring a selection of our favourite snapshots taken during our trips worldwide.👇 Here's a sneak peak of our last trip to Tanzania!
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@ Mapo Tapo S.r.l. at Viale Piceno 6, 20129, Milan, Lombardy, Italy.
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