When planning your trip to Machu Picchu in Peru, there are a lot of options of how to get there. Many people choose to do a hike that involves camping in the mountains and then they tour Machu Picchu on the last day of the hike. However, there are a wide variety of treks that include hiking the Inca Trail or an alternative trek. We’ve compared our 4, 5 and 6 day hikes so you can choose the best option for you that Cusi Travel offers!
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| Traditional Inca Trail | Lares Hike | Mantanay Hike | Salkantay Hike | Salkantay Plus Inca Trail | |
| Duration | 4D/3N | 4D/3N | 4D/3N | 5D/4N | 6D/5N |
| Level of Difficulty | Moderate to Difficult | Moderate | Moderate to Difficult | Moderate to Difficult | Difficult |
| Distance | 45 km or 28 miles | 32 km or 20 miles | 40 km or 25 miles | 57 km or 35 miles | 66 km or 41 miles |
| Permit Required | Yes. There is a 500 limit per day and permits generally sell out well in advance. | No. Since this hike does not require permits there is always availability. | No. Since this hike does not require permits there is always availability. | No. Since this hike does not require permits there is always availability. | Yes. For the Inca Trail part of the hike, there is a 500 limit per day and permits generally sell out well in advance. |
| Highest Altitude | 4,215 meters or 13,828 feet | 4,450 meters or 14,600 feet | 4,660 meters or 15,288 feet | 4,635 meters or 15,200 feet | 5,000 meters or 16,400 feet |
| How the Hike Arrives to Machu Picchu | You follow the Inca Trail and arrive to Machu Picchu on foot via the Sun Gate. | On the 3rd day we hike to the town of Ollantaytambo and then take the train to Aguas Calientes where we spend the night in a hotel. On the 4th day we take a 25 minute bus ride up to Machu Picchu. | On the 3rd day we hike to the town of Ollantaytambo and then take the train to Aguas Calientes where we spend the night in a hotel. On the 4th day we take a 25 minute bus ride up to Machu Picchu. | On the 4th day we take the train from Hidroelectric Station to Aguas Calientes where we spend the night in a hotel. On the 5th day we take a 25 minute bus ride up to Machu Picchu. | You follow the Inca Trail and arrive to Machu Picchu on foot via the Sun Gate. |
| Who Should do this Hike | Hikers who are interested in Inca history and visiting many archaeological sites. | Hikers who want a cultural hike that passes through Andean villages so they can learn about the Quechua culture. | Hikers who want a remote hike in the Andes where few other travelers go. | Hikers who want to enjoy a variety of beautiful scenery and changing landscapes. | Hikers who are in good shape, well acclimatized, and who want a challenge. |
| Inca Ruins | Yes, the historic Inca Trail follows the same path the Incas used to arrive to Machu Picchu, so we pass 7 unique archaeological sites. | Yes, on the 3rd day we visit the archaeological site of Pumamarca and can also visit the Inca Colcas (storehouses) in Ollantaytambo. | Yes, on the 3rd day we visit the archaeological site of Pumamarca and can also visit the Inca Colcas (storehouses) in Ollantaytambo. | Yes, on the 4th day we visit Llaqtapata and can see Machu Picchu from across the valley. | Yes, the historic Inca Trail follows the same path the Incas used to arrive to Machu Picchu, so we pass 7 unique archaeological sites. |
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