It’s one of the most incredible sights in the world, and on the bucket list of many travellers. And the ancient site of Machu Picchu doesn’t disappoint. But if you’ve flown halfway around the world, you want to choose the best way to approach it. While you can take a train from Cusco, the best way to see Machu Picchu is on foot. But how long does it take to trek to Machu Picchu? Here’s all you need to know…
How long does it take to trek to Machu Picchu?
There are many different trekking routes to Machu Picchu. The most popular is the Royal Inca Trail. This takes around 4 days. However, it is often incredibly crowded and somewhat unadventurous. If you want to make that long flight from Dublin worthwhile, there are alternatives that provide a much better experience.
What are the alternative routes to the Inca Trail?
When we launched our original Machu Picchu expedition, we followed the remote Salkantay route for five years. It’s a beautiful route, but we felt that there were better options available…
A longer trek to Machu Picchu
With all that in mind, we worked with our local partner in Peru and knowledgeable Quechua guide, Edgar. Together, we worked on a route that incorporates the ancient Inca site of Choquequirao. Choquequirao is the much lesser known sister city to the world-famous Machu Picchu. It’s twice the size, but it only gets a handful of visitors in comparison.
How long does it take to trek from Choquequirao to Machu Picchu?
On our Machu Picchu expedition, we spend a total of 8 days trekking from Choquequirao to Machu Picchu, along with other trekking days. This route takes in some of the most stunning places in the Andes, from riverside trails through thick jungle, deep river canyons and incredible mountain views. The best part? There are only a fraction of the other hikers you’ll find on the Inca Trail.
If you want to find out more about our expedition to Machu Picchu, click here.
