How Many Days Do You Need in Order to Hike In Peru, The Classic Inca Trail trek is one of the most popular routes. Each route varies in length from one to fourteen days, depending on the demand and availability of lodging along the way. All four journeys are one-way trips. You will generally travel back to Cusco using a combination of public and private transportation, depending on which tour company you use to make your trip reservations.

The One-Day Inca Trail Hike (1-day trek)

You can see Machu Picchu in one day if you’re short on time (but be prepared to wake up early!). You’ll take the train from Cusco to Kilometer 104, which is a location on the trail. Then, you’ll hike around 15 kilometers (9 miles) through the Sun Gate until you reach the Machu Picchu sanctuary. This option is great if you want to view Machu Picchu and experience a small section of the Inca Trail trek all at once.

The Lares Trek (3-day trek)

The Lares Trek, also known as the cultural alternative to the Inca Trail, is a three-day journey into the historical weaver communities on the eastern slopes of Machu Picchu. But don’t expect it to be a trip to the museum. To glimpse into time-honored villages, you must earn access by obtaining passes that soar to over 15,000 feet and zigzag across Pumahuanca’s peak. On day four of your Lares trek, you may add another stop at Machu Picchu ruins.

Vilcabamba Traverse Route (1 – 2 week trek)

The trek to Machu Picchu is not for the faint of heart. At 65 kilometers long, this is regarded as one of the most difficult ways to see Machu Picchu. The route starts in Cachora and winds a mile-deep canyon to Choquequirao, or “Cradle of Gold.” The Vilcabamba Trail follows the same route that Hiram Bingham took when he rediscovered Machu Picchu in 1911, albeit via more isolated towns.

The Salkantay Route (1 – 2 week trek)

The Salkantay Trek is the only Inca Trail option that lets you sleep in a comfy bed and take a hot shower at the end of every day’s hike! Though it still requires reasonably fit participants, The Lodge Trek runs along the Salkantay Trail through the Cordillera Vilcabamba mountain range but permits nightly rest at fully serviced lodges placed along the route. Machu Picchu is reached by following the trail to an elevation of 15,000 feet.

The Classic Inca Trail Route (3 – 5 day trek)

The Classic Inca Trail Hike is the most popular trek of the four alternatives described in this piece. It begins at kilometer 82 along the route, at the village of Piscacucho. The first day is a moderate hike through the Andean foothills, crossing the Urubamba River and arriving at your campsite in Huayllabamba. On the second day, you’ll ascend what’s known as “Dead Woman’s Pass,” which is the highest point of the Inca Trail at 4200 meters (13,776 feet). After that, it’s all downhill to the Pacaymayo River campsite.

The third day is a shorter hike of around 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) through forest and Cloud Forest habitats, before arriving at your final campsite at Wiñay Wayna. On the fourth and final day, you’ll wake up early for the last, short hike to the Sun Gate From there, you’ll have your first views of Machu Picchu.

How Many Days Should You Spend in Peru?

If you’re planning a trip to Peru, you may be wondering how many days you should spend in the country. While it depends on your individual travel plans and preferences, most visitors spend at least a week in Peru. This allows you enough time to visit some of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, such as Machu Picchu, Cusco, and Lake Titicaca. Keep in mind that many of Peru’s treks and tours take several days to complete, so you’ll need to factor this into your itinerary as well. For example, the Classic Inca Trail Trek takes four days to complete, and the Salkantay Trek takes five days.

If you’re short on time, you can still see some of Peru’s highlights in a week. However, you won’t have time to do any multi-day treks or tours. Instead, you can visit Machu Picchu in one day by taking the Peru Rail train from Cusco. You can also visit Lake Titicaca and the floating islands of Uros on a day trip from Puno.

How Much Does It Cost to Visit Peru?

The cost of visiting Peru depends on your travel style and preferences. If you’re on a tight budget, you can expect to spend around $50 USD per day. This will cover the cost of your accommodation, food, and transportation.

You can also find affordable tours and activities, such as day trips to Machu Picchu from Cusco. If you have a bit more to spend, you can expect to pay around $100 USD per day. This will give you a bit more flexibility with your accommodation and activities. You can also add a few luxury items, such as better tours and nicer restaurants, to your itinerary.

How to Get Around Peru?

The best way to get around Peru is by bus. Bus travel is relatively cheap and efficient, and there is an extensive network of routes throughout the country. You can also take trains to some destinations, such as Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca. If you’re planning on doing any multi-day treks, such as the Inca Trail or the Salkantay Trek, you’ll need to arrange for transportation to and from the trailheads.

When is the Best Time to Visit Peru?

The best time to visit Peru is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. This is also the busiest time of year, so you can expect higher prices for accommodation and tours. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, you can visit during the shoulder season, which runs from November to March. Keep in mind that this is the rainy season, so you’ll need to be prepared for wet weather.

No matter when you choose to visit, Peru is an incredible country with something to offer everyone. Whether you’re trekking through the Andes or exploring ancient ruins, you’re sure to have a memorable experience. Enjoy your time in Peru!