When thinking about Machu Picchu, people typically imagine themselves taking a train to the site, visiting the ruins just to leave; however, this is not the best way to enjoy this fantastic destination. If one really wants to get immersed into the essence of the area and embrace its historical and geographical backdrop, then undertaking any of the famous long distance hikes is a must. These enable one to trek on the mountains along the Incan trails while marveling at the beautiful scenery and finally arrive at the ‘City of the Incas’.
In this package, we have Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail.
For those with little time, but lots of desire for an adventure, the Lares trek and short Inca trail is perfect.
The following morning, you are a free bird and will wake up early in order to avoid the many other tourists that will be on the short 4 KM Inca trail that leads to the Sun Gate. Just as the jungle trail you are on has replaced the paved road, the thick greenery parted to unveil the magnificent Machu Picchu lying below you. You will then go for a 2-hour guided tour of the citadel before taking a train back to Cusco.
Ausangate Trail
The Ausangate trail and rainbow mountain hike is ideal for experienced and those in search of more challenging treks, with stunning landscapes at high altitudes. Beyond the Rainbow Mountain day hike, Ausangate (6,384m) is the highest mountain in the Vilcanota mountain range in Cusco.
Within 6 or 7 days you will pass through Andean wetlands, glaciers and mountains including the ones that can be mistaken for clouds. Every day presents a new topography ranging from striking blue water bodies to valleys filled with pretty flowers. Overnight accommodation is in fully crewed camping tents with clear leather sky inside the vehicle.
The final payoff for all your hard work is an up-close look at the rainbow-colored mineral bands for which this area is so well-known. You will also be able to navigate through some of the most isolated alpaca herding territories that are still off the grid in the modern society. This is one off the tourist track experience that one will never forget.
Rainbow Mountain Day Hike
However, if the Ausangate trek seems too challenging, there is an easier Rainbow Mountain day hike. This mountain indeed measures 16,404 feet and boasts fascinating and rather colourful geological structures that can be reached through a strenuous day’s hike from Cusco.
When you rise to over 1000 feet, you are rewarded with stunning vistas of green-blue lagoons, snow-capped mountains and the vast meadows of alpaca grazing grounds. At the rainbow ridge reaching one’s high point is a fairy tale scene of red, blue, green and yellow mineral veins traversing through the mountainside.
You will have spent enough time to capture the rainbow mountain shots and marvel at the geological feature before heading back to Cusco late in the afternoon, exhausted but happy from the memorable experience.
Sacred Valley Tour
It would be impossible to visit Peru without dedicating a day or two to visit the Sacred valley tour and Machu Picchu. This blessed land full of villages, Incan structures, and stepped agriculture was the heart of the Incan culture both in terms of feeding the nation and worship. A leisurely full-day tour from Cusco takes you to colorful markets at the Pisac ruins, the captivating temple of Ollantaytambo, and other picturesque villages where you’ll learn about weaving and taste the Andean delicacies including the ‘guinea pig’.
If you are going for a multi-day trek or going for a tour to see the wonders of Machu Picchu, it is advisable to book with a local agency like Andean Path and be assured of a great time on this magnificent world heritage site. You will be amazed by the historical facts and beautiful scenery as their professional guides and individual approach will unveil it for you.