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Looking for a greater challenge? Here's another way to get to Machu Picchu - via an unfrequented yet entirely spectacular route that features several days of peaceful, far-from-the-crowds trekking before connecting with the "classic" Inca Trail leading to the celebrated citadel.

On this challenging and remote Inca Trail trek you'll delve deep into the former domain of the Incas: over high plateaus, across several passes, into isolated valleys dotted with simple villages and patchwork fields, and past several ancient Inca outposts, including Paucarcancha, considered the gateway to the Machu Picchu region of yesteryear. And the rewards are grand: eye-popping views of snowy 19,000-foot peaks, a close-up regard of the Huayanay Glacier, and, of course, Machu Picchu itself.

The great Pablo Neruda wrote an epic poem inspired by its ruins, and this "tall city of stepped stone" will surely inspire poetic reflections of your own.

Read more about The "Other" Inca Trail in USA Today!

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy the classic Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu, plus hike a remote part of the trail few get to experience!
  
• Visit important sites in the Sacred Valley, including Pisac, Chinchero, the agricultural site of Moray, and the salt pans of Salinas
  
• Accommodations include three nights at Cuzco's five-star Hotel Libertador
  

Note - New Inca Trail Regulations
New regulations created to minimize impact on the fragile environment of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary allow only 500 people daily hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. We advise you to book early (at least 90 days in advance is recommended) to secure your spot.

Check out our Machu Picchu Feature. Slideshows, stories, facts, and more.

Day 1 - Meet in Lima, Peru, and fly to Cuzco. Overnight at Hotel Libertador.

Day 2 - Tour the Inca ruins near Cuzco and at Pisac in the Urubamba Valley.

Day 3 - Visit the village of Chinchero, the ruins of the palace of Inca Sinchi Roca, and the colonial village of Maras. Hike to the saltpans and into the Urubamba Valley. Continue to Ollantaytambo and visit its fortress located on a promontory overlooking the valley.

Days 4-7 - Drive to the trailhead and begin your Inca Trail trek to Wayllabamba, passing several Inca ruins, including Inca Raccay, Incasamana, and Paucarcancha, crossing four passes (the highest is 15,750'), and enjoying views of Salcantay, Verónica, and other dazzling snowy peaks.

Days 8-10 - Join the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, crossing three more passes. On Day 10, overnight at the charming Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel.

Day 11 - Morning to explore Machu Picchu, including an optional hike to the top of Huayna Picchu, the peak that looms above the ruins. Afternoon return to Cuzco by train.

Day 12 - Fly to Lima and depart (or continue with one of our extensions to the Amazon rainforest or Lake Titicaca).

Photo Credits
©Terry Kekaha (MTS staff); ©Kim Beck (MTS staff)