Not only is the Sacred Valley rich in history and mystique, but the scenery is otherworldly. With its mountainous, lush forests in the clouds, it is truly a spiritual place fit for the gods. Thousands come here every year to hike through the Sacred Valley and the Inca Trail, the famous byway of the vast empire. There are many ruins spread out over the valley as well as lovely villages where ancient Andean culture still thrives. There are many different options for hiking through the valley. Detailed below are some of the most popular.

Starting at km 88 near the Machu Picchu railroad, the trail passes through the Urubamba Canyon, the Dead Woman's Pass (4200m), and the Huayanay Massif. Before reaching the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu, the trail also passes through the circular ruins of Runkuracay.

This 2-day shortened version leaves at km 104 and ends at Machu Picchu. This route is a great alternative if the classic trail has reached its limit. Although the hike is cut in half, the scenery is just as beautiful, as the trail passes Salkantay (6271m), the tallest mountain in the region.

The Salkantay Trail also reaches Machu Picchu but has amazing sights of the Nevado de Salkantay (6271m) and the mountains of the Cordillera Vilcabamba that form a jagged chain between the Urubamba and Apurimac rivers.

The 4-day itinerary of Lares Trek takes you through amazing mountain scenery, Inca ruins, and authentic Andean villages. After enjoying the hot springs you'll have the option to take the train to Aguas Calientes that leads to Machu Picchu.

Choquequirao is an ancient lost city of the Incas that has become accessible to hikers because of a bridge constructed over the raging Apurimac River. Hidden high on a ridge at 1750m and surrounded by snow-capped peaks, the site is definitely a highlight of the region.

This 4-day trek traces the pre-Inca pilgrimage to Chavin, which is one of the oldest known archeological sites in the Americas. The trek is done using llamas and travels through altitudes ranging from 4700m at the Yanashallash Pass to 3050m at Chavin.

Machu Picchu Overview

  Travel to Machu Picchu:
    Trains to Machu Picchu

    Treking Overview
      The Inca Trail
        Inca Trail Ruins
        4-day Inca Trail
        2-day Inca Trail

      Salkantay Trail
      Lares Trek
      Choquequirao Trek

  Nearby Highlights:
    Cusco
    Sacred Valley
    Aguas Calientes