Are you trying to plan a trekking tour to the Machu Picchu ruins of Peru? If yes, read our guide for more facts and information…
Machu Picchu Walking Tours
One of the most exciting adventure trips to South America one could have would definetly be a trekking tour to Machu Picchu. There are two ways in which this can be done; an independent tour or a guided tour. There are pros and cons to both options, which we discuss in more detail below.
Guided Trekking Tours
By far the easiest way for adventure and outdoor loving people to enjoy the natural beauty and rich history of Peru and Machu Picchu. There are a wide variety or pre-packaged tours offered by tour companies. These vary in terms of route, sites and costs.
One of the shortest guided tours takes just 4 days, and is also the cheapest option available. The tour follows the famous Inca trail from the city of Cusco to the ruins of Machu Picchu. There are no other outstanding sites on this tour, but a good guide will have plenty of information on the natural environment and animals along the route, as well as the history and culture of the region.
There are several tour companies which offer these guided trekking tours. The Responsible Tours website is an excellent resource to finding reputable tour companies. This website specialises in the promotion of environmentally and socially conscious tour operators, so one can be sure to hire a reputable tour company. Reservations can be made online through the site. The costs of the tours vary according to the route, the duration, and the amount of people on tour. One can book a guide for a large group of friends and family, with a guide specially dedicated to that group in particular. The benefits of this is not travelling with many strangers and more control over the pace of the tour. Included in the package offered by these companies are the porters who will carry the camping equipment, food, water, etc, which are also included in the cost.
Independent Trekking Tours
This a hiking tour which is planned without the benefit of a knowledgeable and experienced tour provider. This means you would have to plan every detail of the tour, down to the route.
Before beginning planning it is important to know that permits are required in order to hike the Inca Trail, which is the trail that one would take to get to the ruins. Also, the Peruvina government has placed restrictions on the amount of people who can view the ruins each day to 2500.
It is the many details like these which go into planning a trekking tour to Machu Picchu. However, if you hire a trekking tour company all of these will be taken care of, and the prices thereof included in the price.
Prices for such guided trekking tours will usually begin at around USD$300 per person for the short and simple 4 day trek. The cost increases progressively the longer the tour, the more detours there are to see interesting attractions, as well as for extra things such as bicycles and activities along the way, such as white water rafting.
