Trek the Inca Trail or the Salkantay

For the adventurous, walking to Machu Picchu rather than taking the train is one of the world's great treks. The classic four-day Inca Trail follows original Inca paths to arrive at the Sun Gate above the citadel at dawn, a bucket-list hike that must be booked months ahead due to strict permit limits. The five-day Salkantay Trek is a spectacular, higher, and often cheaper alternative that doesn't require the same permit. Both are demanding and need good acclimatisation first. They're a bigger spend and effort, but unforgettable. We'll explain the main trek options, what they involve, and how far ahead to book.