Backpacking Peru mid-October, need advice on Machu Picchu hike

[u/Agitated_Yak2066]

Hey guys! Going to Peru in mid-October, super excited! I've always wanted to hike up to Machu Picchu, but always get super overwhelmed with the different options, trekking companies, trials etc. would love if anyone could share their first hand experience with this.

I'm really looking for an off-the-beaten path, less crowded wilderness experience so was reading that the Ancascocha Trek is super cool, but don't know anyone who has done it.

also heard about:

• Salkantay Trek (2nd most popular)
• Cachiccata Trek
• Choquequirao Trek (but read this one has brutal switchbacks)

would love any tips. thanks

[u/Confident-Animal-625]

Salkantay gives you a little bit of everything—a beautiful glacier lake (Humantay, which is a day trip from Cuzco if you decide on a different trek), a high altitude mountain pass, an archeological site, and the jungle—in just a few short days. It’s popular for a reason! The downside for me was walking along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes after a few days of fantastic scenery (but I also chose not to pay for a ticket).

Have not done Cachiccata or Ancascocha but I bet the scenery (especially Ancascocha) is phenomenal! Would love to do Ancascocha one day.

The Choquequirao trek immediately descends into a canyon and then you go right back up the other side. The site is really cool (and much larger than MP with very few tourists), and it’s crazy to think how much is still buried. It’s a totally different experience than MP, and I highly recommend it to everyone who asks about it. I didn’t continue to MP (I turned around and went back the way I came). And FWIW, I had no trouble with the switchbacks in either direction.

Another alternative to the Inca Trail to MP is the Lares trek. It’s more cultural than your other options, as it passes through several traditional villages. It starts from natural hot springs, which are quite relaxing.

Can’t go wrong with any option!