Hi all,
I've heard tell that there are alternatives to the well-traveled, very crowded inca trail. Is there another good way to hike to Machu Picchu?
Sam
Reply to this Hi there,
I have just booked a trek in January to Macchu Picchu - it's called Salkantay, and there are various others. I found this company extremely useful and responsive to my emails:
http://www.sastravelperu.com/
I think they have over 10 different alternative treks to the Inca Trail, which I understand becomes very busy in the high season.
Hope the website helps,
Adrian
Reply to this we did the Salkantay trek in July and it was brilliant! We booked it when we got to Cusco and went 3 days later. There are loads of companies that do the route for various prices and it's very easy to book as it's not yet as popular as the Inca Trail. I had the best week and would highly recommend the route
Reply to this I'd recommend the Salkantay trail too. You'll pay far less if you wait until you arrive to Cusco to book it. Also, if you want to save money avoid the bigger agencies like SAS, as many of them charge almost double the local agencies.
Reply to this there are other alternative to the traditional inca trail, one of them is the Salkantay inca trail, I recommend it too.
you can find information of the inca trail in this link:
Salkantay Reply to this does anyone have any links for booking the original tour to Macchu Picchu that is a reputable, safe and cheap company to book with? I'm going in July and have come across some companies but not sure who to trust, especially the ones that are a lot cheaper - seem too good to be true! Also do you need a permit or anything like that to go to Macchu Picchu? Thanks, Dave
Reply to this You need a ticket for MP which you can buy in Aguas Calientes. If you go on a tour the agency will probably include it in the price. It might be worth waiting till you get to Cusco to book as you'll be able to meet the agency/guides in person and it will almost certainly be cheaper - there is no shortage of tours and no real need to book in advance. We had a tour included as part of the Salkantay trek, but the tour wasn't the most illuminating - a good guide book will give you as much information.
Reply to this Moby83 - If you want to do THE Inca Trail you will have to book that months in advance, especially if you're going in July which is a really busy time. You have to have a permit for the proper Inca Trail and they're very limited.
Reply to this 
