Apu Salkantay: The Backdoor to Machu Picchu

If you've been trying to book a trek this summer on the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you may have been disappointed to find that permits are sold out until August. But there's good news for all you hopeful trekkers. The famous Inca Trail is only one of thousands of Inca Trails, many of which are in the Machu Picchu area. In fact, you'll probably have an even more scenic and less crowded trek if you take an non-permitted Inca trail to this fantastic destination.

The Apu Salkantay trek is one of the most popular alternatives to the Inca Trail-- it's even referred to as the backdoor to Machu Picchu. The true highlight of Apu Salkantay is the stunning scenery, considered by many to dwarf the views on the famous Inca Trail.

On this five-day, four-night trip, you traverse the high Andean plateau, hiking up passes as high as 15,585 ft. for an up-close view of the sacred Inca peak, Salkantay (20,598ft). The route then descends into the beautiful Aobamba valley with its tropical climate and vegetation. Passing through Andean towns, you also get a rare glimpse in traditional Peruvian mountain life where the dress, farming techniques, and customs have been preserved for hundreds of years.

At the end of the last trekking day, you take a short train ride to Aguas Calientes where you can soak your tired legs in the town’s famous thermal pools. The next morning, you get to visit Machu Picchu in the stunning early light away from the tourist crowds that arrive in the afternoon.

We have received glowing reviews about Apu Salkantay from both travelers and local guides. Because of these recommendations, we've decided to offer a fixed group departure every Tuesday for this trek. Please contact Detour Destinations to book this trek or to learn more about this stunning journey.


http://detourdestinations.com/products/Apu_Salkantay_Trek_16256.html

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu this Summer

UPDATE 4/24/08: See the latest on Inca Trail Permit availability here: http://www.detourdestinations.com/pages/Inca_Trail_Permits_31.html
Before planning your trip to trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you need to know about the Inca Trail permitting system. A few years ago, the Peru government established a permitting system for the famous Inca Trail, so that the trail and the surrounding vegetation won't deteriorate due to overuse. There are only 500 permit available for any given day and about 300 of those are reserved for trek operators, cooks, porters, and guides.

This means there are around 200 left for trekkers a day. Tourists cannot buy these permits independently because they must travel with an official trek operator . Thus, travelers need to book their Inca Trail trek with a provider several weeks , if not months, in advance!

It's worth noting that you only need a permit for your trek departure date.

For more information on the Inca Trail please click the link below:

Detour's Inca Trail Treks

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Permits are currently (as of morning of 4/17) sold out through July 23rd. It's common that a date with 100 or fewer permits will sell out in a day or less! Contact us for up-to-the-minute availabilities.

The following dates in July and August still have permits available:

July 24: 14
July 25: 198
July 26: 222
July 27: 204
July 28: 239
July 29: 21
July 31: 103

August 3: 5
August 10: 195
August 12: 301
August 13: 229
August 14: 301
August 17: 246
August 18: 399
August 19: 211
August 20: 157
August 21: 288
August 22: 258
August 23: 343
August 24: 282
August 25: 353
August 26: 409
August 27: 342
August 28: 432
August 29: 353
August 30: 388
August 31: 394

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Of course if you can't get a permit in time, there are several ways to trek on an Inca Trail and visit Machu Picchu that don't require an Inca Trail permit. There are thousands of miles of Inca Trails in Peru, and the "Inca Trail to Machu Picchu" is only the most popular treek on an Inca Trail. There are a number of other fabulous treks in the Cusco/Machu Picchu area that follow Inca Trails, visit Inca ruins, and either include or can be combined with a one- or two-day visit to Machu Picchu. These alternative treks do not require a permit and feature some of the Sacred Valley's most fascinating and impressive ruins. To check out these treks, click here:

Non-Permitted Inca Trail Treks