Things to do

Alternative Inca Trail and Eco Tourism Peru

View of Salkantay River
photo by: J Mill

Alternative Tourism in Peru

Inka Magik offers alternative 4 day eco Inca Trail routes to Machu Picchu - through the warm jungle on foot and on horseback, staying a night in tent, hotel and in a rustic adobe lodge with a local family who live in the jungle. The family welcome the traveller in and cook a traditional meal. There is freshly picked fruit from the trees in the garden, such as papaya or pineapple, and coffee beans are toasted for a fresh breakfast wake up.  more..

type:	Trekking
World66 rating:	[rate it]

Huayna Picchu

Huayna Picchu from below
photo by: Yohay Elam

Hauyna Picchu is the mountain that appears behind the citadel in the famous pictures of Machupicchu.
In order to climb to the top, you must register at the entrance to the path. At the time of writing, only 400 people are allowed there every day. So be sure to start it before noon. There is no additional cost.
After a steep but well maintained uphill path, you reach the top, which is only a bunch of big rocks. Machupicchu is down below, in the valley that surrounds the mountain. Around the valley are more mountains. The awesome view makes it feel like you are on the top of more..

type:	Hiking
World66 rating:	[rate it]

Santa Teresa hot springs

Santa Teresa is a village along the Salkantay trek. 45 minutes away from the village, in the middle of nowhere are the lovely hot springs. Contrary to other places, which are commercialized, this place seems quite wild. Being in the warm waters, surrounded by mountains is a great experience. Entrance costs 3.5 soles. You can rent a towel for 1 sol, if you didn't bring one.

type:	Spa and Sauna
World66 rating:	[rate it]
address:	Santa Teresa

Salkantay trek

Salkantay trek
photo by: Yohay Elam

The Salkantay trek is the alternatvie "back door" route to Machupicchu. The standard route takes 5 days, and it can be extended to 7 days.
There are a few differences between the Incal Trail and the Salknatay trek. The Inca Trail can be done only with a group, so if you don't book it a few months in advance, you probably will not have a place there. The Salkantay trek can be done either independently or with a group. During the high season, groups go every day, and there is no problem joining one.  Those people who are seriously into Inca culture will prefer the Inca more..