Llactapata Trek to Machu Picchu: Review & Guide (3D/2N)

Thinking about checking out Machu Picchu? Skip the usual super crowded routes and consider, like, the Llactapata Trek! So it’s a sweet alternative that gives you fantastic views of Machu Picchu without all those crazy throngs of tourists. You will find fewer tourists than on the classic Inca Trail. This article gives a look at my experience trekking Llactapata so that you can judge whether or not the Llactapata Trek is the way for you.

What is the Llactapata Trek, Anyway?

The Llactapata Trek, by the way, is that, a 3-day, 2-night hiking route that delivers some stunning vistas of Machu Picchu from, I suppose, a totally different angle. You, likely your average tourist, might experience a far quieter and potentially even a more reflective experience as opposed to the usual Inca Trail, yet it comes with breathtaking scenery and some awesome cultural touchstones.

Day 1: Getting Started Near the Sacred Valley

Day one actually started in Cusco. This is where your tour group meets, and after a long ride in a van, that actually deposited us just near the Sacred Valley. This first day, well it’s generally pretty chill as treks go, which is more or less uphill walking with some pretty fantastic outlooks. You travel along farmland. We spent the night, kind of relaxing in a local family’s home, getting, it is almost like, an insight into their day-to-day happenings, plus tucking into a yummy, real meal. The starting altitude is quite low, just around 2,800 meters or roughly 9,200 feet and you’ll only be hiking about 5 km/3 miles. At night, the weather will get chilly so bring an extra jacket for extra layers.

Day 2: Llactapata Here We Come!

The second day is, arguably, the big one, I want to say. This involves a hike that has a little climb, that then has that absolutely payoff with glimpses of Machu Picchu from Llactapata itself. Seeing that famous location off in the distance, sans the mobs of people, might be worth the hike. I would argue it definitely is. The route involves, very much, some rocky inclines. Therefore decent walking shoes or hiking boots are just a little more essential. In addition, it can become very hot in the sunshine, so sunscreen is crucial. The highest point this day reaches about 3,000 meters, or approximately 9,800 feet. The total length of the second day is roughly 12 km/7.5 miles.

Day 3: Machu Picchu Up Close, so Too It’s Time to Go!

Day three and, it’s like your chance to explore Machu Picchu like everyone else. But there is no way to walk to Machu Picchu on this route, so this day will begin super early, now, to descend to the Hydroelectric Plant where you get on a train to Aguas Calientes. From there, it’s that, a fast bus ride up to the entry of Machu Picchu. Your guide, for example, could possibly take you on an amazing, whirlwind tour showing the main hotspots, diving in just a little to tell you the place’s back-story and any facts. Post tour you’ve got enough time to explore on your own, climbing, say, Huayna Picchu or simply scouting the Inca constructions, before trekking all the way back down to Aguas Calientes. Be sure to confirm, actually, the hours for everything to avoid not missing anything. Once you take the train, make sure to enjoy all the awesome sights while the landscape slowly transforms. Make sure to catch the train that goes back to Cusco from Aguas Calientes. A pro tip might be not to schedule anything super important in Cusco that very night as delays may and could come up.

What I Enjoyed about the Llactapata Trek

What was it like on the trail? Let me, frankly, lay some experiences. The scenery, for one, will absolutely stun you! The hike boasts just so many different ecosystems. You also catch angles of Machu Picchu hardly, perhaps never, seen in the touristy photos! Second, it gave me something more intimate versus what it must be like experiencing Machu Picchu on, by comparison, the main routes. Being somewhat solitary let me really have that time to mirror and genuinely treasure all this crazy old Inca engineering. I, honestly, had this kind of experience. That quieter trail gave us chances to actually chat, deeply, with our native guides too it’s almost.

Something to Watch Out For

The trek’s difficulty should, I’d venture, be factored in, so I’d really be frank. The paths, seemingly innocent, sometimes surprise people, particularly that day with all that climbing in it. Pack appropriate clothing and equipment and remember to acclimatize in Cusco for, such as, a few days so your physique does what it might need when it comes to thinner altitudes.

What Gear Do You Need?

Right, what to load in that bag of yours! First, for comfort get some quality hiking shoes, without a doubt. Break those suckers in. Foot problems can transform such a killer hike into absolute despair! You might think to throw in clothing, so grab layers. I can vouch you will encounter loads of conditions – the warmth from intense sunshine plus pretty nippy situations up higher or any old rain shower. Don’t forget this must include some, arguably, waterproof stuff too. Pack sunblock, shades and, even, caps just because, with the sun being ultra harsh as it could be close to the Equator.

Is it Right for You?

Who then, anyway, would think about the Llactapata Trail? I’d suggest it for the hikers who aren’t frightened from, more or less, a reasonable amount of hard activity, but that want distance, a quiet space, through doing this whole Machu Picchu trip. Should you fall right into this party then totally investigate it. And also be certain about checking on some travel provider choices when doing that kind of scheduling. Different service fees, various things encompassed – shop around to grab this bang on at where its bang for its buck hits you most.

To conclude, it seems, that you are not really into herds. It is apparent that your are that guy seeking that off-the-beaten path or that somebody, conceivably, passionate related with old cultures – at that stage definitely look to the Llactapata Trail. You see the sights. Your explore. You should, actually, absolutely discover a whole host of memories without needing a scrum.

You, certainly, deserve so to plan those travels in great shape. Make sure to prep yourself! Get your logistics fixed plus it gives back the memories which endure lifetimes!

Enjoy those memories.

Happy Trails.

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