Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Hiking the Salkantay Route - An Alternate Inca Trail Trek


The awe-inspiring mountain range surrounding the ancient city of Machu Picchu, a must-see Peru travel site, is one of the world’s most enchanting landscapes. The “Land of the Incas,” as this Peruvian region is known, offers ancient Incan ruins and breathtaking alpine scenery, a winning combination for any adventure traveler. In response to the thousands of trekkers that hike along the traditional Inca Trail route from Cusco to Machu Picchu each year, Mountain Lodges of Peru offers the Salkantay Route as an alternative hiking option. The trail features similar natural and historic wonders, without the crowds found on the traditional route.

Aside from avoiding the throngs of travelers who hike the Inca Trail each year, the Salkantay (Salcantay) Route offers a lodge-to-lodge trekking option that is ideal for Peru travelers looking for premier hiking opportunities, without sacrificing a good night sleep or other comforts of luxury travel. This alternative route to Machu Picchu winds through the Cordillera Vilcabamba, a stunning mountain range in the heart of the Andes. By day, lodge-to-lodge hikers will travel through lush cloud forests and small, traditional villages while passing stunning natural wonders, such as the Salkantay peak and Humantay Glacier Lake. By night, trekkers will enjoy the comforts of the mountain lodges, including delicious cuisine, heated rooms, hot showers, satellite phones and internet.

Mountain Lodges of Peru, a premier Peru adventure tour provider and the first company to offer lodge-to-lodge treks along the Salkantay Route, offers a 7-day adventure along this unique hiking trail. This distinctive Machu Picchu tour option features adventure-filled days, combined with relaxing nights at luxury eco-lodges. Built according to eco-friendly practices and influenced by traditional Incan construction techniques, the adventure lodges used by MLP ensure that guests will experience the wonders of the Peruvian landscape without negatively impacting this rich environment.

In addition to a thrilling 6-day trek through the Andes, this weeklong adventure from Mountain Lodges of Peru features a guided tour of the mysterious ruins of the “lost city” of Machu Picchu – being this the ultimate Peru tour package to experience the fascinating history, cultural charm, and unparalleled flora and fauna of this special South American region.

Often considered more scenic than the traditional 4-day Inca Trail path, the Salkantay Route takes trekkers through fifteen bio-zones, across stunning mountain passes, and to heights up to 15,000 feet, along its path to the ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu. For travelers looking for a one-of-a-kind Peruvian adventure experience, a lodge-to-lodge trek along this alternative Inca Trail route is a can’t miss choice.

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