The Palcay Trail - Horizon Guides

Difficulty: Strenuous
Distance: Approx. 42km
Duration: Four days hiking
Start/end point: Soraypampa/Hidroelectrica
Accommodation: Camping

The Palcay Trail is a virtually unheard of Machu Picchu trek. The trail runs through community-managed land and access is allowed only with local consent, making this a truly unique trek for those who manage to get permission.

I find this route offers all the magical elements of the Inca Trail – cloud forest, Inca ruins, towering mountains – but almost entirely free of any other trekkers. The route starts in Soraypampa, approximately three hours’ drive from Cusco, and begins climbing almost straight away. The main climb is on the second day, with two high mountain passes, and by the fourth day you arrive at the hydroelectric station near Aguas Calientes. Typically you’d spend the night in a hotel there before doing a day tour of Machu Picchu the following morning.

One word of caution, though: this is a very challenging route, and one I’d only recommend for fit and experienced trekkers. The highest point is Inka Chiriaska at 4,937 m, and Palcay Pass isn’t far off at 4,708 m. The ascents are steep but the views, right across the valley all the way to Salkantay mountain, are incredible.

You can’t realistically do this hike on your own, you need a guide and to gain the necessary permissions to enter community-managed land.

Action Peru Treks

Indigenous owned trekking operator

Learn more

At a glance

Destinations

Machu Picchu

Activity

Adventure, Hiking & Trekking, Active, Walking, Nature & Wildlife, Culture, Archaeology, Responsible Travel, Slow Travel

Physical Level

Strenuous

Season

January - December

Duration

4 days

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