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The Best Way to Hike Machu Picchu?

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by Amy A. Loftsgordon

I am planning a trip to Peru and I would like to go to Machu Picchu. According to the research I've done, I think there are two trails you can take to get up there. I'm wondering though what trail you would recommend considering that I'm not the fittest person. I mean, I go hiking once in a while but that's it. How difficult is each trail and what kind of shape do you need to be in? Should I physically prepare myself before going, and is altitude a problem?

--Sent via e-mail by Christel Richter, Minneapolis, Minn.

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Dear Christel:

Since the Inca Trail has grown immensely in popularity and become more and more regulated, you may be wondering if traveling to Machu Picchu is any less exciting. Well, I’m glad to say that it’s still well worth the trip.

From Cusco, there are several ways to get to Machu Picchu. For the rich folks who don’t want to get their pants dirty, there are helicopters or an air-conditioned tourist train to Aguas Calientes, the town closest to the ruins. But for the budget traveler, there are three main hiking routes that can be taken: the classic Inca Trail, Km 104/the Purification Trail, or the Mollepata Trail.

The Inca Trail

This trail takes three to four days and officially begins at Kilometer 88 on the railroad tracks that run from Cusco to the jungle town of Quillabamba.

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