Machu Picchu Travel Forum

Can anyone recommend any good 2 or 3 day treks, as far as companies?

We will have 5 full days in Cusco/Machu Picchu before we continue on our journey, so estimating a 2 day trip would be most sensible . . . but we would like to do the most rigorous hiking possible that could be in such a brief time, and we don't necessarily care to have "comfortable" accommodations in a hostel/hotel. . . . we want to make the most of our time there. . . .

Thanks in advance

I highly recommend Peru Treks & Adventure, a locally-based trekking outfit in Cusco that has environmentally & socially sustainable practices. Also, they are advocates of porter welfare. They have been voted as the best agency in Cusco. We used this trekking agency for the classic 4 days/3 nights Inca Trail trek, so not sure if they offer a customized shorter 2-day version. You may want to check with them. See my general Peru pages for my write-up on this trekking agency. If not, you can also do your own alternative hike around the area of Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and just hire a good guide upon your arrival in Cusco. Note: you'll need 3 days of acclimitization time in Cusco prior to undertaking a trek. Goodluck & enjoy beautiful Peru!

What's the typical monetary transfer process with the local trekking companies? I am considering Waykitrek, and they are asking to do a Western Union money transfer. Is this reliable?

I believe we initially paid a $150 deposit, per person, out of our total trekking payment. We transferred this deposit via PayPal on-line. I suggest not to give the rest of the trekking payment until you arrive in Cusco, which is what our trekking company adheres to. Western Union is a global money-transfer service; however, I have not heard of your selected trekking agency, so can't comment on their reliability. Again, goodluck!