Travel to Machu Picchu

The Salkantay trek is a 4-5 day trek through the Salkantay Mountain Pass (4600 masl, mind the altitude!) and can also be done independently if you have the gear and some experience. The scenery is amazing and if you go in the rainy season you will be rewarded with dozens of waterfalls. Though, at the same time, you will be wet for the most part anyways.

The other option, Inka Jungle trek to Machu Picchu is an alternative and adrenaline hike to Machu Picchu.

Other alternative trip to Machu Picchu is by car, but the "backdoor" route they use is also an option for independent travellers wishing to go-it-alone. Minivans and buses are cheap (15-30 soles) from "Terminal Santiago" in Cusco and take you to either Santa Maria or Santa Teresa. Santa Maria is further away from Aguas Calientes than Santa Teresa but is a nice option for those wishing to hike an alternative Inca trail used locally. The walk takes you through the mountains and tiny villages, even people's farms and offers impressive views of the valley. You can end up in Santa Teresa the same day and there are villages, such as Huacayupana and Quellomayo en route which offer an alternative view of local life and accommodation if you don't make it to Santa Teresa that day. Walking on from here to Santa Teresa is along the river (May - November) and by road during rainy season, although it is advisable to get advice before taking this route between November and April due to severe weather, but be very careful. From Santa Teresa to Hydroelectric is a 25 minute taxi or minibus ride and from here you can walk 3 hour flattish trek to Aguas Calientes which is one of the nicest parts of the journey.

The Peruvian government has imposed a 500 person pass