05/04/2016
What is an “Alternative Trek”?
An Alternative Trek is, in simplest terms, an alternative to the Inca Trail. Due to the strict permit process for the Inca Trail, these first became popular for those who were not able to secure a permit. But people are learning there are some real advantages to the alternative treks and that these routes are second to none.
v Inca Trail
Of course there are several differences between the Inca Trail and other treks like the amount of ruins you pass along the way, but the main difference is that the Inca Trail is the only hike that allows you to walk directly through the Sun Gate into the Machu Picchu. Everyone else must enter through the main gates of the citadel. Once inside you are always able to walk to the Sun Gate to get that view from above (for free) but it will not be your first view of the ruins.
The alternative treks that end at Machu Picchu will ALL spend one evening in a hotel in the town of Aguas Calientes, the village below Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu day will begin with a bus trip from Aguas Calientes up to the ruins (about 25 minute bus ride) and these buses are all first come, first serve. It is possible to hike from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, but you will still need to enter through the main gate.
Pros of the Alternative treks
Even though they are growing in popularity, it is still likely that you will hike through the Andes with just you, your team and the locals. The roads are not crowded with tourists and you are visiting places that can only be reached by foot.
Also, for those focused on nature, these treks are often more beautiful. And each offers something special like heading to Salkantay Pass by the glaciers or to local villages with Lares. Treks like Choquekiraw or Vilcabamba visit other tremendous and important inca citadels that are truly “off the beaten path.” And they might not be forever, as the government has plans to create a gondola to visit Choqueriaw ruins.
Our Alternative Treks
TO MACHU PICCHU
5D/4N Salkantay Trek: Probably the most popular alternative trek. This is a bit more difficult than the Inca Trail as the days are longer and more hiking. You will experience many different micro-climates, changing your scenery drastically each day. Includes our best campsite on the third night overlooking Machu Picchu.
4D/3N Salkantay Trek: Essentially the same path as above but skips our campsite on the third night and spends a small amount of time in a car to get you to Aguas Calientes on day 3.
4D/3N Lares Trek: Famous for spending time with local people at villages only reached by foot. Spends more time in the Alpine, so a bit colder, but spectacularly beautiful.
3D/2N Huchuy Qosqo: This trek is a bit easier with only 1.5 days of hiking. And you don’t skip any of the beauty, passing by waterfalls and through a small canyon. Great for those who want to experience camping, but only for 1 night.
2D/1N Huchuy Qosqo: A shorter version of the above trek with no camping. This is essentially a 1 day hike and visit to Machu Picchu on day 2.
8D/7N Choquekiraw: This is for our experienced hikers as its a long trek with difficult passages. You will get to spend a lot of time at Choquekiraw ruins, which is larger than Machu Picchu and famous for its Llama Wall.
6D/6N Vilcabamba: Another important ruin, where the last Inca fled when the Spaniards arrived to Cusco. The start of this trek is quite far so we leave in the later afternoon and spend one night camping at the trailhead and then continue this amazing journey. Very off the beaten path and quite difficult.
BEAUTIFUL TREKS THAT DON’T GO TO MACHU PICCHU
7D/6N Ausangate Trek: Recently Ausangate has been photographed by famous photographers including National Georgraphic showcasing the amazing beauty. Some areas of this trek look like you are on another planet. Rich in color, but quite difficult to hike.
5D/4N Ausangate Trek: This hike circles Ausangate mountain, which as mentioned above, is one of our prettiest routes through the Andes. Quite Difficult.
5D/4N Choquekiraw: Hike to Choquekiraw and spend more than a day running around this huge complex larger than Machu Picchu.
4D/3N Choquekiraw: Same trek as above with less time spent at the ruins of Choquekiraw.