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It is not by accident that the Inca Trail is the most famous trek in the world. It is unique in many ways, not merely because you can only reach the three sets of Inca ruins along the way by foot, but because it is perhaps the only trek which hikes along Inca roads and steps, which have been hewn into spectacular scenery showing nature at its best.
Ascending and descending through various ecosystems, you’ll experience the high Andean Savannah or Puna to the cloud forest, spotting various beautiful flowers and birds along the way. But, there is one characteristic of this trek that you do not often hear about – it is tough. During your journey you will cross three passes with many steep climbs and descents. It is not suitable for everybody. However, we have many different types of treks to suit all aptitudes and appetites. The Inca Trail is just part of a significant network of roads that the Incas built during their heyday and there are other easier treks can be undertaken instead.
After the introduction of strict regulations by the Peruvian authorities a few years ago, today the Inca Trail is ordered and organised for the fortunate number of companies, such as Aracari, that are licensed to take clients there.
The Inca Trail is a challenge, but it is definitely worth considering if you are fairly fit as you cannot beat the euphoria of arriving at Machu Picchu by foot. It’s worth every step.
Inca Trail Treks
Trekking in the Cuzco area
Trekking in the Cordillera Blanca and Huayhuash
Recommended packing list
Trekking in the Cuzco Area Hotel-Based Hikes (up to 7 hours walk)
These treks vary in difficulty, and can be as short as 3 hours and as long as 7. We can put together an itinerary including some or all of the treks below, while over-nighting in the most conveniently located hotels and lodges. The hikes below are organized from shortest to longest. Please note that for the One-day Inca Trail, permits are required.
Short Camping Treks (1 or 2 nights)
These treks are ranked as easy, but the campsites can be at high altitude. (Over 3,800m or 11,400 ft ).
Loops
This are the only two treks that take you completely or partially around a mountain!
Village Treks
These treks take you close to communities and populated areas where you can still see traditional ways of life in the Andes :
Alternatives to the Inca Trail
We say these could be alternatives to the Inca Trail for two distinct reasons: In the case of Salcantay, the route it follows is close to the Machu Picchu area and you can actually see Macchu Picchu from your last campsite. You can then take the train to Aguas Calientes and you are in Machu Picchu! In the case of Choquequirao and Vilcabamba, both treks, whilst being quite different to the Inca Trail, lead you to two important and beautiful Inca sites. If you want to join both treks together and cross the Vilcabamba range, that is quite possible (18 days).
High Altitude Treks
This trek will keep you consistently at above 3800m/11,400ft. The Auzangate trek we feature is the basic route, but we can add a few days so you can try climbing part of Auzangate or doing a circuit around Lake Sibinacocha .
Low Altitude Treks
This trek offers the rare opportunity for those with problems with altitude, to trek in the Andes. All of the trek takes place in the cloudforest and below 3,600m/11,000ft
Archaeology Treks
If you love archaeology, the Andes around Cuzco are a haven to trek and see archaeology at the same time. From 1-day to multi-day hikes, including of course the Inca Trail, all of the treks below offer you the unique opportunity of visiting archaeology whilst in the midst of sensational geography.
Festival Treks
If there is one authentic and powerful experience in the Andes, it is the pilgrimage to the temple of Our Lord of Qoyllur R'iti (Star of Snow)
Lodge-to-Lodge Treks
These lodge-to-lodge treks make trekking in the Cuzco Area more than just a pipedream for those who simply cannot face the idea of camping out. Experience the comfort of enchanting mountain lodges which incorporate creature comforts into the trekking adventure of a lifetime.
Treks in the north (Huaraz area)
Trekking in the Cordillera Blanca (Parque Nacional Huascaran) is quite different from Trekking in the Cuzco area. Whereas there are local populations you will encounter, especially in some treks such as the Huayhuash circuit, or archaeology in the Olleros - Chavin Route, here the emphasis is on the breathtaking mountain scenery. There are over 50 peaks that exceed 5,000 metres (15,000ft) and during either the relatively short Santa Cruz-Llanganuco trek or the longer and more strenuous Huayhyash, you are spectacularly close to these giant mountains from the first day of your trek.
The Cordillera Blanca is the highest tropical mountain range in the world which makes a haven for climbers, as it enjoys a longer season than other climbing hotspots such as the Himalayas. It is considered to be equally or even more beautiful than the Annapurna in the Himalayas, according to the experts.
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