These are The High 5 Treks in Peru After the Inca Path

For many first-time vacationers to Peru, the Inca Path is the one trek they know — an iconic, multi-day march to the Solar Gate at Machu Picchu. Whereas undeniably spectacular, the path has change into overcrowded, with restricted permits and hovering demand. Thankfully, Peru provides a number of lesser-known treks that rival and infrequently surpass the Inca Path. Drawing on my 20 years of planning luxurious itineraries in Peru, these are my high 5 alternate options.

1. The Huayhuash Circuit

Typically ranked as one of many world’s most lovely treks, the Huayhuash Circuit loops via the Cordillera Blanca, full of jagged peaks, glacial lakes, and hovering mountain passes. New direct flights from Lima to Huaraz now makes this distant area extra accessible.

Notice: this trek just isn’t for the faint-hearted. Though no technical mountaineering is required, the shortest model takes eight days and reaches heights of 5,200 meters, or about 17,000 ft.

2. The Ausangate Circuit

Because of Instagram, Rainbow Mountain has shot to the highest of Peru’s most recognizable landmarks. Whereas the day journey from Cusco is a grueling eight-hour, round-trip automobile journey, a five-day Ausangate trek can supply a richer, extra immersive expertise. The route takes you thru a high-altitude terrain dotted with mineral lakes, sizzling springs, and herding communities. You’ll nonetheless see Rainbow Mountain, nevertheless it is only one of many spectacular panoramas that may linger in your reminiscence lengthy after the trek ends.

3. The Salkantay Trek

The Salkantay trek traverses snow-capped peaks and plush cloud forests, ending on the base of the mountain that results in Machu Picchu. It’s far much less crowded and provides a key aspect the Inca Path doesn’t: luxurious. With lodges alongside the route that includes sizzling tubs, connoisseur meals, and tender beds, it’s a uncommon mix of wilderness and indulgence.

4. Waqrapukara Trek

A real hidden gem, Waqrapukara options jagged rock formations and a cliff-top Incan fortress straight out of Recreation of Thrones. It’s doable to go to for a day-trip from Cusco, however I’d advocate a two-day itinerary, tenting beside the ruins for a spectacular dawn and a extra relaxed return.

5. Huchuy Qosqo

Huchoy Qosqo within the Sacred Valley passes via picturesque countryside and rural communities, and ends at among the finest preserved, and least-visited, ruins in Peru. Chances are high, you will be the one folks on the website. The hike takes round seven hours, although you may camp in a single day for a slower, two-day keep.

For these set on the Inca Path, there are luxurious choices, with every thing from the newest sleeping mats to connoisseur delicacies. Vacationers prepared to discover just a little additional afield will probably be rewarded. Whether or not it’s the grandeur of Huayhuash, or a luxurious lodge on the Salkantay route, these trails supply quite a lot of genuine and unforgettable methods to expertise the Andes.

Thomas Robinson is a member of Journey + Leisure’s A-Record and makes a speciality of Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador journeys. You possibly can create a tailored itinerary with Robinson by contacting him at [email protected].