Luxury trekking ideas as an alternative to the Inca Trail? Although there are many travel companies claiming responsibility for creating alternative routes for those who have not been able to book a permit to enter the Inca Trail, the truth is that these alternative routes have been around for a long time and are available at all budgets depending on the travel agency. Routes that offer all the best of the Andes and that should not go unnoticed and remain largely undiscovered by most tourists.
Through years of experience, Auri Peru offers you the best alternatives to the Inca Trail within the Cusco region, if you are looking for an alternative to the Inca Trail, join us in the following article.
SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU
The Salkantay Trek is the second most popular trek in the Cusco region and we can consider it as luxury trekking. It is an excellent alternative option to the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Many visitors have opted for the tranquility and connection with nature that is felt on this trek through the mountain range.
Throughout this hike, you will witness some of the most beautiful natural scenery in Cusco and Peru. You will also have the opportunity to see the gigantic Salkantay mountain in the background, covered with snow. You will be able to appreciate it up close as you walk along the slopes of this sacred mountain since ancient times, even before the Incas. The altitude of Salkantay is 20,574 feet (6,271 m).
Salkantay trek offers the opportunity to cross a series of different ecosystems with native flora and fauna. The beautiful scenery is not the only thing you will enjoy. On this trek you will be able to camp at night with a spectacular starry sky in the middle of this sacred route. Finally, after crossing mountains, valleys, mountain passes and a dense tropical jungle, you will arrive at the ancient inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
Salkantay trek short Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco to Soyroccocha (The Impressive Salkantay Peak)
Hiking through unique landscapes and delight yourself the turquoise lagoon!
Day 2: Soyroccocha to Collpapampa
Enjoy the fabulous and breath-taking beauty of this day’s hike!
Day 3: Collpapampa to Playa/Lucmabamba
Hike through the lush vegetation, waterfalls, and try the passion fruit!
Day 4: La Playa/Lucmabamba to Aguas Calientes
Appreciate some remains of the highly-acclaimed Inca trail!
Day 5: Machu Picchu Tour & Train Back to the Sacred Valley
Machu Picchu will take your breath away with its enigmatic and historical atmosphere.
You can check more details and reserve Salkantay trek in the following link:
LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU
This quiet route will allow you to meet impressive and picturesque local Andean villages surrounded by unbeatable landscapes, mountains and lakes. This trek starts in a small village located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, then ascends to more than 4000 meters / 13123 ft altitude passing through Andean villages such as Wacahuasi or Lares to finish in the relaxing hot springs of Lares.
This hike covers 37 kilometers in 4 days and 3 nights. The first two nights are spent in a conditioned camp to withstand the intense cold. The last night is spent in a tourist hotel in the town of Aguas Calientes. This way the visitor will be able to visit Machu Picchu on the last day in total comfort.
Lares trek short Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Lares– Wacawasi – Sondor
Bliss out with the beauty of the snow-capped mountain!
Day 2: Sondor – Abra Wacawasi – Abra Huayruro – Markacocha
Appreciate the insights into local life
Day 3: Markacocha – Pumamarca – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
Connect with locals in a small Andean village!
Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Delight yourself with the Magnificent of the Lost City of the Incas!
You can check more details and reserve Lares trek in the following link:
CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK
The Choquequirao Archaeological Complex is part of a group of Inca constructions dating back to the Inca period. Choquequirao includes numerous architectural remains: Inca terraces, platforms, ceremonial plazas, temples, reservoirs, fountains and canals, connected by endless stoned stairs and through a network of Inca trails.
The infamous Incas fled the city of Cuzco when it was besieged in 1535. Under the leadership of Manco Inca Yupanqui, they hid throughout the area around Choquequirao, and it is even presumed that it was used as a checkpoint to access the Vilcabamba area. What is certain is that Choquequirao functioned as a cultural and religious center, in addition to occupying a key position as an elevated structure that made uninvited guests visible.
The city played an important role as a link connecting the Amazon jungle with the city of Cusco. The region has many microclimates consisting of snow-capped peaks at about 6000m (19685f), between some of the most spectacular mountain peaks are deep, rich valleys that run into the thick, exotic jungle.
Choquequirao trek is a challenging route through the deep canyon of the Apurimac River. In total, hikers will walk 62 kilometers (round trip), both uphill and downhill. On the morning of the third day, visitors will visit the Inca constructions and palaces of Choquequirao. The Choquequirao route does not go directly to Machu Picchu, in its 5-day trek, it follows the same route both there and back.
Choquequirao trek short Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Cachora – Chiquisca
The adventureous in the Apurimac canyon begins!
Day 2: Chiquisca – Playa Rosalina – Marampata – Choquequirao
Enjoy of a real hidden Inka Gem!
Day 3: Choquequirao as the Little-Know Gem of Per
Be impressed by the remote Incan ruins of Choquequirao in the Peruvian Andes!
Day 4: Choquequirao – San Ignacio – Carmen
Feel the Cloud shadows moving across the grassland and the sun picking out fields the colour of bracken!
Day 5: Carmen – Tambobamba – Huanipaca
Enjoy the landscapes and come back to Cusco!
You can check more details and reserve Choquequirao trek in the following link:
Peru has many amazing places waiting for you, discover the most enigmatic and beautiful places in Peru with us. Working for many years in the travel industry, Auri Travel is pleased to help you with your travel plans to Machu Picchu and various places around Peru, come and enjoy a memorable adventure with us!
