It is a big mistake to assume
that there is only one short Inca Trail
in Peru. In fact, there are innumerable ways across the country that leads
from modern towns to the past. The Incas were masters of road construction and
laid their paths all over the Andes - a total of 29,750 km long system of
larger and smaller roads and paths. You have a lot of choices - but where to
start? That's where we come in. We present four less well known - but equally
fantastic - alternatives to the Inca
Trail.
1. The Huayhuash circular route
Huaraz is located north of Lima
and, as the capital of the Ancash highland region, is the starting point for
numerous routes. At the top is the Huayhuash circular walk (pronounced white
wash) - a demanding seven-day hike that takes you up to 6,000 m. Trekking in
this region is becoming increasingly popular, not least thanks to Joe Simpson's
book "Fall into the Void" and the film based on it. Look forward to
glacial lakes, snow-capped peaks and rocky paths. What you won't see here are
crowds of people. This means that you will feel like you have the fantastic
nature around you all to yourself.
As for snow-capped peaks and
beautiful mountain panoramas, the Cordillera Huayhuash in Peru can easily keep
up with the Himalayas or the Rocky Mountains. In fact, this Peruvian mountain
range is a dream come true for all trekking friends. It lies in one of the most
remote parts of the Andes and demands a lot from those who want to conquer it.
Are you ready for the Cordillera Huayhuash? Then grab your backpack and read
more about it here .
2. Lares Trek
This three-day tour, which starts
at Cusco, is often the preferred alternative for travelers who have not
received an Inca Trail permit. It starts in the magnificent Ollyantambo and
continues through the Lares Valley via a path that takes you even higher than
the Inca Trail - the highest point of the Lares Trek is at 4,750 m (15,583 ft).
The landscape in the Lares Valley
is as beautiful as that of its famous counterpart. One of the greatest
advantages of the Lares Trek is that it leads hikers closer to the indigenous
Quechua, in whose villages they have the opportunity to learn more about the
centuries-old web tradition of this people. During the hike through farmland in
the Andes you get unique insights into life here and can look for condors and
alpacas. You will find that this region has a lot to offer, not just
geographically.
More information about the Lares trek 4 days
Avoid the crowds and go your own
way on the Lares Trek, a great alternative to the Inca Trail. This hike focuses
on the fascinating culture of the Incas. The path also leads you through some
very remote mountain villages and offers you insights into the lives of people
in the Andes. Buckle up your hiking boots here.
3. Salkantay Trek
The classic Inca Trail is rightly famous for its varied nature, but the
Salkantay Trek is even more spectacular. In fact, this is one of the most
beautiful peaks in the Peruvian Andes. The path begins in the Sacred Valley and
leads through the beautiful mountain passes of the Cordillera Vilcabamba up to
an altitude of 4,200 m (13,779 ft). This is not quite as high as the classic
Inca Trail and is therefore ideal for everyone who is not used to hiking in the
thin air. Nevertheless, it is of course not a walk and requires some physical
exertion. But you will also be rewarded with breathtaking views of Salkantay.
Hike in the shadow of the
Cordillera Vilcabamba, get to know the people here and explore forgotten Inca
ruins. The hike ends in Santa Teresa, the back door of Machu Picchu. Here you
can take the train to Aguas Calientes for an early morning visit to Machu
Picchu. Learn more about Salkantay here.
4. Choquequirao Trek
This is the right hike for anyone
who wants to learn more about forgotten Inca cities. The eight-day route takes
you via the Cordillera Vilcabamba right into the center of the archaeological
site of Choquequirao and ends in Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.
Travel back in time on this challenging but rewarding hike when the Inca Empire
was at its zenith.
Related Post: Rainbow Mountains in Peru: A Tour Review
This challenging 12 day hike
takes you to the most incredible Inca sites in Peru and is perfect for those
who love mountains and history alike. Complete the breathtaking hike to the
Choquequirao mountain fortress - free of tourist hordes - and then continue to
Santa Teresa, the back door of Machu Picchu.
Conclusion
Follow the traces of the Incas
past ancient Tambo ruins to the roof of the Andes and fill your lungs with
fresh mountain air on these alternatives to the classic Inca trail 4 days. Many who
are interested in hiking in Peru have questions about travel or planning. Here
we have summarized the most common. , And happy trekking!
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