Trekking in Peru

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Treks subject to Inca Trail Regulations

These treks are subject to the Inca Trail regulations and trek permits must be reserved well advance. Trek permits can sell out as far ahead as 5 months in advance. Check out the availability of Inca Trail trek permits in real-time. All companies offering these treks must have a special Inca Trail license.

CUSCO	Days	TREK DESCRIPTION
Classic Inca Trail (moderate)	4	The classic hike to Machu Picchu following the ancient route used by the Incas, passing through beautiful mountain scenery and lush green rain forest. There are plenty of Inca ruins along the way including Runkuracay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca and Wiñay Wayna. This trail is subject to the Inca Trail regulations and trek permits must be reserved well in advance. >> more info >>
Short Inca Trail (easy to moderate)	2	The shorter Inca Trail is for those trekkers with limited time on their hands or who just want to take things a little bit easier. This trail starts at km104 and ascends to the ruins of Wiñay Wayna before continuing on to Machu Picchu. Since you don't have much time at Machu Picchu on the first day most people spend the night at the nearby town of Aguas Calientes and return to Machu Picchu again the following day. >> more info >>
Mollepata - Salkantay - Wayllabamba - Machu Picchu (moderate to difficult)	7	A beautiful mountainous trek taking you away from the crowds for the first few days and finally joining the classic Inca Trail at Wayllabamba and continuing to Machu Picchu. This trail is subject to the Inca Trail regulations and trek permits must be reserved well in advance. >> more info >>

Alternative Treks

At the moment these treks are NOT subject to the Inca Trail regulations and trek permits are not required. Therefore this trek can easily be arranged just a few days in advance when you arrive in Cusco. However if you have limited time and want to trek with one of the better quality companies we would recommend making a booking a few weeks in advance.

CUSCO	Days	TREK DESCRIPTION
Lares to Machu Picchu "The Weaver's Way" (moderate)	4	The Lares Valley is a beautiful valley that runs parallel to and "behind" the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This series of mountain pathways takes you through unspoiled valleys well off the usual tourist trail. You'll see small communities living the same way as hundreds of years ago, practicing their local traditions and farming techniques. You will also have the chance to see locals producing beautiful hand-made textiles. There are several route options that start at either the thermal springs in Lares, the village of Quishuarani or Huaran in the Sacred Valley. Most of the options finish in the village of Patacancha a small weaving community not far from Ollantaytambo. A bus then takes you down to Ollantaytambo where you will take a train to Aguas Calientes. A visit to Machu Picchu is included on the final day >> more info >>
Mollepata- Salkantay - Santa Teresa - Machu Picchu "The Alternative Inca Trail" (moderate to difficult)	5	A trek which has become a popular alternative to the classic 4 day Inca Trail during the high season when spaces on the Inca Trail have become fully booked. The first three days involve a fairly difficult trek to Santa Teresa. The fourth day involves a shorter trek and a train ride to Aguas Calientes. The final day is spent visiting Machu Picchu and then returning to Cusco. >> more info >>
Ausangate Circuit (moderate to difficult)	6 or 7	This trek takes you off to the snowy Vilcanota mountain range and circles the 6384m peak of Ausangate worshipped throughout the Cusco region as one of the most powerful of mountain Apus or spirits. This stunning route usually combines trekking and horse riding and takes you through tiny Andean villages and past emerald coloured lakes. A trek for the hardy and well acclimatized. >> more info >>
Choquequirao (moderate)	4 or 5	Another of the "lost cities of the Incas". Still rarely visited although with new regulations being applied to cut congestion on the Inca Trail, Choquequirao is destined to replace the traditional hike as the serious trekkers alternative. >> more info >>
Choquequirao to Machu Picchu	7
Inca Jungle Trek / Inka Jungle Trek (moderate)	4	. >> more info >>
Vilcabamba	7	Follow the route of the retreating Incas in there attempt to flee the Spanish Conquistadors. This steamy trek through the rain forests of the Vilcabamba region is a must for Inca enthusiasts and for those seeking real adventure. >> more info >>

AREQUIPA

Days

TREK DESCRIPTION

Colca Canyon

(moderate to difficult)

3-7

Most people who visit the Colca Canyon do it as part of a one or two day organized tour of the villages along the edge of the canyon which requires very little exertion. However, the more adventurous can descend into the canyon itself on foot. There are numerous trails in the area. >> more info >>

El Misti Volcano

(moderate)

2 or 3

A 24km trek that circles and then ascends El Misti (5830m), a spectacular volcano that dominates the city of Arequipa. Best to acclimatize at higher altitudes such as Cusco or Lake Titicaca before attempting this trek. >> more info >>

HUARAZ	Days	TREK DESCRIPTION
Santa Cruz Trek (easy - moderate)	4 or 5	The most popular trek in the Cordillera Blanca. This 45 km hike passes through incredible mountain scenery including snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes and tranquil meadows. Maximum altitude 4760m (Punta Union Pass). Best months May to September. >> more info >>
Alpamayo (moderate to difficult)	10-12	A demanding 85km trek through some of the most magnificent scenery in the Cordillera Blanca. Much of the trek is spent above 4000m so acclimatisation is essential. Five passes over 4400m. Maximum altitude 4860m (Osoruri Pass). Best Months May to mid-September. >> more info >>
Olleros to Chavin (easy)	3	The 3-day trail winds its way through some wide open valleys, close to glaciers with some great mountain scenery. The high point is arriving at Chavin de Huantar, an interesting pre-Inca ruin with a complex of underground passages >> more info >>
Cordillera Huayhuash moderate to difficult)	3-12

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TREKKING IN PERU: Classic Inca Trail / Short Inca Trail / Salkantay / Ausangate / Lares / Choquequirao / Vilcabamba / Huaraz

DESTINATION GUIDE: Lima / Cusco / Machu Picchu / Sacred Valley / Arequipa / Puno / Huaraz / Nazca / Iquitos / Manu / Tambopata

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