Best alternative treks in Cusco Peru besides the Inca Trail

When it comes to trekking in Peru, the Inca Trail is the most popular and iconic hike and everybody who loves outdoor activities and has an adventurous heart, knows about it. However, not everyone is willing to face the crowds and the cost associated with the Inca Trail. Fortunately, there are plenty of alternative treks in Cusco, Peru, that offer a unique and exciting experience for trekkers looking for something a bit different. Here are some of the best alternative treks besides the Inca Trail.

The first alternative trek in Cusco, Peru, is the Choquequirao Trek. This is  a beautiful but challenging trek and Choquequirao is often referred to as the “Lost City of the Incas”. This is a complex network of Inca terraces, stairways, and plazas located high on a mountain ridge in the Vilcabamba mountain range. The trek to Choquequirao begins in the small village of Cachora, and it takes travelers about 4-5 days to reach the ruins. This trek offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, and it is considered to be one of the best treks in Peru. The Choquequirao Trek is also one of the most difficult treks in Peru and is not for everyone or untrained travelers. To reach Choquequirao, you will walk  for approximately 50 miles (80 kilometers ) over four to five days to complete. The trek is mostly uphill and can be very steep in places, with altitudes ranging from 7,380 feet (2,250 m) to 10,000 feet (3,050 meters).

The second alternative trek is the Salkantay Trek. This one is very popular among hikers and adventurers and it is too a great alternative to the Inca Trail. The trek begins in Mollepata and takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the area, including the stunning Salkantay Mountain. During the adventure, trekkers will experience a variety of terrains, ranging from steep ascents and descents, to flat sections of trail. It is important to be prepared for the changing weather conditions, as the trek takes place in the highlands of Peru. Trekkers should also be aware of the risk of altitude sickness, which can be easily prevented by taking the necessary precautions before and during the trek. The trek is definitely challenging and takes 5 days to complete, but the views along the way are more than worth it.

The third alternative is the Lares Trek. This trek is a great alternative for those looking for a less strenuous hike, as it is a relatively short and easy trek. The trek begins in the town of Lares and takes you through some stunning scenery, including snow-capped mountains and valleys. You will go to Calca from Cusco by car for about an hour. From here you will make your way up to the Lares Valley at 12,468 f (3,800 m). This is a charming place surrounded by mountains, green meadows, and crystal-clear lakes. The trek takes about 3 days to complete and offers some great opportunities for wildlife and bird watching.

Number four on the list is the Ausangate Trek. This is the most remote and difficult treks in Peru, and it is perfect for those looking for an out of the ordinary experience. The trek takes adventurers through some of the most stunning scenery in the region, where you can see snow-capped peaks and turquoise lakes. The Ausangate Trek begins in the village of Tinqui, which is the gateway to the high peaks of the mountain range. From here, you will take a short bus ride to the starting point of the trek at Pucacocha. You will go up on a steep ascent to the first camp at Upis, which is located at 14,760 f (4,500 m) above sea level. It's a longer and more challenging day, as you ascend to the highest point of the trek at 16,240 f (4,950 m). From here, you will get spectacular views of the surrounding area to the final camp at Pampacancha, where you will see the powerful Ausangate, the highest peak in the range. The trek is fairly challenging and takes about 4-5 days to complete.

All of these treks offer something unique and exciting, and they are all great alternatives to the Inca Trail. So, if you are looking for something out of the ordinary   and a unique trekking experience in Peru, then these are some of the best treks to consider.