Great alternative to Classic Inca Trail - the Cachiccata Trek
With Inca Trail passes filling up 3 months in advance (sometimes even faster during peak travel months) the last-minute Peru trekker can find themselves wondering what their options are when there's not a trail pass to be found. Well, don't fret, there are alternatives, and I am pleased to say they are excellent.
Salcantay
If you want to stay within the same region as the Classic Inca Trail, consider the Salcantay trek. National Geographic Adventure did a feature on the Salcantay a few years ago called "Trekking to Macchu Picchu (The Cool Way)" -- and frankly, it's pretty cool. But the reason it's not as popular as the Classic Inca Trail is the Salcantay does not hike directly into Machu Picchu. This is a big deal for some folks -- and rightfully so; when you hike those steps up to the sun gate to over look Machu Picchu after 4 days of trekking through the Andes... it's truly special.
There are actually options that combine the two; after about 4 days on the Salcantay, you can join up with the classic Inca Trail near the community of Huayabamba and finish the remainder of the trail into Machu Picchu. Equates to about 7 days of Andes trekking.
Keep in mind, the Inca built a road system stretching along the coast from Ecuador and into Chile and Argentina – an estimated 25,000 kilometers of roads. To put is simply there is lots and lots and lots of "Inca Trail" throughout the region.
Is one trek better than the other? Well -- the Salcantay is more secluded, and less developed than the classic trail, but the environment/scenery is very similar since both treks are in the same region.
Highest elevation you'll reach in Salcantay is 15,252 feet -- Inca Trail 13,776 ft. 7D/6N trek: Total Distance: ~ 45 miles
Highest Altitude: 15,252 ft.
Cachiccata Trek
I also highly recommend the Cachiccata Trek. This cultural 4 day/3 night trek includes a visit to the Inca temples of Chokekillka and Intiwatana. It also visits local Peruvian communities. It's an easier, shorter option with hiking at lower altitudes. Rather than hike into Machu Picchu, you'll take the train at the end of this trek into the ruins. This is a more secluded and less-traversed trail – I'd be surprised if you ran into another traveler outside of your group. Total Distance: 12. 5 miles
Highest Altitude: 12,500 ft.
Views from the Cordillera Blanca Trek
If Machu Picchu is not a must on your list (or you are one of those lucky travelers who has 2 to 3 weeks to travel throughout Peru), there are some great option outside of the Sacred Valley region. The Cordillera Blanca (in the north) and the Ausangate (in the south) circuits offer some of the Andes most celebrated treks by hikers around the world.
Cordillera Blanca
One of Peru's most sought after treks is the Cordillera Blanca. Compacted into a fairly small area, this region has more than 50 peaks 18,700 ft or higher, including Huascaran, Peru's premier mountain. Total Distance 38.0 miles
Highest Altitude: 15,620 ft.
Views from the Ausangate Trek in Peru
Ausangate
Ausangate mountain is arguably the most sacred mountain in Peru. Range is in the southern part of Peru and is close enough to Cusco if you are interested in spending time in the colonial city -- but the range is very remote and away from the bustle. This Andean trek begins at the river Ocongate and onto the puna (high grasslands) towards Mount Ausangate. The highest point on this 7D/6N trek is Palomani Pass, ascending to 16,564 ft. Total Distance: 47.5 miles
Highest Altitude: 16,564 ft.
We've used Adventure Life for several trips in the past and have always been very pleased with them. The staff is personable and professional at the same time. Erin put this trip together for us in just a few days, and it has everything we were looking for! I recommend them without hesitation.
benn
1 month ago
I served as the person responsible for planning a trip to Galapagos and Machu Picchu for a group of 14 people. Jane with Adventure Life was very helpful throughout the process. Making suggestions, offering insight, and in the end helped me overhaul an initial plan into something even better. Also, Jane makes all the plans including the flights within and between Peru and Ecuador. Thanks to her this is going to be a stress-free adventure. After making the final decision about the trip, Jane gathered the contact information for all the travelers and sent out the details to each traveler individually with links to pay deposits, upload passport info, and personal preferences. She also ensured a group email was sent out to the entire group welcoming us to the trip preparation process. Our trip is a year from now and we are excited to make this once in a life time trek. I am happy to have organized things through Adventure Life. However, two small issues came up that were a little off putting. First, Adventure Life adds $50 per person to the cost for each traveler as a donation to a Galapagos conservation fund. I think this should he offered as something that can be added at each traveler’s discretion. Instead, it is automatically added, and each person must ask to have it removed if they do not want it included. Second, although the trip deposit may be paid with a credit card without incurring an additional fee, the balance must be paid in another way to avoid a 3% credit card fee. Maybe this is standard with all travel agencies. In the end I would definitely go through Adventure Life for the next big trip.
Brenda Nielsen
2 months ago
I think it was very helpful that Franny and I spoke on the phone. I think she had a better idea of what we were looking for, and she planned a great itinerary for us!
Elizabeth
3 months ago
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
3 months ago
Easy.
Great work on the follow up and details by Waru.