For those traveling in Peru, the allure of the country’s most famous trekking trail, the Inca Trail trek, is undeniable. Spending four to five days ascending some of the Sacred Valley’s most breath-taking scenery, along the same route taken by Incan pilgrims so many centuries before is an unforgettable experience during one of our luxury Machu Picchu tours.
As one of the best luxury travel companies in Peru, Aracari has been curating Inca Trail itineraries for over 25 years. Throughout that time, demand for completing the illustrious Inca Trail has soared. Where once we’d seen only the most adventurous amongst our guests headed to the starting point, we now welcome those seeking a more luxurious and comfortable Andean adventure during their Peru vacation.
This surge has transformed Peru’s Inca Trail.
Whilst numbers are carefully monitored by authorities in order to preserve and protect the Inca Trail, Peru – what was once only read about in books, is now one of the world’s most sought-after bucket list adventures.
For that reason, Aracari has worked with many guests looking for an Inca Trail alternative. Trekking routes in Peru that offer all the majestic beauty of Peru’s most popular trail, whilst remaining largely undiscovered to tourists.
Peru is marbled with some of the world’s most awe-inspiring treks.
As leading Peru travel advisors, Aracari’s unrivalled knowledge of Peru means that our team have mapped the country’s incredible trekking routes from North to South, East to West. Our adventure guru, Mark Green [link] has worked alongside Marisol for years, to curate walks for guests of all abilities and ages. Through forest, desert or mountains – if it’s an alternative to the Inca Trail you seek – the path less trodden – then Aracari, a top Peru travel company, is your starting point.
Multiday camping alternatives to the Inca Trail
Salkantay – varied scenery and vistas of Machu Picchu
4 Days, 3 Nights, Rigorous, 58 km (36 mi), Max. Altitude: 4,600m (15,091 ft)
Following another ancient trail close to Machu Picchu, the Salkantay trek includes mountain passes and descents into high-altitude jungle. The trail’s close proximity to the Inca Trail trek means you may also get a glimpse of Machu Picchu from the last campsite. A favorite amongst the Aracari team and our guests traveling to Peru, the Salkantay trek is a challenging trail but one well worth the reward.
Choquequirao – a challenging hike to a former Inca city
5 Days 4 Nights, Rigorous, 53 km (32.9 mi), Max. Altitude: 3,035m (9,957ft)-
One of the more rigorous treks in Peru, this route leads to another significant Inca site that is larger and lesser known than Machu Picchu – and therefore far less crowded. During our luxury Peru itineraries, Aracari’s Peru guides will navigate our guests around the raging, glacier-fed Apurimac River, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, to Choquequirao – a remote and rarely visited former Inca city.
Patakancha to Lares – traditional villages and Andean scenery
2 Days 1 Night, Moderate, 20 km (12.4 mi), Max. Altitude: 4,700 m (15,419 ft)
This is a shorter option for those trekking in Peru and will see Aracari guests led past traditional villages where the community live much like their Inca ancestors, in stone and adobe homes with thatched roofs. Following a route our Peru guides have trekked for decades, Aracari guests will finish their luxury trek at soothing hot springs in the town of Lares.
Multiday Lodge-to-Lodge alternatives to the Inca Trail
Ausangate Lodge-to-Lodge
5 Day 4 Nights, Rigorous, 10-16 km (6-11 miles) per day, Max. Altitude: 5,200m (17,060 ft)
This breath-taking Peru trek is through the Vilcanota Cordillera and close to the highest sacred mountain in all of Cusco. Our chosen route has always been the Camino del Apu Ausangate. When our guests choose this luxury trek in Peru, they are accompanied by llamas and horses, owned by shepherds of the nearby community of Chilca, whom Aracari continues to support.
Salkantay Lodge-to-Lodge
7 Days 6 Nights, Rigorous, 63 km (39 mi), Max. Altitude: 4,638 m (15,216 ft)
Trekking the spectacular Cordillera Vilcabamba range and traversing the magnificent Salkantay Valley with Aracari, means passing glorious peaks and lush tropical vegetation en route to Machu Picchu. This hike features unique luxury tambos or lodges, where daily meals are prepared by our experienced, local chefs.
What makes trekking in Peru with Aracari different?
Each of Aracari’s luxury Peru treks are offered on a private basis only. We don’t accommodate for groups, meaning you have all the knowledge, experience and skill of our expert local guides for your party alone.
Marisol and her team of Travel Designers are themselves seasoned walkers, having trekked each of the before mentioned routes in order to curate the very best trekking experiences in Peru for guests. Every detail has been considered to make trekking in Peru with Aracari comfortable and luxurious, whilst also staying true to the great outdoors and the local communities and landscapes.
What’s more, our Peru guides are not only locals who know all the secrets of these ancient regions, but also researchers, archaeologists and specialists in subjects such as the Inca Empire. The partnership between Aracari and our Peru guides ensures that guests have an unrivalled insight into the destinations they visit when traveling in Peru.
Travel in Peru with Aracari and enjoy the vast open spaces of a country mapped with trails just waiting to be discovered. View our trekking itineraries.