10 tours
Explore Peru beyond the Inca Trail. Salkantay, Rainbow Mountain and more spectacular routes with fewer crowds.
When the classic Inca Trail is sold out, or you simply want fewer crowds, Cusco has alternative routes many travelers rate just as highly. The Salkantay trek passes beside a 6,271-meter snow peak and covers a range of landscapes — from frozen highland puna to cloud forest — that the Inca Trail doesn't. The Choquequirao trek reaches an Inca citadel the size of Machu Picchu that receives a fraction of its daily visitors, crossing the deep Apurimac canyon along the way. The Lares trek pairs moderate hiking with Quechua communities that still weave the way they have for centuries, and Red Valley and Rainbow Mountain can be added as a day hike within longer routes. None of these require the Inca Trail's capped permit, which gives you far more flexibility on dates.
10 tours available
Conquer the legendary "Cradle of Gold" on this challenging 4-day expedition to Choquequirao, one of Peru's most spectacular and remote Inca citadels. This intense trek takes you deep into the dramatic Apurimac Canyon, descending and ascending through breathtaking mountain landscapes to reach ruins that remain largely unexplored and free from crowds. Unlike its famous sister Machu Picchu, Choquequirao receives only a handful of visitors each day, offering an intimate connection with ancient Inca history. Marvel at the unique white llama terraces, explore ceremonial plazas, and experience stunning panoramic views from this sacred site perched at 3,050 meters. Complete your adventure with visits to the mysterious Saywite Monolith and relaxing Conoc Hot Springs. This trek is perfect for adventurous travelers seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience in the heart of the Peruvian Andes.
Discover the majestic "Cradle of Gold" on this unforgettable 5-day expedition to Choquequirao, one of Peru's most remote and spectacular Inca citadels. This challenging trek takes you deep into the Apurimac Canyon, descending and ascending through dramatic mountain landscapes to reach ruins that remain largely unexplored and free from crowds. Unlike its famous sister Machu Picchu, Choquequirao receives only a handful of visitors each day, offering an intimate connection with ancient Inca history. Marvel at the unique white llama terraces, explore ceremonial plazas, and experience breathtaking panoramic views from this sacred site perched at 3,050 meters. This trek is perfect for adventurous travelers seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience in the heart of the Peruvian Andes.
Embark on an epic 8-day journey connecting two of the most extraordinary and remote Inca cities in Peru: Choquequirao and Machu Picchu. The adventure begins with a challenging descent into the imposing Apurímac Canyon, before climbing to Choquequirao, the legendary “Cradle of Gold”. This monumental Inca citadel, comparable in size to Machu Picchu and visited by only a fraction of its travelers, offers a deeply immersive experience of Andean history and landscape. This is a journey for experienced adventurers who seek much more than a trek: a little-traveled route, extraordinary landscapes and the deep satisfaction of conquering each stage until you reach one of the most iconic wonders of the world.
Embark on an unforgettable 3-day journey through the heart of the Sacred Valley on this spectacular trek to the ancient Inca site of Huchuy Qosqo, meaning "Little Cusco." This moderate adventure takes you through stunning Andean landscapes, past the mystical Lake Qoricocha, and along ancient Inca trails to reach one of the region's most impressive and least-visited archaeological sites. After exploring the remarkably preserved ruins with their distinctive multi-story buildings and agricultural terraces, descend through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo and continue to Aguas Calientes for your guided tour of Machu Picchu. This trek offers the perfect combination of cultural immersion, natural beauty, and world-class archaeology for adventurers seeking an authentic Peruvian experience away from the crowds.
Discover one of the least-known routes in the Andes on this extraordinary 4-day expedition to Machu Picchu, following the ancient paths of the Inca stonemasons. Unlike the classic Inca Trail, this journey crosses remote Andean landscapes, hidden waterfalls, ancient archaeological sites and the legendary Cachiqata Quarry, where enormous stone blocks —known as the “tired stones”— were abandoned during their transport. The route combines challenging high mountain passes, including Kuichiqasa at 4,450 m (14,600 ft), with impressive views of Nevado Veronica, plus visits to little-explored archaeological sites such as Inti Punku, the Sun Gate of Ollantaytambo, and Racaypata. The adventure culminates with a scenic train ride through the cloud forest to Aguas Calientes, followed by a guided visit to Machu Picchu, where you will discover the Inca Citadel in the early hours of the morning. An experience designed for travelers seeking adventure, history and extraordinary landscapes, far from conventional routes and in touch with the legacy of the ancient builders of the Andes.
This is one of our newest destinations, designed for those seeking original, unique experiences. From the ancient moon temple of Killarumiyoc to the natural Condor viewpoint in Chonta, and the mysterious archaeological site of Saywite, this 2-day journey takes you through the spectacular landscapes between Cusco and Curahuasi, known as the world capital of aniseed.
Immerse yourself in the heart of Andean culture on this extraordinary 4-day trek through the remote Lares Valley to the legendary Machu Picchu. Unlike the famous Inca Trail, the Lares Trek offers an authentic cultural experience, passing through isolated indigenous communities where traditional weaving and farming practices have remained unchanged for centuries. Begin your adventure at the famous Lares Hot Springs, trek over the breathtaking Pachacutec Pass at 4,700 meters, and witness stunning turquoise lakes, grazing alpaca herds, and snow-capped peaks. Visit the ancient Maras Salt Mines before boarding the scenic train to Aguas Calientes. Your journey culminates with a sunrise visit to the magnificent Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. This trek is perfect for adventurers seeking a deeper connection with Andean heritage while challenging themselves on spectacular high-altitude trails.
Embark on an epic 7-day adventure that combines two of Peru's most legendary routes into one unforgettable journey. Begin with the dramatic Salkantay Trek, ascending through diverse ecosystems from high-altitude glacial passes to lush cloud forests, before joining the iconic Inca Trail for the final approach to Machu Picchu. This unique combination offers the best of both worlds: the raw natural beauty of the Salkantay massif (6,271m) and the archaeological wonders of the ancient Inca pathway. Trek past turquoise lagoons, beneath snow-capped peaks, through tropical jungle, and along original Inca stone roads. The journey culminates with a magical sunrise entrance through the Sun Gate, revealing the Lost City of the Incas in all its morning glory. Perfect for adventurous trekkers seeking a comprehensive Andean experience.
Embark on an unforgettable 5-day adventure through Peru's most spectacular mountain landscapes on the legendary Salkantay Trek. Begin your journey beneath the towering sacred Apu Salkantay (6,271m), ascending through high-altitude grasslands to conquer the breathtaking Salkantay Pass at 4,630m. The trek descends dramatically through ever-changing ecosystems, from glacial peaks to lush cloud forests teeming with exotic flora and wildlife. Experience the warmth of local communities, visit organic coffee plantations, and explore ancient Inca ruins at Llactapata before your triumphant arrival at the magnificent Machu Picchu. This perfectly balanced itinerary combines challenging high-altitude trekking, comfortable Sky Camp and Jungle Dome accommodations, and the magic of arriving at the Lost City of the Incas. Perfect for adventurous travelers seeking an alternative route with fewer crowds and more natural diversity than the classic Inca Trail.
Experience the magic of the Salkantay Trek in a condensed 4-day adventure that delivers all the highlights without compromising on the experience. Begin your journey beneath the majestic sacred Apu Salkantay (6,271m), ascending through pristine high-altitude grasslands to witness the breathtaking turquoise waters of Humantay Lake. Conquer the legendary Salkantay Pass at 4,630m, then descend dramatically through ever-changing ecosystems from glacial peaks to lush cloud forests. This perfectly balanced itinerary combines challenging high-altitude trekking with comfortable Sky Camp accommodations, following ancient trails through the dramatic landscapes of the Andes. Perfect for adventurous travelers with limited time who still want to experience the essence of the Salkantay route and the magnificent Machu Picchu.
