Hiking Peru, Adventure Travel and The Inca Trail

Few things in life are as exciting, challenging and stimulating as hiking Peru. You have so many options that it is difficult to choose!

Of course, there is the famous Machu Picchu with it’s Inca Trail, yet there are literally dozens of other excellent places to satisfy your desire for adventure travel in Peru.

Get off the beaten path and at least take one of the alternative treks to Machu Picchu. There are numerous companies that can guide you and provide you with almost any level of service you require.

One popular trek is Choquequirao, which gives you an experience of the real Andes and Peru, not just the touristy trappings.
There are also hikes to Salkantay, Expreso Slantways (only 4 days long!), Lares, Vilcabamba, Ausangate and Espiritu Pampa.

A good way to begin is with one of the one-day hikes around Cusco. Many people fail to take into account just how high the elevation is in the area and suffer as a consequence. It really important to take a few days to acclimatize.

One day hikes are also just the thing for people who are not all that fit, but still want to experience the real Peru. You can get a good taste of village life, meet some very interesting people and enjoy some delicious local food and drink. It is mild way to have an adventure without too much work!

Some of the one day hikes include descending into the Sacred Valley, Inca Estates and Hot Springs, an Inca Fortress, an Inca prison, and a hike to watch weavers and farmers in this most interesting region. In general, you can get a good guide for under $50 US for the day, which is a great deal!

These short treks can also be just the ticket for something really different, such as a wedding in the Andes! Now that would make a memorable event even more wonderful!

Cuzco is generally considered the gateway to hiking Peru. If you want to hike the Andes, this is the place to start. You can find nearly any type of expedition imaginable in this city, you just have to ask around. The treks range from very easy to extremely difficult, so be careful what you ask for!

You can arrange for a guide to take you on one day to 14 day treks. Some of the trails are very steep and challenging, especially if you are not acclimatized. Take your time and do your homework, you will not be disappointed!

Another popular way to see Peru is by bicycle. This is definitely for the fit and serious rider. The roads are windy, steep and the trucks and buses are not always that accommodating to cyclists. You can actually go from arid Andes to humid Amazon jungle in a few days on your bike! Try doing that at home!

Trekking by bicycle is a great way to go, and though most are very difficult, there are some that are moderate, yet still take you through some stunning scenery from, high sierra to low jungle.