Peru Treks from Cusco

#1; CLASSIC INCA TRAIL

Our Classic Inca Trail is a 4 day trek that runs as a small group tour. Stay at the popular campsites, use good camping equipment and thermarests to sleep on ( you can rent sleeping bags and thermarest from our office) and be well supplied with nutritious, plentiful meals and snacks. We offer daily departures, except in February, when the trail is closed. Orange Nation always includes a personal porter who will carry 7kg for you. We always include a private toliet tent on all of our treks.

Permits for the Inca Trail are limited to 500 per day and sold on a first come first served basis.

Cancelled spaces are not resold. So, if you can’t change your travel dates to fit with when permits are available then how about considering an alternative trek.

Our alternatives are all great treks in their own right and are less travelled. If you prefer having the mountains to yourselves, an alternative may be preferable anyway. See more information here!

INCA TRAIL ALTERNATIVES

Our Huchuy Qosqo, Lares, Salkantay, Choquequiaro and the Moon Temple treks all take you through the heart of the high Andes. Included a guided visit to Machu Picchu. Alternatively choose to hike the remote Ausangate trek. This takes you well off the beaten track and can still be combined with a visit to Machu Picchu before or after the trek.

We suggest you acclimatise for a minimum of 3 days and 3 nights in Cusco. If you have longer then spend longer acclimatising. The better acclimatised you are the more you will enjoy the trek.

#2; LARES and THE SHORT INCA TRAIL: (Cultural Hike)

Permits for the “2 day Inca Trail” or “Short Inca Trail” are easier to come by and are different from the permits for the full Inca Trail. You could consider the option of doing just a 2 day trek or combining it with our Lares Trek. This would make it a 6 day trip with day 5 being a hike to the site of Winay Wayna where you join the Inca Trail. Later follow it along to the Sun Gate, entering Machu Picchu as you would on the Inca Trail. Day 6 is then a guided tour of the site.

For a fuller experience I’d recommend the 6 day trip. Combining the two day Inca Trail with the lovely Lares Trek.

LARES: (5 days)

The Lares trek goes through a traditional weaving and farming areas close to the Sacred Valley. You will see people dressed in authentic highland Peruvian clothing, farmers at work, herds of llamas etc. You also have the opportunity to bathe in some hot springs.

Departures: Orange Nation starts on any date with a minimum of 2 people

More information here!

#3; SALKANTAY: (5 days)

The Salkantay option is a bit more rugged and tougher, with higher passes. Starting off at 3,600ms this trek goes up to 4,600ms and then drops down into the high jungle before coming in the back door to Machu Picchu. A stunning high-mountain walk with great views of the big snow-capped peaks in the area and ending at Machu Picchu.

Departures: Orange Nation has departures everyday.

More information here!

AUSANGATE LODGE BASED TREK: (5 days)

The Ausangate trek takes you to a wonderful remote area at the foot of the sacred peak of Ausangate. Fewer hikers and dramatic scenery make this trek a great choice. This trek is for those who’d like to veer a little off the beaten track. It is challenging mostly due to the altitude, so requires a longer acclimatisation pre-trek. This is one of our highest treks so we recommend at least 5 or 6 days of acclimatising before setting off.

Departures: Confirmed group departures every Friday from April to October (other departure days and private tours available, please ask).

AUSANGATE CAMPING AND TREKKING: (5 days)

This trekking adventure features a spectacular 5-day walk around Mount Ausangate in the remote and stunning Vilcanota Range. Fully supported, this trek features hot-springs, stunning mountain scenery and turquoise lakes – making it one of Peru’s finest hiking circuits.

You should be very well acclimatised before starting to walk as we will be camping in Altiplano well over 4,000m and crossing several passes at around 5,000m.

Departures: Regular group departures from April to October (please ask for dates to suit you).

MOON TEMPLE AND MACHU PICCHU: (5 days)

This Moon Temple trek is a great alternative to the Inca Trail, taking in some remote Inca ruins and many stunning mountain views on the way to Machu Picchu. This trek is truly off the beaten track. For anyone wishing to get away from other trekkers and to experience the beauty and rich Culture of the Andes this is a perfect option.

Departures: Regular group departures from April to October (please ask).

HUCHUY QOSQO and MACHU PICCHU: (3 days)

Huchuy Qosqo is a fantastically varied and short trek with Inca Trails and archaeological sites en route to Peru’s jewel, Machu Picchu. It is perfect for those seeking an alternative and interesting trek to Machu Picchu, but who don’t want to hike the longer trekking routes.

Departures: Regular group departures from April to October (please ask).