Inca Trail versus Alternative trails

[Nemo]

I have heard conflicting reviews on the Inca Trail. The lonely planet book for south america says that it is a better bargin to try an alternative trail to machu picchu. I have also heard through the grapevine that The Inca Trail has a lot of trash along the way... I really would love to do the 5 day hike, but if anyone can tell me an alternative way that is BETTER or COMPARIBLE let me know. I cant imagine that any trail will be a disappointment...
Nemo

[Mark]

Hi Nemo,

The Lares trek is a wonderful alternative for the Inca Trail. No permits are requiered for the Lares trek. These are the details of the trek given by Kumuka Worldwide, our travel service partner.

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The Lares trek to Machu Picchu offers you the opportunity to trek ancient Inca paths and routes but away from the hordes of the classic Inca Trail. Step back in time as you trek through untouched and breathtaking landscapes set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, and watch a panorama of Andean villages, lakes and valleys unfold before you, revealing the way of life of the descendants of the Incas which has remained untouched for centuries.

This tour departs daily February and May – November and can be organized to suit your travel plans. November and February departures in particular can be affected by inclement weather, including snow. Please ensure that you are prepared with suitable clothing and sunglasses.

Day 1: Cusco - Quishuarani (Lares) - Cuncani - Yanacocha
Our private bus leaves Cusco at 05.30 for a scenic drive through the Sacred Valley, passing through Pisac, then stopping for a brief break and the chance to buy last minute snacks in Calca. Departing Calca around 06:45 we head off for the scenic drive to Quishuarani (3,700m / 12,150 ft) which is the starting point for the trek. Along the way you will be able to observe small Andean communities, spectacular mountain landscapes, herds of llamas and alpacas plus campesinos (people of the local villages) in colorful costumes as is traditional with all villages around Lares major district. A box breakfast will be served en route around 9am, and we'll arrive into Quishuarani before 10am, where we will meet our horses, handlers and trek staff.

We commence our beautiful trek through the Andes with a gentle climb from 3,700m to 4,200m (12,139 ft to 13,779 ft) before arriving at Queuña Cocha lagoon where we can observe Mount Sawasiray (5,400m / 17,716 ft) and Colque Cruz (5,600m / 18,372 ft). There is then a short, steeper climb to our first pass, Hualcacasa (4,400m / 14,435 ft) where Mount Veronica (5,700m / 18,700 ft, a sacred Apu mountain in this Valley) can often be observed in the high mountains, after which we descend for 30 minutes to reach our lunch destination beside the picturesque 'seven lagunas'. Following lunch we descend for a further 30 minutes through the community of Cuncani, then gradually ascend beautiful hillsides for 2 hours to reach our second pass, Qolqecasa (4,200m / 13,779 ft). 30 minutes descent from here past lagunas and waterfalls till we arrive at Yanacocha, our campsite for the night around 4.30pm.

Walking distance approx 14km (6-7 hours)

Day 2: Yanacocha - Wakawasi - Mantanay
After our 6.30am breakfast we leave Yanacocha and will gradually descend for approximately 2 hours until Chaqchapata (3,950m / 12,959 ft). We will be able to observe potato crops, flocks of llamas and alpacas developed in this part of the Andes and the local communities of people who continue living in houses made of stones. Along the slope we can observe the campesinos of Chaqchapata and 30 minutes further on of Wakawasi. We then ascend for approximately 1 and a half hours to our lunch destination by a glacial stream, Champacocha.

After our lunch break we ascend for approximately an hour to reach the highest point of our trek, the passage of Auroracasa (4,600m) where we will observe the lagoon Auroracocha. From Auroracasa we will descend to walk near two lagoons & traverse one more pass to enter the valley of Queuñas. We can observe a major change in scenery before arriving at our beautiful campsite in Mantanay (3,900m / 12,795 ft) after approximately 2 hours.

Walking distance approx 16km (7-8 hours).

Day 3: Mantanay to Yanahuara

After breakfast we start our walk at 7:30 am with a much easier day ahead as we descend to a lower altitude & enjoy amazing views of part of Moray Maras and Salineras, mountains and the queuñas bush valley. You will notice the sudden change of weather and environment & observe local campesinos farming different crops of corn, potatoes and local vegetables to sell later in villages in the Sacred Valley. This walk will take approx 4 hours to reach the picturesque village of Yanahuara where we enjoy the last lunch in our trek and say farewell to our staff, horses, handlers, cooks and assistants. A private bus will then take us for the 30 minute ride to Ollantaytambo train station where we will board the train for the 2 hour trip with our tour guide to Machupicchu town, Aguas Calientes.

Walking distance approx 12km, night and dinner in Hostel Viajeros.

Day 4: Aguas Calientes (2,100m / 6,889 ft) – Machu Picchu (2,400m / 7,874 ft) – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
Early breakfast (05.00am) before taking the bus directly to Machu Picchu at 06.00am. (Optional for those wishing to walk: leave 04.30am and walk up to Machu Picchu arriving approx 06.00am.)

In Machu Picchu it is still a 15 minute walk from the drop-off point to the famous views from the South Zone of the farming terraces at the end of the Inca trail. Enjoy the early tour of Machu Picchu with your guide who will explain the mysteries of this magical site, showing you the very best of it! Your guide will spend about 2 hours relating stories and explaining temples and special sectors.

Your tour of Machu Picchu should finish between 10 and 10:30am then you have free time to take your photos before the 10:30 crowds arrive. You will also have the opportunity to climb Huayna Picchu (minimum 90 mins - please arrange with your tour guide to get a pass for it), Inca bridge or the Sun Gate. We provide a buffet lunch in Aguas Calientes after the walk down from Machu Picchu. If you prefer a box lunch to have in Machu Picchu you must sign up for it at the office of our local partners before your trek.

Finishing Point: Cusco