Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Trekking
The department of Cuzco is a hiker's paradise. Ecosystems range from rainforest to high
alpine environments in these enormous mountain ranges. Trekkers may come upon isol-
ated villages and ruins lost in the undergrowth. Since altitudes vary widely, it is essential
to properly acclimatize before undertaking any trek.
Of course, most come to hike the famed Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Be aware that it's
not the only 'Inca trail.' What savvy tourism officials and tour operators have christened
the Inca Trail is just one of dozens of footpaths that the Incas built to reach Machu Picchu,
out of thousands that crisscrossed the Inca empire. Some of these overland routes are still
being dug out of the jungle by archaeologists. Many more have been developed for tour-
ism, and an ever-increasing number of trekkers are choosing them.
For more detailed hiking information, purchase an
Alternative Inca Trails Information
Packet
from the South American Explorers Club. Closer to Cuzco, imaginative operators
have developed multiday Sacred Valley trekking itineraries that go well off the beaten
track to little-visited villages and ruins.
For full coverage of the Inca Trail and alternative trekking routes to Machu Picchu,
Click here
.
Other recommended treks to archaeological sites include Choquequirau (
Click here
)
and Vilcabamba (
Click here
)
.
Other highly recommended treks include Lares (
Click here
)
and Ausangate (
Click
The following companies are Cuzco-based trekking specialists often recommended by
readers. For international outfitters and those offering Peru-wide treks,
Click here
.
Andina Travel
( 25-1892;
www.andinatravel.com
; Plazoleta Santa Catalina 219)
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