These are The Top Five Treks in Peru After the Inca Trail, According to A Travel Expert

"For most first-time travelers to Peru, the Inca Trail is the one trek they know - an iconic, multi-day march to the Sun Gate at Machu Picchu. While undeniably spectacular, the trail has become overcrowded, with limited permits and soaring demand. Fortunately, Peru offers a host of lesser-known treks that rival and often surpass the Inca Trail. Drawing on my 20 years of planning luxury itineraries in Peru, these are my top five alternatives."

"Often ranked as one of the world's most beautiful treks, the Huayhuash Circuit loops through the Cordillera Blanca, filled with jagged peaks, glacial lakes, and soaring mountain passes. New direct flights from Lima to Huaraz now makes this remote region more accessible. Note: this trek is not for the faint-hearted. Although no technical mountaineering is needed, the shortest version takes eight days and reaches heights of 5,200 meters, or about 17,000 feet."

"Thanks to Instagram, Rainbow Mountain has shot to the top of Peru's most recognizable landmarks. While the day trip from Cusco is a grueling eight-hour, round-trip car journey, a five-day Ausangate trek can offer a richer, more immersive experience. The route takes you through a high-altitude terrain dotted with mineral lakes, hot springs, and herding communities. You'll still see Rainbow Mountain, but it is just one of many spectacular panoramas that will linger in your memory long after the trek ends."

The Inca Trail remains the most famous multi-day trek to Machu Picchu but has become overcrowded with limited permits. Peru contains several lesser-known multi-day treks that rival or surpass the Inca Trail in scenery and experience. The Huayhuash Circuit loops through the Cordillera Blanca with jagged peaks, glacial lakes, and passes reaching about 5,200 meters and requires at least eight days. The Ausangate Circuit offers a five-day high-altitude route with mineral lakes, hot springs, herding communities and views including Rainbow Mountain. The Salkantay Trek crosses snow-capped peaks and cloud forest and features luxury lodges. Waqrapukara presents cliff-top Incan fortress ruins and dramatic rock formations.

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