Trekking holiday ideas in Peru

Almost all visitors to Peru have heard of the Inca Trail - or Qhapaq Ñan - with many seeking out the routes to reach the awe inspiring 'New Seven Wonder of the World', Machu Picchu.

But there are also many other breath-taking treks to discover in Peru, outside of, this, perhaps the most famous route.

Also, with the Inca Trail getting booked up months in advance and closing during the month of February for conservation, it has never been a better time to discover different and breathtaking trails in Peru.

Hidden Peru

Discover Machu Picchu's sister site Choquequirao, of which only about 30 per cent has currently been excavated - with the rest hidden deep in the Salkantay Mountain Range.

Located on a mountain spur, and separated from Machu Picchu by the peak of Nevado Salkantay (itself some 6,264 metres tall) the site overlooks the Apurímac River and offers unbeatable 360 degree views of the surrounding ranges.

The journey takes a minimum of four days, through the spectacular Apurímac Canyon where the rare Peruvian Condor can often be seen.

Another popular location to view the magnificent Condor is the Colca Canyon, one of the world's deepest canyons (at 3,400 metres deep) and twice the depth of Arizona's Grand Canyon.

Two or three day treks can be arranged from Arequipa with local guides, staying at the base of the canyon with most treks ending in an energetic ascent, arriving at the rim to see sunrise turn the distant white peaks pink.

Wondrous Andes

Bearing east from the coast are the highlands, where three mountain ranges meet and entwine among snow-capped peaks, volcanoes, canyons and valleys that give life to the imposing Andes.

Here lie the impressive Cordillera Negra and Cordillera Blanca ranges - Black and White Mountain Ranges - the latter with snow-capped peaks that rise higher than 5,700 metres above sea level.

Visitors can take a spectacular trek past waterfalls and snow capped Andean peaks of Chacraraju and Pisco on route to the sparking blue lagoons of Lake 69. Also the Santa Cruz trek is an unforgettable journey to one of the most beautiful valleys in the Cordillera Blanca where the spectacular peaks of Santa Cruz, Alpamayo, Taulliraju and Chacraraju provide a majestic backdrop.

Take to the Llama trail on the Olleros-Chavin trek which leads visitors to the pre-Incan temple of Chavin de Huantar, one of the oldest in Peru (3,000 years old). Trekkers walk through magnificent valleys and Andean villages and get a glimpse at the traditional way Peruvians transport goods with llamas.

The Weavers or Lares trek rivals the Inca Trail for scenery but trekkers will pass through living Andean communities rather than deserted Inca ruins.

Visitors have an insight into the Andean way of life in these remote farming hamlets where ancient weaving customs are preserved, Quechua - the Inca language, is still spoken and llamas and alpacas are bred. High-altitude passes offer views of beautiful valleys, snow-draped peaks and crystal-clear lakes and at the end of a hard trek hot springs welcome the weary limbs.

Becoming a popular alternative trek, the Salkantay Trail offers an exhilarating hike around the ice-capped Mount Salkantay, which at 6,241 metres is the highest peak in the Cordillera Vilcabamba range. After reaching the skies, trekkers descend into a valley where tropical fruits thrive in the balmy climate.

If camping is not an option then for the more discerning travelers the Mountain Lodges of Peru provides trekkers with the utmost comfort in lodges rather than campsites.

Also take the five day breathtaking trek on the Camino del Apu Ausangate (meaning 'Road of the Apu Ausangate') in the Cordillera Vilcanota.

This trek takes walkers close to the highest, sacred mountain in the Cusco region, the 'Apu' which is said to be the bearer of life and guardian of one of the most pristine mountain ecosystems in the world.

Along the route trekkers will see the typical Andean llamas, alpacas and precious vicuñas while also meeting local Quechua speaking people and learn about their customs and life in the Andes.

More Information

For further information about Peru head over to the official tourism website.

Chris O'Toole