Alternative Inca trail in Peru

The South American country of Peru is every trekker's dream come true and often figures at the top of travellers' wish lists. Every year, the world famous Inca trail attracts millions of visitors from around the world who come to walk in the steps of the people who built the sacred city of Machu Picchu. However, people who spent time in the area will tell you the Salkantay trail is a rewarding alternative to the busy Inca trail.

The world famous trek can remind you of Saturday shopping on London's Oxford Street, whereas the Salkantay trail will offer nothing but pure wilderness, peace and physical challenge.

The Salkantay is commonly completed in five days, compared to the typical four for the Inca trail. Trekkers should be prepared to walk for five days without seeing a single other tourist.

If you are lucky you may come across local villagers, who will run into their small wooden huts in the hope of selling you a few cans of liquid that is just about identifiable under a thick coating of dust.

All along the way, adventurers are rewarded by amazing views over green valleys, deserted steep mountainsides, awe-inspiring summits permanently covered in snow, and even cloud forest.

Both the Salkantay and the Inca trails finish in the 'Lost City' of the Incas: Machu Picchu. But this route is different as it winds its way round the back of the sacred mountain. On the fourth day, it is even possible to catch a glimpse of the Incan site from the base of the mountain.

The two trails have a similar level of difficulty, the only difference being the altitude. The Salkantay reaches 4,600m compared to 4,200m on the Inca trail.

Reaching 4,600m is incredibly satisfying as you stand right at the foot of an imposing white summit reaching for the sun. The little marker cairns of stones left by mountaineers disappear in the mist as you go down the other side of the mountain.

The trek is extremely demanding on the second day, but anyone in good health is capable of meeting the challenge. Aching limbs will be rewarded by hot baths in the waters of Santa Teresa and Aguas Calientes on the third and fourth days.

Several tour companies offer the trek, some UK-based and some in the Peruvian town of Cusco such as Dos Manos Peru.

Booking in advance for the Salkantay is recommended but not essential. The Inca trail, on the other hand, must be booked months in advance as only a very limited number of passes are available to preserve the sacred mountain.

Most tour agencies in Cusco provide donkeys for the transport of bags and food but it is advisable to carry a small backpack yourself, with enough water and warm clothes for the day.

Although Pacha Mama (Mother Earth) does offer beautiful and unspoilt landscapes, she does not provide facilities such as showers or toilets and a packet of baby wipes is a highly recommended travel accessory.

Flights to Cusco from the UK are via the Spanish capital, Madrid, and the Peruvian capital Lima. For more information on flights visit theexpedia website.

Another useful site for future visitors to Peru is http://www.peru.info/perueng.asp.

Aurore Jouanin