Peru

Machu Picchu OFF THE BEATEN PATH: Vilcabamba, Lares, Choquequirao, HuchuyQOSqo

Vilcabamba

The Vilcabamba trek covers a region that long remained on the fringes of the main Andean routes, and even today, it remains virtually unknown to tourists. It connects high-altitude areas with more humid valleys, marking a gradual transition between the Andes and the cloud forest. The route follows ancient Inca trails and passes near minor archaeological sites that have seen little restoration, including Espíritu Pampa.
Hiking takes place in an environment far from the crowds, where the weather and trail conditions will dictate your pace. However, the paths you tread will lead you through magnificent landscapes, which you will have completely to yourself.

Lares

The Lares trek unfolds in a rural Andean setting, away from the most well-known routes. It winds through high-altitude valleys where livestock herding and agriculture are still part of the daily life of local communities. The trail conquers dramatic passes over 4,400 meters, offering breathtaking vistas before descending into the Sacred Valley. The route reaches the Sacred Valley, where two options are available to you: continue via the Inca Trail or take a train from Ollantaytambo to arrive more quickly at the foot of Machu Picchu.

Choquequirao

The Choquequirao trek is aimed at experienced hikers who are ready to commit to a long and physically demanding route. This trek takes 8 days and includes a visit to Machu Picchu. It cuts through deep valleys, featuring steep elevation gains and losses alongside sustained days of hiking.
The Choquequirao archaeological site is partially restored and is also called the “little brother of Machu Picchu,” as it shares a sacred character and an equally impressive construction.

Huchuy Qosqo

The Huchuy Qosqo trek connects the heights of the Sacred Valley to an archaeological site overlooking the Urubamba River.
The route is relatively short, doable in 2 to 3 days, with moderate altitudes compared to other treks in the region. It spans Andean highlands, farming villages, and traditional trails still used by local communities.
Along the way, you will experience traditional homestays, where you will share meals full of flavor and entertaining stories with the locals.

Our other experiences in Peru

In Tambopata, as in Manu National Park, the Amazon jungle experience is organized around lodges of irreproachable quality, serving as a logistical base for boat trips and hikes on prepared trails. You will have the chance to observe one of the greatest varieties of animal and plant species on the South American continent.
Urban rooftops offer a true high-altitude escape in the heart of Peru’s major cities. In Cusco, Lima, or Arequipa, enjoying a Pisco Sour or a Chilcano on a terrace allows you to observe the city and the daily lives of its inhabitants. Whether on the Plaza de Armas in Cusco or Arequipa, or in the neighborhoods of Miraflores and Barranco in Lima, you will find your favorite bar and signature cocktail.
These grand treks traverse some of the country’s most remarkable mountain ranges. Each trek is an adventure in its own right, taking you through unforgettable landscapes.
The Vilcabamba, Lares, Choquequirao, and Huchuy Qosqo treks offer alternative approaches to the Machu Picchu region, stepping away from the most popular routes like the Inca Trail. They span diverse Andean territories, shifting between high mountains, agricultural valleys, and the fringes of the Amazon jungle.
As you take to the skies, you will admire the Sacred Valley from a perspective that few have ever witnessed From your basket, the undulating terrain, valleys, and local villages will unfold beneath you.
Live unique, mysterious experiences found nowhere else in the world through landscapes filled with energy. Between the sacred sites in the Cusco region and ceremonies that forge a connection between Mother Earth, the individual, and spirituality, you will discover a world known to only a few
Through these culinary experiences, you will immerse yourself in the richness of Peruvian culture. Every dish carries a story, and everyone you meet—whether in the bustling markets or behind the kitchen counters—has endless anecdotes to share with you. This exchange of knowledge, flavors, and techniques, some centuries old, will transform your journey into something far deeper than simple sightseeing.
Around Lake Titicaca and on its islands, you will meet the most welcoming communities in the region. They will gladly show you their way of life, their daily tasks, and the activities that revolve around Lake Titicaca. At an altitude of over 3,800 meters, these few days spent in their company will be a true breath of fresh air.
The coffee and cocoa routes in the Peruvian Amazon cross the eastern Andean regions, where these crops developed between the Andes and the forest. In Quillabamba and Chanchamayo, these experiences will allow you to understand everything from harvesting to tasting, including production conditions, processing stages, and how the locals live from this agriculture. Guided by the farming families themselves, you will gain unique insight into their traditional expertise and daily routines.
You will discover the northern coast of Peru in a different and exclusive way, thanks to our yacht excursions or on an exclusive coastal voyage. The Máncora coastline, the marine wildlife, and the tranquility of the waters will bring a whole new flavor to your journey through Peru. After visiting the Andes and undertaking long treks, enjoy time for swimming or snorkeling in a warm and welcoming climate.

Which destination will you choose for your next trip?

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