South America has some amazing hiking and trekking opportunities. Perhaps the most famous of all climbs in South America is in Peru with the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. And while the trek to the ancient kingdom is fantastic, it is unfortunate that it overshadows so many other trails in Peru.
If you love to hike and plan to visit Peru consider these others trails, which are equally impressive.
Alternate Treks to Machu Picchu
So many winter travelers are disappointed that the Inca Trail is closed during February, the wettest month, for its annual clean-up. But that doesn't mean anyone needs to cancel their plans to Peru or to Machu Picchu because there are a number of other great trails that feature the beauty of Peru and, best of all, do not require a permit in advance. So while most travelers must book their trip to Machu Picchu months in advance, other hikers can show up on a few days in advance to pick the best trail and get the deal.
For avid hikers, the Salkantay Trek is equally famous and also one of the 25 best Treks in the World, by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine. Unlike the Inca Trail, the trek is open to everyone and does not require a permit. Named for the Quechua savage mountain, the trail can be completed in four or five days.
Colca Canyon is located in Southern Peru and one of the most touted treks in the area. The views are stunning as the canyon is the world’s deepest – nearly twice the depth of the Grand Canyon.
Some of the trek down can be challenging as the footing is not always sturdy. Many areas have tiny rocks and pebbles but fortunately the paths are wide so you will only slide downhill. The train from top to bottom only takes three hours. Going back up can be a bit trickier as the canyon is quite steep but for those who find it difficult, it is possible to take a horse or mule back up.
For those that want to enjoy their time at the bottom there are a few modest hotels with a swimming pool. It is possible to stay for the day or spend a few wandering the canyon from below amongst the fields of cactus plants.
Manu National Park
For a completely different experience, one of the world's most biologically rich areas exists in Peru at Manu National Park. This park located in Southern Peru encompasses almost 5 million acres of diverse land that includes cloud forests, the Andes and rainforests and was designated as a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1977. Hiking in Manu may not be the most famous or steep but as most of the land remains untouched by development it is still possible to see giant otters, jaguars, ocelots and many other animals in their natural environment.
One of the more challenging hikes in Peru, it is not recommended that inexperienced hikers try Ausangate due to the cold and altitude. Altitude sickness is a real danger and evacuation can be very difficult. But for those who are capable, the trek passes through llama and alpaca herding communities providing some of the most remote but stunning areas in South America. Most hikes are for 5-6 days but it is possible to stay longer.
