Getting to the Machu Picchu ruins is a bit of a mission at the best of times (I think that was the idea when the Incas built it). Hiking to the ruins is a genuine challenge but increasingly the challenge is more to do with beating all the other tourists to book and then finding your own space on the crowded trail. This lost city has certainly been found, and by a staggering number of tourists.
On my trip to the ruins I never expected to have to join an orderly queue in order to reach the Sun Gate after four days of hiking in the wilderness. In fact, because of this bottleneck at the entrance to the ancient city, the best moments of the hike were far from the ruins themselves. The quiet moments when other hikers disappeared from view and you got a glimpse of snow capped mountain and could let your Indiana Jones imagination run free.
For these reasons travellers have been looking more and more for alternative hikes to the Inca trail. This is good for two reasons: One, there are some lesser known beautiful and challenging options out there, and two, since a whole lot of mud fell on the trail in January, the trail has been closed until March and possibly even April. So if you planned to hike the trail this year and have been beaten to it by the mudslides or you just like your space when hiking through the Andes, here are some Inca trail alternatives:
Choquequiro
This hike gets you to the mystical mountain fortress known as Choquequiro. Just a cool and Machu Picchu, Choquequiro is far less popular with tourists and offers a more remote experience. This is a seriously challenging hike, which does not have the same high altitudes as the trail. Unlike the trail, it is not compulsory to have a guide for this route, but unless you are very experienced this is still a good idea. You won't bump into many other hikers, but you may meet some of the local mountain folk.
Cordillera Huayhuash
The Cordillera Huayhuash circuit located north of Lima and is a huge 16 day trail with demanding hiking. This trek should be at the top of your list if you like a challenge and want to experience views of glaciers and snowy peaks rather than the back of someone else's' backpack. Trekkers pass through 12 distinct high passes and climb above 18,000 feet. The Huayhuash Circuit is for the experienced adventure types.
Salkantay trail
The Salkantay trail is 75km over five days, via Mount Salkantay, and reaches altitude of 4600 m. Higher and quieter than the Inca trail, this route will still bring you to Machu Picchu on the final day. Although day two is pretty tough, this trail is similar in difficulty to the trail. A good option for a quieter hike at any time, but will also be affected by the recent mudslide closure.
The main Inca trail is meant to reopen in April and bookings are being taken for May onwards. To find out about permit availability check out the Andean Travel Web online.
If you are super disappointed because the mudslides have ruined you plans to see the ruins, remember that they have also caused some deaths and ruined infrastructure and crops for the locals.
By Brook Mitchell. Editor and creator of http://aussietraveladvice.com the free and independent resource for Aussies going overseas. I love to write, travel, surf. Love life, my mates and family.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brook_Mitchell
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