The Inca Trail in Peru is one of life’s great adventures, noted for its wonderful scenery and ancient Inca cites and ruins. A challenging trek for those who enjoy adventure and trekking through highland passes and learning about Inca history. On the other hand, the Choquequirao trek is a new discovery, said to be 3 times the size as Machu Picchu, the ancient Choquequirao site can only be reached by foot and is hidden in the heart of the Andes Mountains.
The Inca Trail
Advantages
This wonderful, scenic and challenging trek is the stuff that memories are made. The scenery along the trail is spectacular. Regardless of whether you take a short or long trail you will experience interesting ancient ruins with the most with spectacular views over the Andes and down to the rivers below. For 4 days trek with new found friends whose company you will enjoy at dinner telling stories of the day that has just passed. Camp under the stars in the silence of the mountains waking to experience the challenge ahead.
A feature to which most would agree is the food that you will receive in the middle of nowhere. Enjoy an energy boosting breakfast, a lunch with scenic views and a buffet dinner to rival most restaurants in Peru. All of your dietary needs are taken care of by the ingenious chefs that form part of your Inca Trail experience.
The end goal of the Inca Trail trek is the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu. One of the new 7 Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu is one of the most famous sites in South America and what most come to visit when traveling to Peru. On your first view from the Sun Gate, you will be in awe of the construction, beauty and location of this ancient city. Hear and learn from your guide the history of Machu Picchu, take in the energy and leave refreshed with a new vigor for life.
Disadvantages
Being one of the most famous treks in South America, this bring with it many thousands of people every year who want to partake in the trek. Avid trekkers from all over the globe converge on Cusco wanting to experience the thrill of the trek and the sense of achievement that comes along with it.
In years gone by the trail was open to any who wanted the trail experience. But these days things have changed. The government of Peru has enforced regulations for the trek and has limited the number of people per day. Today only 500 people can start the trek daily. This may seem like many but this includes all the trekking staff as well as the tourists are included in this number.
Also, trekkers will need to book their trek through a licensed travel agent who will buy the Inca Trail permit as part of your Inca Trail package. As you can imagine the demand for Inca Trail permits is high especially in the high season, which is from May to September. In this season it is advised to book at least 6 months in advance.
The Inca Trail is closed in the month of February for maintenance, no treks will be carried out in February, but Machu Picchu is still open for visitors.
When is the best time to do the Inca Trail?
Most prefer to hike in the Dry Season in the Peruvian Andes. The months from May to September are the most popular on the Inca Trail. These months see dry days and cold nights, it is advisable to bring a warm jacket and hat for trekking in dry season. These months also see the most people on the trail. Others prefer less crowds and trek the Inca Trail in the wet season, from October to March. Here you will see rain, but the temperatures are slightly warmer and the trail is lush and green. You will need to bring your wet weather gear if you plan to trek in these months.
Choquequirao Trek
Advantages
Hidden away in the Andes, Choquequirao is located between the Andes and the Jungle. Not known by many the trek will give you the impression that you are alone in the world. Spectacular scenery and wonderful views will accompany you as you trek through the Andes Mountain range.
Pack horses will carry all your necessary equipment to make your trek an enjoyable experience. The food on the trail is a feature with most commenting that the food is out of this world. The chefs prepare fresh food for each meal to keep you healthy and strong.
On reaching the ancient site of Choquequirao send time exploring the site, there is much to see and learn from your guide. The interesting history and stories make for an interesting day spent at the ruin. Said to be the last site where the Inca lived after they were beaten by the Spanish, walk around and feel the presence.
Unlike the Inca Trail there is no permits required to trek to Choquequirao. On arrival at the site there will be a small entrance fee which will part of your tour package.
Disadvantages
As there are no roads leading to Choquequirao, the only way to reach the site is by trekking.
This is considered a challenging trek with some high passes to walk. The altitude can also play a part in your enjoyment of the trek. With some long days of trekking to reach the ancient site of Choquequirao.
This trek can be a disadvantage if you love being surrounded by people. This being an unpopular trek most of the time you will only be with your group and your guide.
When is the best time to trek to Choquequirao?
As with the Inca Trail it is considered that the dry season in the Andes is the best time to trek. The days will be warm and dry and the nights will be cold. You will need to bring with you warm clothing for the night time and layers for the daytime. Unlike the Inca Trail there will not be any crowds on the trek or at the ruins so no matter what season you do the trek you will find a tranquil ruin to explore. The other season in the Andes is the wet season, here you will receive daily rain so you will need to bring your wet weather gear. Be aware that closures can happen at any time in the wet season due to landslides.
Whatever trek you choose, hikes in the Peruvian Andes are spectacular. The memories made will last a lifetime, something to share with your grandchildren. Book a trek in Peru today.
