Why We Skip the Inca Trail: Peru’s Hidden Treks With Embark
The Inca Trail Isn’t the Only Trail
When most travelers dream of hiking in Peru, the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the first thing that comes to mind. And while this iconic route has undeniable historical significance, it also comes with a downside: it’s crowded. Permits sell out months in advance, the trail can feel more like a procession than an adventure, and the magic of solitude in the Andes often gets lost in the shuffle.
At Embark, we believe in adventure that goes deeper — routes where you can still hear the crunch of your boots, the call of a condor, and the whisper of Pachamama on the wind. That’s why we don’t lead trips on the traditional Inca Trail. Instead, we take you further into the wild, onto trails that few travelers ever set foot on.
Trek #1: The Ausangate Circuit — Where the Andes Tower Above
Imagine waking each morning at over 15,000 feet, surrounded by glaciers, snowcapped peaks, and herds of llamas. The Ausangate trek is a six-day high-altitude journey that loops around the sacred Ausangate Mountain south of Cusco. Along the way, you’ll cross five passes above 16,000 feet and one above 17,000 feet. Nights are cold but the skies are breathtakingly clear, revealing the Milky Way in its full brilliance.
And yes — this trek also includes a visit to the world-famous Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca). Its painted slopes of reds, yellows, and turquoise are unlike anything else in the Andes, and unlike day-trippers who arrive in busloads, you’ll approach Rainbow Mountain on foot, with time to soak in the views and continue deeper into Ausangate country.
Unlike the bustling Inca Trail, here the only people you’ll meet are the Quechua families who call these mountains home. Our team partners with them for support and insight, creating a trek that’s as much cultural connection as physical adventure. You’ll share trails with llamas (just as the Incas did) and end your journey soaking in natural hot springs.
This trek is not just about reaching Machu Picchu — it’s about feeling small in the presence of immense peaks, and deeply connected to the Earth and its people.
Trek #2: The High Passes of Salkantay — Nine Mountain Crossings
Yep- you read that correctly- this adventurous trek above Machu Picchu tackles NINE high passes! For trekkers who want a relentless high-altitude challenge, our High Passes of Salkantay trek delivers. Over seven days, you’ll cross nine mountain passes that weave through the remote Vilcabamba range. This trail skirts the dramatic flanks of Humantay, Salkantay, and Huayanay mountains, offering glacier views that most visitors never see.
While the standard Salkantay route is getting more attention, we push further — into hidden valleys, over lesser-known Inca paths, and past secluded alpine lakes. You’ll even get your own version of “Rainbow Mountain,” free of crowds, tucked deep in the range. Nights are spent above 14,000 feet, days are filled with long climbs and thrilling descents, and wildlife sightings — from foxes to soaring condors — add to the sense of true wilderness.
Living Culture in the High Andes
What truly sets these treks apart is not just the scenery, but the people who still live among these peaks. On both Ausangate and High Passes, you’ll meet shepherds and farming families who tend their llamas and alpacas much as their ancestors have for centuries. Life here is rugged and beautiful, and through our local guides, you’ll gain a window into the rhythms of Andean existence — from weaving and herding to Quechua traditions that remain alive in these remote valleys.
We even use llamas as pack animals, just as the locals do, which makes for a more authentic experience and also connects us directly to the traditions of the trail. These journeys aren’t just about hiking through stunning landscapes; they’re about immersing yourself in a living culture, learning about resilience, hospitality, and the deep bond between people and mountains.
Why Choose These Routes Over the Inca Trail?
Solitude, not crowds: Both treks trade congestion for quiet valleys and empty horizons.
Authentic culture: Interaction is with locals in their own communities, not lines of tourists.
Bigger adventure: Higher passes, longer days, more variety — and a sense of true accomplishment.
Still Machu Picchu: Both treks culminate in the real reward — arriving at the Sun Gate and exploring Machu Picchu with fresh perspective.
The Adventure That Stays With You
These treks aren’t for everyone. They demand preparation, grit, and a willingness to embrace the high Andes at their rawest. But for those who join, the reward is unmatched: deep connection, profound accomplishment, and a story that goes far beyond “I hiked the Inca Trail.”
Ready to go beyond the ordinary? Explore our Peru treks and discover a side of the Andes few will ever know.
