[AnnaJ]

We are travelling to Peru in July this year.

We would like to do the Inca trail but have heard that it gets very busy.

Also, we kind of like “adventure” trips and we expect that there would be lots of tourists on the Inca Trail. Could anyone give us any feedback about their experiences? Particularly people who are not that keen on lots of tourists!

Also, has anyone else done any other trekking around Cusco – maybe that involves a visit to Machu Picchu – and recommend other hikes?

We have done a bit of hiking and don't mind something a bit challenging.

Any thoughts, advice or even names of good guides or agencies would be great.

Thanks

A & B

[Lisa]

My boyfriend and I are using Toucan Tours for our 21 day tour of Peru and a bit of Bolivia June 4th, 2006. We've booked through Flight Center. I've heard good things about this tour company and not being too busy...but won't know til we get there

Good Luck,

and let me know if you find anything

[Wonder Woman]

[Guest]

With all due respect to my friends at Tucan Travel, thats hardly something you would recommend to someone who wants to get away from lots of tourists!!! they will be with them, stuck on a truck or a bus for 21 days!

wonder woman - the Inca Trail has been opened since the beginning of March. Its closed annually in February.
A question - you think that the Inca Trail is so fantastic it is the only thing you would go to Peru for? Wow... I kind of get that the Anna was asking for alternatives to the Inca trail? or maybe not...

Colombia - now there is a truly awesome country. Anna, if you feel like changing your plans and heading to a wonderful country ... go to Colombia and do the Ciudad Perdida hike!

[Bromleyfifa]

I did the Inca Trail with Andean Life who were very good. The Inca trail was worth doing, we did it mid June and it was quite busy but not that you'd notice on most parts of the trek, perhaps just the campsites etc. I think the trail is closed for a bit for clean up opertaions/enviromental stuff so I wouldn't worry too much. It is quite tough though (my knees!) but I'm glad I did it!

[AnnaJ]

Thanks everyone for your help so far, and Bromleyfifa who said that they didnt find the Inca trail too crowded. Thats interesting.

I REALLY want to find out information that is off the beaten track!!! Things that ONLY people who have been there and found out can tell me...
like I heard about a hike to a place called Choquequirao? thing that aren't in the guidebooks!

Anyone been there?

thanks

[Rochelle]

Hi,

Yes you're infos. correct, the Inca trail is very, very busy. I think this is unavoidable really. You can take the train and walk around MP yourself. I have to say, it wasn't my favourite sight in Peru. I took local tours which were cheaper, and the guides spoke excellent English. Visit as many local markets as you can. They are great to observe. There are beautiful walking tours outside Cusco where you'll see Condors etc. At the end of the day, it's a world heritage spot so it's a magnet to tourists, but it is worth seeing, but look at all the tours and negotiate with them for the ultimate unique trip.

[Guest]

Hi

Yes there are many places that are far from the crowds in Peru. You can visit the ruins of Choquequirao or Vitcos, they are both beautiful ruins.

Or there are many one day trips around Cusco where you can see the markets and local life without seeing a tourist.

Search for "Apus Peru" on any of the major search engines. They are an adventure trekking agency and look under one day trips. I did a longer hike with them and they were great and very affordable. I didn't realise, but because they are a web based company they are actually cheaper than some of the "budget" companies that sell tours in Cusco city.

When I got back to Cusco I was talking with them about what else there was to do but unfortunately I ran out of time.