The option to see Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley on a less crowded route<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nJust so you\u2019re aware, this is no casual walk in the park. This is an exhilarating high-altitude expedition. Challenging, remote, and unspoiled. <\/p>\n\n\n\nAusangate<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nAusangate vs<\/strong> Inca Trail<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nLet the comparisons commence! We kick things off with Peru\u2019s most iconic hike and one that gets booked out months in advance. It offers Incan archaeological sites, lush forests, and, of course, the grand finale \u2013 walking into Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What The Inca Trail Offers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nCloud forest scenery<\/li>\n\n\n\n Dozens of Incan sites<\/li>\n\n\n\n Heavily regulated permits (there are only 500 permits a day)<\/li>\n\n\n\n The only trek that ends inside<\/em> Machu Picchu<\/li>\n\n\n\nA very structured experience<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nWhat Makes Ausangate Unique<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nNo crowds (seriosuly \u2013 some days you only see alpacas)<\/li>\n\n\n\n Trekking through rainbow valleys without day-tour crowds<\/li>\n\n\n\n An authentic nature experience <\/li>\n\n\n\n Interactions with local communities and ancient traditions<\/li>\n\n\n\n High altitude expedition vibe<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nThe Verdict<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf your main goal is to see one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and other Incan sites, go for the Inca Trail. If raw wilderness and serenity is the dream, Ausangate wins hands down.<\/p>\n\n\n\nKm 82 of the Inca trail to Machu Picchu<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nAusangate vs<\/strong> Salkantay Trek<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nNext up? The most famous alternative to the Inca Trail, often described as the more adventurous route to Machu Picchu. With a bigger variety in scenery but still boasting plenty of Incan sites, there\u2019s no wonder it\u2019s so popular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What The Salkantay Trek Offers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nA range of ecosystems, like mountains and<\/em> jungle<\/li>\n\n\n\nThe scenic Salkantay mountain<\/li>\n\n\n\n The chance to end at Machu Picchu<\/li>\n\n\n\n Comfortable camps and accommodation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nWhat Makes Ausangate Unique<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nMore remote, so no cafes or shops tucked along the route<\/li>\n\n\n\n A full loop around a sacred mountain<\/li>\n\n\n\n Much higher elevations<\/li>\n\n\n\n Variety of different landscapes: blue lagoons, white glaciers, rainbow mountains, red valley<\/li>\n\n\n\n A true expedition sensation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nThe Verdict<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nLike a bit of variety? Salkantay could be what you\u2019re looking for. Prefer less crowds and feel comfortable with the altitude? Go for Ausangate. <\/p>\n\n\n\nAusangate vs<\/strong> Lares Trek<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nOur last comparison is against one of the lesser known routes and one that\u2019s sometimes referred to as the cultural alternative to the Inca Trail. It takes you through traditional Andean villages and many important parts of the Sacred Valley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What The Lares Trek Offers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nEasier terrain and paths<\/li>\n\n\n\n Farmland and populated valley landscapes<\/li>\n\n\n\n Renowned hot springs<\/li>\n\n\n\n Interaction with local Quechua families<\/li>\n\n\n\n Connection to the Sacred Valley of the Incas<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nWhat Makes Ausangate Unique<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nGigantic glaciers and crystalline lakes<\/li>\n\n\n\n No villages, just remote communities<\/li>\n\n\n\n Vast, untouched wilderness<\/li>\n\n\n\n Some of the most dramatic high altitude passes in Peru<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nThe Verdict<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nBoth treks are very picturesque, but choose Lares if you want to focus on culture and Ausangate if you want out of this world scenery and more of a challenge.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat Truly Makes The Ausangate Trek Stand Out?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nEach of these treks has its unique selling point, and we highly recommend them all, but there\u2019s just something special about Ausangate. Here are a few of the reasons it has a special spot in our hearts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Remote, Untouched Wilderness<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nYou won\u2019t find a coffee shop to stop for an espresso along the way. There\u2019s no wifi. Not even many people you can give a friendly nod to as you walk by. Nope. It\u2019s just mountains, glaciers, and the occasional curious alpaca.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Altitude<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe Ausangate Trek is one of Peru\u2019s highest routes. The air is thin and you feel every breath and heartbeat. For many, taking on the challenge is a badge of honor. The weather changes fast, the scenery is more dramatic, and you truly feel like you\u2019re on an expedition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Sacred Importance<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAs an Apu, the local communities see the mountain as a sacred spirit that protects them. Trekking the route holds great significance to locals and you can sense this every step of the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rainbow Landscapes (Yes, Plural) <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSure, you could go on a day trip to Rainbow Mountain, but it can be crowded and you can\u2019t get the solo photo you wanted for your shelf at home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the Ausangate Trek, not only do you get to visit Vinicunca mountain at a quieter time of day, but you also get a VIP pass to other rainbow and intense-colored landscapes, like the Red Valley.<\/p>\n\n\n\nRainbow Mountain<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nGlacier Lakes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nDo you love photography? Prepare to fill your camera roll on this trek. The lagoons and lakes are unreal. Depending on the time of day and the minerals in the earth, the waters shimmer in shades of blue, turquoise, emerald, and silver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Is Ausangate Harder Than The Other Treks?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe short answer is yes, but that doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s impossible. The trek itself isn\u2019t technically difficult. In fact, the paths are pretty straightforward. The main challenges come from:<\/p>\n\n\n\n