J ai deja posté un message sur ce trek qui peut etre une bonne alternative au chemin (l autoroute!)de l inca au perou mais la revue Science et Vie consacrant son numero de juillet aux ruine de Choquequirao ou mene ce trek un peu special je pense qu il peut etre interessant d exhumer ce message.
les tarifs et horaires donnés date d il y à un an ils sont donc à verifier Les ruines commencant vraiment à etre mediatisées si vous passez dans le coin et que vous avez un peu de temps ce trek vaut vraiment le detour parceque c est l anti mahu pichu, dans le sens ou il n y a vraiment personne et que il n y a pas non plus de petit train bleu qui vous depose au pied de la montagne et de bus qui vous monte la haut!En contre partie beaucoup de marche et la possibilité d organiser soi meme sont trek puisqu a l inverse du chemin de l incas on peu encore faire ce parcours en independant.
Voici un trek alternatif pour les voyageurs en quete d un peu de serenite et qui veulent avoir l impression d avoir vraiment merite le fait d arriver aux ruines, non pas que le chemin de l inca soit facile, loin de la mais bon, la c est physiquement assez eprouvant parceque les ruines sont haut perché et qu on a deja du traverser une montagne pour les atteindre .
Je l ai decouvert par hasard en parlant avec la proprio de la guest house il vous mene vers des ruines en cours de restauration (pas d entree a payer encore) appellees Choquequirao qui sont appelee a devenir dans le futur aussi importantes que le machu pichu et qui se trouvent perchees en haut d une montagne uniquement accessible par cette route, ce qui explique leur faible frequentation, quand j y suis allé il y avait 6 touristes en tout et au retour je n en ai croise aucun en 2 jours.
Ce trek dure 4 jours et est plutot difficile a realiser physiquement car il grimpe dur mais on peut aussi le faire en 5 jours pourvu qu on soit perseverant.
Pour le realiser vous pouvez faire appel a une agence (130 a 200dollars) mais si vous etes plusieurs vous pouvez le faire en indep ce qui fait une grosse economie(et meme seul dans le pire des cas ).
Le depart du trek se fait a Cachora a 4 heure de Cuzco prendre un bus de cuzco a 6h30 le matin qui vous laisse a un embranchement d ou vous prenez un collectivo pour 1h30 de plus jusqu a cachora.
La il faut louer une ou plusieurs mules (20sols la mule et 20 pour son guide soit 40sols par jours un peu plus de 12 dollars) a moins d etre masochiste ou tres endurant et vouloir porter son sac les 4 jours, un cheval peut aussi vous porter dans le pire des cas...
Le premier jours on va de cachora a Playa Rosalina ("plage2 situee a 1550metre quand meme), l etape dure 5h et debute par une petite montee de 2h et une longue descente vers Playa Rosalina ou l on passe sa premiere nuit.
Le 2nd jours est celui qui met le plus a l epreuve car il s agit apres etre completement descendu de la montagne de croiser le fleuve apurimac et a gravir la montagne qui lui fait face pendant 7heure environ, plusieurs etapes se trouvent le long de ce chemin dont on pense parfois qu il ne finit jamais mais d ou la vue sur la vallee est sublime, .
Au bout de l etape on arrive aux ruines dont decidement on se demande comment les incas on fait pour installer une ville a cet endroit!Les nuages passent au meme niveau et il arrive frequement que les ruines en soit totalement traversees.
Le compexe archeologique est en cours de restauration et vous croiserz probablement des chercheurs sur le chemin qui se feront un plaisirs de vous faire visiter. Pour camper on peut installer sa tente au pied des ruines attacher son cheval ou sa mule un peu plus bas, attendez vous a voir en permanence des nuages se ballader 10 metres au dessus de votre tete et avec un peu de chance un condor aussi.
Pour le retours le troisieme jours il est possible d atteindre playa rosalina mais avec un peu de courage il vaut mieux aller jusqu au sommet du mont Capuliyoc gravit le premier jour ce qui facilite l etape du quatrieme jours environ 2h de marche jusqu a cachora.
de la possibilite de prendre un taxi jusqu a Cuzco pour environ 30 sol chacun ou 20 si on se debrouille bien.
pour plus de details n hesitez pas a m ecrire!!
mes infos sur le trajet semble un peu vague mais en vrai c est tres facile a trouver car il n y a qu un seul chemin!!!!
bonne route à tous!
🙂
Salut, se rendre a Choquequirao n est plus tres alternatif malheureusement. Ce trek devient aussi une autoroute a touriste et toutes les agences de Cusco le proposent.
Cela est du a la volonte gouvernementale de desengorger le Machu Picchu en ouvrant le tourisme sur d autres treks et d autres sites de la region.
A+
Merci pour votre description interessante et utile. Nous cherchons a faire un petit trek au Peru, mais nous redoutons la foule des americains sur le chemin inca...
Aussi votre trek alternatif me semble etre une bonne solution. Nous avons quelques questions: est ce que novembre est un bon mois? A combien est l'altidude moyenne? ou se procurer des cartes?
Ah la la en reallité j'avais l impresssion d'avoir livré un scoop quand j ai posté ce message sur choquequirao il y à deux ans mais a priori ce trek est de moins en moins alternatif. Si ce que dit trans se confirme (et ca ne m'etonnerai pas) ce sera difficile de le realiser en independant mais bon.
Pour memoire ca monte à environ 5000 mètre au début du trek si je me souviens bien, pour ce qui est des cartes j avais un guide qui avait la route en tête mais je me souvient avoir pris la carte du trek du site internet d une agence de cuzco (car toutes le proposaient deja) ce qui ne m aurait cependant pas été d un grand secours car ce n'etait bien sur pas precis.
Le chemin est un peu compliqué au début parcequ il faut trouver la bonne route au milieu de petits chemins menant aux cultures locales mais une fois que l on entre dans la valée du fleuve Apurimac c'est très simple car il n y à qu un seul chemin qui descend de la montagne au debut le trek et qu un seul qui permet de gravir celle d'en face.
Si vous cherchez à eviter les foules du chemin de l inca je ne peut que vous dire que ce trek etant il me semble un peu plus difficile(il grimpe dur le second jour!) je pense que la frequentation est moindre mais je ne suis pas sur etant donné la pub qui en a été faite pour desengorger le machu pichu, il faudra voir sur place, quoi qu il en soit les decors restent sublimes et vous ne perdrez pas votre temps, ca j en demeure convaincu!!
J ai fait ce trek fin aout et à part quelques pluies ca allait, pensez à prendre des vetements chauds parcequ il fait frisquet la nuit à 4000 metres;-)!!!
Merci pour la reponse sur le "trek alternatif" qui n'en n'est pas un!😉
Concretement, on part dans un peu plus de 10 jours et on tiens vraiment a faire un trek (max 4 jours) autour de Cuzco. J'ai lu beaucoup de choses contradictoires sur les resa pour l'inca trail... Faut-il vraiment reserver un mois a l'avance? On redoute de se retrouver le bec dans l'eau en arrivant a Cuzco? Y-a-t-il un organisme officiel que l'on peut appeler?
Bien sur, on est tres prenneur des chemins alternatifs... Et merci pour toutes ces bonnes info dans les discussions qui pour la plupart sont un regal a lire!
Voila je commence a me faire du soucis pour le fameux machu picchu, en effet nous partons pour le pérou le 12 avril 2008 mais nous n'avons rien réservé vu que…
Est-ce que quelqu’un a déjà fait le trek alternatif au chemin des incas, qui passe par Lares pour aller jusqu’au Machu Picchu? Par quelle agence et à quel…
Etant donne le prix du transport vers du machu pichu, j aimerais me rabattre vers un trek d une semaine ou deux dans la region de Cusco, qui pourraient…
Nous partons à deux au Pérou et en Bolivie durant le mois d'août. Nous aimerions faire le trek Lares. J'aimerais avoir votre avis sur ce trek et en particulier…
Pour notre projet de voyage au pérou, nous avons jeté notre dévolu sur le trek de l'Ausangate, que nous compléterons par les festivités de Qoyllur Rit'iy, dont…
Hi,
We’re planning to do the 4-day trek from Mestia to Ushguli without an agency. The descriptions mention that there are accommodations at each stop, but we can’t find any details about them. Has anyone got info or feedback on this route?
We're planning to trek in Peru and Bolivia and would love to find some local agencies.
If you know any, could you share details on prices and, of course, the names of the agencies?
Which trek would you recommend?
Elocine
I'm heading out on a fully self-sufficient trek in Morocco (10 days) from Imilchil to Aghbalou.
Can I find screw-on gas canisters (Coleman, Primus) in Marrakech (any addresses?) or in villages between Imilchil and Aghbalou?
If not, are Butagaz canisters for camping gas (small 230g size) available?
Thanks in advance for your tips!
Hello, I’d like to embark on a little trip in my home country, Switzerland. I’ll start walking from La Cure, heading toward Le Noirmont first, then I’ll improvise my route—but it’ll probably follow the French border... at least as far as Lac de Joux.
I’ll decide day by day how much farther to go after that. My goal is to stay in nature as much as possible, wander around for as long as I can, and restock food in villages or towns along the way.
I’m thinking of mostly camping, but we’ll see if I end up in a hotel or another campsite depending on my route.
I’d love to reach La Chaux-de-Fonds on foot... maybe even Delémont.
The whole thing should take about a week, give or take.
I’ll be bringing my dog, and I’m preparing for this as soon as I’m ready.
Any tips to make sure everything goes smoothly for us? Things I should know—or avoid? What about shepherds with their flocks of sheep? And isn’t hunting season open right now?
I’m not sure if what I’m planning is even doable, which is why I’m asking around.
This’ll be my first time doing something like this—wandering in nature *and* with a dog. I’m really excited for this adventure... and I need it. Thanks!
We’re really keen on ecosystems and want to hike in "natural" ancient forests—not planted woods or areas heavily degraded by human activity. Travel guides (like Lonely Planet) don’t provide much info on this. Could you point us to the most interesting spots?
Thanks in advance for your tips.
We wish you happy holidays and a fantastic 2026, full of discoveries!
Claire and Albert
Hi, this might not be the right section, but I’d like to know if it’s possible to start mountaineering with another person without necessarily hiring a guide. We’ve done quite a bit of hiking but not mountaineering—we’ll just do a half-day glacier course. After that, we were thinking of starting with La Grande Motte and the Pointe de la Traversière, which were recommended to us. Honestly, for things like roping up and knots, I’ll learn at home with lots of videos and a book.
I’d love to know if anyone has done treks in the Rwenzori Mountains and how much it costs on average, what the infrastructure is like, the landscapes, and safety in the area. Thanks so much! I’m really looking forward to your replies.
We’re leaving in 9 days for a two-week trip to Madeira, mainly to hike.
From my research, I’ve found that since last year, access to most trails—and systematically for the most popular ones—is now paid. You have to pay an access fee of 4.50 € per person per classified hike in 2026, and even 10.50 € for the most iconic hike: Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo. When paying, you also have to choose a day and a 30-minute time slot for your start time. Of course, this reservation is neither changeable nor refundable, even if the weather that day is terrible.
Personally, given the massive influx of tourists to the island in recent years, I don’t mind paying a fee to help maintain the trails. Similarly, setting a limit on the number of people who can hike them per day is certainly preferable to preserve this priceless heritage.
However, what’s much less fair is that in reality, most of the available spots are reserved: 1/ for Madeira residents (which is normal); 2/ for "economic operators" (meaning local tour operators). For example, if you’re a non-resident (independent tourist), no booking is possible for the Pico Arieiro hike for an early morning start before September! So, unfortunately, we’ll have to skip this hike.
It’s the same issue for Ponta de São Lourenço, the 25 Fontes, Pico Ruivo... in short, all the most popular hikes. Oh well, we’ll skip those too!
So my question is: which hikes do you recommend where we won’t face the huge crowds that the others get? And where we can book the day before for the next day, taking the weather into account?
Finally, a quick accommodation question: we’ve booked the first week in Funchal, but I haven’t decided yet for the second week. Do you have any advice on where to stay in the south or north, preferably avoiding overly concrete-heavy and touristy spots?
I’m reposting about the logistics for Samaria Gorge.
I’d love to get recent info, especially about whether it’s possible to park my car in Omalos, do the hike, and then catch a bus back to my vehicle.
In theory, it’s doable, but when you check the KTEL website, there aren’t any feasible schedules listed. If anyone has recently organized this with reliable, verified details, I’d really appreciate it. Thanks in advance!
Hi there,
We’re flying from Montreal to Lyon this August to go hiking in the French Alps. We’ve rented a car and will be staying at campgrounds. We’re planning to do day hikes and want to stay a few days in one spot, do a few hikes, then move on to our next camping spot. Could you share your favorite spots or any recommendations for places to spend a few days with great hikes?
A few details:
We arrive in early August and leave in early September.
We’re looking for day hikes (or shorter), moderate difficulty, with a cumulative elevation gain of no more than 1000m, and of course, beautiful scenery!
We’d prefer not to drive too much—maybe it’s best not to head too far south and deal with unnecessary heat?
Along the same lines, if you know of any great campgrounds where we can start our hike directly without needing the car, we’d love to hear your suggestions!
Hi there,
I’m planning to go hiking on this island and would like to know the best time to do it. I visited for a few days in November 2018—not for hiking but just to explore—and the weather wasn’t great, especially in the mountains. So, is a star-shaped itinerary doable if I rent a car and maybe use two different accommodations?
I’m not planning to join an organized group—just traveling with one other person and organizing things ourselves—unless you’d recommend a local agency or guide. Finally, even though I’ll be getting maps, a topo guide, and a GPS, I’d really appreciate your top hiking recommendations.
Thanks so much for your tips!
I’m planning to do the Mercantour crossing following the Randoxygène route in mid-July.
I’m used to hiking in the mountains, but I sometimes get vertigo, for example on ridges with drops on both sides. I wanted to check if there are any T4 or T3-T4 sections and find out if there are any very exposed passages—and if so, where—so I can plan an alternative route.
Can anyone give me some info on this?
Thanks!
I’m planning a trip around Cap Corse and the AGRIATES in 2026, from May 8th to 15th (there are still 2 spots left, by the way! Just DM me if you're interested).
I’d love to know which hikes are worth prioritizing in the AGRIATES. We’ll be staying in SALECCIA for two days as our base—what should we focus on from there?
A round trip to IGNHU beach? Any other suggestions?
For Ostricano, I think it’s too far for a round trip...
Thanks for your tips!
Have a great day,
Anie, Toulouse
I’d like to get some info about the GR10 Pyrenees traverse. I need help planning the daily stages and accommodations—my wife isn’t an experienced hiker but walks a lot, so I’d like to schedule shorter walking days and thus a longer overall trip in terms of number of days.
Could anyone give me some help and advice?
Best regards,
New to this forum, I’m planning a pretty big project for 2028.
I’m heading to Nepal to do a trek from Kathmandu all the way to Everest Base Camp (a cool 5,300 m 😄).
This trek is a bit special because even though I’ll be part of a group, I’m going solo (so far, no problem—I’m used to it). But it’s my first real trek, and it’s also a humanitarian one: once I reach base camp, I’ll stay an extra week to help clean up the waste left by tens of thousands of climbers! Since I’m originally from South America, from two countries that share the Andes, I have a deep respect for mountains—they fascinate me. So Everest… it’s kind of the trip of a lifetime!
So, a little question for those who’ve done treks to Everest before… any tips for good mental preparation (I’m already working on the physical side)?
Hi there, I’m planning the Annapurna Circuit for March 2027 and I’m looking for a local agency with a local guide—preferably French-speaking—to arrange this trek for us. Any suggestions? Thanks
Hello!
We’re spending a few days in Toraja country at the end of May. We’d love to do a day trek—taking our time—on a route that’s stunning in terms of scenery, but not a level 5 in difficulty!
Any suggestions you can share, please?
Thanks in advance
I’d like to do the Mare a Mare Sud in May over 4 days. I’ve found quite a few places to stay along the route, but I’m stuck on the start and finish.
I’ll be arriving by plane on Sunday evening and would like to start pretty early on Monday morning. Ideally, accommodation right at the trailhead (Alzu di Gallina) would be amazing, but I can’t find anything. Any tips?
Also, for the transfer from Figari Airport to Porto Vecchio or Alzu di Gallina?
At the end, I’d like to pick up a rental car—any advice on that too?
I’m traveling solo by plane to Catania in May and plan to hike the northern side of Etna, starting from Linguaglossa where I’ll arrive by bus. After that, I’d love some info on how to get up to Piano Provenzana (shuttles or hitchhiking), since it seems there’s no public transport except in the summer. Can you sleep there in a free or cheap refuge, or camp? And how far up can you go without having to hire a guide? Thanks in advance. Bernard.
Hi everyone,
I’m heading to Morocco in August and we’ll start with a stop in Chefchaouen (we’re driving).
My question: can anyone suggest a 5-to-7-day loop hiking route from Chefchaouen in Talassemtane Park, ideally passing by the God’s Bridge? Or a paper guidebook that covers a few options?
We prefer wild camping and guesthouses.
Thanks in advance
Hi there, for those who’ve been recently—is it possible to find other solo travelers in March on the island to share transport or room costs? It doesn’t seem easy to travel on a budget.
If you have any recommendations for simple lodgings or places with dorms, I’d love to hear them.
For those who’ve done multi-day treks while moving around: do you need to bring your own sleeping bag? I’d love to hear about itineraries you’ve done without a guide, just with a map and GPS.
Thanks, and have a great day!
Hi everyone!
We’re planning a 15-day road trip to Scotland this summer, specifically to explore and hike on Lewis and Harris—places we’ve never been before. We’ve visited other islands on previous road trips in Scotland (we usually go in April for a week). This would be our first time in Scotland in the summer and for 15 days. We’re looking at late August to early September.
I’m currently drafting the itinerary. We’d be crossing from Ullapool and were thinking of spending 3 nights on Harris and 4 nights on Lewis.
Does that sound balanced to you? Is it better to keep the same accommodation on Harris and the same on Lewis to explore the area? I’d love to hear about any past experiences you’ve had on these islands.
Thanks!
Hi there, I’m trying to leave for 15 days very soon to São Vicente. I’m either looking to join an agency or figure things out on my own to go hiking on one of these islands or both. From what I’ve seen, it’s not easy to organize with local transport, so it gets expensive. Can I use the services of a small local agency? I’m looking for the simplest way to hike for several days. Also, how do you get from São Vicente to São Nicolau? Thanks in advance and have a great day!
Aichatou
I’ve been wanting to do this for several years, and this year’s the one. Next September, I’ll be trekking in Tusheti (Georgia), from Omalo to Shatili.
Of course, I won’t be renting a vehicle that’d just sit unused. No problem getting to Pshaveli, but from there to Omalo, it’s a dirt road (still the case?)
There must be some form of public transport since there are so many guesthouses, and not all travelers come in a 4x4.
If any of you have been to Omalo, could you confirm that these shared transports exist and how often they run?
we’re planning a trip to Yellowstone and hoping to do a three-day backcountry hike if we get a permit.
if any of you have done this before, could you let me know if it’s possible to find water along the way? And if we can transport it, are we allowed to use a stove?
Hello,
I’ll be in Nepal from March 6th to 29th (we’re flying into Kathmandu via Varanasi and leaving via Delhi).
I’m a bit confused about the regulations requiring a guide.
My wife and I (we’re 63 and 64) aren’t experienced trekkers—we’re more used to walking on terrain with very moderate elevation changes. I’m looking for fairly easy hikes, possibly day trips.
Here are my questions:
- Does the Poon Hill trek from Pokhara require a guide, or is it better to go through a local agency? (I’ve seen a lot of them offering 4-day packages)
- I’d like to do a few multi-day hikes around Jomsom (Kagbeni, Mukitinath, Lupra, Marpha)... Do you need a guide for those, and can you find accommodations easily without booking in advance?
Last question—I’m really hesitant to lug around a sleeping bag or down jacket during our 6 weeks in India. Can you easily find these kinds of items at reasonable prices in Pokhara?
Thanks in advance for any tips you can share!
Yann
I’m a 56-year-old man who’s done several treks in Nepal and elsewhere. Also passionate about photography.
I’m looking for one or more people to form a group for a trek in Nepal. The trek is the Annapurna and Manaslu circuit (24 days), including a stop at Tilicho Lake. I’ve got a great itinerary and the local company seems solid. The price is around $1600.
I’ll be in Nepal from April 5 to May 12, 2026, so the trek would need to happen within those dates.
