Peru Tours, Inca Trail, Machu Picchu

Trekking activity in Peru has increased dramatically in the past years. In year 2000, 4,000 Inca Trail  permits were issued. In 2010, the figure was about 16,000. There used to be just “one” trek to do when in the Cusco region, the 4 day Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, which ends at sunrise over Machu Picchu.
Now, due to a permit system that protects the stones of the ancient Inca Trail and ruins along the way, the trail is booked out months in advance and visitors who miss out on a ticket ask themselves, “which of the alternative treks best suit me?”
Now, in the peak season of June - July, the busiest trails in the Salcantay route resemble Inca Trail most popular  in winter, with 10,000+ trekkers passing through annually. Some villages in the lower Santa Teresa region will see as many as 200 trekkers camped out each day.
Thankfully, however, many regions of Cusco remain relatively undiscovered. (80 percent of the commercial trekking is confined to 20 percent of the trails around Machu picchu.)
Alternative treks, such as Salkantay, Lares, Choquequirao, Huchuy qosqo Ausangate and Vilcabamba which are unregulated, allow for a great variety of quality in the service offered. When booking your trip, demand that your trekking agency pays your staff properly, supplies them with adequate food and shelter and follows sustainable environmental practices.
A fine alternative for the all trekkers is  published the 10 best alternative routes with little  trekking activity around Cusco and Machu Pichu .