5 Reasons Why the Carabaya Mountain Trek Surpasses the Inca Trail

Published by peruandes at May 16, 2025

When most travelers dream of hiking to ancient Andean wonders, the Inca Trail is usually the first option. But what if we told you there’s an alternative route, untouched, sacred, and far less crowded that could offer a deeper connection with the Andes?

Welcome to the Carabaya Mountain Trek, an extraordinary journey through one of Peru’s best-kept secrets. Nestled in the southern Peruvian Andes, this trail offers an authentic and transformative experience that the well-trodden Inca Trail often can’t match anymore due to overcrowding and commercialization.

1. Unmatched Exclusivity – Walk Where Few Have Walked

Unlike the Inca Trail, which sees hundreds of hikers every day, the Carabaya Mountain Trek offers solitude and silence. This is not just a hike—it’s a pilgrimage through remote paths used only by local shepherds and spiritual pilgrims.

Why it matters:

No permits are needed months in advance.
You may go days without seeing another group.
Your photos won’t be filled with crowds.
You’ll experience the Andes as they were centuries ago.

In comparison, the Inca Trail, while iconic, now operates more like a tourist highway. With over 500 daily permits (including guides and porters), exclusivity is a thing of the past.

2. Virgin Landscapes – Nature Untouched by Mass Tourism

The Carabaya Mountain Trek traverses the rugged beauty of the Cordillera de Carabaya, a breathtaking range filled with glacial lakes, snow-capped peaks, and highland fauna. This is raw Andean nature at its most powerful.

Highlights include:

Turquoise lagoons like Lago Parinacocha.
Panoramic views of Nevado Allin Capac.
Herds of wild vicuñas roaming free.
Zero litter and pristine trails.

Unlike the Inca Trail, where campsites can sometimes be overused, the Carabaya region remains in near-perfect condition. It’s a reminder of what the Andes looked like before Instagram.

3. A Spiritual Journey – Not Just a Trek, But a Transformation

Carabaya is known among local communities as a sacred mountain range. In fact, Allin Capac and Chichicapac are considered Apus, or mountain spirits, worshipped since pre-Inca times.

Spiritual experiences along the trek:

Participate in Andean cleansing rituals with local shamans.
Meditate at sunrise near sacred lakes.
Learn about ancient cosmovisión andina directly from Quechua-speaking elders.

While the Inca Trail has historical significance, much of its spiritual context is lost in the crowds. In contrast, the Carabaya Mountain Trek invites a profound reconnection with Pachamama (Mother Earth) and your inner self.

4. Fewer Tourists, Deeper Connections

Travelers who choose the Carabaya Mountain Trek aren’t looking for checkmarks on a bucket list—they’re seeking immersion. With fewer tourists, you’ll find:

Authentic interactions with local communities.
More time to connect with your guides and group.
A slower pace that encourages observation and reflection.

Compared to the Inca Trail, which often follows strict group schedules, the flexibility in Carabaya fosters a more personal and fulfilling experience.

5. Cultural and Ecotourism Potential – Support Sustainable Travel

The Carabaya region remains relatively unknown, but it holds immense tourism potential that could benefit dozens of Quechua communities if developed sustainably.

Choosing Carabaya means:

Supporting underrepresented regions.
Spreading tourism income beyond Cusco.
Encouraging community-led conservation initiatives.

The Inca Trail’s popularity has come at an environmental cost. By opting for the Carabaya Mountain Trek, you help redefine tourism in Peru—away from exploitation and toward regeneration.

If you’re looking for more than just a hike—if you seek connection, challenge, and authenticity—then the Carabaya Mountain Trek is your call. It’s not about rejecting the Inca Trail; it’s about exploring new paths that better align with modern values of sustainability, exclusivity, and deeper travel.

Carabaya Mountain Trek is not just a destination; it’s a reminder that the Andes still hold secrets for those willing to walk where few have walked.