Hi

Can anyone recommend any alternative treks or off the beaten track things to do around Cusco? I am looking for things where there are not so many people and some unique interactions with the locals.

Any suggestions? I would prefer things that aren’t in the guide books.

I speak a little Spanish, not much.

Gracias!

Yes, there are many good treks out there. For example, Salkantay, Ausangate and Lares. You can do searches for any of these and see lots of agencies around Cusco that do them.

There are also a number of other treks out there which are less commonly done by tourists. My favourite is the Crossing the Cordillera Vilcabamba.

Check out these off the beaten track treks at
members.westnet.com.au/tinglefarms/apus_peru/true_adventure

These are truly adventurous and without tourists. Maybe you will get some ideas about what you like.

In Cusco I stayed in Hostal Sweet Daybreak. Lovely hostel with lovely people. Never had a view like that from my room balcony. Lovely garden also. They organise all tours if ask for it. The tourist things and also all request you have about more alternative trekkings. Check it out.www.hostalsweetdaybreak.com

Your best bet right now would be to check with one of the many licensed Inca Trail operators mentioned on this forum (www.Pachmama.com)(www.alltrekcusco.com) etc.). If there's anything left, they'll sure tell you.
I don't know about an alternate trail to MP, but there's quite some hiking to be done within MP (no permit needed) although this doesn't provide the same experience as the trail.

There are other trails, but they don't lead to MP (and if they do, a permit is needed).