For many travelers, Machu Picchu is the ultimate bucket-list destination. But did you know that there are alternative treks that offer a unique and less crowded way to experience the ancient ruins?
If you’re looking for an adventure that takes you off the beaten path, consider exploring the hidden gems of Machu Picchu with one of these alternative treks. From rugged mountain terrain to lush jungle landscapes, these treks offer a chance to discover the secrets of Machu Picchu in a way that few tourists ever get to experience.
So why not break away from the crowds and embark on an adventure that will take you to some of Peru’s most stunning and remote corners? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best alternative treks to Machu Picchu and what makes each unique.
The traditional Inca Trail trek is a four-day, three-night hike that covers 26 miles (43 kilometers) and takes you through stunning Andean landscapes and Inca ruins before arriving at Machu Picchu at sunrise on the fourth day.
The trail is steep and challenging, with high altitude and rugged terrain. However, the reward is well worth the effort, as you get to experience the beauty and mystery of Machu Picchu in a unique and unforgettable way.
The Inca Trail trek requires a permit and must be done with a licensed tour operator. The permit system is designed to limit the number of hikers on the trail, ensuring that it remains sustainable and protected for future generations. However, this also means that permits are limited and can sell out months in advance, making it difficult to secure a spot on the trail, especially during peak season.
While the Inca Trail trek is undoubtedly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, it may not be the best fit for everyone. The trail can be quite crowded, and you may find yourself hiking alongside dozens of other tourists. Additionally, the limited availability of permits means that you may not be able to secure a spot on the trail when you want to hike it. Finally, the Inca Trail trek is quite challenging, and not everyone may be up for the steep inclines and high altitude.
Alternative treks offer a chance to experience the beauty and mystery of Machu Picchu in a unique and less crowded way. These treks take you off the beaten path and into some of the most remote and stunning corners of Peru. You’ll still get to see some of the incredible Andean landscapes and Inca ruins, but you’ll also get a chance to explore lesser-known trails, hidden villages, and cultural experiences that few tourists ever get to see.
Each alternative trek to Machu Picchu offers a unique and unforgettable experience. The Salkantay Trek is known for its stunning mountain landscapes, the Lares Trek for its cultural immersion experiences, the Choquequirao Trek for its lesser-known ruins, and the Vilcabamba Trek for its historical journey through the Andes. Choosing the right trek will depend on your interests, fitness level, and available time.
The Salkantay Trek and Choquequirao Trek are the most challenging of the alternative treks, and they require a high level of fitness and experience. The Lares Trek and Vilcabamba Trek are less challenging but still require a moderate level of fitness. All treks are best done during the dry season (May to September) to avoid the rainy season and muddy trails.
The Salkantay Trek is one of the most popular alternative treks to Machu Picchu. This five-day, four-night trek takes you through stunning Andean landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, glacial lakes, and lush valleys. The Salkantay Trek is known for its challenging terrain, including steep inclines, high altitude, and rugged paths. However, the reward is well worth the effort, as you get to experience some of the most stunning scenery in Peru.
The Salkantay Trek starts in the town of Mollepata, about three hours from Cusco. From there, you’ll hike through stunning mountain landscapes, including the Salkantay Pass, which is over 15,000 feet (4,600 meters) above sea level. You’ll also visit remote villages, including the indigenous community of Huayllabamba, where you can learn about Andean culture and traditions.
The Salkantay Trek ends at Machu Picchu, where you’ll arrive in the morning and have a chance to explore the ruins before the crowds arrive. The Salkantay Trek is a challenging but rewarding alternative to the Inca Trail, and it’s a great choice for experienced hikers who want to see some of the most stunning landscapes in Peru.
Alternative treks offer a chance to experience the beauty and mystery of Machu Picchu in a unique and less crowded way. These treks take you off the beaten path and into some of the most remote and stunning corners of Peru. You’ll still get to see some of the incredible Andean landscapes and Inca ruins, but you’ll also get a chance to explore lesser-known trails, hidden villages, and cultural experiences that few tourists ever get to see.
The Lares Trek is another popular alternative trek to Machu Picchu. This four-day, three-night trek takes you through stunning Andean landscapes and remote villages, including the traditional weaving community of Lares. The Lares Trek is known for its cultural immersion experiences, including visits to local markets, hot springs, and traditional Andean villages.
The Lares Trek starts in the town of Lares, about three hours from Cusco. From there, you’ll hike through stunning mountain landscapes, including the Ipsayccocha Pass, which is over 14,000 feet (4,300 meters) above sea level. You’ll also have a chance to visit remote villages, including the traditional weaving community of Choquecancha, where you can learn about Andean textiles and culture.
The Lares Trek ends at Ollantaytambo, where you’ll take a train to Aguas Calientes and then visit Machu Picchu. The Lares Trek is a great choice for those who want to experience the cultural richness of the Andes and see some stunning landscapes along the way.
The Choquequirao Trek is a challenging but rewarding alternative to the Inca Trail. This eight-day, seven-night trek takes you through stunning Andean landscapes, including the lesser-known ruins of Choquequirao, known as the “sister city” of Machu Picchu. The Choquequirao ruins are larger than Machu Picchu but less well-known, making them a hidden gem for those who want to explore the history and mystery of the Andes.
The Choquequirao Trek starts in the town of Cachora, about six hours from Cusco. From there, you’ll hike through stunning mountain landscapes, including the Apurimac Canyon, which is over 5,000 feet (1,500 meters) deep. You’ll also have a chance to explore the ruins of Choquequirao, which are perched on a mountain ridge overlooking the Apurimac River.
The Choquequirao Trek ends at Machu Picchu, where you’ll arrive in the morning and have a chance to explore the ruins before the crowds arrive. The Choquequirao Trek is a great choice for experienced hikers who want to explore the lesser-known ruins of Choquequirao and see some stunning landscapes along the way.
The Vilcabamba Trek is a lesser-known alternative trek to Machu Picchu, but it’s a hidden gem for those who want to explore the history and mystery of the Andes. This nine-day, eight-night trek takes you through stunning Andean landscapes, including the lesser-known ruins of Vilcabamba, the last Inca stronghold against the Spanish conquest.
The Vilcabamba Trek starts in the town of Huancacalle, about nine hours from Cusco. From there, you’ll hike through stunning mountain landscapes, including the Yanama Pass, which is over 15,000 feet (4,600 meters) above sea level. You’ll also have a chance to explore the ruins of Vilcabamba, which are perched on a mountain ridge overlooking the Vilcabamba River.
The Vilcabamba Trek ends at Machu Picchu, where you’ll arrive in the morning and have a chance to explore the ruins before the crowds arrive. The Vilcabamba Trek is a great choice for those who want to explore the history and mystery of the Andes and see some stunning landscapes along the way.
