Alternative Routes to Machu Picchu

Looking for an off-the-beaten-path route to Machu Picchu? Check out this list of the top seven alternative routes to the Inca masterpiece.

There’s nothing like the satisfaction of approaching Machu Picchu on one’s own two feet, which is why the classic Inca Trail hike has become so popular in recent years. The time when a traveler could roll into Cusco and set up an Inca Trail trek for the following day—or week, or month—has long since passed, though. To limit damage to the trail, the Peruvian government now limits access to 500 persons per day, guide and porters included. Permits for the peak summer season sell out months in advance.

Fortunately, the Inca were master road builders who blazed trails all throughout the Andes, and many of these are alternate routes to Machu Picchu. Here are six alternatives, most of which require no permits and can be arranged through any reputable outfitter in Cusco. Some of these hikes are available in multiple variations and can be tailored to meet a particular fitness level; those listed here are among the most popular versions.

Top 6 best Inca Trail Alternative Treks

Here are a number of brilliant Inca Trail Alternative Treks to Machu Picchu each offers something truly unique:

1.- The Salkantay Trek

The Salkantay Trek covers the southern part of the Vilcabamba mountain range, showing beautiful landscapes that vary from the pampas to the jungle. From those chilly heights, the trail descends into subtropical cloud forest, where it meets up with an ancient Inca highway (part of the original Qapac Ñan network that connected the far ends of the empire) that leads to the recently rediscovered ruins of Llactapata. A downhill walk ends at the small train station, where a frequent shuttle runs along the Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu Inca Site.

Far from the agglomeration of tourists and the bureaucratic difficulties of the best-known circuits, Salkantay offers privacy and authenticity to travelers who dare to go on this trek.

With a duration of 5 days, this tour visits several Altiplano localities, as well as lagoons, hot springs and the famous Salkantay mountain.

Advantages of the Salkantay Trek: The Salkantay Trek includes the Llactapata Inca ruin (not to be confused with Patallacta) which is not visited on other alternative treks and part of the final day trekking on day 4 travels along the original Inca Trail route to Vilcabamba, part of the Qapaq Ñan Andean Road System.

Disadvantages of the Salkantay Trek: The standard Salkantay Trek is a total of 5 days (including the visit to Machu Picchu) so is longer than most other alternative trek options which means it is usually a more expensive option, and it is also a more difficult trek at higher altitude (up to around 4600 metres) which is something to bear in mind.

2.- Lares Trek

The Sacred Valley, through which hundreds of thousands of train-riding visitors pass each year on their way from Cusco to Machu Picchu, is justifiably famous for its beauty. It’s also a little crowded. Just beyond the massive snowcapped peaks that mark the Sacred Valley’s northern edge, however, sits the Lares Valley. Here, life continues much as it has for centuries. Locals in traditional Andean dress plant potatoes by hand, raise herds of llamas and alpacas, and weave cloth as they have for generations. Those farmers and artisans may be the only other people you see for days. This trek usually starts at the tiny town of Lares, home to a famous hot spring, and passes through several villages. Along the way it provides close-up views of the 18,000-plus feet of Mount Veronica and several high-altitude lakes. It ends near the historic ruins of Ollantaytambo, and from there the train trip to Machu Picchu is only 90 minutes.

Advantages of the Lares Trek: The trek is quieter than the Inca Trail so is a good option for anyone looking to avoid the crowds. As the trek is 4 days (the same length as the official Inca Trail) it serves as a good alternative to that trek and permits are also not required for the Lares Trek so you can reserve a spot with relatively short notice. While the Inca Trail passes through barren valleys the Lares Trek travels through valleys that are home to traditional farming and Andean villages and tiny communities, so is a great option to meet local people and see a traditional Andean way of life.

Disadvantages of the Lares Trek: This Inca Trail alternative route is frequently mis-advertised as a trek to Machu Picchu which is not strictly true as the trek ends at the Inca town of Ollantaytambo at the end of the Sacred Valley with onward travel to Machu Picchu by train. Compared to the Inca Trail the Lares Trek can be a slightly little expensive option as it requires an additional train ticket (from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu) and the cost of a hotel on the evening of day 3. Unlike the Salkantay and Choquequirao Treks.

3.- Choquequirao Trek

The Choquequirao trail is one of the remote and quietest treks in the region. You can do this trail as an out and back in 4 or 5 days. For a through hike, look for a reputable trekking agency that will take you on a 7 or 8 day trek. The 7 day trek is usually combined with a visit to Machu Picchu at the end of the trip. The route begins with a 2-day journey to Choquequirao, one of the largest and best preserved Inca sites outside of Machu Picchu.

However, unlike Machu Picchu, there is usually only a hand full of people at this impressive site. Look out for condors flying overhead – they are quite common in this region! From here trekkers follow a beautiful 3 or 4 day trail towards Machu Picchu.

The trek is relatively tough so a good level of fitness is required, and is best done during the dry season months (March/April or October/November), as the sun is very intense in the peak season (May-September).

Advantages of the Choquequirao Trek: The ruin of Choquequirao is one of the more special Inca ruins in the Cusco region so the main advantage of the Choquequirao Trek is a visit to this special and little-visited ruin. From a trekking perspective the Choquequirao Trek is a perfect choice for anyone wanting to get away from the crowds of Machu Picchu and experience something off the beaten track and a little bit more isolated through similar landscape.

Disadvantages of the Choquequirao Trek: Unlike most of the other alternative treks to Machu Picchu listed here the 4 day Choquequirao Trek doesn’t go to Machu Picchu. This isn’t necessarily an issue, as visiting Machu Picchu is still possible the usual way by train from Cusco or the Sacred Valley, but this means the Choquequirao Trek can be a more expensive option comparatively as it requires the cost of the trek plus the cost of a visit to Machu Picchu, whereas the alternative treks to Machu Picchu include Machu Picchu within the price of the trek itself.

4.- Cachicata Trek or Inca Quarry Trek

The outposts of the vast Inca Empire were kept connected by fleet-footed chaski messengers, who ran so fast (according to lore) that the emperor was able to dine in Cusco on fresh fish from the Pacific Ocean, a mountainous 300 miles away. This high-altitude route follows some of the same paths those runners might have used, and takes in scarcely visited Inca buildings, water channels, and quarries, where one can see firsthand how the Inca obtained the stone they used in their building projects. Most versions of the Chaski Route include a stop at the spectacular waterfall named Perolniyoc and its nearby ruins. The trail ends at Ollantaytambo, where trekkers can visit one of the most famous sets of Inca ruins before hopping the train to Machu Picchu.

Advantages of the Cachicata Trek: The Cachicata hike is relatively easy compared to some of the others, making it a great option for less experienced hikers. Another great thing about the walk is that almost nobody does it so, if you’re looking to get away from the crowds, then this is the walk for you.

Disadvantages of the Cachicata Trek: This hike is not very popular, therefore, if you travel alone it will be difficult to find a group and you must hire a private tour, which is more expensive than the shared service. 

5.- Ancascocha Trek

Located within the Sacred Valley, the Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu yields similar scenery to the classic Inca Trail, but with little tourist traffic and the chance to explore recently excavated ruins en route.

Much more strenuous than the Inca Trail, this grueling, 34mi (55km) high-Andes trail involves ascending seven steep summits and negotiating rocky terrain at a dizzying 15,800ft (4,816m). Your reward: a secluded hike through the pristine landscapes of the Vilcabamba and Urubamba mountain ranges.

On the final day, trekkers board the train to Aguas Calientes, the base camp for Machu Picchu. Tours begin in Cusco and drive to the starting point at Socma, two hours away. 

6.- The Ausangate Trek and Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain)

Ausangate is one of the places of beautiful landscapes of the mountain chain of the Peruvian Andes, Ausangate is imposed as one of the highest mountains of Cusco, the Ausangate Glacier (6384 m.), Has the presence of the white spirits of the snow of the Andean men of the Cordillera de Vilcanota. During the Ausangate Trek, you will appreciate the presence of the diversity of ecosystems, with its varieties of flora and fauna species of the Peruvian Andes. The Rainbow Mountain is also seen in this trekking adventure! Ausangate circles snowy Ausangate, which is about 60 miles east of Machu Picchu. It is one of the most beautiful and sacred treks in the Cusco region, but sees significantly less traffic. The 4 or 5 day trek is most famous for the Qoyllur Riti pilgrimage, which takes place every year in June to honor the harvest season and Inca heritage. 

Advantages of the Ausangate Trek: Traditional Andean lodge accommodation is available on this trek (rather than camping) so this is a popular trek for anyone looking for a little bit of extra comfort at the high altitude. The landscape on the Ausangate Trek is beautiful and more barren and isolated than that found on some of the other alternative trek options.

Disadvantages of the Ausangate Trek: The trek reaches altitude in excess of 5000 metres so is possibly the most difficult alternative trek to Machu Picchu and certainly a minimum level of fitness and acclimatisation time will be required.

7.- Vilcabamba Trek

The Vilcabamba trail is by far the quietest route to Machu Picchu. In fact it is possible to do this trek and not see one other trekking group. The route is also arguably the most scenic in the region, taking trekkers from wondrous highlands that feature a number of impressive snow-capped peaks through to lush rainforests.

The route then continues—in some spots along original stone Inca highways—through the sparsely populated Cordillera Vilcabamba, which looks much the same as when Hiram Bingham first explored here a century ago. Trekkers traverse a mountain range, cross rivers and valleys, and cut through several of Peru’s diverse biozones: dry scrub, lush cloud forest, and puna, a high-altitude grassland. The trek ends a short walk or train ride from Machu Picchu.

The trek is ideal for the rugged and experienced trekker. We love this alternative Inca trail trek!

Now that you know that there are many other ways to get to Machu Picchu apart from the Inca Trail, which one is your favorite? If you need extra information for your next trip to Peru, Contact Us.

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