Machu Picchu Without the Inca Trail: Alternative Treks Compared
If you prefer to travel spontaneously without planning months in advance, the Classic Inca Trail might not be the ideal choice. Only 500 permits are issued daily, and they often sell out well ahead of time. Plus, it's typically more expensive than other treks in the region.
But don’t worry — the Peruvian Andes offer plenty of incredible alternative treks, each with breathtaking scenery, rich culture, and far fewer crowds.
Discover the Lares Valley: A Hidden Gem in the Andes
Hidden in the Andes mountains is the Lares Valley, a peaceful place that many Peruvians love but not many tourists know about. This amazing trek has all the natural beauty and cultural richness of its more famous counterpart—spectacular mountain views, ancient traditions and traces of Inca heritage—but without the crowds.
The Lares Valley has not been spoiled by mass tourism and it is still very similar to how it was 500 years ago. The trail takes you deep into traditional Andean life: you'll see farmers wearing vibrant, handwoven clothing, visit local markets that still operate as they did centuries ago, and see clusters of thatched stone and adobe houses dotting the landscape. Llamas and alpacas roam freely across the highlands, adding to the strange beauty of this untouched region.
Unlike the Inca Trail, you don't need a special permit for the Lares Trek, and it's much less crowded. But it has lots to offer: tall mountains, wide valleys, and the chance to meet local people who still live like they did hundreds of years ago.
This trek is about more than just getting to a destination. It's about experiencing the true spirit of the Andes.
Why Choose the Lares Trek?
Unlike the Inca Trail, the Lares Trek doesn’t require a special permit, and it’s far less crowded. Yet it offers equally incredible rewards: soaring peaks, sweeping valleys, and genuine encounters with indigenous Quechua communities whose way of life has remained unchanged for generations.
This trek is about more than just getting to a destination. It's about experiencing the true spirit of the Andes.
- Authentic Cultural EncountersMeet :
Meet Quechua-speaking locals in traditional dress, observe daily farming life, and visit remote villages rarely seen by outsiders. - Stunning Landscapes:
Walk through mountains and past glaciers, beautiful blue lakes, and difficult paths, with llamas and alpacas eating grass in the meadows at high altitudes. - Natural Hot Springs:
After a day of hiking, treat your tired muscles to the soothing thermal waters of Lares. It's a relaxing and surreal experience. - Off-the-Beaten-Path:
Walk along trails where you may not see another tourist for hours. It's peaceful, not too busy and really rewarding.
Lares Hike Details
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: The Ultimate Scenic Adventure
Many people think the Salkantay Trek is one of the best ways to get to Machu Picchu. This trek is perfect for adventurers who want to see somewhere different. It is known for its beautiful views, many different types of animals and plants, and for changing from one ecosystem to another. The Salkantay route is different from the traditional Inca Trail because you don't need a permit and it's more flexible.
What makes this trek special is the close encounter with Salkantay Mountain, which is the second-highest mountain in the Cusco region. You will also see an Inca archaeological site that is very dramatic, right in front of the back of Machu Picchu Mountain. The walking trail ends in Aguas Calientes, a town at the bottom of Machu Picchu. Here, trekkers can rest before visiting the famous Inca citadel.
Salkantay Trek Itinerary Overview
You can choose between the 4-day or 5-day Salkantay Trek, depending on your schedule and hiking preferences. Here's a snapshot of the classic 5-day version:
Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa – Soyrococha – Huayracmachay
- Early morning departure from Cusco, driving through the scenic Pampa de Anta to the town of Mollepata for breakfast.
- Continue to Soraypampa (3,800 m), the starting point of the hike.
- Gentle uphill trek to Salkantaypampa, followed by a more challenging ascent through seven switchbacks leading to Soyrococha.
- After lunch, climb to the highest point of the trek, Salkantay Pass (4,650 m), with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks.
- Descend to your first campsite at Huayracmachay (3,700 m).
Day 2–3: Descent into the Cloud Forest
- Continue descending into lush cloud forest ecosystems.
- Pass through scenic spots like Chaullay, Collpapampa, and La Playa (2,100 m), observing the shift from alpine to tropical environments.
- Learn about local agriculture, including coffee plantations and orchid-filled forests.
Day 4: La Playa – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes
- Trek to the Hidroeléctrica train station, then hike along the tracks to Aguas Calientes (1,986 m), the town at the foot of Machu Picchu.
- Overnight in a comfortable hotel before your big day
Day 5: Machu Picchu Exploration
- Early morning bus ride to Machu Picchu to catch the sunrise and explore the citadel before the crowds arrive.
- Enjoy a guided tour with one of our knowledgeable English-speaking guides.
- Return to Cusco by train in the afternoon or evening.
Salkantay trek Details
Cachiccata Trek to Machu Picchu
Cachiccata’s proximity to Machu Picchu makes trekking around it an attractive alternative to the oversubscribed Inca Trail. Cachicata is located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, in this trek will appreciate the Huarocondo terraces, the water fall, incas ruins, andean terraces, Intipunku (Sun gate), Inca trail original, stone quarries. During this hike you will enjoy of both nature of the highland andean. Continue the hike will arrive to Ollantaytambo archeological. where we take the train to Machu Picchu.The last day will visit the lost city of the Incas Machu Picchu.
Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu
The Inca Jungle Trek is a four-day adventure tour that combines mountain biking, hiking, and optional activities like white-water rafting and zip-lining. Instead of going over the mountains, this route takes you through the jungle, local villages and pretty valleys on the way to Aguas Calientes, where you can get to Machu Picchu.
Why Choose the Inca Jungle Trek?
- No permits required, unlike the Inca Trail
- Includes fun activities like biking, rafting, and zip-lining
- Lower cost compared to the Classic Inca Trail
- Ideal for adventurous and active travelers
- Offers a unique view of the Sacred Valley and Inca culture
- Great way to connect with local communities along the route
Inca Jungle Trek Itinerary Overview
- Day 1: Cusco – Biking to Santa Maria
Start with a thrilling downhill bike ride from the Andes into the jungle. Optional rafting in the afternoon! - Day 2: Santa Maria to Santa Teresa
Trek through jungle paths, local farms, and Inca trails. In the evening, relax in the hot springs at Santa Teresa. - Day 3: Ziplining and Hike to Aguas Calientes
Start with optional zip-lining, then hike along the Urubamba River to reach Aguas Calientes town. - Day 4: Machu Picchu
Rise early to visit Machu Picchu, the legendary Lost City of the Incas. Enjoy a guided tour and free time to explore or hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (if booked in advance).
Inca Jungle Details
The Inca Jungle Trek is a great option for travellers who want an exciting, affordable, and active way to get to Machu Picchu. This trip is a combination of adventure, culture and nature. It is more than just a trek – it is an unforgettable journey through the Andean jungle.
If you like to try new things and don't like to stick to a plan, this could be the perfect way to reach Machu Picchu.
Choquequirao: Peru’s Lost Inca City
If you want to go somewhere really unusual in Peru, Choquequirao is the place to go. Many people don't know about Choquequirao trek as much as they know about its more famous sister site, Machu Picchu. But it's one of the most exciting and untouched Inca archaeological sites in South America.
Unlike Machu Picchu, which welcomes thousands of visitors every day, Choquequirao is visited by only a small number of people. These are people who are happy to take on the challenge of a remote multi-day trek through the Andes Mountains. But what awaits is an authentic experience, full of natural beauty, history, and solitude.
What Is Choquequirao?
The name Choquequirao is Quechua for "Cradle of Gold". This amazing Inca fortress was built in the 15th century, probably during the rule of Pachacuti or his son Tupac Inca Yupanqui. It is at an altitude of almost 3,050 metres (10,000 feet) and it has spectacular views of the Apurímac Canyon.
Although only about 30–40% of the site has been dug up, you can already see some structures.
- Agricultural terraces carved into the mountainside
- Ceremonial plazas and temples
- A large central staircase
- Iconic white stone llamas inlaid into the terraces
Choquequirao Trek
Access to Choquequirao is difficult, which is part of what makes it so special. The standard Choquequirao trek takes 4 to 5 days and covers around 60 kilometres (37 miles) of steep ascents and descents.
- Difficult terrain: You'll hike down into the Apurímac Canyon and then climb back up to Choquequirao.
- The views are stunning: Snowy mountains, lush cloud forests, and impressive cliffs surround the route.
- We have seen wildlife: Keep an eye out for condors, hummingbirds, orchids and spectacled bears.
- Camping under the stars: Get away from the noise and rush of city life and experience the real wild beauty of the Andean mountains.
Trekking de Choquequirao to Machu Picchu
If you like adventure, the best way to see Inca sites is to combine Choquequirao and Machu Picchu into one trip. This long walk, also called the Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek, connects two of the best Inca archaeological sites in Peru through one of the most beautiful and remote trails in the Andes mountains.
What Is the Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek?
This 9 to 12-day trip takes you from the old ruins of Choquequirao to the famous Machu Picchu. Unlike the well-known Inca Trail, this route is much less traveled. This means you can enjoy a more private experience, with its challenging terrain and close contact with Peru's natural and cultural landscapes.
Choquequirao Trek Details
Is This Trek for You?
If you want to experience a less busy and more authentic adventure than the standard Inca Trail, this is the perfect choice. The Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek is hard, but it is worth it. Hikers get to see beautiful, untouched scenery, feel like they are discovering new things, and get to experience the amazing feeling of arriving at Machu Picchu on foot after climbing another Inca citadel along the way.
This trek is perfect for:
- Experienced trekkers
- Photographers and people who love nature
- People interested in history and archaeology
- Travellers looking for a more natural, independent experience.
Final thoughts
The Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek is more than just a hike. It's an adventure through time, nature, and culture. If you want to learn more about Peru's Inca past and see its amazing landscapes, this trek is the best way to do it.