Why choose an alternative hike to the Inca Trail? Is it worth walking the alternative paths? For many travelers to Cusco, the best part of their trip is following the steps of the ancestors along the imperial routes to the famous Inca city, Machu Picchu. However, you must book months in advance, because there are only 500 spots available each day. These spots are shared among hikers, guides, trekking chefs and porters.
The permit system helps keep the trail clean and allows everyone to have a true historical experience. However, it can be very disappointing when the permits run out for the dates you want. Wait a moment! The Inca Trail system, Qhapaq Ñan, has a total length of 40,000 km. Isn't there something more real and authentic than a route that attracts thousands of people every year? Of course there is!
In fact, there are some Cusco treks that work as alternatives and are, for many, much better than the Classic Inca Trail and the Royal Inca Trail. These routes offer more solitude, more diverse natural landscapes, and a genuine connection with the current communities that live in the Andes.
Unlike the classic route, alternative paths do not always require government permits months in advance (except for the entry to the citadel), which offers more flexibility. Also, these routes usually go through more varied ecosystems, from impressive glaciers to coffee plantations in the jungle brow, giving a wider view of the Peruvian geography.
The Inca Trail tours is highly recognized as one of the best hikes in the world. Currently, it offers different versions to reach the citadel, fitting the time and endurance of each traveler. The 4-day Inca Trail, the 5 day Inca Trail (a version with a slower pace and exclusive campsites), and the Salkantay to Inca Trail are the most popular options among hikers. These routes cross the mountain range and include impressive views of snowy peaks and Inca ruins that are hard to reach.
The short version, the 2 day Inca Trail, starts at km 104; during this route you can see the local plants and animals, as well as the archaeological sites of Challacancha, Wiñaywayna, and Intipata. Although it is shorter, the experience of reaching the citadel on foot is still unforgettable.
Since 2002, the Peruvian government has applied a strict permit system for the famous Inca Trail. Because the classic route was crowded, the number of people was limited to 500 per day, a number that includes all the support staff: guides, trekking cooks, and porters. Statistically, for every ten hikers, there are about 15 helpers who make the camp logistics possible.
The hiker must carry a backpack with the most important gear, including sun protection and warm clothes. Also, it is vital to remember that, although the sun in the highlands is very intense during the day, temperatures can drop sharply and it can be intensely cold at night.
For those who prefer less traffic and stress trying to book the Inca Trail, there are some perfect alternatives. These so called Alternative Treks to Machu Picchu offers challenging hikes, less crowd, beautiful sceneries, contact to local Andean inhabitants and some Incan archaeological sites.
The very best of those Alternative Treks are the Salkantay Trek 5 days, its shorter Salkantay Trek 4 days, you will appreciate the Salkantay Mountain, flora and Jauna or the new version route to Salkantay Trek Expedition 5 days, this trek involve a short Inca Trail, Salkantay Mountain and beatifull landscapes.
The Salkantay Trek follows a portion of the Inca Trail that approaches Machu Picchu via a different route. The trek is known for the Salkantay Pass which is 4600m high and has to be traversed. It's not the only highlight on this tour: Llactapata, Llactapata in Quechua, is a complex of Inca ruins. It is great preparation for the final destination of this trek: Machu Picchu. It is believed that Llaqtapata was also an important resting place on the way to Machu Picchu in Inca times. An advantage of the Salkantay Trek is that, unlike the classic Inca Trail, permits are not required, but it is very important to book in advance. These tickets usually sell out quickly and it is possible that you will not find any more available for your trip.
The Lares Trek feels like you have the Peruvian Andes to yourself. Walking the pristine trails of the Lares you can really feel that not everyone has experienced this gem of a hike. You are high up in the Andes mountains where at night you can dream of the endless galaxy and count the stars. When hiking the Lares Trek, you are likely to meet the locals. As you are off the beaten track, you will travel through small indigenous villages that are very welcoming to adventurers. At the end of it all, you will also get to know Machu Picchu. Isn't that exactly what you wanted?
More information about the Lares Trek
One of the most epic ways to get to Machu Picchu is to follow the little-known Inca trails and visit their "sister city" Choquequirao on the way to Machu Picchu.
This is truly an epic 9-day trek that has everything you need to know about the Inca culture, Inca Trail and Inca cites. In case you've never heard of Choquequirao, the Spanish conquerors never discovered Choquequirao; Today the Inca city, which, like Machu Picchu, still poses many mysteries for researchers, is a real insider tip and the ideal opportunity to take in the originality and magic of the Peruvian Andes off the beaten track.
Perched high above the Apurimac River, a visit to the Choquequirao ruins is a challenging two-day trek that still sees very few visitors. However, no luxury trains or tourist buses go to this site, which is very similar to its big brother in terms of architecture and structure - the only way to get there is via historical Inca paths past overwhelming landscapes, raging rivers, and magnificent vegetation.
So now do something you'll never regret that falls into the "different" category. Hike first to Choquequirao and then on, past obscure Inca ruins, over the beautiful Victoria Pass (where the Incas once mined silver) and then on to Machu Picchu.
To top off this challenging from Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek, we visited Llactapacta (which had been missing for almost 100 years) and looked directly at Machu Picchu.
The trekking route through the Cordillera Vilcabamba north of Cusco Peru reveals a bit more of the irrepressible Peru. Starting from the ruins of Vitcos, the Vilcabamba Trek leads over several Andean passes to the legendary inca city of Machu Picchu. On original, partly overgrown Inca paths, the trail touches the banks of ice-cold mountain streams and meanders along the foothills of huge glacier tongues.
Only in the depths of the Vilcabamba Gorge itself does the true diversity of the subtropical animal, plant and jungle world open up to the hiker. The magic of these unique mountain ranges is characterized by contrasts that are second to none. The trail is breathtakingly beautiful in a completely intact and balanced ecosystem.
Many customers have asked us about the differences between the Inca Trail and the Inca Trail Alternatives to Machu Picchu. Well, choosing the right trek might be difficult so we have stated below a list of various factors that might help you deciding
Peru offers unique experiences that show impressive landscapes, archaeological sites, and living traditions, attracting travelers who seek adventure and discovery in each region of the country. Get to know some of the most recommended trips to explore its diversity.
Inca Trail, Machu Picchu and more
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