5 Alternatives to The Inca Trail

The Moonstone trek to Machu Picchu

Distance: 24 miles (38 ½ km)

The incredible Moonstone Trek is somewhat a secret and is perfect for those who want to trek in areas that are more remote and off the beaten track. The trail begins at the magnificent Quillarumiyoc site which was an ancient Inca temple of a water cult and constructed in honor to the moon. Then this 4 day hike head to the Inka quarry of Cachicata where the stones were taken to build other more famous Inca sites, including Machu Picchu! As if this wasn´t enough, you will also enjoy some spectacular scenery at the Inti Punku (Sun Gate) surrounded by high-elevation mountain peaks, that surround the sacred Valley. Enjoy spectacular landscapes, remote rural communities, Inca aqueducts, "chullpas" ancient burial sites) and the astonishing Sun Gate along an original Inca Trail as you head to the main attraction on the 5th day, of Machu Picchu.

Inti Punku on The Moonstone Trek

The Choquequirao Trek

Distance: 28 miles /45km

Authentic and remote, Choquequirao is the more challenging and isolated alternative to get to Machu Picchu for hikers seeking a route steeped in Inca history. Located in the Apurimac Valley, this archaeological site whose name means "cradle of gold” in Quechua, is believed to be three times bigger than its famous sister city of Machu Picchu and can only be reached on foot. This 9-day Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek is a much more demanding and much longer alternative to the Inca Trail. It is more remote and has far fewer people than the Inca Trail. You reach the same maximum altitude as the Inca Trail, 4200m/13800 ft but require less acclimatization. It is hotter and drier, with humid conditions at the lower elevations. It does not require a permit and is a much tougher challenge than the Inca Trail. This is great if you are an experienced trekker wanting to do something different. The Inca site of Choquequirao sees no more than 10 to 20 people on an average day, and most do the 4-day trek there and back without heading to Machu Picchu.

The starting point for this trek is from the village of Cachora walking to the Capuliyoq pass, from where trekkers descend into the Apurimac Canyon. Terraced farmlands on the edge of the canyon’s river eventually give way to an exhilarating shift from vertical desert to high-elevation jungle as hikers ascend to the site. Finally, after reaching 10,000ft above sea level (3050m), hikers can appreciate the impressive view of the magnificent ruins. It is estimated that half of the site of Choquequirao has been excavated and today there are 12 visible sectors across three hilltops that can be seen with the added bonus of very few, if any other visitors to the archaeological site.

As well as visiting Machu Picchu´s sister site, the view from Llactapata, an Inca site you pass through on your Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek, offers a different perspective of Machu Picchu than the Inca Trail. If you need to be evacuated, you will do so by horse rather than be carried by a human as on the Inca Trail.

The best time to do a Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu is in Peru’s dry season, between May and October.  This is the best time for any trekking in Cusco. In the rainy season, the river is higher, and you may also experience landslides as well as a slippery, muddy trail. We do not operate the Choquequirao trek in the rainy season for safety reasons.

Llama on Choquequirao

The Lares Trek

Distance: 21 miles (34 km)

The Lares trek is one of the best treks in Peru for hikers who are also culture enthusiasts. It winds through the Sacred Valley, passing through Andean villages and llama herds. In fact, it is even nicknamed the “Weaver’s Route” for the traditions of textiles of the area. On top of cultural heritage, Lares boasts incredible mountain views and even hot springs along the route.. 

The Lares Trek is similar in difficulty and distance to the Inca Trail. It goes slightly higher in elevation. While it does not have Inca archaeological sites, you experience the traditional Andean culture, which you do not get on the Inca Trail. Most consider Lares to be a moderate trek. However, it’s still at high elevation, reaching higher than the Inca Trail, which can be tough if you’re not acclimated.

The Lares Trek is much quieter than the Inca Trail. It feels easier on your legs because there are no stone steps. The scenery is more mountain terrain than the Inca Trail. There are fewer weight restrictions as pack horses carry your belongings (not humans), and you do not require a permit for the Lares trek. We also take an emergency horse, and as our vehicles can access the campsites, it is much easier to get out if you have a medical problem. If you need to be evacuated on the Inca Trail, you either walk, or the porters carry you out. The authorities issue the campsites on the Inca Trail. You will share with other groups, especially if making the 4-day Inca Trail, where the campsites are very busy. On the Lares Trek, you will have the camp to yourself. The Lares trek can also be hiked year-round, even during the rainy season, when traveling to Peru. The best time to do the Lares Trek is between April and November during the dry season.

This trail is another alternative to the Inca Trail but ends far from Machu Picchu. On the third day of the trek, you end in Ollantaytambo where you take the train to Aguas Calientes. On the fourth day, you are able to tour the Inca citadel Machu Picchu. If you missed out on the Inca Trail and still dream of walking through the Sun Gate, it’s still possible. You can combine the first two days of Lares with the 2-day Inca Trail to experience both of these incredible treks.

The Lares Trek

The Salkantay Trek

Distance: 32 miles (51 km)

Salkantay is a spectacular alternative Inca Trail when permits are sold out for the Inca Trail. When it comes to Andean landscapes, you couldn’t ask for more as the Salkantay trek covers several Andean microclimates. First, trekkers climb up into the alpine tundra facing the imposing Apu Salkantay. Then you descend into subtropical cloud forest as you approach Machu Picchu. The vibrant blue-green Humantay Lake also sits along the trail, as well as the Inca ruins Llactapata.

The Salkantay Trek is similar in difficulty to the Inca Trail. It takes an equal time as the Inca Trail and is 22 kilometers/13.7 miles longer. The maximum altitude is 418 meters/1371 feet higher than the Inca Trail. Salkantay is almost as busy as the Inca Trail. Unlike the Inca Trail, however, people live the whole way along the trail. Horses, rather than porters, carry your equipment. You trek past glaciers and coffee farms, and there are no Inca sites on the route until you reach Llactapata Inca ruins on day 4.

The Salkantay Trek became the go-to route when Inca Trail permits were sold out, and Humantay Lake at the start of the trek is now a bustling spot with day-trippers coming in busloads to take their selfie by the glacial lake. Soraypampa has recently seen many constructions and now resembles a village rather than the pristine mountain environment it once was. This has brought problems with the local communities complaining they do not have water to irrigate their crops due to showers for trekkers. The path is a stone trail mainly, so you do not have the huge steps of the Inca Trail, and your knees do not take the same impact.

Trekkers will also enjoy soaking in hot springs at Santa Teresa and enjoying locally grown, freshly roasted, and brewed coffee. The Salkantay trek takes five days. The first four days are full trekking days, while the fifth day is a visit to Machu Picchu. Salkantay ends at Aguas Calientes where you can hike the train tracks into Aguas Calientes or take the daily train. You will spend the night in a hotel before the Machu Picchu visit.

The best time to do the Salkantay Trek is between April and November. The route closes in February due to heavy rains, so January and March can also be relatively unpleasant due to rainfall. 

Offering on the Salkantay Trek

Ausangate Trek

Distance: 43 miles (73 km)
The Ausangate trek is one of the best off-the-beaten-path treks in Peru. The trail is remote and boasts spectacular and untouched Andean scenery. Highlights include the snow-capped peaks, glaciers, jewel-toned lakes, and traditional Andean villages. There is also the option to add an extra day to visit the famous Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca. Thanks to mineral deposits in its soil, this mountain has natural rainbow colors, more visible now the snow caps have melted.

However, trekkers should keep in mind that the Ausangate trek is one of the more difficult Peruvian treks due to the high elevation, reaching a high point of 5,120 meters / 17060 feet. That is 1000 meters/ or 3300 feet higher than the Inca Trail. With tour options ranging from four days to six, it’s best to pick a longer tour if you’re not an experienced hiker. This will give you more time to rest along the trail and better enjoy the impressive landscape.  You also camp much higher on the Ausangate Trek, with the highest camp at 4585m/ 15,038ft and all the campsites over 4000 meters. Due to the high elevations, we recommend a minimum 3-day acclimatization period to avoid altitude symptoms. If you don’t have time for a multi-day trek, you can spend a full day hiking to the top of Rainbow Mountain.

There are no Inca sites on the trail, but you get fabulous big mountain scenery and very few people. You are unlikely to see more than one of two other groups on the whole Ausangate Trek. The Ausangate Trek does not go to Machu Picchu. However, we offer the trek with an extension to Machu Picchu included so that you don’t miss out on this wonder of the world.  

Due to the high elevations, we recommend a minimum 3-day acclimatization period to avoid altitude symptoms. The Ausangate Trek uses mules to carry all the equipment, and in the case of an emergency, you would be evacuated by horse. The best time to do the Ausangate Trek is May to October or November. From December to March, the area will likely have snow on the passes, perhaps in April too. Our Ausangate Trek also goes to Rainbow Mountain, which is in the Ausangate mountain range, and you also visit lovely hot springs in Pacchanta to relax the muscles after a long day’s trekking.

Ausangate Trek

A Special Mention!

Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

The short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu will allow you to hike on the original Inca trail, just like in ancient times. You explore the ancient Inca religious cities along the way and enter through the Sun Gate directly to Machu Picchu Citadel. You get to visit Machu Picchu twice! You enter the classic Inca Trail on day three, so you can still enter Machu Picchu via the sun gate; plus, there are nearly always permits for this option.  The permits are more readily available for the shorter hike so are usually available when the classic Inca Trail permits are sold out!

Short Inca Trail

Combination Treks To Machu Picchu

You can also combine the 2-day Inca Trail with many of the above hikes if you feel the need to hike the classic Inca trail, and there are no permits. The best combo is the Lares trek with a 2-day Inca trail, which gives the trekker the best of both worlds in four days.  You pass through the most isolated indigenous communities keeping the Inca culture alive, and have the privilege to interact with them. Pass through Andean scenery, with majestic glaciers, shockingly blue glacial lakes, waterfalls, llamas, and alpacas, before trekking the classic Inca trail to Machu Picchu!

Llamas on The Lares Trek