Alternative Treks to Machu Picchu - All You Need to Know!
Trekking to Machu Picchu is one of those bucket-list items that most people want to do when they visit Peru! Many people decide to hike the world-famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, but what happens if there are no permits available? Maybe you prefer a more off-the-beaten-track route through the Andes? Maybe you want some cultural interaction along your trekking route? Maybe you want to avoid the crowds? Whatever your reason, we have some impressive, spectacular, and fascinating alternatives to the Inca Trail to fill your "hiking" boots!
Alternative Treks to Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu, the iconic Peruvian archaeological site is a true wonder of the world and one of the most spectacular places on the planet! Whether you hike to Machu Picchu, or visit Machu Picchu by Train, one thing is for sure...... this iconic site simply has to be visited on a trip to Peru! Here is more useful information about Machu Picchu, the ultimate destination of your alternative treks!
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All About Machu Picchu
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The Different Ways to Get to Machu Picchu
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Main Landmarks In Machu Picchu
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What Was Machu Picchu?
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The History of Machu Picchu
Overview of The Different Alternative Treks to Machu Picchu
The Salkantay Trek
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu Is a spectacular, yet challenging, alternative to the Inca Trail. The Salkantay Trek traverses different Andean landscapes from snow-capped mountains to subtropical cloud forests. Highlights include Humantay Lake, Llactapata ruins, and the Santa Teresa hot springs. You can enjoy these Salkantay Treks on a 5-day hike, visiting the stunning turquoise Humantay Lake and remote Llactapata ruins. Or on a 7 Day trek combining Salkantay with the classic Inca Trail for a longer 7-day adventure. Then for those looking for a cultural experience, there is an extended 8-day trek that includes additional cultural activities such as visiting a coffee farm or other local living experiences. You also have the option to visit hot springs or take part in a ziplining adventure to complement this amazing alternative Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu. Find out more about the Salkantay Trek
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
The Lares Trek
The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is perfect for culture enthusiasts. The Lares Valley Trek passes through the Sacred Valley of The Incas and passes through authentic Andean villages. Known as the "Weaver's Route," The Lares Trek offers cultural heritage, stunning mountain views, and some relaxing hot springs. The Lare Trek is considered a moderate trek, mainly due to the high elevations and the hike ends in Ollantaytambo, followed by a train ride to Aguas Calientes, with a tour of Machu Picchu. Take a look at our Lares Trail options on a 4-day Lares Trek focusing on cultural heritage and mountain views, or a 7-day package combining the Lares Trek with additional time in Cusco for adequate acclimatization, and of course the Machu Picchu visit.
Llamas on Lares Trek!
The Choquequirao Trek
The Choquequirao Trek is an authentic and remote trekking route ideal for those seeking a challenging hike, steeped in Inca history. Starting from Cachora, trekkers descend into the Apurimac Canyon and ascend to the Choquequirao archaeological complex. The Choquequirao trail offers impressive views of this vast Choquequirao archaeological site. Our Choquequirao trekking packages to enjoy "The Alternative Machu Picchu" include A 4-day trek to the remote Choquequirao ruins and a 9-day extended trek connecting Choquequirao to Machu Picchu, for an awe-inspiring trekking experience. Choquequirao is called Machu Picchu´s Sister City and was of importance to The Incas. Now, only an estimated 50% of The Choquequirao Archaeological Complex has been excavated, adding to the mystery of this lesser-visited Inca City. You can only get to Choquequirao on foot and after one of the most challenging hikes in the region, in and out of a steep canyon. This makes the Choquequirao Trek the perfect option for experienced trekkers and those interested in Inca history.
The Choquequirao Trek
The Ausangate Trek
The Ausangate Trek is an off-the-beaten-path trekking adventure featuring spectacular Andean scenery, including snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and jewel-toned glacial lakes. This trek reaches elevations up to 5,120 meters and even includes a visit to the spectacular Rainbow Mountain, “Vinicunca”. You can enjoy a 7-day trek featuring the Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain, or a 10-day trek including acclimatization days in Cusco and an in-depth exploration of The Ausangate region. The Ausangate Trek is for those trekkers who love nature and spectacular Andean scenery. While there are no archaeological sites along The Ausangate Trek, until you connect to Machu Picchu, this rural trek visits remote Andean communities and has plenty of local interaction opportunities, as well as mind-blowing scenery that is guaranteed to make your jaw drop.
The Ausangate Trek
The Vilcabamba Trek
In the heart of Inca history, the Vilcabamba realm stood as the final bastion of the Inca Empire, defiant against the encroaching Spanish Conquerors. The pilgrimage from Vilcabamba to Machu Picchu echoes this 5-day trekking expedition, offering a unique hiking experience through lush tropical cloud forests and rugged mountain tops. The Vilcabamba trek to Machu Picchu is perfect for both history fanatics and trekking adventurers alike. Visit Vitcos (Rosaspata) and other archaeological sites. This is an alternative Inca Trail trek that visits important historical Inca ruins before reaching Machu Picchu. If you are looking for an off-the-beaten-track trek that takes you into the depths of Inca history, this option is for you!
Yurac Rumi or White Rock on The Vilcabamba Trek
The Moonstone Trek
Our Moonstone trek to Machu Picchu takes us along an old Inca route that passed from Cusco to the surrounding mountains. On this alternative Inca Trail trek, we’ll discover a fascinating quarry where rock was mined to build Inca settlements such as that of Ollantaytambo. We’ll also see an Inca canal or aqueduct, possibly the longest the Incas ever built. And during our Moonstone Trek, we will stop at colorful Andean villages surrounded by fields of quinoa, corn, and potatoes, and herds of alpacas and llamas. The natural landscapes along this alternative trek meanwhile, is varied and awe-inspiring, encompassing deep canyons, towering mountains, and rugged Andean vistas. The highlight of the Moonstone Trek is The Inti Punku, an ancient Sun Gate. This Sun Gate is a different one that you will find along The Classic Inca Trail, yet is arguably even more spectacular! Of course, the Moonstone Trek will take you to Machu Picchu also, so as well as incredible trekking you can visit spectacular Inca monuments en route.
The Inti Punku on The Moonstone Trek
Check out our section about the different ways of Getting to Machu Picchu for more information!