Alternative Inca Trail Treks – 5+ Routes That Will Rock Your World

The Salkantay trail is perfect for mountain-lovers. It is the most popular alternative trek to Machu Picchu which gets nowhere near the Classic Inca Trail. The route provides unparalleled views of the snow-capped Mount Salkantay, which stands at just over 6,200 meters (20,341 feet), and provides an incredibly diverse range of scenic views.

The Salkantay route reaches a maximum altitude of just over 4,600 meters (15,092 feet) and typically takes 5 days to complete, with two additional days spent acclimatising and exploring Cusco.

Please Note: The Salkantay route is the only alternative route to Machu Picchu that can be combined with the Classic Inca Trail if you book early enough. 

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The Lares trek is the perfect trail for anyone looking to experience authentic Andean culture. The trail, which is the second easiest of the alternative Inca trails to Machu Picchu, goes through a number of fascinating and unique local villages. Some of these villages have remained unchanged for hundreds of years.

Along the route, trekkers will undoubtedly meet and interact with local farmers and weavers wearing their traditional Andean clothes. It is worthwhile taking a few spare Soles to buy some locally weaved materials – they are a lot cheaper in these villages than in Cusco town.

The Lares trail also provides noteworthy mountain views and requires trekkers to scale a few 4,000-meter (13,123 foot) passes.

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The Inca Jungle Trail is for adventure-seekers. It starts with a 4-hour drive to the 4,300 meter (14,108 foot) Abra Malaga pass. From here, trekkers mountain bike down the winding road to Santa Maria, a 60km (37 mile) cycle which is all downhill!

A night in Santa Maria is followed by a trek due south to Santa Teresa where trekkers spend an adrenaline-filled afternoon having fun on South America’s highest zip-line.

From here, trekkers make their way to Aguas Calientes (fondly nicknamed 'Machu Picchu Town'), which sits just below the famous Incan ruins. Three days of biking, trekking and ziplining is followed by a tour of the famous Inca city.

The Inca Jungle Trek is the perfect alternative Inca trail to Machu Picchu for the young and adventurous, or for anyone with limited time.

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The Choquequirao trail is one of the quietest treks in the region. The route begins with a 2-day journey to Choquequirao, one of the largest and most-intact 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 shoulder months (March/April or October/November), as the sun is very intense in the peak season (May-September).

See more details on Machu Picchu weather.

The Vilcabamba trail is by far the quietest route to Machu Picchu. In fact, it is possible to do this trek and not see another trekking group for miles. 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.

However, the five-day trek is very tough and trekkers need to be prepared for three 10-12 hour trekking days. The trek is ideal for the rugged and experienced trekker.

I love this alternative Inca trail trek and think it's an excellent challenge for any hiking enthusiasts!

The Huchuy Qosqo trek is perfect for people with limited time, as it is the shortest – only 17km (11 miles). It is also the easiest trek; so, if you are looking for a trekking experience that won’t give you sore feet, this alternative Inca trail is for you.

The route begins at Tauqaq, a small village that sits on the edge of Piuray Lagoon. This 2-day trail includes a visit to Huchuy Qosqo, an impressive Incan complex.