The alternative treks to Machu Picchu that you’ll love include the Salkantay Trek, Lares Trek, and Choquequirao Trek. Each trek provides its own blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and Inca history. These routes see less foot traffic than the classic Inca Trail, and you’ll be able to connect to the Andes region, while still trekking to the wonder that is Machu Picchu.

Permits for the Inca Trail sell out months in advance, so any Inca Trail alternatives provide the perfect option for travelers that want some level of flexibility without sacrificing the adventure. The alternative treks into Machu Picchu are equally stunning, and often much more diverse treks, providing travelers with better authentic interactions with locals along the way. Trekking the Inca Trail alternative routes into Machu Picchu provides an even more personalized experience, and fewer people along the route.

The Machu Picchu alternative treks offer much more than just an alternative route to the Inca Trail; you will have varied landscapes along the way such as glacier, cloud forests, waterfalls, and mountainous early Andean Villages. Whether you trek on the Salkantay route with the stunning turquoise lake of Humantay Lake, or the Lares route through traditional weaving communities, you will see areas of Peru that very few travelers have the chance to experience.

The alternative journey you select affects the degree of difficulty. For instance, the Lares Trek is more temperate even though the Salkantay Trek is more challenging than the Inca Trail because of its high elevation passes. regarding strength and cultural experience concentration. For adventure seekers wanting access to the “Cradle of Gold,” an Incan, the Choquequirao Trek is a more challenging hike. Though without the people, city is frequently linked to the Inca Trail. Good acclimatization and a competent guide let most adventurous travelers hike the alternative trails in Peru.

Although many hikers select the Inca Trail for its renown, the other paths to the Inca Trail provide more freedom, less limitations, and typically more magnificent vistas than those of the Inca Trail. You will still come in Machu Picchu, but the other walks to the Inca Trail provide distinct cultural chances, scenery along the way, and Provides you with a more personal experience in isolated locations free from crowds.

Yes, we strongly advise that you go with licensed agencies and professional guides. Traveling for safety, the alternate routes to Machu Picchu include isolated places; hence, expert guidance is required.