Alternative treks to the Classic Inca Trail

Alternative treks or alternative hiking routes to Machupicchu. All those trails were part of the Inca roads, used by the Incas for different purposes. The same trails are still functioning for the mountain people. But also trekkers to Machu Picchu, take those paths as the alternative trekking routes in the region of Cusco.

Is very well-known that the 4 day classic Inca Trail is the most popular trek in South America. The main pilgrimage trail of the Incas to connect Cusco the big capital with Machu Picchu.  At Top Peru Trips we offer great alternative treks as: Salkantay trek, Lares trek, Cachicata trek, Ancascocha trek, Huchuy Qosqo trek and Choquequirao trek. Those hiking routes are known as alternative treks to Machupicchu.

Here is some basic info of each of the alternative treks and the Classic Inca Trail. Which should be considered by the travelers trying to choose the ideal trekking route on the way to the magical lost city.

Inca treks to Machu Picchu

1. – Classic 4 day Inca Trail hike.- The most famous hiking trail to Machupicchu. The only trail arriving straight to the site through the Sun gate. It requires trek permits from the government office. Was limited to 180 hikers a day and usually is busy all year-round. To secure your spot you may need to book 7 or 8 months in advance.
2. – Short Inca Trail hike. – The second best option if travelers want to arrive through the Sun gate to Machu Picchu. This Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, is perfect if you want to taste part of the famous Inca Trail trek. It covers 12 km of one day hike in the lower altitude than the 4 day hike. It requires trek permits, as the 4 day trek ,this is limited to 250 people a day. Usually travelers have better chance to find availability for the Short Inca trail than the 4 day Inca trail trek.
3. – Salkantay trek.- The most popular of the alternative treks to Machu Picchu. As any other alternative trail it does not arrive straight to Machu Picchu. This trail is usually busy. Because more than 4 Salkantay trek options go on the same trekking path. But still beautiful, challenging and does not require trek permits. Not the best choice in the wet season (December to March).

 Best alternative treks

1. – Lares trek. – Considered as the second most popular alternative treks. Not crowded as the Inca trails or Salkantay trek. Because the trekking options in Lares valley are following different routes. Lares trek has beautiful mountain scenery, indigenous communities along the way. Alpaca and Llama farm of native Inca descendants. Lares valley has one of the nicest Hot-springs around Cusco region. Which usually is included in the trek itineraries. The 4 day Lares trek is our suggestion if you want to experience the authentic Andean lifestyle in Peru.
2. – Cachicata trek. – A great alternative trek in the Andes.  Also known with the names of Inca Quarry trek or Soqma trail. The ideal trek if you want to combine Nature and Inca history. Still off the beaten path, it goes the beginning part of Ancascocha trek. But after 3 days of hiking it ends up in Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. Trek permits are not required for this beautiful Cachicata trek. So its open most of the time in a year.
3. –Ancascocha trek. – Off the beaten path trail in the Peruvian Andes. So this is our recommendation for people seeking for less traveled places for 2019. Is scenic, quiet and the best way to give a firsthand look of the country life in the Peruvian Andes. Ancascocha trek 5 day is a perfect combination of nature and little visited Inca sites. Any of the Ancascocha trails are recommended in the dry season. So its open from April to November. Not trek permits are required to hike any of  Ancascocha trails. So this amazing Ancascocha trek to Machu Picchu is open to everybody. Check our Ancascocha trek options.

Some other treks

1. – Huchuy Qosqo trails. – If you are looking for short treks around Cusco. You should take Huchuy Qosqo trek to Machupicchu. This is the shortest version of the hikes in the Peruvian Andes. Huchuy Qosqo is an amazing Inca ruins located close by the Sacred Valley. The trails heading to this amazing site are just fantastic. Travelers can also take Huchuy Qosqo day hike as part of the acclimatization to the high altitude. So you should see our Huchuy Qosqo tour options.
2. – Choquequirao trek.- For those people looking for challenging hikes to extraordinary Inca sites. We offer the 5 day Choquequirao tour and the challenging 9 day trek to connect with Machu Picchu. Any of the Choquequirao treks are off the beaten path yet. Choquequirao is a magnificent Inca citadel, called the sister of Machu Picchu or the last Inca refuge. Was considered by Lonely Planet one of the best places to be visited in 2023. So check out our Choquequirao trek 9 day.

Another great trek options in the Peruvian Andes are: Ausangate trek, Rainbow Mountain trek Peru, Pumamarca trek, Chonta Condor sighting tours. Also some day hikes around Cusco. As our suggestion for a good acclimatization to the altitude.