Inca Trail Alternatives

Inca Trail Alternatives: Other Treks to Machu Picchu

The Inca Trail is the most famous route to Machu Picchu — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the great walks of the world. But it’s not the only way to reach the lost city of the Incas.

For travelers seeking different scenery, fewer crowds, or fresh perspectives on the Andes, Peru offers several remarkable alternatives. Each trail follows ancient Inca or pre-Inca paths, crosses diverse ecosystems, and offers experiences that are just as powerful as the classic route.

Here’s an overview of the best alternative treks to Machu Picchu, as curated and operated by Explorandes — each designed to connect travelers with landscapes, culture, and the essence of exploration.

1. Salkantay Trek: The High Andes Odyssey

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If you’redrawn to rugged peaks, open skies, and dramatic mountain passes, the Salkantay Trek is an incredible alternative to the Inca Trail. Named after the sacred Apu Salkantay (6,271 m / 20,574 ft) — one of the highest and most revered peaks in southern Peru — this route offers some of the most varied scenery in the Andes.

The journey begins in the highlands near Mollepata and crosses the Salkantay Pass (4,650 m / 15,255 ft), where the air is crisp and the glaciers shimmer against deep blue skies. From there, the path descends into lush cloud forest, where orchids, hummingbirds, and waterfalls appear at every turn.

Unlike the Inca Trail, no permit is required for Salkantay, making it a flexible option for last-minute travelers. It’s physically demanding but equally rewarding — perfect for trekkers seeking solitude and raw natural beauty.

At Explorandes, the Salkantay route is approached with sustainability in mind: minimal-impact camps, waste-free operations, and strong collaboration with local communities who help maintain the trail.

Best for: Adventurers who want a high-altitude challenge and striking contrasts in landscape.

Duration: 5 days / 4 nights

Highest point: 4,650 m (15,255 ft)

2. Lares Trek: Mountains, Culture & Living Traditions

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While the Inca Trail immerses you in history, the Lares Trek brings you into the present-day Andes — a journey through villages where Quechua culture remains vibrant and alive.

This route, starting near the town of Lares, crosses a series of valleys dotted with stone houses, grazing alpacas, and terraced fields. The scenery alternates between high mountain passes and lakes that reflect the sky like mirrors.

What makes Lares unique is its cultural intimacy. You’ll share paths with local herders, visit weaving communities that still dye wool with natural pigments, and witness daily life largely unchanged for centuries.

At night, campsites are set beside quiet lakes or near small settlements, offering a sense of connection and peace. The trail ends in the Sacred Valley, from where travelers continue by train to Machu Picchu.

It’s a route less traveled, yet deeply human — ideal for those who want a mix of nature and culture, and to engage meaningfully with the people who call the Andes home.

Best for: Travelers seeking cultural immersion and moderate hiking.

Duration: 4 days / 3 nights

Highest point: 4,400 m (14,435 ft)

3. Choquequirao Trek: The Hidden Sister of Machu Picchu

For those who love adventure in its purest form, the Choquequirao Trek is one of the most extraordinary journeys in Peru. Often called the “sister city” of Machu Picchu, Choquequirao is another massive Inca citadel hidden deep in the Vilcabamba Range — and far fewer people ever make it there. Reaching it requires determination: steep descents into the Apurímac Canyon, followed by challenging ascents that test endurance. But the reward is incomparable — vast terraces, temples, and plazas still being reclaimed by the

jungle.

With Explorandes, you can extend the route to continue from Choquequirao toward Machu Picchu, combining two of the greatest archaeological sites of the Inca world into a single epic journey.

This trek is immersive and remote, ideal for seasoned hikers who value solitude, history, and authenticity. Standing at Choquequirao, you’ll understand why the Incas built sacred cities so far apart — to keep the mystery alive.

Best for: Experienced trekkers seeking off-the-beaten-path exploration.

Duration: 7–9 days (depending on route)

Highest point: 4,668 m (15,315 ft)

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4. Ancascocha Trek: The Hidden Gem of the Andes

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Known to locals as the “Hidden Inca Trail,” the Ancascocha Trek is one of the least crowded yet most stunning routes to Machu Picchu. It begins near Soqma and climbs through traditional Quechua communities, blue alpine lakes, and high passes offering breathtaking views of Veronica Mountain and the snowcapped Andes.

Because it overlaps with portions of the original Inca road network, Ancascocha combines the best of both worlds: wild natural beauty and ancient engineering. The trail eventually connects with the Classic Inca Trail near Paucarcancha, allowing trekkers to follow the final stretch to Machu Picchu.

Explorandes’ version of this trek emphasizes sustainability and comfort — with remote campsites, locally sourced meals, and expert guides who interpret both the landscape and its history.

Best for: Trekkers who want exclusivity, scenery, and cultural encounters.

Duration: 5 days / 4 nights

Highest point: 4,650 m (15,255 ft)

Choosing the Right Trek for You

Each of these routes offers a different perspective on the Andes. The Inca Trailremains the most iconic, but the alternatives reveal just how diverse the journey to Machu Picchu can be.

If you prefer cultural connection, choose Lares.

If you seek solitude and dramatic landscapes, Salkantay or Ancascochamight be your path.

And if you crave discovery and challenge, Choquequirao is the ultimate adventure.

All are operated by Explorandes with the same guiding principles: sustainability, respect for local communities, and a deep love for Peru’s heritage.

Which Add-Ons and Upgrades Are the Best for Your Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

The Inca Trail is already one of the most extraordinary journeys you can take — a path that connects mountains, history, and spirit. Yet, for travelers seeking a more personalized experience, there are a few thoughtful upgrades that can transform the trek from unforgettable to truly once-in-a-lifetime.

At Explorandes, we design each journey with flexibility. Whether you’re looking for added comfort, deeper immersion, or simply more time to take in the Andes at your own pace, these enhancements can help you craft the experience that feels most you.

1. End Your Journey with a Night of Comfort

After several days of hiking, reaching Machu Picchu feels like a personal triumph — and a perfect moment to pause before returning to Cusco. Instead of heading straight back, many travelers choose to spend an additional night in Aguas Calientes, where the sound of the river and the surrounding forest create an atmosphere of calm and celebration.

This post-trek stay allows you to rest, reflect, and explore the village at your leisure. Wake up without rush, enjoy a slow breakfast surrounded by orchids and hummingbirds, and then board your return train the next day with renewed energy.

It’s not just an upgrade in comfort — it’s a chance to absorb everything you’ve experienced on the trail.

2. Take the Scenic Train Back Through the Andes

Your return from Machu Picchu is part of the story. Upgrading to a panoramic train adds a final layer of wonder to your adventure. With wide windows, comfortable seating, and views that unfold from cloud forest to the Sacred Valley, it’s a peaceful transition from the wild to the familiar.

Many travelers describe this train ride as one of their favorite moments — a chance to watch the landscape you just crossed from a new perspective, with the satisfaction of having reached your destination on foot.

It’s a simple way to end the journey as beautifully as it began.

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3. Extend Your Adventure: Climb Huayna Picchu

If you’re looking to add a final burst of excitement, the climb to Huayna Picchu — the iconic peak rising behind Machu Picchu — is an unforgettable addition. The trail is steep and narrow but perfectly safe, with Inca steps carved directly into the rock.

From the top, the citadel appears in miniature, framed by mountains and rivers below. It’s a completely different view of Machu Picchu, one that few visitors experience.

Permits are limited and must be reserved at the time of booking your trek, so this upgrade is ideal for travelers who want to end their journey with one last challenge — and one of the most rewarding views in Peru.

4. Add an Extra Touch of Comfort on the Trail

For some, the Inca Trail is as much about the inner journey as the physical one. Adding small comforts can help you enjoy each day more fully while keeping your focus on the experience.

These enhancements might include:

• Private tents or upgraded sleeping arrangements, offering more space and privacy.
• Enhanced dining setups, with fresh local ingredients and a touch of refinement that turns each meal into a moment of celebration.
• Portable shower systems using eco-friendly methods — perfect for travelers who value comfort while maintaining low impact.
• Private guide or photography support, ensuring a more personal pace and deeper storytelling along the route.

All are designed to elevate your connection with the trail without compromising Explorandes’ commitment to sustainability and minimal footprint.

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5. For Slow Travelers: Add a Rest Day in the Sacred Valley

For travelers arriving from lower altitudes, integrating a rest or acclimatization day in the Sacred Valley before the trek is one of the most underrated “upgrades.” Staying in the valley helps your body adjust gradually to the altitude and offers a chance to explore nearby sites like Ollantaytambo or Maras and Moray.

You’ll start the Inca Trail feeling stronger, better adapted, and already connected to the rhythm of the Andes. Many of our travelers say this pre-trek day became one of the highlights of their entire journey.

6.Customize Your Celebration at Machu Picchu

Crossing the Sun Gate at dawn is emotional. For many, it marks the end of a dream years in the making. Personalizing that moment — whether with a private guided visit through Machu Picchu, a quiet photography session, or a simple picnic with your group — adds meaning to the celebration. These intimate moments allow you to honor what the journey meant to you — the effort, the beauty, and the sense of connection with something larger than yourself.

7. How to Choose the Right Upgrades for You

Every traveler walks the Inca Trail for different reasons. The best upgrades are the ones that align with your purpose:

• If you value reflection, add a night of rest in Aguas Calientes.
• If you seek adventure, climb Huayna Picchu.
• If comfort enhances your experience, choose private camping arrangements or a scenic train journey.

Each of these options deepens the experience rather than changing it. The trail remains the same — authentic, challenging, and full of meaning — but the way you experience it becomes uniquely yours.

8. How to Book and Plan Ahead

All upgrades can be arranged in advance through your Destination Specialistwhen booking your trek. Some — like Huayna Picchu permits or panoramic train tickets — are limited, so it’s best to confirm your preferences early.

Explorandes’ team will handle every detail, ensuring the logistics flow seamlessly while keeping the journey responsible and low-impact.

Final Thoughts

The Inca Trail isn’t just a hike — it’s a story that unfolds step by step. Choosing the right add-ons is about how you want that story to feel: serene, celebratory, adventurous, or reflective.

Whether you end your trek with a night surrounded by the sounds of the forest, a panoramic train ride through the Sacred Valley, or one last climb to Huayna Picchu, every choice becomes part of your personal connection to this extraordinary place.

Contact us to customize your Inca Trail experience and find your perfect balance between adventure and comfort.

Inca Trail Alimentation: What to Eat During the Trek?

Food is an essential part of the Inca Trail experience — it’s what keeps you energized, connected, and grounded through the long days of hiking in the Andes.

At Explorandes, we believe that the way you eat on the trail should be as memorable as the landscapes you walk through: nutritious, delicious, and deeply rooted in local ingredients and traditions.