inca trail alternatives: other treks to machu picchu

Inca Trail Alternatives: Other Treks to Machu Picchu

The Inca Trail is the most iconic route to Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most celebrated multi-day hikes in the world. Yet it is not the only way to reach this extraordinary destination.

For travelers seeking different landscapes, fewer crowds, or a more remote experience in the Andes, several alternative treks to Machu Picchu offer equally powerful journeys. Each route reveals a distinct perspective on Peru’s mountains, history, and living culture.

Below are the alternative treks operated by Explorandes, each carefully designed to balance challenge, authenticity, and responsible travel.

1. Salkantay Trek: The High Andes Odyssey

For hikers drawn to expansive highland landscapes and dramatic mountain passes, the Salkantay region offers one of the most striking alternatives to the Inca Trail.

Explorandes operates a carefully designed five-day route that begins in the highlands south of Cusco and crosses a series of remote Andean passes, including Tambomachay and Cruzjasa, before gradually linking with sections of the original Inca road network near Paucarcancha.

Rather than following the more commercial Salkantay corridor, this version prioritizes solitude, progressive acclimatization, and scenic campsites in less-traveled areas. Wide alpine valleys, high ridgelines, and panoramic views of snowcapped peaks define the journey.

The trek eventually connects near Piscacucho (Km 82), where travelers continue toward Machu Picchu, combining a remote mountain crossing with a meaningful approach to the historic sanctuary.

Best for: Experienced hikers seeking high-altitude passes and a lesser-traveled route to Machu Picchu

Duration: 5 days / 4 nights

Highest point: Approximately 4,600 m (15,090 ft)

2. Choquequirao Trek: The Hidden Sister of Machu Picchu

Hidden within the Vilcabamba Range and overlooking the dramatic Apurímac Canyon, Choquequirao is one of the largest and most impressive Inca archaeological complexes in Peru. Far fewer visitors reach it compared to Machu Picchu, making the experience notably more secluded.

Explorandes offers this trek in two distinct formats:

• A 4-day round-trip expedition to Choquequirao
• A more demanding 7-day journey that continues onward to Machu Picchu, linking two major Inca sites in a single expedition

The route requires physical endurance, steep descents into the canyon followed by sustained ascents, but rewards hikers with expansive terraces, ceremonial plazas, and a sense of immersion rarely found on more frequented routes.

For those who value exploration beyond the expected, Choquequirao represents one of the most compelling alternatives to the Inca Trail.

Best for: Strong hikers seeking physical challenge and archaeological depth

Duration: 4 days (round trip) or 7 days (extension to Machu Picchu)

Highest point: Approximately 4,600 m (verify exact pass if needed)

3. Ancascocha Trek: A Lesser-Traveled Approach to the Inca Trail

Often described as one of the most scenic yet least visited high-Andean routes, the Ancascocha Trek offers a quiet and expansive alternative to the Classic Inca Trail.

The journey begins near Soqma and traverses remote mountain valleys, alpine lakes, and traditional Quechua communities before reaching high passes with sweeping views of the surrounding peaks. Along the way, sections of the original Inca road network reappear, reinforcing the historical continuity of the landscape.

Unlike more trafficked routes, Ancascocha remains notably peaceful. The trek eventually connects with the Inca Trail near Paucarcancha, allowing hikers to complete the final stretch toward Machu Picchu with a sense of having taken a different path.

Operated with small groups and low-impact camps, this route reflects Explorandes’ longstanding commitment to responsible trekking in the Andes.

Best for: Trekkers seeking exclusivity, scenery, and a quieter connection to the Inca road system

Duration: 5 days / 4 nights

Highest point: Approximately 4,650 m (verify exact pass altitude)

Choosing the Right Alternative Trek

Each of these Inca Trail alternatives offers a distinct perspective on the Andes:

• If you value remote high-altitude crossings, the Salkantay route offers expansive mountain terrain and progressive acclimatization.
• If you seek archaeological depth and physical challenge, Choquequirao delivers a truly immersive expedition.
• If you prefer a quieter path that connects with original Inca roads before reaching Machu Picchu, Ancascocha provides a compelling balance of scenery and history.

All are operated by Explorandes with small groups, experienced guides, and a focus on minimizing environmental impact while supporting local communities.

Reaching Machu Picchu does not require following a single path. The journey can be shaped by the type of experience you seek, whether defined by remoteness, archaeology, or mountain landscapes.

To explore which alternative trek best aligns with your goals, contact us and begin planning your Andean journey.