These 5 Inca Trail Alternatives are Secretly Better

The Salkantay Trek goes via a part of the Inca Trail system that approaches Machu Picchu via a different trail. The trek is famous for the Salkantay Pass, which is 4600m high and needs to be crossed. It is not the only highlight on this trek: Llactapata, Llaqtapata in Quechua, is a complex with Incan Ruins. It is a great warmup for reaching the final destination of this trek: Machu Picchu. It is believed that Llaqtapata has been an important rest stop on the way to Machu Picchu during Incan times as well. A great drawcard for the Salkantay Trek is that, unlike on the Classic Inca Trail, you are not limited by permit regulations.

The Salkantay Trek takes its name from Mount Salkantay or Nevada Salkantay. This is one of the most fascinating and iconic mountains in the Cusco region. It also has the highest peak in the Willkapampa Range. If you need even more reasons to hike the Salkantay Trek, then know that Sallqantay means 'Savage' or 'Wild' in Quechua. Are you Sallqantay enough?

On the Lares Trek, you feel like you have the Peruvian Andes to yourself. As you are trekking your way over the pristine hiking trails of the Lares, you feel that not everyone has experienced this gem of a trek yet. You are high in Andean Mountains where at night you can fantasize about the endless galaxy and you can try count the stars. Moreover, if you hike the Lares Trek, you will probably encounter the local population. When you are off the beaten track, you will pass through small indigenous villages that are very welcoming to adventurers. And in the end, you will also get to see Machu Picchu. Isn't that exactly what you wanted?

The name at first almost makes you choke, but with a little bit of practice, you can get it right. This is one of the more quiet treks in the Cusco region. It usually consists of a 58km return to the Choquequirao Ruins in the Sacred Valley of the Incas near Cusco, Peru. It can be done as a separate trek or combined with a visit to the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu. It is a great Inca Trail alternative.

The Choquequirao Trek takes you off the beaten paths and into the unknown. The name Choquequirao translates to ‘Cradle of Gold’ in the local language, Quechua. Found in the Andean highlands, it takes two days of hiking to access the ruins in the south of Peru. Built in the late 15th century, just like Machu Picchu, the site was never discovered by the Spanish conquerors and is an excellent example of Inca architecture. This is not only an alternative to the Inca Trail. The highest pass is even higher than the Dead Woman's Pass.

If you want to do more on the way on the way to Machu Picchu, then the Inca Jungle Trek is your choice. This trek is not just a trek, it is much more than that. A typical Inca Jungle Trek itinerary includes zip lining, river rafting and even mountain biking. If you think you’ve got what it takes to make an adventure out of your trek to Machu Picchu, then you will get rewarded with seeing an unspoilt part of the Inca Trail system. The Inca Jungle Trek is predominantly popular amongst backpackers. No surprises there, because it has exactly the right price-quality comparison for those traveling on a shoestring. For anyone who wants to mix it up a little bit and wants to do more than hike for 4 days (yawn), the Inca Jungle Trail trek, the Inca Jungle Trail is fitting for you!

The Inca Quarry Trek. No permits, no crowds, access to Machu Picchu and more archeological sites. Why even bother worrying about Classic Inca Trail permits? Trek through amazing scenery, see waterfalls, visit archeological sites and enjoy breathtaking views of stunning valleys. The Inca Quarry Trek gets its name from the Cachicata Quarry. This quarry was the source for many of the rocks that were used to build parts of local Inca Trail system. In a way it’s no-brainer to do the Inca Quarry Trek or any other alternative for that matter. No queues, easy access to Machu Picchu and fewer chances of meeting your neighbors on the trail. Can’t make up your mind about what alternative to choose? Get in touch and let our trekking experts guide you in the right direction to Machu Picchu!