Hike With Us: The Most Important Alternative Treks to Machu Picchu

The Ultimate 2026 Guide by Inca Land Adventures

Hike With Us: The Most Important Alternative Treks to Machu Picchu

While the Inca Trail is world-famous, it is not the only way to reach the legendary Machu Picchu. Due to limited permits and high demand, many travelers choose alternative treks to Machu Picchu—routes that offer equally spectacular landscapes, deeper cultural encounters, and far fewer crowds.

At Inca Land Adventures, we specialize in authentic, safe, and expertly guided alternative treks, allowing you to experience the Andes in a more personal and adventurous way.

This in-depth guide explores the most important alternative treks to Machu Picchu, helping you choose the perfect route for your adventure in 2026.

Why Choose an Alternative Trek to Machu Picchu?

Alternative treks are ideal for travelers who want:

• More flexibility with dates

• Fewer crowds and a quieter experience

• Diverse landscapes (glaciers, hot springs, cloud forest)

• Greater physical challenges or cultural immersion

Many of these treks are longer, wilder, and more scenic than the classic Inca Trail.

Salkantay Trek – The Most Popular Alternative

Salkantay Trek

Duration: 4–5 days
Max Altitude: ~4,650 m / 15,255 ft
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

Why Choose Salkantay?

The Salkantay Trek is consistently ranked among the best treks in the world. It takes you past towering glaciers, turquoise lakes, and dramatic mountain passes before descending into lush cloud forest on the way to Machu Picchu.

Highlights

• Views of the sacred Salkantay Glacier

• Humantay Lake at sunrise

• Remote Andean landscapes

• Fewer restrictions than the Inca Trail

Best For: Adventurous hikers, photographers, and travelers wanting epic scenery.

Lares Trek – Culture & Hot Springs

Lares Trek

Duration: 3–4 days
Max Altitude: ~4,400 m / 14,435 ft
Difficulty: Moderate

Why Choose Lares?

The Lares Trek offers a unique blend of Andean culture and relaxation. This route passes through traditional Quechua villages and ends with a soak in natural hot springs before continuing to Machu Picchu by train.

Highlights

• Authentic village encounters

• Natural hot springs

• Shorter hiking days

• Ideal cultural immersion

Best For: Travelers seeking comfort, culture, and moderate hiking.

Choquequirao Trek – The Ultimate Adventure

Choquequirao Trek

Duration: 4–9 days (or combined with Machu Picchu)
Max Altitude: ~3,050 m / 10,006 ft
Difficulty: Challenging

Why Choose Choquequirao?

Choquequirao is often called the “sister city of Machu Picchu”, yet it receives only a fraction of the visitors. This trek is remote, physically demanding, and incredibly rewarding.

Highlights

• Massive Inca ruins with almost no crowds

• Deep canyons and wild Andean terrain

• A true expedition-style trek

Best For: Experienced hikers and explorers seeking solitude and history.

Short Inca Trail

Duration: 2 days / 1 night
Difficulty: Moderate

Why Choose the Short Inca Trail?

This is the perfect option for travelers who want to walk part of the original Inca Trail without committing to the full 4-day trek.

We have great hiking options conbined with short inca trail such:

Ausangate rainbow mountain+ short inca trail 6 days

Salkantay + short inca trail 5 days

Lares +short inca trail 5 days

Highlights

• Arrival through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku)

• Inca ruins along the trail

• Requires fewer hiking days

Best For: Travelers with limited time who still want an authentic Inca Trail experience.

Short Inca Trail – Limited Time, Big Impact

Best Season for Alternative Treks

• Best months: April–November

• Peak season: May–September

• Rainy season: December–March (some routes still possible with preparation)

Alternative treks often perform better than the Inca Trail during shoulder and rainy months due to lower crowds and flexible logistics.

Why Hike With Inca Land Adventures?

✔ Licensed and experienced local guides
✔ Small groups and personalized service
✔ High safety standards and quality equipment
✔ Deep cultural knowledge of the Andes
✔ Responsible and sustainable tourism practices

We don’t just guide treks—we create meaningful Andean experiences.

Final Thoughts

Choosing an alternative trek to Machu Picchu allows you to experience Peru beyond the crowds—through wild landscapes, living cultures, and unforgettable challenges. Whether you seek glaciers, hot springs, remote ruins, or adventure, there is a perfect trail waiting for you.

Hike with Inca Land Adventures and discover your own path to Machu Picchu.