Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu: The Classic Route Why It's Famous

Pros

​The Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu is considered one of the most iconic hikes in the world. It is the only trail that takes you directly into Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) at sunrise—an unforgettable reward.

• Dozens of original Inca archaeological sites

• Lush cloud forest, high passes, and ancient stone staircases

• Strong cultural and spiritual significance

• Controlled permit system preserving the trail

• The only trek with the legendary Sun Gate entrance

Highlights of the Inca Trail

• Travelers who want history + scenery

• Those comfortable with booking months in advance

• People seeking the classic, bucket-list experience

• Hikers who want to combine culture, ruins, and nature

Who It’s For

Choosing how to reach Machu Picchu is one of the biggest decisions for any traveler or adventure photographer planning their Peru journey. While the classic Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu is world-famous, several alternative treks to Machu Picchu offer breathtaking scenery, fewer crowds, and equally rich cultural experiences.
In this complete guide, we compare the Inca Trail vs alternative treks such as the Salkantay Trek, Lares Trek, and other top routes. Whether you want archaeological sites, high-altitude mountain views, fewer tourists, or a combination of nature and culture, this breakdown will help you choose the best treks to Machu Picchu.

Many travelers now choose Inca Trail alternatives Peru for flexibility, fewer crowds, dramatic landscapes, and cultural immersion. The most popular Machu Picchu trekking options include:

• Salkantay Trek

• Lares Trek

• Choquequirao Trek (longest and toughest option)

• Huchuy Qosqo Trek

• Ausangate Trek

• Vilcabamba trek

• Moosntone trek

• Ancascocha trek

These routes do not enter Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate, but they end in Aguas Calientes, from where hikers visit the citadel the following morning.

Alternative Treks to Machu Picchu: Overview

• Requires permits (high demand, sells out fast)

• Strict regulations

• More crowds

• Higher cost compared to alternatives

Cons

• Most famous route

• Direct entry into Machu Picchu

• Best for Inca archaeology

• Well-marked and regulated

Salkantay Trek vs Inca Trail

• Inca Trail: More archaeological sites, cultural immersion, Sun Gate entry

• Salkantay: Bigger mountains, more adventure, fewer crowds, more altitude

This makes theInca Trail or Salkantay Trekdecision easy:
➡ ChooseInca Trailfor ruins + classic route
➡ ChooseSalkantayfor epic mountains + challenging terrain

The best Salkantay + short inca trail off beaten path

Lares Trek vs Inca Trail

Salkantay Trek vs Inca Trail: What’s the Difference?

The Salkantay Trek is the most famous alternative to the Inca Trail and is often considered the best option for mountain lovers.

• Towering views of Nevado Salkantay (6,271 m)

• Dramatic, diverse landscapes: glaciers, jungle, valleys

• No permit limitations like the Inca Trail

• More challenging and adventurous

• High-altitude pass at 4,630 m

• To inca trail the pass it is 4930 m

• Humantay Lake

• Remote mountain scenery

• Wide-open panoramic trekking paths

Lares Trek vs Inca Trail: What’s the Difference?

The Lares Trek is the most culturally rich route to Machu Picchu, ideal for travelers who want to meet local people and witness traditional Andean life.
Why Choose Lares

• Traditional Andean villages

• Llamas and alpacas everywhere

• Hot springs

• Authentic Quechua culture

• Fewer tourists

• Glacial lakes

• Hand-woven textiles and ancient traditions

• Peaceful rural landscapes

• Moderate difficulty

Huchuy Qosqo Trek

• Inca Trail: Famous archaeological sites, Inca ruins, Sun Gate

• Lares Trek: Culture, villages, peaceful Andean lifestyle, less tourism

Choose Lares if you prefer cultural immersion instead of archaeological ruins.

• Shortest alternative

• The best option woth the short inca trail

• Amazing views of the Sacred Valley

• Good for travelers short on time

Choquequirao Trek

• Toughest and longest

• Remote ruins larger than Machu Picchu

• Perfect for experienced trekkers

Best Hiking Routes to Machu Picchu: Summary Comparison

Trek Best For Difficulty Crowds Highlights
Inca Trail Archaeology, classic experienc Moderate High Sun Gate, ruins
Salkantay Trek Mountains & adventure Challenging Medium Salkantay Pass, Humantay Lake
Lares Trek Culture & remote villages Moderate Low Hot springs, Andean lifestyle
Huchuy QosqoShort trek, great viewsEasy–moderateVery lowSacred Valley views
ChoquequiraoHardcore trekkingVery difficultVery lowMassive ruins

Ancascocha trek to Machupicchu unique trail

Moonstone trek amazing

Ausangate Trek to Machupicchu spectacular

Vilcabamba Trek to Machupicchu off beate path

Inca Trail vs Alternative Treks: Which One Should You Choose?

Choose the Inca Trail if you want:✔ The classic route
✔ Sun Gate entrance
✔ Archaeological ruins along the way
✔ A historically significant hike
Choose an Alternative Trek if you want:✔ Better availability & less planning
✔ Fewer crowds
✔ Epic mountains or cultural connections
✔ More adventure or unique terrain

Final Thoughts: The Best Route to Machu Picchu Depends on Your Style

Whether you choose the classic Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu or one of the many alternative treks to Machu Picchu, every route offers a unique and unforgettable journey through the dramatic landscapes of the Andes.
Your ideal trek depends on your travel style—culture, archaeology, mountains, adventure, or solitude. All options are stunning, and each provides a different path to one of the world’s greatest archaeological wonders.