Top Off-the-Beaten-Path Treks to Machu Picchu

Discover the Best Alternative Inca Trail Routes with Inca Land Adventures

If you’re dreaming of reaching Machu Picchu without hiking shoulder-to-shoulder with crowds, Peru offers incredible off-the-beaten-path treks that deliver epic landscapes, deep cultural encounters, and true wilderness experiences.

At Inca Land Adventures, we specialize in alternative treks to Machu Picchu—routes designed for travelers who want solitude, authenticity, and unforgettable scenery, all with fewer people along the trail.

Below are the best off-the-beaten-track treks to Machu Picchu, handpicked for adventurous hikers, photographers, and explorers looking for something extraordinary.

Why Choose an Off-the-Beaten-Path Trek to Machu Picchu?

• Fewer hikers and remote mountain trails

• Authentic Andean villages and local culture

• Dramatic landscapes: glaciers, turquoise lakes, high passes

• More flexible itineraries than the Classic Inca Trail

• Ideal for adventure travelers, photographers, and nature lovers

1. Lares Trek to Machu Picchu

Hot Springs, Culture & Andean Villages

The Lares Trek is one of the most scenic and culturally rich alternatives to the Inca Trail. This route takes you through traditional Andean communities before rewarding you with natural hot springs surrounded by snow-capped peaks.

Highlights:

• Remote mountain passes

• Authentic Quechua villages

• Lares hot springs

• Perfect mix of trekking and relaxation

Best for: Cultural travelers, couples, photographers
Keyword focus: Lares Trek to Machu Picchu, alternative Inca Trail, Lares trekking route

2. Inca Quarry Trek (Cachicata Trek)

Hidden Inca Sites & Stone Quarries

The Inca Quarry Trek is a true hidden gem. This lesser-known route follows ancient Inca paths to impressive archaeological sites, including original Inca quarries used to build Ollantaytambo.

Highlights:

• Little-visited Inca ruins

• High mountain passes

• Fewer trekkers than any classic route

• Strong archaeological focus

Best for: History lovers, off-grid adventurers
Keyword focus: Inca Quarry Trek, Cachicata Trek, off the beaten path Machu Picchu trek

3. Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu

The Ultimate Remote Inca Experience

Often called the wildest alternative to the Inca Trail, the Ancascocha Trek follows an ancient Inca route through untouched valleys and dramatic high passes.

Highlights:

• Extremely low traffic

• Massive glacial lakes

• High-altitude wilderness

• Ancient Inca trails and ruins

Best for: Experienced hikers, photographers
Keyword focus: Ancascocha Trek, remote Inca Trail alternative, wilderness trek Peru

4. Moonstone Trek to Machu Picchu

Sacred Mountains & Spiritual Energy

The Moonstone Trek is a quiet, mystical route combining Andean spirituality with impressive mountain scenery. This trail offers a deeper connection to nature and Inca cosmology.

Highlights:

• Sacred Inca sites

• Spiritual Andean landscapes

• Very few hikers

• Ideal for slow, mindful trekking

Best for: Spiritual travelers, photographers
Keyword focus: Moonstone Trek Machu Picchu, sacred Inca trek, alternative Machu Picchu hike

5. Choquequirao Trek

The Ultimate Lost City Adventure

The Choquequirao Trek is Peru’s most epic adventure. Often called the “sister city of Machu Picchu,” Choquequirao is larger, more remote, and far less visited.

Highlights:

• Massive archaeological complex

• Deep canyons and cloud forests

• True expedition-style trekking

• Almost no crowds

Best for: Serious trekkers, explorers
Keyword focus: Choquequirao Trek, off the beaten path Peru trek, lost city trek

6. Salkantay Short Inca Trail

Epic Scenery with Fewer People

The Salkantay Short Trek is a quieter version of the famous Salkantay route, designed for travelers who want dramatic landscapes without the full multi-day commitment.

Highlights:

• Glaciers and alpine lakes

• Fewer hikers than the classic Salkantay

• Faster route to Machu Picchu

Best for: Adventure travelers with limited time
Keyword focus: Salkantay Short Trek, alternative Salkantay route, Machu Picchu trekking

7. Ausangate Trek (Extension Option to Machu Picchu)

High-Altitude Wilderness & Rainbow Mountains

The Ausangate Trek is one of Peru’s most breathtaking high-altitude treks. While not a direct Machu Picchu route, it’s often combined with the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu for a complete adventure.

Highlights:

• Glaciers and colorful mountains

• Rainbow Mountain region

• Remote Andean landscapes

• Minimal tourism

Best for: High-altitude trekkers, photographers
Keyword focus: Ausangate Trek, off the beaten path Peru, high altitude trekking.

8.Choquequirao–Vilcabamba Trek

Keywords: Choquequirao Vilcabamba Trek, epic treks Peru, long-distance Andes trek

This is one of the most epic treks in South America, connecting Choquequirao with the remote Vilcabamba region.

Highlights:

• Multiple Inca sites

• Remote cloud forests

• True expedition-style trekking

• Very few travelers

Ideal for those looking for the ultimate off-the-beaten-path adventure.

Why Trek with Inca Land Adventures?

• Expert local guides

• Small groups & private treks

• Sustainable and responsible tourism

• Handpicked off-the-beaten-path routes

• Seamless connection to Machu Picchu

At Inca Land Adventures, we don’t just take you to Machu Picchu—we take you beyond the crowds, into the heart of the Andes.

Final Thoughts: The Best Alternative Treks to Machu Picchu

If you’re looking for the best off-the-beaten-track treks to Machu Picchu, these routes offer unmatched beauty, solitude, and authenticity. From remote Inca ruins to towering glaciers and sacred mountains, these treks redefine the journey to one of the world’s greatest destinations.

👉 Explore Peru differently. Trek with Inca Land Adventures.

Inca Land Adventures – Experts in Off-the-Beaten-Path Treks to Machu Picchu