Dreaming of trekking to the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu but the Inca Trail is fully booked? There are plenty of alternative options that offer unique and unforgettable experiences. From off-the-beaten-path routes to challenging treks, there’s something for everyone.
These alternative options are no less extraordinary, with routes that will ensure you experience the traditional Andean way of life, passing through remote Andean communities whilst enjoying stunning views of snow-capped peaks, hot springs, and Inca ruins. These trails are perfect if you prefer to avoid the crowds, allowing you to pass through local villages, stunning landscapes and archaeological complexes.
Don’t despair if the Inca Trail is fully booked. Embrace the opportunity to explore the beauty and diversity of Peru’s trekking routes and embark on an adventure of a lifetime!
What is the Inca Trail?
The Inca Trail is a renowned trekking route leading to the ancient Inca ruins of Machu Picchu. This 26-mile (42-kilometre) trail winds through the Andes Mountains, traversing different ecosystems, including high-altitude cloud forests, alpine tundra, and subtropical jungle.
Built by the Incas in the 15th century, the Inca Trail served as a crucial transportation route for the Inca Empire. It is believed that the trail was also used as a pilgrimage route to Machu Picchu, considered a sacred site by the Incas.
Nowadays, the Inca Trail draws tourists from all corners of the world, seeking to embark on this popular trekking adventure. The trek usually lasts for four to five days and involves camping overnight. During the trek, hikers can encounter a range of Inca ruins and breathtaking vistas of the Andes Mountains. The most anticipated moment of the journey is reaching Machu Picchu at sunrise on the final day, which is undoubtedly the highlight of the trek.
Alternative Inca Trail treks
1. Lares Trek
The Lares Trek is known for its stunning mountain scenery, remote Andean villages, and authentic cultural experiences. It is a 20 mile (33 kilometre) trek that takes about three to four days to complete, depending on the route and itinerary.
Unlike the Inca Trail, which involves camping along the way, the Lares Trek usually involves homestays or basic accommodation in local villages, allowing hikers to experience the local culture and way of life. Along the way, hikers can see traditional Andean textiles, taste local cuisine, and learn about the customs and traditions of the local people.
The Lares Trek usually ends with a visit to the iconic Machu Picchu, which can be reached by train or bus from the nearby town of Ollantaytambo. While the Lares Trek is less popular than the Inca Trail, it offers a unique and authentic trekking experience that is well worth considering for those who are looking for an alternative to the more popular routes.
2. Salkantay Trek
The trek is named after the Salkantay Mountain, which is the highest peak in the Vilcabamba mountain range, and one of the most sacred mountains in Inca mythology.
The Salkantay Trek is a 46 mile (74 kilometre) trek that typically takes 4-5 days to complete. It starts in the town of Mollepata and leads through remote Andean villages, high-altitude passes, lush cloud forests, and beautiful alpine valleys before finally reaching Machu Picchu.
The trek offers breathtaking views of the Salkantay Mountain, as well as the surrounding peaks and glaciers, and provides hikers with an unforgettable experience of the Andean culture, traditions, and way of life. Along the way, hikers can also visit various Inca ruins and soak in natural hot springs.
The Salkantay Trek is less crowded than the Inca Trail, and it offers a more challenging and adventurous trekking experience. However, it still requires a good level of physical fitness and acclimatisation to the altitude. Like the Inca Trail and Lares Trek, the Salkantay Trek requires a permit and can only be undertaken with a licensed tour operator.
3. Choquequirao Trek
The Choquequirao Trek is a challenging and remote trekking route in Peru that leads to the ancient Inca ruins of Choquequirao. The ruins are often referred to as the “sister city” of Machu Picchu, as they are similar in style and layout, but much less visited and more difficult to access.
The Choquequirao Trek is a 36 mile (58 kilometre) trek that typically takes 4-5 days to complete. It starts in the town of Cachora and leads through the rugged and steep Apurimac Canyon, passing through various ecosystems, including cloud forests, high-altitude grasslands, and subtropical valleys.
The highlight of the trek is reaching the Choquequirao ruins, which are perched on a ridge overlooking the Apurimac River. The ruins are still being excavated and are not fully restored, but they offer a fascinating glimpse into the Inca civilization and its architectural achievements.
The Choquequirao Trek is a challenging and off-the-beaten-path trekking experience that requires a good level of physical fitness and preparation. It is less developed than the other popular trekking routes in Peru, and hikers need to be self-sufficient and carry their own equipment and supplies. However, for those who are looking for a more adventurous and less crowded trekking experience, the Choquequirao Trek can be a great option.
4. The Quarry Trek
I may be biased – as it’s the only trek I’ve done in Peru, but for me, this was an incredible experience that I would highly recommend to anyone. The trek is named after the Cachicata quarries, which were the source of the stone used to build the impressive Inca structures in Ollantaytambo.
Read about my experience hiking the Quarry Trail in my blog post.
The Quarry Trek is a 16 mile (26 kilometre) trek that takes 3 days to complete. It starts in the town of Ollantaytambo and leads through the scenic Vilcanota River Valley, passing through local villages and beautiful landscapes. Along the way, hikers can see Inca ruins and terraces, as well as the impressive cascades of the Perolniyoc Falls.
In Quechuan, Inti Punku means ‘Sun Gate’, and the Incas built structures like these throughout the Andes to honour the sun god. While the Quarry Trail doesn’t go to the famous Sun Gate overlooking Machu Picchu, this intriguing archaeological complex overlooks Ollantaytambo and the valley below. This was one of the most incredible moments for me. We’d reached heights of up to 4,450 metres (14,599 feet) during this trek, so stopping to soak it all in was an incredibly emotional experience.
The Quarry Trek is less popular and considered less challenging than the other alternative trekking routes in Peru, but it still offers a unique and fascinating trekking experience, with beautiful scenery and cultural insights. For me, a beginner hiker, this was perfect! Ready to book your trip? Visit Intrepid Travel now.