Inca Trail Alternatives

Inca Trail Alternatives: The Best Ways to Trek to Machu Picchu

The Inca Trail is one of the most famous hikes in the world, leading adventurers through stunning landscapes and ancient Inca ruins to the majestic Machu Picchu. But with limited permits, challenging terrain, and high demand, it’s not always possible for everyone to hike the classic Inca Trail. Luckily, there are several incredible Inca Trail alternatives that offer equally breathtaking experiences. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best options and answer key questions about these exciting alternative treks.

Why Consider an Alternative to the Inca Trail?

While the Inca Trail trek is iconic, it’s not the only way to visit Machu Picchu. Alternative treks allow you to explore other parts of the Andes, often with fewer crowds and more flexibility. Some even offer unique experiences like a zip line adventure or visiting remote villages in the Sacred Valley.

The Inca Trail permit system is strict, with only a limited number of hikers allowed each day. If you can’t secure a permit or prefer a different route, these alternative treks might be exactly what you’re looking for.

1. Salkantay Trek: A Scenic Journey to Machu Picchu

One of the most popular alternative treks to Machu Picchu is the Salkantay Trek. This route takes you through diverse landscapes, from snowy mountains to tropical jungles. You’ll trek near the towering Salkantay Mountain, which stands at 6,271 meters (20,574 feet) above sea level.

Key Highlights:

High-altitude adventure: This trek is challenging, especially at high elevations.
Trekking experience: You’ll pass through stunning landscapes, cross rivers, and see local wildlife.
Ending at Aguas Calientes: The trek concludes in Aguas Calientes, the town near Machu Picchu. From here, you can take a short bus ride to Machu Picchu.

Is the Salkantay or Inca Trail better?

Both treks offer incredible experiences, but if you’re looking for a more remote and varied journey, the Salkantay Trek might be the better choice. It’s less crowded and doesn’t require a permit.

2. Lares Trek: A Cultural Experience Through the Andes

The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is a fantastic option for those seeking a cultural connection with the local Andean people. This trek takes you through remote villages where you’ll meet local farmers and artisans, offering a glimpse into traditional Peruvian culture.

Key Highlights:

Cultural immersion: Interact with local communities and see their way of life.
Scenic views: The trek offers beautiful vistas of the mountains and valleys.
Fewer crowds: This trek is less crowded compared to the classic Inca Trail.

Is the Lares or Inca Trail better?

The Lares Trek is more culturally focused, while the Inca Trail is more historically centered, as it passes through several Inca ruins. If you’re interested in meeting local communities, the Lares Trek is an excellent choice.

3. Choquequirao Trek: The Lost City of the Incas

The Choquequirao Trek is often considered one of the toughest treks in Peru, but it offers a truly rewarding experience. Known as the “sister city” of Machu Picchu, Choquequirao is an ancient Inca city that remains largely unexplored.

Key Highlights:

Remote and challenging: This trek is for experienced hikers seeking a serious adventure.
Less touristy: You’ll encounter very few people along the way, allowing for a more peaceful trek.
Inca ruins: Explore the impressive ruins of Choquequirao, which are as fascinating as Machu Picchu.

What is better than the Inca Trail?

For those looking for solitude and a more demanding challenge, the Choquequirao Trek may be a better option. It’s more remote and offers an equally impressive historical experience.

4. Ausangate Trek: A High-Altitude Challenge in the Andes

The Ausangate Trek is one of the most challenging and rewarding treks in Peru. This trail takes you around the Ausangate Mountain, which is one of the highest peaks in Peru at 6,384 meters (20,945 feet). This trek offers stunning views of glaciers, colorful lakes, and the famous Rainbow Mountain.

Key Highlights:

High-altitude trekking: This is one of the highest treks in the region, making it a challenge for even experienced hikers.
Breathtaking scenery: You’ll pass by snowy peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and local wildlife like llamas and alpacas.
Off the beaten path: This trek is remote and less crowded, offering a true adventure in the Andes.

Is the Ausangate Trek harder than the Inca Trail?

Yes, the Ausangate Trek is more difficult due to the high altitudes and harsh weather conditions. It’s a great choice for experienced trekkers looking for a challenge.

5. Inca Jungle Trek: Adventure and Fun on the Way to Machu Picchu

The Inca Jungle Trek offers a unique combination of adventure sports and trekking, making it one of the most exciting Inca Trail alternatives. This route includes activities like mountain biking, zip lining, and trekking through the jungle, ending in Aguas Calientes.

Key Highlights:

Adventure-filled trek: This trek is perfect for adrenaline seekers, offering activities like zip lining and biking.
Lush jungle scenery: You’ll hike through the cloud forests and tropical jungle, offering a different landscape than other treks.
Moderate difficulty: While the trek includes adventurous activities, it’s not as physically demanding as the Inca Trail or the Salkantay Trek.

What is better than the Inca Trail?

For adventure lovers, the Inca Jungle Trek might be a better option, combining fun activities with stunning landscapes and a journey to Machu Picchu.

Comparing the Difficulty: Inca Trail vs. Alternatives

The 4-day Inca Trail is known for its steep climbs and challenging sections, but how do the alternative treks compare?

Salkantay Trek: This trek is slightly more difficult than the Inca Trail due to its higher altitudes and longer days of trekking.
Choquequirao Trek: Considered one of the hardest treks in Peru, this trail is more remote and strenuous.
Lares Trek: This trek is easier in terms of terrain but still requires endurance due to the high altitude.
Ausangate Trek: One of the most challenging treks due to the extreme altitude and rugged conditions.
Inca Jungle Trek: One of the easiest alternatives, with the added thrill of adventure sports.

How hard is the 4-day Inca Trail?

The Inca Trail can be tough, with long stretches of uphill hiking and high altitudes, but with preparation and acclimatization, it’s achievable for most hikers.

What to Expect on an Alternative Trek to Machu Picchu

Regardless of which trek you choose, the experience of hiking through the Andes is unforgettable. Here are some things to expect:

Stunning scenery: All routes offer incredible views of mountains, rivers, and forests.
Inca ruins: Many treks pass through lesser-known but equally fascinating Inca ruins.
Variety of experiences: From cultural immersion on the Lares Trek to adrenaline on the Inca Jungle Trek, each trek has its unique appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions About Inca Trail Alternatives

What is the alternative hike to Machu Picchu?

There are several alternative hikes, including the Salkantay Trek, Lares Trek, Choquequirao Trek, Ausangate Trek, and the Inca Jungle Trek.

Is the Lares or Inca Trail better?

It depends on your interests. The Lares Trek offers a deeper connection with local communities, while the Inca Trail focuses on historical significance and ancient ruins.

Which is harder, Kilimanjaro or Inca Trail?

Kilimanjaro is significantly harder due to its higher elevation and longer ascent, but both treks are challenging in their own way.

What is the hardest trek in the world?

Many consider the Choquequirao Trek to be one of the hardest due to its remoteness and steep climbs, but other treks like Everest Base Camp and Kilimanjaro are also contenders.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Trek for You

Choosing the best Inca Trail alternative depends on your personal preferences, fitness level, and the type of experience you’re seeking. Whether you’re looking for a cultural journey through the Sacred Valley, an adrenaline-filled zip line adventure on the Inca Jungle Trek, or a challenging high-altitude trek around Ausangate, there’s an alternative trek to suit every traveler.

Each route offers a unique way to reach the majestic Machu Picchu, and no matter which you choose, you’re sure to have an unforgettable trekking experience in the Andes.