Alternative Routes to Machu Picchu

The 4 best alternative hiking trails to Machu Picchu
There’s nothing like the satisfaction of approaching Machu Picchu on one’s own two feet, which is why the classic Inca Trail hike has become so popular in recent years. The time when a traveler could roll into Cusco and set up an Inca Trail trek for the following day—or week, or month—has long since passed, though. To limit damage to the trail, the Peruvian government now limits access to 500 persons per day, porters included. Permits for the peak summer season sell out months in advance.
Fortunately, the Inca were master road builders who blazed trails all throughout the Andes, and many of these are alternate routes to Machu Picchu (or at least you get as close as a quick train ride). Here are five alternatives, most of which require no permits and can be arranged through any reputable outfitter in Cusco. Some of these hikes are available in multiple variations and can be tailored to meet a particular fitness level; those listed here are among the most popular versions.
The Lares Trek Route to Machu Picchu

This itinerary is different from the others since the route doesn’t only focus on the stunning landscapes, but allows people to approach the traditional Peruvian living cultures.
This alternative route to Machu Picchu requires a hike for about 5 to 8 hours daily, which means that it’s important to be at a medium level of fitness at least.
This is a perfect option for people looking for adventure and culture, as this route pass through several Andean communities along the way. It’s also a less-crowded Inca Trail alternative.
- Trip Length: 3 to 5 days
- Difficulty Level: challenging
The Salkantay Trek Route to Machu Picchu

The 20,500-feet-high Mount Salcantay was one of the holiest apus, or sacred peaks, in the Inca religious pantheon. It’s still revered today in traditional Andean religion. This mule-assisted hike cuts through the beautiful Mollepata Valley and traverses past Salcantay at an altitude above 15,000 feet. From those chilly heights, the trail descends into subtropical cloud forest, where it meets up with an ancient Inca highway (part of the original Capac Ñan network that connected the far ends of the empire) that leads to the recently rediscovered ruins of Llactapata. From there, one can gaze a few miles across the valley to take in a rare sidelong view of the full Machu Picchu complex. A downhill walk ends at the small train station, where a frequent shuttle runs along the Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu.
- Trip Length: 3 to 7 days
- Difficulty Level: from challenging to difficult
Inca Jungle Trail Machu Picchu

This is an emotional route that combines 4 days of hiking, biking, rafting, and zip-lining. It is without a doubt the most adventurous and challenging option to visit Machu Picchu. It is important to emphasize that this is a route that involves a lot of physical demand, so each activity must have previous experience in order to have maximum fun. The trip begins at the top of Abra Málaga at 4,330 meters above sea level. Then you will descend by bicycle for 3 hours over 20 kilometers until you reach the town of Santa María, where you can also go on a canoeing adventure. On the second day, you will have to take a walk through the jungle. In the third, continue practicing zip-lining and you will enjoy the beautiful landscape of the entire area from above. Finally, on day four you will visit Machu Picchu after a night in Aguas Calientes
- Trip Length: 3 to 4 days
- Difficulty Level: moderate
Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu

The Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek is an exciting trek that usually lasts between 4 and 9 days, depending on the route and the pace of the group. It starts in Cusco and takes adventurers through incredible landscapes, such as mountains, valleys and challenging trails. During the journey, Choquequirao, an ancient site with Inca terraces and structures that tell the story of times past, is visited.
The trail crosses the Vilcabamba Valley, allowing you to enjoy nature at its purest. Hikers camp in strategic locations and immerse themselves in the local culture. The journey ends in Machu Picchu, where you can explore the ancient Inca ruins and appreciate panoramic views that combine the grandeur of the architecture with the natural beauty of the surroundings. This experience offers an unforgettable adventure, showcasing the best of the landscapes and history of the Peruvian Andean region.
- Trip Length: 4 to 9 days
- Difficulty Level: from challenging to difficult