8 Alternative Treks in Peru That Aren't the Inca Trail

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The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most iconic hikes in the world, but it's not the only way to get to the famous ruins. In fact, there are several alternative hikes to Machu Picchu that offer stunning scenery and unique experiences without the crowds of the Inca Trail. Here are some of the best alternative hikes in the Cusco Region.

1. Salkantay Trek

• Duration: 5 days
• Distance: Approximately 44 miles (71 kilometers)
• Maximum Altitude: Salkantay Pass at 15,213 feet (4,638 meters)
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

Highlights: Snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, hot springs, and stunning mountain scenery.

The Salkantay Trek is one of the most popular alternative hikes to Machu Picchu. This five-day trek takes you through beautiful mountain scenery, including snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and remote villages. The highlight of the trek is crossing the Salkantay Pass at an altitude of 15,213 feet, which offers incredible views of the surrounding landscape. The Salkantay Trek also includes a visit to the famous hot springs of Aguas Calientes, where you can relax and soak your tired muscles after a long day of hiking.

2. Lares Trek

• Duration: 4 days
• Distance: Approximately 21 miles (33 kilometers)
• Maximum Altitude: Ipsaycocha Pass at 14,270 feet (4,350 meters)
• Difficulty: Moderate

Highlights: Traditional villages, Inca ruins, and beautiful mountain scenery.

The Lares Trek is another popular alternative to the Inca Trail. This four-day trek takes you through remote villages and stunning mountain scenery, including the beautiful Lares Valley. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to interact with local communities and learn about their traditional way of life. The Lares Trek also includes a visit to the beautiful town of Ollantaytambo, which is known for its well-preserved Inca ruins and traditional architecture.

3. Choquequirao Trek

• Duration: 4-6 days
• Distance: Approximately 41 miles (66 kilometers)
• Maximum Altitude: Choquequirao ruins at 9,843 feet (3,000 meters)
• Difficulty: Challenging

Highlights: Rugged mountain terrain, deep canyons, high passes, and the lesser-known ruins of Choquequirao.

The Choquequirao Trek is a challenging alternative to the Inca Trail that takes you to the lesser-known ruins of Choquequirao. This six-day trek takes you through rugged mountain terrain, including deep canyons and high passes. The highlight of the trek is a visit to the Choquequirao ruins, which are often compared to Machu Picchu for their impressive architecture and stunning location. Unlike Machu Picchu, however, Choquequirao receives relatively few visitors, so you'll have the opportunity to explore the ruins in relative peace and quiet.

4. Ausangate Trek + Rainbow Mountain

• Duration: 6 days
• Distance: Approximately 43 miles (70 kilometers)
• Maximum Altitude: Ausangate Pass at 16,900 feet (5,150 meters)
• Difficulty: Challenging

Highlights: Snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, lush valleys, colorful mountain scenery, and the Ausangate Glacier.

The Ausangate Trek is one of the most challenging alternative hikes to Machu Picchu, but it's also one of the most rewarding. This six-day trek takes you through the stunning landscapes of the Vilcanota mountain range, including snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, and lush valleys. The highlight of the trek is a visit to the Ausangate Glacier, which is one of the most impressive natural wonders in the region. The Ausangate Trek is also known for its colorful mountain scenery, including the famous Rainbow Mountain.

5. Huchuy Qosqo Trek

• Duration: 2 days
• Distance: Approximately 10 miles (16 kilometers)
• Maximum Altitude: Huchuy Qosqo ruins at 12,464 feet (3,800 meters)
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Highlights: Traditional villages, farmland, and the beautiful ruins of Huchuy Qosqo.

The Huchuy Qosqo Trek is a short and easy alternative to the Inca Trail that takes you to the beautiful ruins of Huchuy Qosqo. This two-day trek starts in the Sacred Valley and takes you through picturesque Andean landscapes, including traditional villages and farmland. The highlight of the trek is a visit to the Huchuy Qosqo ruins, which offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

6. Vilcabamba Trek:

• Duration: 8 days
• Distance: Approximately 68 miles (110 kilometers)
• Maximum Altitude: Vilcabamba Pass at 14,600 feet (4,450 meters)
• Difficulty: Challenging

Highlights: Stunning mountain scenery, remote Andean landscapes, and visits to several important Inca ruins, including the ruins of Espiritu Pampa.

This eight-day trek takes you through the stunning Vilcabamba mountain range, which is known for its beautiful landscapes and important historical significance. Along the way, you'll visit several Inca ruins, including the impressive ruins of Espiritu Pampa.

7. Inca Jungle Trek:

• Duration: 4 days
• Distance: Approximately 43 miles (70 kilometers)
• Maximum Altitude: Abra Málaga pass at 14,000 feet (4,263 meters)
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

Highlights: Hiking through the lush jungle scenery, experiencing different outdoor activities like mountain biking, rafting, and ziplining, and soaking in the hot springs of Aguas Calientes.

The Inca Jungle Trek is a four-day trek that combines hiking with other outdoor activities, such as mountain biking, rafting, and ziplining. The trek takes you through stunning jungle scenery and includes a visit to the famous hot springs of Aguas Calientes.

8. Ancascocha Trek:

• Duration: 4 days
• Distance: Approximately 29 miles (47 kilometers)
• Maximum Altitude: Huayanay Pass at 15,000 feet (4,600 meters)
• Difficulty: Challenging

Highlights: High mountain passes, beautiful lakes, traditional villages, and a visit to the impressive ruins of Llactapata.

This four-day trek takes you off the beaten path through remote Andean landscapes, including high mountain passes, beautiful lakes, and traditional villages. The highlight of the trek is a visit to the impressive ruins of Llactapata, which offer stunning views of Machu Picchu in the distance.

Please note that these are approximate stats and may vary depending on the tour operator and specific route taken. Additionally, altitude sickness can be a concern on some of these hikes due to the high elevations, so it's important to properly acclimate and follow safety guidelines.

As you can see there are many alternative hikes to Machu Picchu that offer unique experiences and stunning scenery. Whether you're looking for a challenging trek through rugged mountain terrain or a more relaxed hike through traditional villages and farmland, there's an alternative trek to Machu Picchu that's perfect for you. So why not try something different and explore the beauty of this incredible region on foot?

Check out all of our multi day guided Peru treks here, or reach out to our travel team for a custom trip in Peru.