The Inca Trail Trek is one of the Peru Treks most requested worldwide. Due to this high demand, and in order to preserve the site, the Peruvian government strictly limits access to 500 daily permits (including support staff), which must be reserved 6 to 8 months in advance. This restriction means that most travelers do not find availability for their travel dates.
Fortunately, the Classic Inca Trail is only a small section of the vast network of roads (Qhapaq Ñan) that the Incas built. This has allowed the development of alternative routes to the Inca Trail, which use other Andean trails to reach Machu Picchu or its surroundings. These alternative routes have become a fundamental part of the Peru Highlights for hikers.
The main advantage of these alternative hikes is that they do not require the special Inca Trail permits, offering much greater booking flexibility. Furthermore, each route offers a different experience: some focus on high mountain landscapes, while others prioritize cultural immersion. This guide will analyze the most popular alternatives, comparing their difficulty, landscapes, and logistics.
The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of top treks in the world! The trek offers a 4 day journey through Andes including amazing views of snowy peaks, hardly accessible, but impressive Inca ruins and the overwhelming Inca city of Machu Picchu. This hike is very popular, which unfortunately makes it a bit crowdy. For that reason, the Peruvian government has limited its availability (only 500 persons a day including Tour Guides, Cooks and Porters!).
Every year, approximately 25,000 hikers from all over the world travel their extraordinary 43 kilometers along a stone paved road built by the Incas, which leads to the impregnable citadel of Machu Picchu located deep in the high jungle of Cusco. The trip begins in the town of Qorihuayrachina, at kilometer 88 of the Quillabamba railway - Cusco and takes 3 to 4 days of strenuous hiking, it is the road that takes tourists to Machu Picchu. The route consists of an impressive variety of altitudes, climates and ecosystems ranging from the Andean plain to the cloud forest.
For those who prefer less traffic and stress trying to book the Inca Trail, there are some perfect alternatives trails. These so called Alternative Treks to Machu Picchu offers challenging hikes, less crowd, beautiful sceneries, contact to local Andean inhabitants and some Incan archaeological sites.
The very best of those Alternative Treks are the 5 day Salkantay Trek, its shorter Salkantay Trek 4 day, you will appreciate the Salkantay Mountain, flora and Jauna or the new version route to Salkantay Trek Expedition 5 days, this trek involve a short Inca Trail, Mountain and beatifull landscapes,
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The Cachicata trek to Machu Picchu, you can appreciate Incan terraces, short authentic Inca trail, Temple of the Water God above a secret holding lovely waterfall, Incan mummies and Andean highlands. On the last day, you take a train to Machu Picchu and visit the antique and mysterious Incan citadel!! A climb to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain can be also added to the trek.
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All day the trails are connected with occasional small villages on the Lares Valley roads. So we must consider the Lares trek has a lot more interaction with the direct descendants of the Incas than the traditional Inca Trail. Past and present intertwine here along the Inca roads, the traditional life has changed little since Inca times and the mountain people retain some customs of the Incas. There are some very spectacular and beautiful views to experience and people to meet. This trekking trip will be an unforgettable experience.
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The Inca Jungle trek to Machu Picchu is authentic Inka route (in Queachua Chapaqñan) was discovered as the last, 10 years ago. It is a new trek to Machu Picchu considered more adventurous and sporty than other treks as you do mountain biking on the first day, you hike through beautiful nature of a cloud forest and you can try ZIP Line and rafting too!! The last day, you observe the long-expected and stunning Inca´s city of Machu Picchu with a possibility of hiking to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
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Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek 9 days involves the most beautiful scenic trail of the two Inca cities. Inca Trail, Inca ruins, Sacred mountains (Apus). . Give yourself a splurge of Andean and natural history and visit the best two archeological Inca sites near Cusco!!!
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Many customers have asked us about the differences between the Classic Inca Trail and the Inca Trail Alternatives to Machu Picchu. Well, choosing the right trek might be difficult so we have stated below a list of various factors that might help you deciding.
Peru offers fascinating experiences that reveal natural landscapes, historical monuments, and living cultures, captivating those who seek adventure and discovery in every corner of its territory. Get to know the most outstanding tours:
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If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu Entrance Tickets in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.
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