The classic Inca Trail in Peru that leads you through the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu is one of the most popular trekking routes in the world. As a result, it is frequently sold out, so you will have to plan your visit to Peru very much in advance – or choose an alternative, less beaten path! Fortunately, there are several phenomenal options to discover the Inca heartland you can choose from.
Below, you will find more information about 7 worthwhile alternatives to the famous Inca Trail you can add to your Peru’s must-do list. They range from Salkantay and Lares treks to Choquequirao and Ausangate treks, among others. Read on and make your visit to Peru even more spectacular!
Inca Jungle Trek
The Inca Jungle Trek is a trekking route located in the heart of the Cordillera Vilcanota region. It starts in Cusco and leads you through the cloud forest of the Andes to Machu Picchu. The highest point is the Salkantay Pass, which divides the jungle from the highlands. The trek takes between 4 and 7 days, depending on the chosen trail length.
What makes this trekking route so special is that it will take you through some of the most remote areas of Peru’s Inca heartland. Due to its nature, only a few local people practice agriculture here, so you will also discover some of the most pristine wilderness of the Inca Empire. The landscape and climate change constantly: you will go from lush Amazon-like jungle to high mountain passes with snow-covered peaks. The flora and fauna are diverse, from hummingbirds to condors, from black monkeys to orange frogs.
Salkantay Trek
The Salkantay Trek is another excellent option to discover the Inca heartland. It starts in Cusco and ends in Machu Picchu. The route goes through several Inca ruins, such as Raqch’i. The trek takes between 4 and 7 days, depending on your chosen trail length.
The Salkantay Trek is a bit more challenging than the classic Inca Trail. The route goes through the cloud forest of the Andes and takes you to high mountain passes with impressive views of snow-covered peaks and glaciers. Click here to check the Salkantay Trek and witness the diverse landscape: from a tropical jungle with waterfalls to high mountain passes with snow-covered peaks.
Choquequirao Trek
Choquequirao is another trekking route that goes through the Andes. It starts in Cusco and leads you to the lost city of Choquequirao, which is located in the Vilcabamba mountain range. The journey takes between 5 and 8 days, depending on your preferred route.
Due to its challenging climate, the Choquequirao trekking route is less popular than the Inca Trail. The landscape is also much more diverse: from cloud forests with high mountains to tropical jungle with creeks and waterfalls. It takes you to incredibly beautiful places, such as the Inca ruins of Choquequirao and the spectacular Sayaqmarka pass.
Lares Trek
The Lares Trek is another famous alternative to the Inca Trail. Located in the Andes of Peru, it offers spectacular views of snow-covered peaks and glaciers. The trekking route starts in Cusco and leads you to the small village of Lares. This is where you will find the old Inca capital and one of the most beautiful Inca ruins in Peru, Pisac. The trek takes between 6 and 8 days, depending on your chosen trail length.
The Lares trekking route is a perfect option for those who prefer to take it slow and go off the beaten path without a crowd of people. It leads you to some of the most remote areas of Peru’s Inca heartland and takes you through stunning landscapes.
Ausangate Trek
Ausangate is another trekking route that offers spectacular views of snow-covered peaks and glaciers. It takes you to the Ausangate Mountain, which means “Sunrise Mountain” in Quechua. The trekking route starts from Cusco and leads you to the small village of Piscacucho, where you will find the ruins of Choquequirao. The journey takes between 5 and 8 days, depending on your preferred route.
The Ausangate Trek is not as popular as other treks in the Peruvian Andes. However, it offers amazing views of snow-covered peaks and glaciers due to its high elevation. The landscape is also diverse: from cloud forests with high mountains to tropical jungle with creeks and waterfalls.
Salkantay – Machu Picchu Trek
Salkantay – Machu Picchu Trek is a great option to combine two treks in one trip. If you are interested in visiting both places, this is a perfect alternative to the classic Inca Trail. The trek takes between 4 and 7 days, depending on your chosen trail length.
Combining two famous treks in one makes this alternative a bit more challenging than other treks in the region. However, it ensures that you will get to see some of the most amazing places in Peru’s Inca heartland.
Llama Corral Trek
The Llama Corral Trek is another excellent alternative to the Inca Trail. It leads you through the Cordillera Vilcanota region and offers spectacular views of snow-covered peaks and glaciers. The trek takes between 4 and 6 days, depending on your chosen trail length.
The landscape of the Llama Corral Trek is diverse: from cloud forest with high mountains to tropical jungle with creeks and waterfalls. Some of the highlights include the beautiful Ollantaytambo ruins, a wide range of flora and fauna, and plenty of lakes, lagoons, and rivers.
Final Note
These were some of the most popular alternatives to the Inca Trail. They are still less known than Peru’s classic trekking route, so they offer an outstanding opportunity to discover the Inca heartland without any crowds. The landscapes are stunning, and the views of snow-covered peaks and glaciers are breathtaking. These treks will also give you a better understanding of the Andes, as you will experience their diversity.
So, if you are planning a visit to Peru, make sure to include at least one of these treks in your itinerary!
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