As one of the world’s great man-made wonders, the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is on every traveler’s must-see list and is visited by more than 1 million people every year. The iconic Inca Trail is, of course, the most famous Machu Picchu trek, but a number of alternative treks are also becoming increasingly popular. That’s why we’ve compiled this useful guide to help you choose the best Machu Picchu trek for you.
Inca Trail
The Inca Trail is the tried-and-true classic, the truly definitive Machu Picchu trek and the route that most people picture when they think of visiting Machu Picchu. Most of the trail follows the original Inca road system, and hikers will pass by a number of breathtaking ruins and monuments during the course of the journey before entering through the famous Sun Gate to behold Machu Picchu itself in all its glory. The trail also runs through several unique climates as it descends from the high Andes through the cloud forest to the edge of the jungle. The trek is usually completed in four or five days but it’s also possible to do smaller portions of the trail in just one or two days. Due to its popularity, the Peruvian government limits the number of visitors allowed to hike the Inca Trail, so it’s advisable to reserve your permit several months in advance.
This Machu Picchu trek is for: Those who want the quintessential Machu Picchu experience.
Salkantay Trek
The Salkantay Trek is one of the most popular alternatives to the Inca Trail, but unlike its more famous cousin, this trail has no government-mandated limits on the number of hikers allowed to traverse it. That makes the Salkantay Trek popular as a backup option for tourists unable to secure an Inca Trail permit. Luckily, the Salkantay Trek is a worthy alternative and its scenery is arguably even more majestic. Hikers will encounter fewer Incan Ruins on the Salkantay Trek, but the stark mountain landscapes more than make up for it. Like the Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek passes through a number of distinct climate zones including cloud forest and alpine tundra as it winds past the eponymous Nevada Salkantay, the tallest mountain in the region. The full trek lasts five days, with the arrival at Machu Picchu on the final day.
This Machu Picchu trek is for: Lovers of mountain scenery and outdoorsy types.
Lares Trek
The Lares Trek passes through the Sacred Valley of the Incas and, much like the Salkantay Trek, is full of gorgeous mountain scenery, pristine glacial lakes and exquisite waterfalls, concluding with a visit to Machu Picchu on the final day. Unlike many other treks, the Lares Trek brings you through several small villages, giving trekkers a close-up look at the traditional Andean way of life. The Lares Trek is also considered one of the easiest multi-day treks in the area, and much less physically demanding than the Salkantay Trek, so it can be a good first experience with high altitude trekking for many people. The full Lares Trek to Machu Picchu usually takes four days.
This Machu Picchu trek is for: Inexperienced hikers and those looking for a unique cultural experience.
Choquequirao Trek
Often referred to as Machu Picchu’s sister site, the ruins of Choquequirao offer visitors a comparable but far less crowded experience of an ancient Inca city. Choquequirao is also substantially larger than Machu Picchu, so visitors will have ample time to explore. Though this trek is increasing in popularity since its promotion in Lonely Planet and other popular guidebooks, it’s still relatively unknown due to its isolation, so it’s possible you may arrive to the site and find only a small handful of other visitors. The trail is well-maintained but difficult and involves a demanding trek through the Apurímac canyon in scorching heat. The typical four-day trek does not include a visit to Machu Picchu, but it’s possible to continue on the trail for another several days and see both sites. This puts the total trek at nine days.
This Machu Picchu trek is for: Fans of Inca history and those who want to visit some ruins without the crowds of Machu Picchu..
Huchuy Qosqo
Huchuy Qosqo is Quechua for “Little Cusco” and was the royal estate of the semi-mythical eighth Inca ruler known as Viracocha. Fans of history will relish the opportunity to visit this large but seldom-visited Inca site, only accessible on foot or horseback. Most treks to Huchuy Qosqo also visit the archaeological site of Tambomachay, another opportunity to appreciate the awe-inspiring infrastructure and engineering accomplished by the Inca Empire. The Huchuy Qosqo trek is one of the shortest and easiest treks on this list, lasting only three days including one night in the town of Aguas Calientes just outside of Machu Picchu.
This Machu Picchu trek is for: Visitors who are short on time but want to see some scenery and archaeological sites.
Ausangate Trek
One of the most difficult treks in the region, the Ausangate Trek rewards those hearty enough to undertake it with incredible views of unspoiled landscapes in a truly remote corner of the Andes. Trekkers must make two mountain passes at 5,000 meters above sea level, and altitude sickness can be a problem for even experienced hikers, so the Ausangate Trek is certainly not a challenge to be taken lightly. Those who do complete it should feel a well-deserved sense of accomplishment at finishing one of Peru’s most difficult trails. The traditional trek is a circuit around the eponymous mountain, but extensions to the famous rainbow mountain of Vinicunca and to Machu Picchu are also possible. The full Ausangate Trek along with a visit to Machu Picchu takes a total of nine days.
This Machu Picchu trek is for: Those looking for a difficult but rewarding high-altitude trek.
Ancascocha Trek
Another difficult high-altitude route, the Ancascocha Trek brings hikers along ancient trailways deep into the heart of the Andes, passing an extraordinary variety of flora and fauna on the way. Arguably the most challenging trek on this list, the Ancascocha Trek traverses multiple mountain passes of more than 4,000 meters, but the quiet serenity of this isolated trail make it well worth the extra effort. The full Ancascocha Trek including a visit to Machu Picchu takes a total of five days.
This Machu Picchu trek is for: Hikers who are in good shape and want to get off the beaten track.
Vilcabamba Trek
One of the least-known treks to Machu Picchu is the Vilcabamba Trek, which passes through extremely remote areas on rarely-visited trails. The trek is considered quite difficult but the extraordinarily beautiful views make it well worth the extra training and effort. Archaeology buffs will also surely appreciate the chance to visit the secluded ruins of Ñustahispana and Vitcos-Rosaspata. You’ll feel like Hiram Bingham when happen across these empty sites in the deep backwoods of the Andes. The full Vilcabamba Trek usually takes five days to complete including the final day at Machu Picchu.
This Machu Picchu trek is for: Hikers who fancy themselves explorers and want a true adventure.
Quarry Trail
The Quarry Trail offers some of the best parts of the classic Inca Trail but without the crowds: the soaring mountain scenery, gorgeous countryside vistas and mysterious archaeological ruins–all to yourself! This trek is ideal for travelers who love the idea of the Inca Trail, but want a more unique and authentic experience. The route takes a total of four days, including a transfer to Aguas Calientes on the final day where you can continue on to Machu Picchu.
This Machu Picchu trek is for: Those who want to see the Sacred Valley but without the crowds.
Have you found your perfect Machu Picchu trek?
Whether you’re a hardcore, experienced trekker or a first-timer, there is a perfect Machu Picchu trek for every type of traveler. Each of the treks listed on this blog cater to unique interests, whether it be archaeology, cultural experiences or specific types of environments or scenery. Hopefully you’ve discovered the Machu Picchu trek that’s right for you!
Header Image: Modified from Flickr / Pedro Szekely
