Peru is a country connected by hiking trails, probably none of which are new. Ancient history unfolded along these ancient paths, and modern man continues to use them to carry out his daily activities. Some were intentionally built from stone, using engineering skills and manual labor. Others are dirt trails that have been worn down over the years due to constant back and forth through the mountains.
Hiking to Machu Picchu is definitely the best way for a physically fit traveler to reach the citadel. The surrounding mountains were an important part of Incan culture, and spending time on them will broaden your experience once you reach that important site. There are several trail options available to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
Inca Trail
– Typical length: 4 days
– Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
The Inca Trail, or Qapaq Ñan, is a 700-year-old network of roads that were built to connect the Inca Empire from one end to the other, stretching across 6 South American countries. It was a crucial factor in the empire’s success, as it allowed for both military mobilization and communication through the chaskis, the messengers who traveled these roads.
The most well-known portion today connects the Sacred Valley of the Incas to the original entrance to Machu Picchu at the Sun Gate above the city. This is the part you will refer to today as the Inca Trail and it has received an astonishing amount of recognition and awards around the world. It is a unique ancient trail steeped in history and is the only hike that enters Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate. You will enjoy seeing the cloud forest from an insider’s perspective and visiting archaeological sites only accessible on foot.
Due to its popularity, there are many restrictions, requirements, and important things to know before embarking on this adventure.
Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is an unforgettable experience. It is a very popular adventure and permits sell out easily, so plan ahead.
Salkantay Trek
– Typical length: 5 days
– Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
According to National Geographic, the Salkantay trek is one of the six best alternative trails to Machu Picchu, as well as being one of the 25 best hikes in the world. I agree! It offers greater ecological diversity than the Inca Trail and is cheaper, less crowded, and less strict. The expedition combines the best of two worlds. It begins among the grandeur of the Andes’ sacred snow-capped peaks and glacial lakes, and heads into the rainforest and cloud forest. You’ll even visit one of Cusco’s top destinations, the Humantay Lagoon.
The landscapes on this trail will leave you with your mouth open, your camera full of surreal photographs, and your heart satisfied. Plus, the Salkantay trek offers the chance to indulge in some exotic glamping, which can really change your entire experience! If you decide to do this trek, make sure you know how to prepare to have the best experience possible.
Lares Trek
– Typical Duration: 4 days
– Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
The Lares trek is another of the top six alternative trails to Machu Picchu according to National Geographic and is even less crowded than Salkantay. The highlight of this trail is that it provides the opportunity to observe genuine rural life in the Andes. The Lares Valley is home to local farmers and artisans, and along the trail, hikers will interact with them as they go about their daily activities filled with tradition: herding, weaving, cooking, etc.
The stunning backdrop to this scene is the snow-capped Mount Veronica with its glacial lakes, waterfalls, rivers, native trees, and colorful valleys. At the beginning of the trail, in the town of Lares, you’ll find medicinal hot springs to relax in before the hike.
Taking the Lares to Machu Picchu hike means you’ll have fewer crowds and a more authentic experience. You’ll be able to enjoy panoramic views of mountains, lagoons, and valleys, all while getting into one of the most remote and least explored areas of the Andes.
Ancascocha Hike
– Typical length: 5 days
– Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
This is a truly special hike, sometimes called the Hidden Inca Trail or Super Inca Trail. As per the nickname, it meanders through the towering Andes on the original path of the Incas. It was one of the “20 Dream Trails for Hikers” mentioned by National Geographic. It might be the next best thing to the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, as it is both so remote and extremely scenic. It is Peru’s best kept secret, brimming with spectacular Andean scenery, untouched by human hands.
You’ll enjoy a high, rushing waterfall, meander along a lovely murmuring river in open valleys, and then challenge yourself to cross snowy mountain passes before descending into the cloud forest. Of course, we can’t forget the Ancascocha Lagoon that gives the trail its name – the dazzling Ancascocha Lagoon! The trail is absolutely stunning! And you'll have it all to yourself, except for llamas, alpacas, condors and the locals.
The Ancascocha trek is an adventure that combines challenge, natural beauty and a unique cultural experience. It's a great choice if you're looking to explore a less-traveled route to Machu Picchu and enjoy nature in its purest state.
Huchuy Qosqo Hike
– Typical length: 3 days
– Difficulty: Moderate
Here's another hike you can take without being overwhelmed by other visitors. It's in the Sacred Valley of the Incas near Cusco and leads to an extensive and highly impressive Inca military and administrative center, an archaeological site only accessible on foot. It's situated on a wide plateau overlooking the surrounding snow-capped peaks of the Vilcabamba Mountain Range, and the entire path leading up to it is a pilgrimage through picturesque scenes of the Andes.
Its name means “Little Cusco” and it is one of the local treks that uses the ancient Inca Trail and will help you continue to piece together the past as you travel through Peru. This is the only trek to Machu Picchu that starts in Cusco, in the same place, beginning at the Tambomachay archaeological site.
Choquequirao Hike
– Typical Duration: 7 days
– Difficulty: Challenging
National Geographic has rated Choquequirao as one of the most beautiful hikes in the world and one of the six best alternative routes to reach Machu Picchu. You will have the opportunity to visit the Choquequirao archaeological complex, which means “cradle of gold” in the native Quechua language. Can you believe that its construction is more impressive and extensive than that of its sister city, the Wonder of the World? It is only partially excavated, so who knows what the future holds for this amazing site!
But be warned: the difficulty of this hike is comparable to that of the ascent to Mount Everest Base Camp. It's an incredible historical site, as it was one of the last refuges of the Incas when they retreated into the jungle to escape the Spanish conquistadors. Only multi-day hikers can experience this place. After visiting the site on the second day, you'll follow in the footsteps of the Incas in their final days, heading deeper into the cloud forest through the mountains.
Inca Quarry Hike
(Also called the Cachicata Trail or Inca Quarry)
– Typical length: 4 days
– Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
This trek goes by several names, but it's another of the six best alternative routes to Machu Picchu on National Geographic's list and a great option to avoid the crowds. It is unique in that hikers can visit lesser-known Inca archaeological sites, only seen by other hikers and locals, as well as visit the Cachicata quarry where the famous giant stones from Inca construction projects were collected. You will begin by visiting a high waterfall and the Racaypata site perched on the summit before continuing through the mountains and valleys near Ollantaytambo.
You will enjoy interacting with the locals who live in the area and observing Andean life up close. The most picturesque moment of your hike will be when you find yourself inside one of the Inca Sun Gates – the perfect frame for the imposing snow-capped Mount Veronica before you. The Inca Quarry trek is an adventure that combines stunning scenery, exploration of Inca ruins and the chance to get to know the local culture.
BONUS:
Inca Jungle Trek
Typical duration: 4 days
Difficulty: Moderate
This is an adrenaline-filled adventure that takes you to Machu Picchu not only by hiking, but also by biking, rafting, and zip-lining through the cloud forests of the Andes! For a beautiful mix of the adventure sports that Cusco has to offer, grab a helmet and get ready for the expedition of a lifetime. If that wasn't enough, you'll have the chance to relax in the best
Choose the one you prefer!
No matter which of these unforgettable experiences you choose, it will be incredibly impressive and exciting. There is no other feeling in the world that compares to trusting your own two feet to get you to a place like the magnificent citadel of Machu Picchu after traversing sublime landscapes that most never get to see. By taking the best Machu Picchu treks, you will feel very proud of yourself with every step you take on any of these amazing adventures, and the lasting impact of your encounter will stay with you for years to come.
