Alternative Inca Trails
The Inca Trail is one of the world’s most legendary treks. Following ancient Inca stone paths through the Andes, plateaus and sub tropical forest to Machu Picchu, it’s something of a Latin American rite of passage. Once the domain of alpaca-hatted backpackers, there are now multiple ways you can trek this path, with accommodation along the way ranging from basic budget camps, to luxury tents with portable toilets and showers. Trekking permits sell out many months in advance, and with up to 500 trekkers, porters and guides on each section of the trail at any given time, this is far from a wilderness hike.
But the Inca Trail is not the only route to Machu Picchu. There are several other treks through the Andes to reach this legendary city, and you’re unlikely to bump into crowds of walkers on any of them. This leaves you to breathe in the astounding scenery and silence of the mountains. All routes take a similar amount of time – four to five days – and they vary in difficulty. The Lares and Salkantay Treks are the best known of the alternative Inca Trails, Lares is a little gentler than Salkantay, while the Moonstone Trek is the most challenging. As none of the alternative routes require permits, they are a particularly good option for last minute travelers, who have left it too late to secure their place on the main trail. They can also be trekked all year round, while the main Inca Trail typically closes for maintenance during the wettest month of February – just pack decent waterproofs.
Our Inca Trail trek Vacations
Peruvian Andes trekking vacation to Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu with an International Guide and Doctor.
From
US $2979
14 days
ex flights
Peru highlights tour, Inca trail, Titicaca and Nazca
Taste Peru's diverse landscapes and fascinating culture
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US $3279 to US $3449
15 days
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High Inca trail trek in Peru
Machu Picchu, Inca fortresses and cloud forest
From
US $2449 to US $2749
14 days
ex flights
Hiking the Inca trail vacation
An unrivalled combination of history and spectacular scenery
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US $1879 to US $2149
9 days
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Inca Trail trek in Peru
Classic trek on Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
From
US $2526 to US $2856
10 days
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Peru and Inca trail small group vacation
Travel from the Andes to the Amazon
From
US $2418 to US $3105
12 days
ex flights
Southern Peru tailor made vacation, Alternative Inca Trail trek
Alternative Inca Trail to Machu Picchu without camping
From
£5715
19 days
ex flights
Choquequirao to Machu Picchu hiking vacation, Peru
Choquequirao - trek to a lost Inca City, Peru
From
£1188
7 days
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Machu Picchu & Amazon small group vacation, Peru
Explore Peru from Machu Picchu the Amazon rainforest
From
US $2144 to US $2749
12 days
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Peru in depth and the Inca Trail vacation
Peru's stunning highlights with trekking the Inca Trail
From
US $3500
21 days
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Peru 8 day trekking vacation, ultimate Machu Picchu
Trek into the Andes to reach Machu Picchu
From
US $1950
8 days
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Classic Inca Trail vacation, 10 days
10-days: Lima, Cusco, 4-day Inca Trail & Machu Picchu
From
£1695
10 days
ex flights
Peru adventure vacation
Go on a breath-taking adventure along the Inca Trail
From
US $2655 to US $2785
10 days
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Peru small group vacation, Inca Trail & Amazon
Exciting journey into enchanting Peru from Amazon to Andes
From
US $2880 to US $4560
21 days
ex flights
Peru adventure vacation, small group
Experience coastal deserts, mountains and the Amazon Jungle
From
US $2230 to US $4639
19 days
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Classic Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu
Hike the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu for 4 days
From
US $645 to US $690
4 days
ex flights
Inca Highlights, adventure tour
Allow yourself to absorb the magic of Peru
From
US $1900 to US $3869
14 days
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Family adventure vacation in Peru, Inca & Amazon
Pretty Sherpa villages and spectacular mountains
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US $3449 to US $3579
14 days
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Inca trail & Amazon Rainforest vacation
Inca Trail, Machu Picchu & rainforest
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US $3579 to US $4349
15 days
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Lima to Cuzco overland truck tour in Peru
Explore Peru and the majestic Machu Picchu
From
£900 to £950
17 days
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Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu trek
Bucket List Adventure Trekking to Machu Picchu
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£565 to £605
4 days
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Luxury Inca Trail trek, Peru
Spectacular trek on the Inca Trail through the high Andes
From
US $1555
5 days
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18-29's Inca Trail hiking trip, Peru
Get straight down to business and up the Inca Trail.
From
US $994 to US $1330
6 days
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Peru highlights vacation including Inca trail trek
Discover the diversity of Peru on this fascinating journey
From
US $3130
15 days
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Hiking the Inca Trail, Peru
An authentic trek through the land of the Incas
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US $1240 to US $2529
7 days
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Inca Trail trekking vacation
Trek the legendary Inca trail
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US $2479 to US $2999
9 days
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Inca Trail hiking vacation, Peru
The Sacred Valley, one of the world’s best known hikes
From
US $896 to US $1149
7 days
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Peru walking and cultural vacation
Trek the cultural sites and mountain scenery of Peru
From
US $2300
10 days
ex flights
The Salkantay Trek
This route is named after the snow capped Salkantay Mountain. At a whopping 6,271m high, this is the highest point in the Vilcabamba Range, and it was revered by the Incas. The trail winds around the sheer-sided mountain, offering impressive views and crossing its 4,600m pass. You’ll traverse grasslands, glacial terrain, cloud and sub tropical forests, too; for many trekkers the diversity of ecosystems is one of the highlights of this route. From the Inca complex of Llactapata, usually visited on the last full day of the trek, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views across to Machu Picchu, just 5km away.
The Salkantay Trek is usually completed in four or five days, and you’ll be camping along the way, with mules or porters to help carry your luggage, tents and food. Some trekking companies will provide toilet and dining tents, too. The trail ends in Aguas Calientes; you’ll spend a night in the town before taking an early morning bus up to Machu Picchu.
Our top Inca Trail trek Vacation
Hiking the Inca trail vacation
An unrivalled combination of history and spectacular scenery
From
US $1879 to US $2149
9 days
ex flights
Small group travel:
2020: 8 Apr, 29 Apr, 7 May, 13 May, 4 Jun, 13 Jun, 2 Jul, 16 Jul, 30 Jul, 5 Aug, 8 Aug, 20 Aug, 2 Sep, 5 Sep, 10 Sep, 19 Sep, 24 Sep, 8 Oct, 14 Oct, 21 Oct, 28 Oct, 4 Nov, 2 Dec, 18 Dec
2021: 26 Mar, 9 Apr, 30 Apr, 6 May, 20 May, 27 May, 3 Jun, 12 Jun, 17 Jun, 1 Jul, 10 Jul, 22 Jul, 29 Jul, 7 Aug, 12 Aug, 19 Aug, 26 Aug, 4 Sep, 18 Sep, 23 Sep, 8 Oct, 12 Nov, 3 Dec, 18 Dec
2020: 8 Apr, 29 Apr, 7 May, 13 May, 4 Jun, 13 Jun, 2 Jul, 16 Jul, 30 Jul, 5 Aug, 8 Aug, 20 Aug, 2 Sep, 5 Sep, 10 Sep, 19 Sep, 24 Sep, 8 Oct, 14 Oct, 21 Oct, 28 Oct, 4 Nov, 2 Dec, 18 Dec
2021: 26 Mar, 9 Apr, 30 Apr, 6 May, 20 May, 27 May, 3 Jun, 12 Jun, 17 Jun, 1 Jul, 10 Jul, 22 Jul, 29 Jul, 7 Aug, 12 Aug, 19 Aug, 26 Aug, 4 Sep, 18 Sep, 23 Sep, 8 Oct, 12 Nov, 3 Dec, 18 Dec
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about Inca Trail trek or need help finding a vacation to suit you we're very happy to help.
The Lares Trek
The gentlest of the three main routes to Machu Picchu, the Lares Trek winds its way through Quechua villages and terraced farmland tucked into the lower slopes of the Peruvian Andes, and involves three or four full days of trekking. This is the most cultural of the three trails, and has far fewer steps as well, though there are still high passes to tackle at around 4,500m. You’ll be setting up camp in picturesque villages each night; there is also the option to stay in the homes of local families. The Lares Trek consequently allows you to spend much more time immersed in Quechua culture, as you prepare and share meals with your hosts, learn about traditional weaving and farming practices, and see herds of llamas and alpacas. There isn’t one set route, which further reduces the number of other trekkers that you’ll encounter, but the itinerary below gives an idea of where you’ll be trekking and sleeping each day. The most common routes are between 33km and 40km.
The practicalities
If you’re booking an organised small group or tailor made tour, rest assured that all the logistics will be taken care of, from your Machu Picchu permit to accommodation and meals. You’ll also be able to store your main luggage in Cuzco, leaving you to trek with a lighter pack.
Organised tours will come with guides, porters, a cook and usually mules or llamas, too. In the case of the Moonstone Trail, most of the heavy lifting is done by horses. Some hikers feel guilty about using porters, but this is a sustainable source of income in this remote region; as long as you book through a responsible tour operator, your porters should be paid a decent living wage, be wearing suitable clothes and footwear, and be carrying no more than 20kg. Your company will advise you on how heavy your trekking pack should be to ensure this is within the guidelines; mules will lighten the load too of course.
Food will be basic but hearty, and you should advise on any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Many companies also provide boiled water so that you can refill your drinking bottles, which keeps plastic waste to a minimum.
You’ll be supplied with a complete packing list; you may need to bring a sleeping bag or hire one in Cuzco. If hiking in the southern winter, expect icy temperatures – although nights, especially at higher altitudes, will be bitterly cold all year round, so bring plenty of warm layers. Sun screen, wide brimmed hats and long sleeved shirts are also a must at this altitude and so close to the equator, as are good, worn in walking boots – flip flops are definitely not recommended!
More about Inca Trail trek
The best time to trek the Inca Trail is in the cooler, drier months of May to September - but you'll need to book early to secure a permit. Find out more in our guide.
Our travel guide answers any questions you may have about hiking this iconic trail, along with a day by day sample itinerary and a brief history of the Inca Trail.
Our Inca Trail map showcases the highlights along the trail, along with a detailed day by day itinerary, to help you get your head around the hike.
In between trekking, you can learn about archaeology, visit local communities and stay with your porters. The Inca Trail is about so much more than Machu Picchu.
Our guide to Machu Picchu reveals the history of this sacred site, with tips on what to see, how to travel there and the best time to visit...
Trekking the Inca Trail with kids is not going to suit every family, but there are wonderful opportunities for bonding, education and exploration. We offer tips for parents and kids.
Get tips on everything from planning and packing, to how to travel safely on the Inca Trail. Our tour operators and travelers share their top Inca Trail advice.
Find out about Quechua homestays, porters' rights and responsible trekking on the Inca Trail, to ensure this path and its people are treated as respectfully as possible.
protection
Photo credits: [Page banner: Giacomo Buzzao] [Top box: Gregory Laurent]
[Salkantay Mountain: Stevage]
[Dining tent: Esme_Vos]
[Salkantay itinerary: McKay Savage]
[The Lares Trek: Arup Malakar]
[Lares itinerary: Joshua Eckert]
[Porters: Shriram Rajagopalan]
[Food: Martin Lang]
[Packing list: andrew.jk]
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