THERE’S NOTHING LIKE the satisfaction of approaching Machu Picchu on one’s own two feet, which is why the classic Inca Trail hike has become so popular in recent years. The time when a traveler could roll into Cusco and set up an Inca Trail trek for the following day—or week, or month—has long since passed, though. To limit damage to the trail, the Peruvian government now limits access to 500 persons per day, porters included. Permits for the peak summer season sell out months in advance.
An alternative trek is an alternative option of a trek instead of the classic Inca Trail, also in the Andes Mountains and Cusco region. The classic Inca Trail Trek is one of the most popular and well known, but unfortunately it sells out very quickly and bookings must be made well in advance.
There are some great alternative treks that still lead to Machu Picchu. These are gaining in more popularity as they become more well known. These are not restricted by the government so they are available any time of the year. The two most popular are the Lares trek 4D/3N or the Salkantay trek 5D/4N. There are others that do not end at Machu Picchu, such as Choquequirao 5/4N, a new lost city of the Incas larger than Machu Picchu.
The actual hiking views on these Alternative Treks to Machu Picchu might be even more spectacular than what you see on the Inca Trail but instead of hiking directly into the ruins, your trek ends at Aguas Calientes and spend the night there in a hotel. These treks tend to be less crowded and you still have the Machu Picchu tour the next day and in fact get to the ruins 2 hours before the Inca Trail trekkers. On clear mornings you will see the sun rising over Machu Picchu the surrounding mountains.
We have a large variety of alternative treks and tour Packate to Machu Picchu available. This gives our passengers plenty of options to choose. We do not just focus on the standard treks or tour that everyone else offers. Our treks have different routes, campsites, and added features that no one else does. It costs a bit more to do this but our focus is to provide the best “Off the Beaten Track Trekking” experience possible. Here are some great Tours, Treks and Packages to Machu Picchu, review and explore them bellow.