Inca Trails & Alternate Machu Picchu Treks

The Inca Trail is one of the world’s most famous treks, and for good reason. It combines history, nature, and adventure into four unforgettable days of hiking. This 26-mile trek follows original stone paths laid by the Incas centuries ago, winding past ancient ruins, cloud forests, and high mountain passes before culminating at Machu Picchu’s Sun Gate. It’s the most iconic way to reach the Lost City, and every step feels like part of a story that began long before you arrived.

However, the Inca Trail isn’t the only route to Machu Picchu. Trekkers can choose alternatives like the rugged Salkantay Trek, the cultural Lares Trek, or the remote Choquequirao Trek. Each has its own character, challenges, and rewards. Whether you’re drawn to history, adventure, or cultural immersion, the Andes offer a path that matches your style.

Why is the Inca Trail legendary?

Historical pathway

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu isn’t just a scenic walk—it’s part of an ancient network of roads known as the Qhapaq Ñan, which once linked the Inca Empire. Along the trail, you’ll encounter archaeological sites like Wiñay Wayna, Runkurakay, and Phuyupatamarca, each offering a glimpse into Inca engineering, spirituality, and daily life.

Arrive through the Sun Gate

Other treks take you near Machu Picchu, but only the Inca Trail delivers you directly to the site’s originally intended entrance at the Sun Gate. Arriving at dawn, when the first light spills across the citadel, is a moment that simply can’t be replicated by a bus or train ride.

A challenge worth the reward

At certain parts, the trek is demanding but not extreme. The toughest point is Dead Woman’s Pass, at 4,215 meters (13,800 feet). It requires stamina and acclimatization, but the views of glacier-capped peaks and misty valleys make the effort worthwhile.

Preparing for the Inca Trail

Start point: Kilometer 82 (near Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley)

Time taken: 3-4 days

Total distance covered: Roughly 42km (26 miles)

Highest point: Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,215 meters (13,828 feet)

Difficulty: Moderate to challenging. Altitude and steep climbs make it tough, but it's fairly accessible with some preparation.

You don’t need to be an elite athlete, but being prepared makes the trek much more enjoyable. Regular hikes, stair climbs, and cardio workouts in the months before your trip will prepare you for steep ascents and long days.

If you can comfortably hike 6–8 miles a day with elevation gain, you’re in good shape.

Footwear: Well-broken-in hiking boots with ankle support.
Layers: Quick-drying shirts, a warm jacket for nights, and rain gear.
Trekking poles: Helpful for descents and stability on uneven terrain.
Sleeping bag: Rated for cold nights in the Andes.
Extras: Headlamp, compass, portable charger, blister care, snacks, and reusable water bottles.

Guided tours often provide tents, meals, and porters for group gear, but keep your personal pack light. Aim for 15–20 lbs.

Pro tip: Pack moisture-wicking layers and lightweight gear to stay comfortable in unpredictable weather. Organizing your bag with compartments for snacks, water, and first aid supplies makes long hikes much easier.

The dry season (May–September) is the most popular, offering clear skies and stable conditions.
April and October are good shoulder months with fewer crowds.
The wet season (November–March) brings rain and mud, so trekking during this time is risky.
In February, the trail closes for maintenance.

Start planning your trek at least 4 months in advance—hiking in these regions requires a permit, and the Inca Trail has a limit of 500 permits/day, including staff. Meaning if you do not get those permits fast, you might not get the dates you like.
Check official government websites for updated information on required documents and the application process. Gather ID, passport, travel plans, and any other required documents so you’re not scrambling last minute.
Keep an eye on permit dates, seasonal restrictions, and fee changes. Some authorities accept digital submissions, which speeds up processing, but always follow up if confirmation takes too long.
Guides are mandatory on the Inca Trail. You can’t hike it solo. Permits are only issued through licensed tour operators, which means your booking will already bundle in guides (and often porters, meals, and tents). This rule keeps the trail safe, regulated, and respectful of its cultural heritage.
Local tour companies can help with paperwork and insider tips, making your life simpler and keeping bureaucracy headaches to a minimum.

Alternative Machu Picchu treks

Not everyone hikes the Inca Trail. Permits sell out months in advance, and some adventurers prefer less crowded or more challenging routes. Here are the top alternatives:

Salkantay Trek

Start point: Mollepata or Soraypampa, accessible by road from Cusco
Time taken: 5–6 days
Total distance covered: Roughly 72km (45 miles)
Highest point: Salkantay Pass at 4,650 meters (15,255 feet)
Difficulty: More physically demanding than the Inca Trail, with rugged, rocky ascents, cold mountain passes, and long downhill stretches.
Highlights: Towering glaciers of Mount Salkantay, turquoise alpine lakes, waterfalls, orchids, and eventually subtropical valleys leading toward Aguas Calientes (the gateway to Machu Picchu).
Why choose it: It’s more remote and less regulated than the Inca Trail, so you’ll meet fewer trekkers. It’s considered more physically demanding but offers some of the most varied scenery in Peru.

Lares Trek

Start point: near the village of Lares, a few hours by road from Cusco
Time taken: 3–4 days
Total distance covered: Roughly 33km (20 miles)
Highest point: Ipsaycocha Pass at around 4,450 meters (14,600 feet)
Difficulty: Moderate, with gentle mountain valleys, rolling highlands, and open dirt paths.
Highlights: Traditional Quechua villages, colorful markets, herding families, and locals in traditional dress. Hot springs in Lares are often included before or after the trek. Landscapes include snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes, and high meadows.
Why choose it: More cultural than archaeological—this trek emphasizes authentic interaction with Andean communities over Inca ruins. Perfect for hikers seeking immersion in local life.

Choquequirao Trek

Start point: Capuliyoc, about 4 hours by road from Cusco
Time taken: 7–9 days
Total distance covered: Roughly 64km (40 miles), longer if extended to Machu Picchu
Highest point: Choquequirao Pass at around 4,670 meters (15,300 feet)
Difficulty: Very challenging with steep ascents and descents, canyon crossings, and exposed paths. Expect to be challenged; you’ll pass hot lowland valleys followed by cold high passes.
Highlights: The sprawling ruins of Choquequirao, often called Machu Picchu’s “sister city,” are perched dramatically above the Apurímac River canyon. Very few tourists visit, so you can gaze at the Llamas in peace. If extended, the trek connects with Vilcabamba and eventually Machu Picchu.
Why choose it: Remote, demanding, and far less visited. It’s a trek for experienced hikers who want to feel like true explorers.

Short Inca Trail

Start point: Km 104 on the railway line between Cusco and Aguas Calientes
Time taken: 2 days
Total distance covered: Roughly 12km (7.5 miles)
Highest point: Wiñay Wayna at 2,650 meters (8,694 feet)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate. This is a condensed version of the Inca Trail with stone steps, subtropical forest, and gentle climbs.
Highlights: The stunning ruins of Wiñay Wayna and, like the classic Inca Trail, a dramatic arrival through the Sun Gate with your first view of Machu Picchu.
Why choose it: It allows you to experience the historical and scenic highlights of the Inca Trail in just two days—perfect for families, beginners, or travelers with limited time.

Book your Machu Picchu tickets

Machu Picchu Circuit 2-Classic Tickets

Flexible duration

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Machu Picchu Circuit 1-Panoramic Tickets

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Machu Picchu Circuit 3-Royalty Tickets

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From Cusco: Machu Picchu Day Trip

13 hr.

Transfers included

Meals included

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From Cusco: Full-Day Trip to Ollantaytambo and Chinchero with Lunch

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

9 hr.

Guided tour

Transfers included

Meals included

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From Cusco: Half-Day Tour to Maras and Moray

Free cancellation

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6 hr.

Guided tour

Transfers included

Hotel pickup

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Tips for seamless hikes

Gear up smart. Upgrade your basics; think high-performance boots, breathable waterproof jackets, and trusty trekking poles (your knees will thank you on those descents).
Lightweight, high-energy snacks are a must; almonds and energy bars are way easier than hauling empanadas!
Beat the crowds. Early mornings mean cooler air, quieter trails, and dreamy sunrises painting the Andes. Yes, the wake-up call is brutal, but it’s also magical.
Do a little homework on altitude sickness remedies, from coca tea to prescribed medication, so you’re not caught off guard.
Local guides are a goldmine of knowledge, blending ancient Andean wisdom with modern trekking hacks. They’ll point out the best rest stops, explain the history behind the ruins, and keep you safe if the weather turns tricky. All you have to do is ask!
Respect the communities you pass through, tread lightly, and leave no trace. The Inca Trail is as much about cultural immersion as it is about the hike.
Let yourself pause, look around, and actually live those moments instead of racing to the finish line.

Frequently asked questions about Machu Picchu treks

Do I really need a permit to hike the Inca Trail?

Yes, absolutely. Permits are required and sell out months in advance, especially for the Classic Inca Trail.

What’s the difference between the Classic Inca Trail and the Short Inca Trail?

The Classic trek is the full 4-day, 42 km adventure with campsites along the way. The Short Inca Trail is a 1–2 day option that starts later on the route. It’s less demanding, but you still get that epic walk through the Sun Gate into Machu Picchu.

What if I can’t handle the altitude?

Altitude can hit anyone. Prep with training hikes at higher elevations if possible, stay hydrated, take it slow, and look into remedies like coca tea or medication. Your guides are pros at helping trekkers manage it.

How far in advance should I book my trek?

For the Classic Inca Trail, permits can sell out up to 6 months in advance (sometimes even faster for June–August). The earlier you book, the better your chances of snagging your preferred dates.

Are there restroom facilities along the trail?

Yes, but… let’s just say they’re basic. Campsites and some checkpoints have facilities, but many trekkers prefer to carry biodegradable wipes and hand sanitizer.

Can I charge my phone or camera during the trek?

Not really. There are no charging stations on the trail, so pack a reliable portable power bank if you don’t want to miss those sunrise shots.

What happens if the weather turns bad?

In the Andes, it happens. Trails can get slippery, and rain can roll in quickly. Licensed guides know alternative routes and safe stopping points, so flexibility is key.

Do I need travel insurance?

It is highly recommended that you look for a plan that covers trekking at high altitudes, trip cancellations, and medical evacuation.

What if I can’t finish the trek?

If you get sick or injured, guides can arrange evacuation or alternative routes to meet up with your group later. It’s rare, but it’s reassuring to know there’s a plan B.