Alternative treks to Inca Trail, Peru
by Kathy Jarvis on 7th May, 2025
Alternative treks to Inca Trail, Peru
Wondering what trek to take when the Inca Trail is sold out? Here’s our guide to the best alternative treks to the Inca Trail.
Inca Trail Permit Availability
There are 500 daily Inca Trail trek permits available year-round except February, when the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance.
Permits for the Inca Trail are limited to 500 per day and sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Spaces usually sell out early, so you need to book between two and five months in advance, especially from April to October, when demand for places is high.
When those 500 much-sought-after permits are sold, often many months in advance, then that’s it. They are gone. Cancelled spaces are not resold.
But don’t despair: our alternatives are all great treks in their own right and are, in fact, preferred by many to avoid the hordes on the well-trodden paths.
Inca Trail Alternative Treks
Because of the high altitudes involved, we suggest you acclimatise for a minimum of 3 days and 3 nights in Cusco before starting any of these treks.
- Huchuy Qosqo: a short but scenic hike to beautiful Inca ruins.
- Lares: walk through remote mountains inhabited by skilled weavers.
- Salkantay: big mountain scenery gives way to warm forests, traverse a range of eco-systems.
- Moon Temple: off-the-beaten-track hike to Inca sites very few people visit.
- Ausangate: Some of Cusco’s most beautiful high mountain glaciated peaks, so stunning scenery.
Our Huchuy Qosqo, Lares, Salkantay and the Moon Temple treks all take you through the heart of the high Andes and include a guided visit to Machu Picchu. Alternatively, choose to hike the remote Ausangate trek (camping or lodges), which takes you well off the beaten track but can still be combined with a visit to Machu Picchu before or after the trek.
Lares Trek (5 days)
This Lares trek goes through a traditional weaving & farming area close to the Sacred Valley. You will see people dressed in authentic highland Peruvian clothing, farmers at work, herds of llamas, cultivated plots of native potatoes etc.
Trekkers walk over high mountain peaks and through sub-tropical valleys, stopping along the way to enjoy scenic lakes, natural hot springs, and Inca remains.
Why choose the Lares trek: this trek to Machu Picchu is an great option for hikers who want to see the incredible beauty and experience rich Andean culture on a less-travelled route.
Length: Approx 30-50km depending on route.
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging.
This is a private trip.
For a more upmarket, comfortable Lares trek, please see our 7-day Lodge to Lodge trek.
4,700m pass with Sahausiray peak, Lares
Salkantay Trek: (5 days)
The Salkantay option is a bit more rugged and tougher, with higher passes. Starting off at 3,600m, this trek goes up to 4,600ms and then drops down into the high jungle before coming in the back door to Machu Picchu.
This is a stunning high-mountain trek with great views of snow-capped peaks in the area. It goes down through orchid-rich cloud forest and sub-tropical jungle alive with humming birds.
Why choose the Salkantay trek: A true Andean adventure, this trek through the Cordillera Vilcabamba offers a wonderful alternative for trekkers who want to take a less-travelled and rewarding route to Machu Picchu.
Length: Approx 60-80km depending on route.
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging.
This is a private or group trip.
Or for a more comfortable, lodge-based Salkantay trek, please see our Lodge to Lodge trek.
Humantay peak, Salkantay trek, Peru
Ausangate Trek: (5 days)
This Ausangate trekking adventure features a spectacular 5-day walk around Mount Ausangate in the remote and stunning Vilcanota Range. Hikers walk among herds of llamas and alpacas in remote native Quechua villages and appreciate the vibrant clothing and daily rhythm of the local inhabitants.
Fully supported, this trek features hot springs, stunning mountain scenery and turquoise lakes, making it one of Peru’s finest hiking circuits.
Why choose the Ausangate trek: With three high passes over 5,000m, spectacular glacial views, and unspoilt beauty and solitude, Ausangate is a superb trip for trekkers who are looking for a real adventure.
Length: Approx. 60-70km.
Difficulty: Challenging.
This is a private or group trip.
Or our Lodge to Lodge Ausangate trek.
Pack horse grazing with Ausangate peak behind
Moon Temple Trek: (5 days)
This Moon Temple trek is a great alternative to the Inca Trail, taking in some remote Inca ruins and many stunning mountain views on the way to Machu Picchu, yet remaining remarkably unknown.
Walkers are treated to local culture, wildlife and amazing views of the huge glaciers in the region. Enjoy the range of hues and dramatic formations of the surrounding mountains. The trail passes through a canyon with tall granite walls on each side, and an abundance of orchids and bromeliads fills the valley with magnificent colours.
Zurite hacienda, Moon temple
Why choose the Moon Temple trek: For anyone wishing to get away from other trekkers and to experience the beauty and rich culture of the Andes this is a perfect option.
Length: Approx 45km.
Difficulty: Moderate-challenging.
This is a private trip.
Huchuy Qosqo: (3 days)
This Huchuy Qosqo trek is a fantastically varied, short trek with Inca Trails and archaeological sites high above the Sacred Valley en route to Peru’s jewel, Machu Picchu.
Walkers stay a night with a local family and can experience life in the Andes, from authentic food to learning more about their way of life.
Inca entrance, Leon Punku, Huchuy Qosqo, Peru
Why choose the Huchuy Qosqo trek: This trek is perfect for hikers seeking an interesting trek to Machu Picchu who prefer a shorter trek.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Length: Approx 25km.
This is a private trip.
More Information on Inca Trail Alternatives
If you’d like some more information about other alternative treks, itineraries, accommodation or tailor made options, as well as pricing information and the best time to go, please get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.
Contact us for more.
