Alternative Treks to Machu Picchu

he Classic Inca Trail is not the only way to get to the ruins. The Lares trek to Machu Picchu, for instance, is an alternative trail you can take.

Alternative Treks to Machu Picchu are treks that are not hiked on the Classic Inca Trail. Most alternative treks do arrive at Machu Picchu to allow the hiker to get the opportunity to visit Machu Picchu Citadel, however the trail does not lead to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. There is a huge variety of alternative treks available through SAM Travel Peru to meet the needs, abilities and desires of most hikers. The type of trail, level of difficulty and number of days varies. There are also alternative treks combined with the Classic or Short Inca Trail, where the trekker gets the best of both worlds, a chance to walk on the Inca Trail and the beauty and or culture of an alternative trek. Some of our most popular alternatives treks are the Lares Trek, Salkantay Trek, Wilderness Salkantay Trek and the Choquequirao. Some treks are very scenic such as the Salkantay Trek and others like the Lares Trek are both scenic and cultural.

Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect from some of the alternative treks to the ancient citadel:

This trail is great for mountain lovers. The route offers stunning views of the snow-capped Mount Salkantay, the tallest peak in the Vilcabamba mountain range with a height of just over 20,300 feet. The trek has a maximum altitude of more than 15,000 feet) and usually takes five days to complete.

This four-day wilderness journey takes you around the astonishing peak of Mount Salkantay. You’ll explore a magnificent turquoise glacial lake, hike through the amazing Peruvian cloud forest and get a chance to sample some fresh fruit grown in that area, such as pineapples, avocados, oranges and bananas.

This trek is perfect for travelers who want to experience authentic Andean culture. The route goes through a number of unique and fascinating local villages. Some of these communities, in fact, have stayed the same for hundreds of years. You’ll get the opportunity to meet and interact with local weavers and farmers wearing traditional Andean clothing.

Apart from the charming villages, the Lares trail to Machu Picchu has amazing mountain views. Take note that you’ll need to scale a few 13,000-foot passes to get to your final destination.

This Machu Picchu alternative route is great for those who want to see the remote and rarely visited quarry ruins. You’ll be passing through the old quarry where the Incas built the Ollantaytambo Inca city by carving the rocks. You’ll also be hiking up to the remains of old Inca storehouses on the hillside.

The SAM Travel website has detailed descriptions of each of the treks. Please feel free to consult with our expert staff.