While the Inca Trail is the most famous route to Machu Picchu, permits sell out quickly and not every traveler wants to follow the same path. Fortunately, Peru offers several alternative treks that are equally breathtaking, combining stunning scenery, cultural encounters, and adventure.

In this 2025 guide, we’ll cover the best alternative treks to Machu Picchu, their difficulty, duration, highlights, and why you should consider them for your journey.

🏔️ 1. Salkantay Trek – The Adventurer’s Choice

The Salkantay Trek is the most popular alternative to the Inca Trail, taking you through snowcapped mountains, lush valleys, and tropical cloud forests before reaching Machu Picchu.

  • ⏳ Duration: 4–5 days

  • 🥾 Difficulty: Challenging (high altitude, up to 4,650 m / 15,255 ft)

  • 🌟 Highlights:

    • The majestic Salkantay Mountain (one of the highest in Peru)

    • Humantay Lake with its turquoise waters

    • Diverse landscapes from glaciers to jungles

💡 Best for trekkers who love nature and high-altitude adventure.

🧭 2. Lares Trek – A Cultural Immersion

The Lares Trek is less crowded and focuses on authentic Andean culture. You’ll pass through remote villages, meet local families, and see traditional weaving practices.

  • ⏳ Duration: 3–4 days

  • 🥾 Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

  • 🌟 Highlights:

    • Interactions with Quechua communities

    • Stunning mountain scenery and hot springs

    • Fewer tourists than other routes

💡 Perfect for travelers interested in culture and off-the-beaten-path experiences.

🌴 3. Inca Jungle Trek – The Multi-Adventure Route

The Inca Jungle Trek is ideal for those who want a mix of adventure activities and hiking. This route combines biking, rafting, zip-lining, and trekking, ending with a visit to Machu Picchu.

  • ⏳ Duration: 3–4 days

  • 🥾 Difficulty: Moderate

  • 🌟 Highlights:

    • Thrilling outdoor sports

    • Tropical jungle scenery

    • Coffee plantations and Inca ruins along the way

💡 Great for travelers seeking a fun and varied journey to Machu Picchu.

🏞️ 4. Choquequirao Trek – The Lost City Before the Lost City

Known as the «sister city» of Machu Picchu, Choquequirao is an impressive Inca site with fewer visitors due to its remote location. The trek to Choquequirao is long and demanding, but incredibly rewarding.

  • ⏳ Duration: 5–7 days (including the connection to Machu Picchu)

  • 🥾 Difficulty: Very challenging

  • 🌟 Highlights:

    • Exploring the Choquequirao ruins (larger than Machu Picchu)

    • Spectacular Andean landscapes

    • A true sense of adventure with minimal crowds

💡 Recommended for experienced hikers who want a unique and less touristy Inca experience.

📊 Comparison Table: Alternative Treks to Machu Picchu

Trek Duration Difficulty Highlights Best For
Salkantay Trek 4–5 days Challenging Glaciers, Humantay Lake, jungles Nature & adventure lovers
Lares Trek 3–4 days Moderate Local culture, villages, hot springs Cultural travelers
Inca Jungle Trek 3–4 days Moderate Biking, rafting, zipline, jungle Adventure seekers
Choquequirao Trek 7–9 days Very challenging Remote ruins, epic landscapes Experienced hikers

✅ Which Alternative Trek Should You Choose?

  • 🏔️ For adventure & scenery: Choose Salkantay Trek

  • 🧵 For culture & traditions: Go with Lares Trek

  • 🚴 For multi-sport excitement: Pick the Inca Jungle Trek

  • 🗿 For extreme exploration: Take on the Choquequirao Trek

💡 Each trek ends with a spectacular visit to Machu Picchu, making your journey unforgettable.

❓ Do I Need a Permit for Alternative Treks to Machu Picchu?

Unlike the Inca Trail, most alternative treks (Salkantay, Lares, Inca Jungle, Choquequirao) do not require special government permits.

  • ✅ You only need to book entrance tickets to Machu Picchu in advance.

  • ✅ Guided tours are recommended for safety and logistics.

💡 Booking through Oneclick Expeditions ensures your trek, tickets, and transport are fully arranged.

🥾 Which Trek Is the Easiest Alternative to the Inca Trail?

The easiest alternative is the Lares Trek.

  • 🌿 It has shorter hiking days and less extreme altitude compared to Salkantay.

  • 🏡 You’ll also enjoy cultural experiences with local communities.

💡 The Inca Jungle Trek is also beginner-friendly, thanks to its mix of hiking and adventure activities.

🗓️ When Is the Best Time to Do Alternative Treks?

The best time to trek to Machu Picchu is during the dry season (May–September).

  • ☀️ Weather: Clear skies, ideal hiking conditions

  • 👥 Crowds: More tourists, so book early

  • 🌧️ Rainy season (November–April): Treks are still possible but trails may be muddy and slippery

💡 Avoid February for Choquequirao and Salkantay due to heavy rains.

🚀 Trek to Machu Picchu with Oneclick Expeditions

At Oneclick Expeditions, we organize all-inclusive trekking experiences:

  • ✅ Permits, guides, and equipment included

  • ✅ Expert local guides for culture and safety

  • ✅ Custom itineraries to suit your adventure level

👉 Choose your trek today and let us plan your perfect journey!
✅ Contact us now to book your alternative trek to Machu Picchu