Alternative Treks
to Machu Picchu

Alternative Treks, A unique way to experience Peruvian nature while visiting the modern world’s wonder, Machu Picchu.

A Peruvian Andes excursion that takes ancient roads not part of the classic “Inca Trail” to the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu.

These alternative tours are not subject to government regulations or permits, making them easier to book. They are just as beautiful and rich in history as the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, but less crowded.

Would you like to join one of our tours?

Simply select your preferred tour, visit our reservation form, and fill out the necessary information. You can also contact our trained staff for assistance in planning your adventure

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Why should you travel with alpaca Expeditions?

The following are some of the reasons why many of our clients choose us for their dream vacation.

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Trekkers Blogs The best way to understand the experience of travelling with Alpaca is reading and watching what others have experienced with us.

OUR ALTERNATIVE TOURS

We offer a variety of Alternative tour options from which you can select the one that best suits your needs. Examine each one we provide by difficulty, length, and other factors we include to make your search more personalized.

Alternative treks typically conclude with a bus ride into Machu Picchu.

The main distinction between the Alternative Treks and the Inca Trail Treks is that the hiking section of your journey will end in or near Aguas Calientes. The final night of the journey is spent in a rural hotel, and on the final day, you will take a bus up to Machu Picchu with your guide for a visit of the ruins.

Best Inca trail alternatives

Salkantay Trek After the Classic Inca Trail, this is the most well-known alternative tour. The Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu will be a challenge to complete, but you will be rewarded with spectacular views of Salkantay mountain and Humantay lake. This tour is open to all travel enthusiasts without restrictions.
Lares Trek If you enjoy culture, this journey is for you. During your tour, you will be able to interact with native Andean villages, which keep their traditions and have not altered much in the last 500 years.
Choquequirao Trek Choquequirao, considered the most difficult excursion in the Cusco region, is an excellent choice for those interested in cloud forests, vegetation, and fauna. The Choquequirao complex is located at 3,050 meters above sea level and provides an alternative for people who have already visited Machu Picchu.

Additional option: Add a 2-Day Inca Trail Hike to Your Alternative Trek

You can choose an Alternative Trek and ALSO add on 2 additional days of hiking the classic Inca Trail. This means you’ll hike gorgeous and less crowded alternative trek trails while STILL getting to walk through the Sun Gate into Machu Picchu early on your final hiking day! These optional treks are denoted by “Trek Name + Inca Trail.”

If you have any questions, please contact us via our live chat so that we can assist you in planning your dream vacation.

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Adventure Trekking Tours

Ultimate Classic Salkantay Trek 5D/5N

The Salkantay Trek is a favorite among hikers for the Humantay Blue Lagoon, glamping at our glass cabanas overlooking the snowcapped Salkantay mounta...

Destinations	Cusco Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu
Duration	5D / 5N
Group Size	Up to 8
Physical Rating	Challenging

Price per person US $650

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Adventure Trekking Tours

Humantay Blue Lagoon Day Hike

Humantay Lake: The Salkantay Trek to Humantay Lake tour in Peru (or the Blue Lagoon) is a one-day hike to visit the beautiful turquoise lake at the ba...

Destinations	Cusco Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu
Duration	Full Day
Group Size	Up to 8
Physical Rating	Moderate

Price per person US $150

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Best Seller

Adventure Trekking Tours

4-Day Rainbow Mountain Trek Ausangate + Machu Picchu

Don’t want to choose between Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain? This Ausangate trek is for you! Alpaca Expedition created the Ausangate + Machu Picc...

Destinations	Cusco Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu
Duration	4D / 3N
Group Size	Up to 8
Physical Rating	Relaxing

Price per person US $750

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Trek Ausangate - The Rainbow Mountain 3 Days 2 Nights

Alternative Treks

3-Day Ausangate Trek with Rainbow Mountain

The Ausangate Trek is one of the most rewarding experiences guests can include in their trip to Peru. This 3-day adventure will guide you through towe...

Destinations	Cusco Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu
Duration	3 Days / 2 Nights
Group Size	Up to 12
Physical Rating	Relaxing

Price per person US $550

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Best Seller

Adventure Trekking Tours

Rainbow Mountain Tour & Red Valley Hike 1-Day Trip

See Rainbow Mountain on a 1-day trip from Cusco! The rich colors of this unique mountain make the Rainbow Mountain hike truly one-of-a-kind. Quickly g...

Destinations	Cusco Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu
Duration	Full Day
Group Size	Up to 8
Physical Rating	Relaxing

Price per person US $160

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Adventure Trekking Tours

7 Lakes Trek in Ausangate Full-Day Trip

Experience the 7 Lakes of Ausangate Peru, including Pariacaca, Otorongo, and the Pucacocha in The Cordillera Negra! This is an excellent option for a ...

Destinations	Cusco Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu
Duration	Full Day
Group Size	Up to 8
Physical Rating	Relaxing

Price per person US $160

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Best Seller

Adventure Trekking Tours

Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4D/3N

Lares Trek to Machu Picchu: A particularly special adventure, the Lares trail takes the road less traveled to Machu Picchu. The Lares Trek offers a un...

Destinations	Cusco Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu
Duration	4D / 3N
Group Size	Up to 8
Physical Rating	Moderate

Price per person US $600

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Adventure Trekking Tours

Lares & 2 Day Inca Trail with Camping 5D/4N

Our Lares and Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu fuses two memorable Andean trails into one unforgettable trip. Start your adventure on the Lares Trail, ...

Destinations	Cusco Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu
Duration	5D / 4N
Group Size	Up to 8
Physical Rating	Relaxing

Price per person US $905

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Adventure Trekking Tours

Choquequirao Trek 5D/4N

Nestled in the Vilcabamba mountain range in the Andes, you’ll find the historic Choquequirao Incan ruins. The Choquequirao Trek (also spelled Choque...

Destinations	Cusco Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu
Duration	5D / 4N
Group Size	Up to 8
Physical Rating	Relaxing

Price per person US $700

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Adventure Trekking Tours

Choquequirao Trek + Machu Picchu 6D/5N

With the Choquequirao Trek and Machu Picchu Tour, you can see two breathtaking historic ruins on one trip! Choquequirao Peru reveals lesser known, his...

Destinations	Cusco Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu
Duration	6D / 5N
Group Size	Up to 8
Physical Rating	Relaxing

Price per person US $825

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Huchuy Qosqo Trek 3D/ 2N | Alpaca Expeditions

Adventure Trekking Tours

Huchuy Qosqo 3D/2N

Huchuy Qosqo 3D/2N: Tour Type: Huchuy Qosqo, Little Cusco perched above the Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour Type: Hiking, camping, adventure, histor...

Destinations	Cusco Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu
Duration	3D / 2N
Group Size	Up to 8
Physical Rating	Easy

Price per person US $550

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SAFETY IN YOUR TRIP

SATELLITE PHONES

Our top goal is your safety, so we’ve invested in dependable satellite phones, which are one of the most vital instruments for any operator running treks into the Andes. This means that every guide on one of our treks will have a fully charged satellite phone, which our clients can use at any time.

Medical Procedures and First Aid

Every Alpaca Expeditions guide is equipped with an oximeter and will monitor your condition as you ascend in elevation.

Emergency Horse

Our trek will always have one emergency horse in case you get out of breath or tired.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS HAVE TO SAY

The comments of our satisfied customers are the best way to determine the quality of our service. They tell us about their experiences.

ALTERNATIVE TREKS TRAVEL GUIDE

Highlights

Stellar scenery,
Coffee farm,
Glass cabanas,
Stunning lakes,
Beautiful Hobbit House.
Campsite overlooking Machu Picchu.

What to expect on the Alternative treks to Machu Picchu

Prepare everything you need for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure so that you can enjoy every location you visit on your journey through the various mountains, trails, lakes, wildlife, and more.

Under an incredibly clear sky
Life experience in the Andes
Spectacular views
Flora and Fauna

Difficulty Level

A moderately difficult hike, when planning to trek these alternative treks, it is best to plan your excursion by staying in Cusco to acclimate before beginning the hike. Regardless of fitness level, altitude is a serious issue that must be considered. A multi-day hike with varying walking hours per day.

Packing List

FOR YOUR DUFFEL

2-3 wicking t-shirts
2-3 hiking pants
4 sets of undergarments.
4 sets of hiking socks
1 Fleece
1 Warm, down jacket: gets very cold at night
1 Rain jacket and pants
1 sun hat
1 wool hat
Headlamp: essential
Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
Comfortable shoes for camp
Walking boots
Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might enjoy something a little larger.
Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to clean – might make you feel fresh if you had a little soap.
Battery Charger: There is no place to plug in while trekking!
Large plastic bags: to help organize and keep clean from dirty.
Sleeping bag: Recommend down bags for -10C at least

TOILETRIES

Sunscreen
Face moisturizer
Bug spray
Hand Sanitizer
Wet wipes
Toothbrush and paste
Toiletpaper
Personal medication
First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.

INSIDE YOUR DAYPACKS

Water: we supply clean water at each meal. You are responsible for your first morning of water only as we won’t have time to filter water until your first lunch.
Sunhat
Rain gear
Fleece
Camera
Music (IPhone)
Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
Earplugs

Recommendations

Consider the following Alpaca Expeditions recommendations to make your trip memorable.

First Aid: You must be honest with your guide about any health concerns you may suffer from. While guides are not medical professionals, they’re trained in First Aid. Alpaca Expeditions also works with a clinic in Cusco that can help assist our team.
Weather is unpredictable. Typically, the dry season in Cusco is from April through October. However, this doesn’t stop rain from falling in June or the sun from coming out in December. The best plan is to just be prepared. No matter what month you’re doing the trek please be sure that you have rain gear that includes a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho, and waterproof gloves. Many people forget about gloves but being cold and wet makes hiking very unpleasant.
Altitude sickness: we always recommend spending at least two days in Cusco before beginning any trek. If you have more time that’s even better. Cusco is an amazing city with a lot to do so you won’t be bored.

FAQs

Is the Salkantay trek difficult?

The Salkantay route presents a severe level of difficulty. You will require a good degree of fitness to finish this climb due to the high altitude of the Salkantay pass, which is the highest peak.

Is the Salkantay trek harder than the Inca Trail?

The most popular route is the Classic Inca Trail, this trail is part of the system of roads that connected the Inca Empire. The Salkantay trek is a more strenuous tour for its high mountains and is famous for its mountain and snowy landscapes.

How cold is the Salkantay trek?

The temperature on this tour is above 20°C (70/80°F) during the day, but it is cold at night and early in the morning, dropping to 0°C and below.

Can you do the Salkantay trek without a guide?

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is one of the most popular trekking routes in Cusco, but you can do it on your own without hiring a guide and carrying your tent and food.

To do this tour on your own, pack the following items in your backpack. It is recommended that you bring first aid supplies and acclimate for a few days in Cusco before embarking on the tour.

How many km is Salkantay Trek?

The Salkantay trek is around 30 miles (48 km) long. It rises to a height of 4,635 meters (15,200 ft) from the ground. To prepare for the high altitude, those who are considering this walk should spend at least two days in Cusco before beginning the hike. This gives you adequate time to adjust to the altitude without experiencing any problems with altitude sickness.

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Alpaca Expeditions Recognitions

ISO (International Organization for Standardization)

In the pursuit to stand out from the rest, Alpaca Expeditions has obtained four ISOs plus our carbon footprint certificate to date. These achievements result from our efforts to implement the internationally-recognized integrated management system. They also represent our commitment to all of our clients and staff of operating sustainability and responsibility in every way possible.

World Travel Awards

Alpaca Expeditions is internationally recognized as a leading tourism company in Peru. As proof, we have been awarded the World Travel Award for Peru´s Best Tour Operator 2021 for the second time.

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TRIPADVISOR RECOGNITIONS

Our goal at Alpaca Expeditions is to create the best experience for all of our clients. We create journeys that are to be remembered for a lifetime. Journeys you can be proud of and can share with everybody around you.