9 Best Machu Picchu Treks: The Ultimate Guide

The Inca Trail is the quintessential Machu Picchu trek and the only one that arrives at the ruins of Machu Picchu itself. However, due to its popularity, the Peruvian government has placed restrictions to 500 trekkers per day (including guides and porters). As a result, it is always fully booked many months in advance. Those who manage to secure a place can look forward to four days of tough, high-altitude trekking before finally catching their first glimpse of the mysterious ruins through the Sun Gate on the final day.

Highlights

• The classic and original trek that finishes at Machu Picchu
• Conquer the infamous Dead Woman’s Pass (at 4,200m)
• Spectacular mountain scenery and views
• Visit other ancient ruins along the way

Lowlights

• Crowded and sells out months in advance
• Very popular and strictly regulated. For some, this might not give an authentic trekking experience.

The Salkantay trek is perfect for those looking for a challenging alternative to the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The trail is more difficult than the Inca Trail and reaches even higher altitudes, but trekkers  will be rewarded by the sublime scenery of the high Andes. A visit to Machu Picchu is commonly included on the final day.

Highlights

• Magnificent mountain scenery including views of Salkantay mountain
• Crossing the Salkantay Pass at 4,600m
• Only trek with views of Machu Picchu from the trail
• Less crowded and more authentic than the Inca Trail
• A visit to Machu Picchu on the final day

Lowlights

• Trail is less looked after than the Inca Trail 
• Temperatures will plummet at night at high altitudes 

The Sacred Valley hides many treasures and one of the more seldom visited is the ruins of Choquequirao. Comparable to Machu Picchu but, as yet, far less excavated and studied, the Choquequirao trek offers a more authentic adventure to another ‘lost city of the Incas’. Combining this trek with a visit to Machu Picchu can be challenging but many would be drawn it its appeal.

Highlights

• Far less crowded than the Inca Trail
• The rarely-visited ruins of Choquequirao, also called the ‘other Machu Picchu’
• See Andean wildlife including the iconic condor
• More remote and authentic than Inca Trail
• Beautiful and varied scenery

Lowlights

• Not a loop or point-to-point trek. Trekkers must cover the same path twice.
• Standard itinerary does not include Machu Picchu, although this can be arranged.

Known as one of the most beautiful treks in the Sacred Valley, yet far from being ‘commercial’, the Lares trek is a slightly easier trek than some other Sacred Valley treks and participants can look forward to mountain vistas of lakes and waterfalls far from the beaten track. Uniquely, this trek passes through several villages and trekkers get a chance to observe traditional Andean lifestyles and customs.

Highlights

• Attractive trekking trail with mountain lakes and waterfalls
• Very few other trekkers, giving you an authentic trekking experience
• Chance to visit traditional local villages
• Slightly easier trail than other Sacred Valley treks like Salkantay trek 
• Visiting Machu Picchu on the final day

Lowlights

• The last day of the trek ends at Aguas Calientes. Visit Machu Picchu the next day.
• Altitudes can reach higher than the classic Inca Trail. Proper acclimatization cannot be overlooked. 

One of the most remote and challenging of all Machu Picchu treks, the Ausangate trek will take participants to extremes of high altitudes, twice crossing passes above 5000 m, as they circle the Ausangate mountain. This is the ideal option for those who want to test their endurance — and the views of this inaccessible corner of the Andes, including Ausangate itself, make the effort more than worth it.

Highlights

• Conquer two high passes; the Palomani Pass (5,200 m) and the Q’ampa Pass (5,000 m)
• Trek against the stunning backdrop of the Ausangate mountain, one of the remote mountains in Peru
• Very few trekkers on the path, giving you a more authentic trekking experience
• Splendid views of the Andean landscape

Lowlights

• High-altitude trek with minimal tourist facilities along the trail. Recommend bringing a professional guide with you.
• Altitude sickness can be a real risk. Acclimatization is key. 
• Only suited for experienced trekkers.

One of the least known Machu Picchu treks is the Ancascocha trek. It will take you far from the beaten track and into the true wilderness of the high Andes over ancient paths reaching almost 5,000 m in altitude. This is a tough trek perfect for those who want to test their endurance.

Highlights

• Far from the beaten track with very few tourists
• Classic mountain scenery of the remote high Andes
• See some of the highest peaks in the area like Salkantay and Humantay mountains
• Great challenge for those who want to test their limits
• Easy to combine with a visit to Machu Picchu

Lowlights

• Tourist facilities are rudimentary but trails are there
• Very high-altitude trek that requires three days of acclimatization in Cusco before starting the trek
• Trail goes through remote areas. Best to bring a professional guide with you.
• Not recommended for first time trekkers

Considered the easiest of all alternative treks to the Inca Trail, the Huchuy Qosqo trek has several different routes. The only commonality is a visit to the ruins of Huchuy Qosqo (‘Little Cusco’). Most versions of this trek require two days, making it ideal for those with a limited amount of time.

Highlights

• Perfect for those short on time or lacking the fitness to do a more demanding trek
• Little-visited ruins of Huchuy Qosqo
• Easy solution for a taste of trekking in the Sacred Valley
• Attractive scenery with few tourists in the trail
• Chance to cross some high-altitude but relatively easy passes

Lowlights

• Although being short, this is a high-altitude trek. Spending a few days in Cusco before the start of the trek is highly recommended.
• Temperatures can plummet during night-time at high altitudes

One of the least known of all Sacred Valley treks is the Quarry trail. The trail receives very few visitors and in fact, not many have even heard of it. This is a trek that will appeal to those who enjoy doing things that are decidedly different. The trail crosses two passes that are higher than the Inca Trail’s infamous Dead Woman’s Pass (4,200m) and takes in several sets of Inca ruins including the ancient quarry that gives the trek its name.

Highlights

• Little-known trail with very few trekkers
• Visit seldom-seen ruins of the unfinished Inca quarry
• Splendid views of the Veronica mountain
• Highly picturesque terrain
• Authentic trekking experience

 Lowlights

• Very little tourist infrastructure, but trails are there. Some might argue this makes for an authentic trekking experience. 

The Vilcabamba trek is a remote, high-altitude trek that passes through classic Andean scenery where few tourists ever go. This is a route for those who enjoy a challenge and who are capable of doing without any kind of small luxuries. The trail does not have campsites and tourist facilities are none. However, the rewards are many, including mysterious, seldom visited ancient ruins and stupendous mountain vistas.

Highlights

• Visiting important Incan ruins Vitcos-Rosapata and Ñustahispana (the ‘White ‘Rock’)
• Few tourists, very authentic experience of Andean trekking
• Beautiful vantage points due to a succession of high passes
• Suitable for the most adventurous of travellers

Lowlights

• No tourist facilities but authentic trekking experience is guaranteed
• Trek is best attempted during the dry season
• High altitude trek that visits extremely remote areas. Best to bring a professional guide with you.