9 Alternatives to the Inca Trail

Perfect for travelers with less time to spare in Cusco, the Lares Trek typically takes a day less than the Inca Trail, thanks to being 5 miles (8 kilometers) shorter. But don’t let the shorter distance fool you—this trail is still challenging (though many people say it’s easier).

And while the Inca Trail focuses more on ancient archaeological sites, the Lares Trek winds through traditional villages, which gives you a taste of present-day Peruvian culture. Opt for a small-group guided tour that adds an extra day to soak aching muscles in hot springs for a relaxing end to your adventure.

Named after the American explorer who first (re)discovered the Lost City of the Incas, the Hiram Bingham Road is a steep stone staircase leading from the town of Aguas Calientes, a quaint town that’s the final outpost before Machu Picchu.

This is the ideal route to take if you’ve stayed overnight in the town—where you’ll find a wealth of hotels, restaurants, and tour operators—and don’t want to take the bus up the hill in the morning. You’ll climb hundreds of steps on the way up, which takes about two hours, so stock up on water and snacks before you set out.

When it comes to the best South American hiking trails, the Salkantay Trail is at the top of many an adventurer’s trek-list. Generally considered more challenging than the Inca Trail (as its nickname, the Savage Mountain Trail, might suggest), this quieter alternative takes you through cloud forest and jungle via the jewel-like Humantay Lake and Salkantay Mountain, the second-highest peak in Cusco.

If you want a little extra luxury along the way, opt for a 5-day tour that includes overnight accommodation in glass cabins with outdoor jacuzzis and gourmet meals for a super special sleepover element to the hike.

If you don’t have time for multi-day hiking options (or if you simply prefer a cushy bed over camping gear), there are Inca Trail alternatives that barely involve any walking. Rather than trekking through the Andes mountains, you can admire the scenery from the comfort of a panoramic train.

Rail tours typically include round-trip rides from the village of Ollantaytambo, which is home to an impressive archaeological site that was once an Inca defensive stronghold. Meanwhile, carriage options range from budget-friendly standard class to luxurious options such as the Belmond Hiram Bingham, which boasts gourmet meals, high-end wine, and onboard entertainment.

As one of the more offbeat trekking routes in Cusco, the Choquequirao Trek promises a fraction of the crowds you'll encounter on the Inca Trail. This under-the-radar pass takes you to the Inca citadel of Choquequirao, nicknamed the Twin Sister of Machu Picchu, before culminating at the World Wonder on the final day.

It's the ultimate choice for those looking for a crowd-free experience of an archaeological site—the remote Choquequirao attracts around 20 visitors per day, while Machu Picchu gets more like 5,000. (Taking a 4-day tour also ensures you get the historical insight crucial to understanding the significance of the mountainside monument.)

Most of the alternatives to the Inca Trail require you to commit several days of trekking before you find out how Cusco’s dizzying altitude might affect you. However, not only is Rainbow Mountain one of the top day trips from Cusco, but it's also a great place to test out hiking at height before you head out to the highlands.

Tours typically depart before dawn to beat the crowds and give you ample time to admire the candy-colored stripes made by mineral deposits, and some even offer motorcycle rides to the summit in case you struggle.

If you’re seeking Andes mountain adventures, look no further than the Inca Jungle Trail, where Sacred Valley landscapes are the backdrop to outdoor activities such as ziplining, downhill mountain biking, and white-water rafting.

While you'll certainly still do your fair share of walking on this 4-day excursion, the hikes are broken up with exhilarating experiences, making this the perfect option for those who prefer more variety than a straightforward 4-day hiking and biking tour. Plus, rather than camping in the open, you typically stay in hostels or homestays on the Inca Jungle Trail.

Who says all Inca Trail alternatives have to end in Machu Picchu? The Chinchero to Urquillos Hike is sure to interest trekkers seeking Peru alternative travel options, as you’re unlikely to encounter anyone except locals tending livestock on this eco-friendly trek.

This 5.5-mile (9-kilometer) trail begins in the village of Chinchero, home to a rich weaving heritage that’s exemplified by the Chincheros Indian Market and the many artistic and cultural demonstrations that take place in the village. Along the route through the valley, you’ll also spot archaeological ruins and stunning mountain scenery.

If you’re seeking the ultimate hiking challenge and favor more hidden trekking destinations, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a route that’s more exciting than the Huayhuash Circuit, a multi-day day hike that traverses the Cordillera Huayhuash in northern Peru, often in 8-day, 10-day, 12-day, or 14-day treks.

This circuit is reserved for experienced hikers, due to the extremity of its landscapes and altitudes—it’s the infamous site of the Touching the Void memoir by climber Joe Simpson. But those who do rise to the feat will be rewarded with some of the Andes’ most exquisite sights that show you why the route is considered one of the best in the world.