Alternative Treks
Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain 4 Days
Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain 4 days is an unforgettable journey for travelers who want to…
- Challenging
- 5,200 m.s.n.m.
- Group or private
From US$520per person
Book a trip
Lares, Ancascocha, Choquequirao, Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain
Alternative Treks
Quiet trails, weaving communities, remote Inca sites and glacier lakes: our alternative treks are for travelers who want the Andes without the crowds — and they do not need Inca Trail permits.
- Tours12
- Duration1–8 days
- FromUS$130
Alternative Treks: all our tours
Alternative Treks
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days / 3 Nights
The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days / 3 Nights is a journey created for travelers who want to…
- Challenging
- 4,200 msnm
- Group or private
From US$650per person
Book a trip
Alternative Treks
Ausangate Trek and Rainbow Mountain 2 Days
Ausangate Trek and Rainbow Mountain 2 days is the perfect choice for travelers who want a deeper and…
- Challenging
- 5,100 msnm
- Group or private
From US$350per person
Book a trip
Alternative Treks
Chinchero & Sacred Valley Premium Hike to Machu Picchu 3 Days
The Incas built these trails amidst the stunning natural beauty of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The…
- Moderate
- 4,650 msnm
- Group or private
From US$750per person
Book a trip
Alternative Treks
Chonta Valley of the Condors and Humantay Lagoon 2 Days Tour
The Chonta Valley of the Condors and Humantay Lagoon Tour is a beautiful two-day experience that brings…
- Moderate
- 4,200 msnm
- Group or private
From US$350per person
Book a trip
Alternative Treks
Cachicata Quarry Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days / 3 Nights
Cachicata Quarry Trek to Machu Picchu 4D/3N is a rewarding adventure for travelers who want a quieter…
- Moderate
- 4,600 msnm
- Group or private
From US$650per person
Book a trip
Alternative Treks
Sacred Valley Hiking & Machu Picchu 4 Days
The Sacred Valley of the Incas offers spectacular hikes that combine Andean landscapes, history, and…
- Challenging
- 4,200 msnm
- Private
Price on request
Book a tripThe best alternative treks around Cusco
- Lares: the cultural trek — weaving villages, hot springs and lakes, then Machu Picchu.
- Ancascocha: remote high passes that connect with the Inca Trail at Km 82.
- Choquequirao: the remote "sister" of Machu Picchu above the Apurímac canyon.
- Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain: glaciers, turquoise lagoons and Vinicunca's colored slopes.
- Cachicata & Sacred Valley hikes: Inca quarries and trails above Ollantaytambo.
Difficulty
Routes range from moderate (Lares, Cachicata) to demanding (Choquequirao, Ausangate). Each tour page shows the maximum altitude and difficulty so you can choose with confidence.
Why choose an alternative trek?
More flexibility to book, smaller groups, direct contact with Andean communities and landscapes most visitors never see.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions about Alternative Treks
Which alternative trek is the easiest?
Lares and the Cachicata quarry trek are the most accessible multi-day routes; for a single day, Humantay Lake.
Do alternative treks end at Machu Picchu?
Lares, Ancascocha, Cachicata and the 8-day Choquequirao route include Machu Picchu; Ausangate and the 5-day Choquequirao do not.
Do I need permits?
No Inca Trail permit is needed. Entrance fees to archaeological sites and community areas are included.
What equipment do I need?
Broken-in hiking boots, warm layers, rain gear and a sleeping bag suitable for cold nights (rentals available in Cusco).
Choose your adventure
