Alternative Treks
Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days / 4 Nights
Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu 5 days is the perfect adventure for travelers who want to experience a…
- Moderate
- 4,200 msnm
- Group or private
From US$830per 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
Choquequirao Trek 5 Days
Choquequirao Trek 5 days is an unforgettable adventure for travelers who want to go beyond the…
- Challenging
- 4,200 msnm
- Group or private
From US$680per person
Book a trip
Alternative Treks
Full Day Sacred Valley & Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days / 4 Nights
The Full Day Sacred Valley & Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days / 4 Nights is a beautifully complete…
- Challenging
- 4,600 msnm
- Group or private
From US$850per person
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
