Beyond the Inca Trail

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is legendary — but it’s also crowded and permit-limited.
Luckily, Peru offers a spectacular array of alternative treks that are just as epic — and sometimes even more adventurous.

Whether you’re looking for solitude, raw nature, indigenous culture, or jaw-dropping scenery, these alternative treks in Peru promise the adventure of a lifetime.

Here’s your beginner’s guide to trekking in Peru beyond the Inca Trail.

Why Choose an Alternative Trek?

Permits Often Not Required: Easier to plan on short notice
Fewer Crowds: Enjoy the Andes in serene solitude
More Remote Landscapes: Explore places the Inca Trail doesn’t reach
Cultural Immersion: Visit authentic Quechua villages untouched by mass tourism

Top Alternative Treks in Peru

1. Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Length: 5 days (can vary)
Max Altitude: 15,190 ft (4,630 meters)

Highlights:

• Snow-capped Mount Salkantay
• Glaciers, cloud forests, and lush valleys
• Ends at Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu

Tip: Choose between independent hiking or luxury lodge-to-lodge options

2. Lares Trek: Culture and Valleys

Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 3–5 days
Max Altitude: 14,435 ft (4,400 meters)

Highlights:

• Quechua villages, weaving demonstrations, and hot springs
• Ideal for cultural connection and moderate trekking

3. Choquequirao Trek: The Sister of Machu Picchu

Difficulty: Challenging
Length: 4–5 days (or 8–10 with Machu Picchu extension)
Max Altitude: 10,010 ft (3,050 meters)

Highlights:

• Vast, lesser-known ruins — 3x larger than Machu Picchu
• True wilderness, steep climbs, and river crossings

Tip: Often called “the next Machu Picchu” — but much harder to reach

4. Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek

Difficulty: Challenging to extreme
Length: 5–6 days (shorter options for Rainbow Mountain)
Max Altitude: 16,732 ft (5,100 meters)

Highlights:

• Sacred Ausangate peak, glaciers, and turquoise lakes
• Includes the famous Rainbow Mountain

Note: Best for experienced trekkers due to altitude and remoteness

5. Huchuy Qosqo Trek: Short and Sweet

Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Length: 2 days
Max Altitude: 12,100 ft (3,690 meters)

Highlights:

• Archaeological site with Sacred Valley views
• Great for acclimatization or time-limited travelers

Tip: Perfect for families or first-timers

Comparison Table: Peru’s Top Alternative Treks

Trek	Duration	Difficulty	Best For
Salkantay	5 days	Moderate	Epic scenery + Machu Picchu
Lares	3–5 days	Moderate	Culture + easy access
Choquequirao	4–10 days	Hard	Inca ruins + solitude
Ausangate/Rainbow	5–6 days	Very Hard	Alpine adventure + colors
Huchuy Qosqo	2 days	Easy	Quick trek + archaeology

Tips for First-Time Trekkers in Peru

• Acclimate First: Spend 2–3 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley
• Hire a Guide: Safer and more enriching for most treks
• Pack Smart: Bring layers, trekking poles, and good boots
• Hydrate Constantly: Helps with altitude adjustment
• Use Mules or Porters: Lighten your load and go further

Best Season for Trekking in Peru

Dry Season (May–September): Ideal weather, but busy
Wet Season (October–April): Lush scenery, fewer crowds, but muddy trails

Tip: April and October offer a good balance of weather and tranquility

How to Choose the Right Trek for You

Ask yourself:
How fit are you?
How many days do you have?
Do you want remote mountains, cultural immersion, or both?

Final Thoughts: Trekking Peru — Adventure Beyond the Inca Trail

Trekking in Peru offers something for everyone — whether you want to walk ancient paths to lost cities, gaze upon sacred glaciers, or connect with living Andean culture.

The Inca Trail is only the beginning.
Beyond it, a thousand adventures await.

Pick your path.
Lace up your boots.
And step into the heart of the Andes.

Want help choosing the perfect route?
At Explorify Expeditions, we plan custom treks beyond the Inca Trail — including culturally immersive options, experienced guides, and ethical travel practices.

📩 Contact us today and start your journey into the wild side of Peru.