The Other Inca Trails: Alternate Machu Picchu Treks
by Allie Comeau on May 30, 2008 
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Peru’s Machu Picchu is a destination on many people’s lifetime travel to-do lists. One of the man-made wonders of the world, these ruins boast fascinating history, archaeological wonders, awesome mountain views, and one very famous Inca Trail approach.
But, as is the case with any place that’s popular with tourists, the Inca Trail approach can get a little crowded. Peruvian officials have limited trekkers to 500 a day, which is good (well, better) for the trail, but often means people without advance reservations are turned away. According to the author of this article on CNN, however, being turned away from the Inca Trail may be the best thing for your trip.
If you’re planning to visit the famous peaks of Machu Picchu, you may want to explore an alternate hiking route – there are actually several that rival the Inca Trail in both beauty and cultural immersion. Plus, you’ll have a better all-around experience if you’re the type thats prefers a bit more solitude on the trail. Word is, the Inca Trail has turned into a bit of a party.
According to an article on CNN…
Over the years, the Inca Trail has become more a sales feature for adventure companies than a tranquil or mystical journey. The frat party of historic treks, it often comes fully equipped with booze, crowds and disgusting bathrooms.
If you’d rather approach Machu Picchu another way, consider one of these alternate hikes:
Salkantay Mountain – The Salkantay Mountain route is the most frequented alternative hike. This is either a good thing or a bad thing, depending on your perspective. Traditionally five days/four nights, it leads trekkers up Salkantay Mountain (one of the highest peaks in the Andes of Peru at over 20,000 feet) and passes by some Quechuan communities and lesser-known Inca ruins, traversing everything from snow-capped mountains to hot springs.
Laras Trek – The Laras trek, while less popular than the Salkantay, is becoming more and more touristy as well. Against a picturesque landscape, this four-day/three-night trek is famous for the textile villages it enters along the way. It ascends 13,000 feet, crosses two peaks, hot springs and lakes, and it offers a spectrum of regional animals to view, including llamas, vicuñas, alpacas and chinchillas.
Choquequirao – For those seeking a longer adventure, the Choquequirao trek might be the best option. The only downfall of this hike is that it requires two days of backtracking to reach Machu Piccu. But, if there was ever a place to backtrack, it’s Peru. This nine-day/eight-night trek passes the two largest Inca sites in the Cusco region: Machu Picchu and Choquequirao. The latter is a huge archaeological complex that is only about 30 percent excavated and thus has endured minimal tourist foot traffic. Surrounded by the Salkantay mountain, the trek dives into the Apurimac River canyon and passes waterfalls, villages, Inca ruins and frequently condors.
Vilcabamba trek – For isolation seekers, the Vilcabamba trek is the way to go. “Total isolation. There’s nothing like doing a trek when there’s no other people,” says Michelle Graham of Llama Path Tours, as she describes why Vilcabamba is her favorite of the alternate treks. This trek enters the last refuge of the Incas, Vilcabamba, and like Salkantay, offers spectacular diverse views ranging from tropical jungles to snowy peaks. Unlike Salkantay, however, this trek combines Inca history with little interference from tourist passersby.
However you choose to arrive there (there’s also train and bus options), visiting Machu Picchu is sure to provide a lifetime of memories. When planning your trip, remember that the best time to go is the dry season – between April and October.
