Which Inca Trail will you choose?

Did you think there was only one Inca Trail? Don’t worry—you’re not the only one! Luckily, there are many more routes leading to Machu Picchu. All of them follow ancient Inca paths, each with its own unique charm. But what’s the difference between them? And is there a good alternative if you miss out on the famous Inca Trail? Jorge helps you out with a handy overview to compare all the different treks.

Lively crowds on the classic Inca Trail

When people talk about the Inca Trail, they usually mean the classic 4-day trek. This route takes you along the most famous path the Incas once used to reach Machu Picchu.

A defining feature of this Trail is its final entrance through the Sun Gate, directly into Machu Picchu. The Sun Gate—called this by the Incas because it opens up into a usually sun-drenched valley with breathtaking views of Machu Picchu—is what makes this classic route so popular… but also quite busy.

If you prefer complete silence and solitude, this might not be your ideal Trail. On the other hand, the lively camps and shared experiences along the way are often unforgettable.

Prefer a warm bed?

If camping in the Andes feels a bit too cold or intense, but you still want to arrive at Machu Picchu on foot, then the 2-day Inca Trail is perfect for you.

On this route, you spend the night in the village of Aguas Calientes, located at the foot of Machu Picchu. You’ll stay in a comfortable hotel with a warm bed, and still hike the final section of the Inca Trail—so you don’t miss the highlight: arriving via the Sun Gate.

Alternative Inca Trails

It’s best to book the Inca Trail at least six months in advance if you don’t want to miss out—especially during the peak months of June, July, and August. Many travellers only find this out too late.

Luckily, there are great alternative Inca Trails available! And each of them has its own character.

• Nature lovers: choose the 4-day Salkantay Trek
• Culture & local life: the Lares Trek is ideal
• Sporty adventurers: the Choquequirao Trek is the ultimate challenge

The big advantage of these alternative routes is that they are much quieter, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of the Andes. They also tend to be more flexible in availability, making them a great option if you decide to travel to Peru at the last minute.

Choose the Trail that suits you!

But then comes the real challenge: decision stress! Which Trail fits you best?

To help you choose the right Trail, Jorge has created a handy overview. In this comparison you’ll find the most important characteristics of each trek. For more information, you can also visit our website, where you’ll find detailed day-by-day itineraries of all Inca and alternative treks.

Have you made up your mind? Don’t wait too long—get in touch with us so we can help you secure your tickets for the Trail of your choice!

* = easy
**** = tough