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Alternative Treks to Machu Picchu

Iconic Inca Trail Experience

Alternative Treks to Machu Picchu

Discover less-traveled Andean routes, high passes, remote communities and rewarding approaches to Machu Picchu..

Travel with a private itinerary designed around Salkantay, Lares, Choquequirao, the Inca Quarry and the Sacred Valley, with thoughtful pacing and local guidance..

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Alternative Treks to Machu Picchu Experience!

Best Alternative Treks to Machu Picchu–Are all the permits for the Classic Inca Trail sold out for the dates of your Peru adventure vacation? Do not worry!

We have other ideas for your hiking adventure to Machu Picchu. Because of the popularity of the Inca Trail, there are a number of other alternative treks to Machu Picchu which offer more solitude on the trail, breathtaking vistas, some Incan ruins, and include a visit to Machu Picchu. Peru Summit Adventures offers a variety of these hikes to reach to Machu Picchu, which are truly off the beaten path.

Cusco has many amazing trails most of them reach to Machu Picchu, these hiking trails take us on an adventure into the cultural heartbeat of the Andean people and lets us embrace its rich history at each ancient temples along the trail. Our hikes begin in Cusco, the original capital of the Inca civilization. Here we spend some time before our journey acclimating to the high altitude and immersing ourselves in the beauty of this red-roofed city.

From the tundra-alpine of Sacred Valley and Choquequirao to the highlands of Ausangate, our alternative treks to Machu Picchu are designed for those who prefer a hearty hike over a scenic drive. Our expert Trek Leaders/Guide bring you across ancient trails, pilgrim’s paths, and into the world’s most spectacular landscapes.

For those who want to be active, and enjoy the best sights and adventures in a region. We have expert Trek Leaders and private vehicles that get you right into the heart of the great outdoors. We cater to all levels from a beginning young hiker to an experienced mountain trekker, or a boomer with a life-long dream to hike through the Sacred Valley. Whatever the pursuit, our hikes are tailored just for you and yours. Hike past Incan temples along the unknown Inca Trails in the lush cloud forest, Choquequirao Trek, Salkantay Trek or tackle majestic Ausangate. Lace-up your boots and join us!–Best Alternative Treks to Machu Picchu.

Experience Highlights

Highlights of Alternative Treks to Machu Picchu..

Peru Summit Adventures™ Advantages:

Since 2014 and since the very first day of our operation, Peru Summit Adventures has been blazing new ways of experiencing in Alternative Treks to Machu Picchu. Our trailblazing is just one reason we are a uniquely qualified local company to ensure you have a trip of a lifetime.

  • You spend nights underneath the starry sky in roomy & cozy tents, and tents are set up at scenic camping spots.
  • Fully supported trek, by private trek leader, private crew, mules, muleteers, emergency horse.
  • Fewer people on the trails, sometimes you are the only one group on the trail.
  • Spend the last day at Incomparable Machu Picchu, “Lost City of the Incas” with a private guide.
  • Want to reduce the use of plastic and help the planet a better place for everyone? then hike with us!
  • Professional, storytellers, and funny local trek leaders, they even speak Inca language “Quechua” learn some words from them.
Alternative Treks to Machu Picchu

WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT

We Focus on Details

We are the experts when it comes to customizing tours and treks and our incredible private signature series itinerary.

Our Safety Record is Flawless

Safety is at the core of everything we do at Peru Summit Adventures. There is nothing that we take more seriously.

Knowledge and Expertise

Our Guides with a deep knowledge of destination, route, and a focus on customer service makes all difference en route

Responsible Travel

Let’s make this world a better place for everyone and for everyone that lives in it! All is done in a responsible manner

Signature Craftsmanship & Support

Every itinerary is designed with precision: private high-grade camping equipment, satellite communication en route, handcrafted gourmet meals prepared with fresh Andean ingredients, and continuous ground logistics coordination from Cusco.

Fair Treatment & Local Impact

We practice regenerative travel that directly pays above-average living wages to our porters, muleteers and cooks, while protecting delicate Andean trails and preserving indigenous cultural heritage across our mountain communities.

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1 Day Machu Picchu Tour from Ollantaytambo & Urubamba

Starting from USD 450 Per person
Trip duration 1 Day
Activity
2
Difficulty
Light-Moderate
Service
Upgraded Comfort
Group size
min 2 ppl, Max 8 ppl
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1 Day Machu Picchu Tour from Ollantaytambo & Urubamba Best seller
TRAVELER EXPERIENCES

Stories From Alternative Treks to Machu Picchu Travelers..

Read how travelers experienced the landscapes, pacing and local guidance that shape a thoughtfully planned Alternative Treks to Machu Picchu journey..

Tripadvisor

AMAZING!! A+ and 5 STARS!

“Peru Summit Adventures is the way to go when visiting Peru! An amazing tour company with the best people. Carlos, Simon and Jose all made sure we experienced the trip to a lifetime. Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain were the highlights of our trip. Over 10 days, we never felt stressed or overwhelmed […]”

RJ W ·

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Tripadvisor

AMAZING, personalized and LOCAL experience!

“Peru Summit Adventures is an amazing LOCAL organization that provides the BEST experiences ever. A few highlights from our trip to Machu Picchu! – Booking: Carlos made it SO easy, and was extremely helpful in personalizing the trip for us (we had very strict dates). He also managed to set the trip up in less […]”

Christine ·

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Tripadvisor

An Amazing 5 days on the Ausangate Circuit

“My wife and I were looking for a real adventure and we found Peru Summit after settling on the Ausangate Trek, which is known for being one of the most challenging and beautiful in the area, and often with very few other hikers. Peru Summit owner Carlos was extremely helpful from the beginning – he […]”

Kyle W ·

Read full review
Tripadvisor

An Unforgettable Experience With Peru Summit Adventures

“I just returned from an 10-day trip to Peru with my wife and three adult kids, all through Peru Summit Adventures. When I started planning the trip 16 months ago, I looked at several tour companies, ultimately deciding that I wanted to support a local family-owned business rather than a larger international company. Founder/owner Carlos […]”

Dan S ·

Read full review
Tripadvisor

An incredible 5 days on the Ausangate Trek

“My friend and I had an amazing experience with Peru Summit Adventures on the Ausangate Trek. From the beginning, the communication with Carlos was very efficient and he answered all of our questions quickly and attentively. We were met the night before by Carlos and our guide, Juan Carlos (JC), to go through the itinerary […]”

Becky ·

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Tripadvisor

An Amazing Incan experience with the best tour company in Cusco!!

“A well thoughout bespoke 6 day trip for me and my wife! Carlos is straight forward and honest! We had scheduled a trip for Jan 2023 and just a few days before the trip, demonstrations shut down Machu Picchu and pretty much the whole country. We had to detour our Peruvian adventure in a short […]”

petpringles ·

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Tripadvisor

Ask for Yossimar!

“We did a private day tour from Cusco to Ollantaytambo. We went to a llama/alpaca/vicunya farm that also had 3 condors, Pisac ruins, pisac market, Moray, and Maras salt mines. Our guide Yossimar picked us up from the Cusco airport with a driver which was so convenient and we started the tour from there. Yossimar […]”

Kaylee B ·

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More Tours and Adventures

Explore three signature experiences and reveal more details as you move through each journey.

Top Andean Sights

Key Destinations in Cusco & The Andes

Explore the most iconic wonders of the Peruvian highlands. Click any destination to view comprehensive tourist and technical insights.

Panoramic view of Machu Picchu Inca citadel in Cusco Peru

Machu Picchu Citadel

Emerald glacial waters of Humantay Lake beneath snow-capped peaks

Humantay Lake

Striped mineral ridges of Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca in Cusco

Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)

Gigantic megalithic stone walls of Sacsayhuamán fortress in Cusco

Sacsayhuamán Fortress

Real Travelers. Real Experiences.

Recent feedback from travelers who chose Peru Summit Adventures for local guidance, reliable logistics and thoughtful support.

AMAZING!! A+ and 5 STARS!

Peru Summit Adventures is the way to go when visiting Peru! An amazing tour company with the best people. Carlos, Simon and Jose all made sure we experienced the trip to a lifetime. Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain were the highlights of our trip.…

Read original review

AMAZING, personalized and LOCAL experience!

Peru Summit Adventures is an amazing LOCAL organization that provides the BEST experiences ever. A few highlights from our trip to Machu Picchu! – Booking: Carlos made it SO easy, and was extremely helpful in personalizing the trip for us (we had very strict dates). He…

Read original review

An Amazing 5 days on the Ausangate Circuit

My wife and I were looking for a real adventure and we found Peru Summit after settling on the Ausangate Trek, which is known for being one of the most challenging and beautiful in the area, and often with very few other hikers. Peru Summit owner…

Read original review

An Unforgettable Experience With Peru Summit Adventures

I just returned from an 10-day trip to Peru with my wife and three adult kids, all through Peru Summit Adventures. When I started planning the trip 16 months ago, I looked at several tour companies, ultimately deciding that I wanted to support a local family-owned…

Read original review

An incredible 5 days on the Ausangate Trek

My friend and I had an amazing experience with Peru Summit Adventures on the Ausangate Trek. From the beginning, the communication with Carlos was very efficient and he answered all of our questions quickly and attentively. We were met the night before by Carlos and our…

Read original review

An Amazing Incan experience with the best tour company in Cusco!!

A well thoughout bespoke 6 day trip for me and my wife! Carlos is straight forward and honest! We had scheduled a trip for Jan 2023 and just a few days before the trip, demonstrations shut down Machu Picchu and pretty much the whole country. We…

Read original review

Ask for Yossimar!

We did a private day tour from Cusco to Ollantaytambo. We went to a llama/alpaca/vicunya farm that also had 3 condors, Pisac ruins, pisac market, Moray, and Maras salt mines. Our guide Yossimar picked us up from the Cusco airport with a driver which was so…

Read original review
Alternative Treks to Machu Picchu

Design Your Alternative Treks to Machu Picchu Journey..

So you have decided to trek in Peru but the Inka trail seems a bit crowded for you? You are keen to do an alternative trek but you’re not sure which trek suits best your interests and physical conditions? or which trek is more scenic or can you even combine this trek with a day hike, a day tour in Cusco, or in the Sacred Valley? Take a moment to share your travel goals and interests, one of our travel designers will be in touch shortly!

 

Clear Answers & Pre-Planning

Alternative Treks to Machu Picchu Travel FAQs..

Use these practical answers to understand timing, preparation, pacing and the route choices behind Alternative Treks to Machu Picchu..

Drier months generally offer clearer trail conditions, while shoulder-season travel can bring quieter routes; permits, weather and access should be checked for the chosen itinerary..

Allow time to acclimatize in Cusco or the Sacred Valley and prepare for sustained ascents, uneven terrain and cold high-altitude mornings..

Routes range from moderate lodge-supported walks to demanding camping expeditions, so duration and support should match experience and fitness..

Expect glacial peaks, stone paths, cloud forest, highland villages and the first views toward Machu Picchu, supported by a route centered on less-traveled Andean routes, high passes, remote communities and rewarding approaches to Machu Picchu..

Get Inspired with Video From Our Alternative Treks to Machu Picchu

Cusco has many amazing trails, most of them reaching Machu Picchu. These hiking trails take us on an adventure into the cultural heartbeat of the Andean people and let us embrace its rich history at each ancient temples along the trail. Our hikes begin in Cusco, the original capital of the Inca civilization. Here we spend some time before our journey acclimating to the high altitude and immersing ourselves in the beauty of this red-roofed city.

Alternative Treks to Machu Picchu

Alternative Treks to Machu Picchu

High passes can differ sharply from the Cusco reference grid; route-level forecasts and trail reports remain essential.
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Additional Information

Here we introduce our best and top hikes to get to Machu Picchu which are not Classic Inca Trail, These trails go through the remote places of the Andes, trails connecting the highlands with the cloud forest, and trails which link the ancient Lost Incan Citadels, like Choquequirao (last residence of the Inca Emperor) with Machu Picchu, or trails going around the skirts of the highest peak in Cusco which is Ausangate where life is still intact as used to be years ago. At the heart of the Andes, Peru has some of the best hiking on the continent – the variety of trails is downright staggering. Each exhilarating day of hiking will end at our exclusive camps, where we can enjoy peaceful nights beneath a starry sky. Our fitting finale is a visit to the extraordinary Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Any of the alternative treks are a true trek into the heart of the Inca Empire. Join us!

Find the Perfect Destination in Peru

Continue from Alternative Treks to Machu Picchu into other regions of Peru, comparing landscapes, culture and travel styles before shaping a complete route..

Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain and its colorful mineral ridges
Ancient stone steps on the Classic Inca Trail
Turquoise lagoon beneath Mount Ausangate
Terraces and mountain scenery in the Sacred Valley
Historic salt ponds at Maras in the Sacred Valley
Panoramic view of the Machu Picchu sanctuary
Travelers crossing a high Andean mountain pass
Historic architecture and streets in imperial Cusco
Andean peaks above an expedition camp
High mountain trekking route in the Peruvian Andes
Turquoise glacial water at Humantay Lake
Mountain trail overlooking the route to Machu Picchu