Alternative to the Inca Trail

The Salkantay Trek is named after the snow capped Salkantay Mountain. At a whopping 6,271m high, this is the highest point in the Vilcabamba Range, and it was revered by the Incas. The trail winds around the sheer-sided mountain, offering impressive views and crossing its 4,600m pass. You’ll traverse grasslands, glacial terrain, cloud and sub tropical forests, too; for many trekkers the diversity of ecosystems is one of the highlights of this route. From the Inca complex of Llactapata, usually visited on the last full day of the trek, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views across to Machu Picchu, just 5km away.

The gentlest of the three main routes to Machu Picchu, the Lares Trek winds its way through Quechua villages and terraced farmland tucked into the lower slopes of the Peruvian Andes, and involves three or four full days of trekking. This is the most cultural of the three trails, and has far fewer steps as well, though there are still high passes to tackle at around 4,500m. You’ll be setting up camp in picturesque villages each night; there is also the option to stay in the homes of local families. The Lares Trek consequently allows you to spend much more time immersed in Quechua culture, as you prepare and share meals with your hosts, learn about traditional weaving and farming practices, and see herds of llamas and alpacas. There isn’t one set route, which further reduces the number of other trekkers that you’ll encounter, but the itinerary below gives an idea of where you’ll be trekking and sleeping each day. The most common routes are between 33km and 40km.