Alternative Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4D/3N

Cusco, Peru

Classic Inca Trail is sold out? Fear not! This is the perfect alternative option that will allow you hiking in the mountain near Cusco, following an ancient Inca Trail and combine with the Short Version of the full Inca Trail.

Cancellation policy

Review the supplier policy below before booking.

Duration 4 days

Duration supplied by the experience provider.

Languages

English, Spanish

Group size

1–50 travelers

Full description

 Alternative Inca Trail is a 4-day trek to Machu Picchu will take you on a hike across the Mountains nearby Cusco city, following an ancient Inca Trail that connects with the Sacred Valley, follows the Urubamba River, join the Last section of the Classic Inca Trail, and Arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sungate right before the sunset. Along the way, you will have an amazing view of Cusco from the Mountain, visit local communities, hiking with Llamas and alpacas, visit beautiful archaeological sites such as Huchuy Qosqo, Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Wiñaywuayna, and Machu Picchu. This trail was used by the Last Inca King who moved his rebel army in 1536 from Cusco to the Last Capital of Incas (Vilcabamba) during the XVI century.

Highlights of the Alternative Inca Trail 

  • Explore the mountains around Cusco
  • Follow the ancient Inca Trail from Cusco to Machu Picchu
  • Arrive hiking to the Sacred Valley from Cusco
  • Ride the panoramic trains on the way back (Vistadome or 360°)
  • Support social projects in the Andean Villages

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Tambomachay – Pukamarca. After being collected from Your hotel in Cusco at 7:00 am, drive for 20 minutes towards the archaeological site of Tambomachay (3812 m /12506 Ft), a beautiful archeological site located just outside of Cusco. Here, You’ll start the expedition to the legendary lost city of the Incas Machu Picchu. The first part is a gentle 4- hours climb, passing through local communities, beautiful mountain lakes, large grassland where llamas and alpacas feed. This area is home to a wide variety of birds including Wallatas (love birds), partridges and lapwings, all of which are regularly spotted throughout the day. Lunch is at Koricocha lake (4049 m / 13284 ft). After enjoying the fresh meals prepared by your trekking chef, continue 3 more hours up and down to the campsite is located at the small Andean village of Pukamarca (3800m/12,467ft). This is a good opportunity to understand their lifestyle, interact with local children, and visit the houses to see how they live and what they have. You can take some gifts if you like. Campsite Altitude: 3800m/12,467ft. Distance: 15 km/9.3 miles. Duration: 7 hours. Meals: Snacks, lunch, dinner. Accommodation: Camping under the stars. Difficulty: moderate

Day 2: Pukamarca – Huchuy Qosqo – Ollantaytambo. Enjoy the Local Village early in the morning with a cup of coffee while you enjoy the first rays of the sun, after breakfast, we will start a gradual up and down to Huchuy Qosqo 3600m (1118127ft) a spectacular ancient city on top of the Sacred Valley, Along the way you pass refreshing streams, beautiful canyons, and breathtaking views. After exploring the Inca Site, we will continue for 15. hours into the Sacred Valley, Our chef will be waiting with a special Lunch that local love, PACHAMANCA, The last part of the will be traveling by van along the Sacred Valley until we arrive in Ollantaytambo where we will check-in in a hotel. Distance: 8 km/5 miles. Duration of hike: 5 hours hike. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Accommodation: Casa Blanca or Similar. Difficulty: easy

Day 3: Ollantaytambo - KM 104 - Sungate - Machu Picchu. Wake up early in your hotel, breakfast, and then take the train from Ollantaytambo to Km 104, to begin the Inca Trail. Once you pass the checkpoint you will start the final and most impressive stretch of the full Inca Trail. You will visit amazing Inca Sites, see a vast variety of flora and fauna, and finally arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. This trek allows you to visit the most impressive sites inside the Inca Trail and you will have the chance to arrive twice to Machu Picchu, if you plan properly the times, you can arrive after 4:00 pm to Machu Picchu and you will find the place almost empty since everybody starts leaving the citadel early. After enjoying a full day in the Inca trail and Machu Picchu, You will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, check-in, dinner in a local restaurant and sleep early for the next day. Highest altitude: 2700m / 8858ft. Distance: 15km, 7 hours. Meals: Lunch, snacks, and dinner. Accommodation: Killa INN or similar. Difficulty: Moderate

Day 4: Discover Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco. The final day, you will wake up in your hotel and have an early breakfast and take the first buses up to Machu Picchu. If the weather is good you will be able to witness the sunrise over Machu Picchu, which is truly an unforgettable experience. You will have the chance to go to the Inca Bridge or spend some time in the upper part of Machu Picchu before starting the tour. The guided tour takes about 2 to 23 hours, where your tour guide will show you the best of Machu Picchu. Later you will have time to explore by yourself or either climb Huayna Picchu or Montaña, These tickets need to be booked in advance. After you are done with Machu Picchu, you will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes for lunch ( not included) and then take the Panoramic train and bus back to Cusco. The TreXperience Team will meet you off the train and return you safely to your hotel. Guided Tour: 2 – 3 hours. Meals: Breakfast (hotel). Accommodation: not included. Difficulty: Easy

What’s included

Included

  • Guide
  • Meals: 1
  • Transfer
  • Equipment
  • Entrance fee
  •  Safety briefing the day before the tour at 6:00 pm in our Office
  • Pick up from your hotel in the morning of the tour
  • All transportation during the duration of the trek
  • Duffle bag up to 7 kilos for your personal stuff to be carried by porters
  • Professional highly trained mountain tour guides
  • Experience happy chefs, porters
  • 3 nights camping in the mountains with comfortable equipment
  • 1 night 3-star hotel in Agua Calientes
  • All meals during the Trek with local organic ingredients except last lunch
  • Entrance ticket to Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
  • Bus down to Aguas Calientes from Machu Picchu
  • Panoramic Exclusive train on the last to come back to Cusco

Not included

  •  Sleeping bags, air mattress, or trekking poles
  • Last Day Lunch
  • Huayna Picchu or Montaña entrances
  • Tips for porters, chef, guides

Important information

Meeting point

Cusco, Peru

Don’t forget

Original PassportRain gair, rain Poncho Sun Protection Warm and light clothes Personal medication Extra snacks Water container for 2 litters Extra Money

Cancellation policy

25% charge if cancelled within 0 hours of start.

Your host

VE

Verified Local Host

With GetExperience since 2026

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From€614.30 / person