Alternative treks to Machu Picchu

I see that there are still permits for the 2-day Inca trails. How does this trek compare to the longer classic Inca trail? Is it worth doing the 2-day version?

The 2-day Inca Trail is not at all the Inca Trail, personally I don't think it is a real trek.

Yes, I think you are right willemspie.

Hi all,

I have come across a few other alternative treks to MP, but there is not that much information about them. This will be my first trek of this type, so just wanted to check whether any of the following were suitable for beginners:

• Vilcabamba trek
• Llactapata trek
• Huchuy Qosco trek

Would anyone recommend these as an alternative to the Inca trail? If so, I would really appreciate it if you could recommend a tour operator.

Many thanks,
reems19

Vilcabamba is a remote trek at lower altitude (jungle), not many tourists go there. But you can trek from Huancacalle Vitcos to Hydro and MP through Yanama, also untouristy. These treks are described in details in the Trailblazers guidebook.
Llactapata is just one day, the last day of the Salkantay trek (and also of the one i just mentionned).
Huchuy Qosqo can be visited as a dayhike from Lamay, or as a 2 or 3 day trek, in the hills and villages rather than mountains.

Thanks for the reply, willemspie! Would the Vilcabamba or 2-3 day Huchuy Qosqo treks be suitable for a beginner?

If you go with an agency or at least a guide, any trek is suitable for a beginner. If you go backpacking and camping on your own, you should choose a more established trek like Ausangate, Salkantay or Choquequirao.

Okay, thanks willemspie!

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