Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail in Peru are on many travelers’ bucket lists, but Jonathan from Go Andes found some alternative trails that are equally stunning and less crowded.

Peru has always been a dream destination for me. My fascination began as a young boy, captivated by a TV documentary about Machu Picchu. At 13, I didn’t even know where it was, just that it was a mystical ruin in a far-off place.

Fast forward 15 years, and I finally had the chance to visit Peru. I eagerly included Machu Picchu in my plans, trekking the famous Inca Trail. The Inca Trail was everything I hoped for: amazing, life-changing, and tough. Starting at Ollantaytambo, it’s a four-day trek through rolling hills, ending at Machu Picchu at sunrise on the fourth day. Along the way, you visit several impressive Inca ruins that can only be seen by doing the trek, making it a worthwhile experience.

However, Machu Picchu is a world-famous UNESCO Heritage Site and South America’s most visited tourist destination, so it’s very busy. The Inca Trail is also one of the most famous treks globally, with 500 people starting the trek daily, except in February when it’s closed for repairs. This means up to 2000 people can be on the trail at any given time. While the experience was incredible, I wished for more solitude to truly immerse myself in the Peruvian landscape. This led me to explore other trekking options around Cusco and Ollantaytambo.

A few years later, I returned to Peru to try the Lares Trek and the Salcantay Trek. Both start in Cusco, where you can find good hotels and rest before the trek. The Lares Trek was exactly what I missed on the Inca Trail: a small group of about eight people, including the guide and porter, and hardly any other trekkers. The route took us through valleys and up to mountain peaks. The first night was memorable, camping near a traditional village where we met the local Andean community and learned about their way of life. The high-altitude campsites made sleeping tough, but the views were worth it.

The Salcantay Trek is longer, with four days of trekking compared to Lares’ three, but I found it easier and more enjoyable. Except for the first night at 3800m, the campsites were at lower altitudes, making it easier to sleep. The trek offers stunning views of the Vilcabamba mountain range, including the famous Mount Salcantay. Although we didn’t visit a village, we passed many farming communities, offering a glimpse into traditional life. The highlight was visiting the Inca ruin of Llaqtapata on day four.

While the official Inca Trail is a must for some, there are great alternatives if you want to experience trekking in Peru without the crowds. These alternative treks offer similar or even better scenery and a deeper understanding of the local way of life.

Next on my list is the trek to Choquequirao, an Inca ruin some say rivals Machu Picchu. I can’t wait!

Thanks to Jonathan from Go Andes for this guest article. Jonathan has traveled extensively and lived in Peru in 2008 and 2009. He now enjoys reminiscing about his travels with a bowl of ceviche and a bottle of Peruvian beer.