In short: if you cannot find an Inca Trail permit for your date or you travel in February, the best alternative is the 5-day Salkantay Trek: it reaches Machu Picchu, needs no route permit and can be booked with less notice. If you do not want to hike as much, the 2-day Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley tour is the most practical option.
Why permits sell out
The Inca Trail has a limited daily quota and permits are issued by name with the traveler passport. In high season they sell out months ahead. More details in the Inca Trail guide.
5 alternatives
| Alternative | Days | Reaches Machu Picchu | Route permit | From (group) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salkantay Trek | 5 | Yes | No | USD 637 |
| Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley | 2 | Yes | No | USD 478 |
| Short Inca Trail (if there is quota) | 2 | Yes | Yes | USD 510 |
| Humantay Lake + Machu Picchu by train | 1 + 2 | Yes | No | On request |
| A different date for the Inca Trail | 4 or 5 | Yes | Yes | USD 790 |
Prices per person in a group service, from our tour pages. «On request» = combines two services and is quoted based on your dates.
1. Salkantay Trek: the main alternative
Five days among Humantay Lake, the Salkantay Pass (4,650 m), the high jungle and the Llactapata ruins, with Machu Picchu at the end. You sleep in Sky Domes with private bathroom and hot shower and need no route permit. Read the Salkantay Trek guide and the comparison with the Inca Trail.
2. Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley in 2 days
Pisac, Moray, the Maras Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo, a train to Aguas Calientes and a guided visit to Machu Picchu. You do not have to hike for several days and it can be booked at short notice. Itinerary in Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley in 2 days.
3. Short Inca Trail, if there is quota
It also requires a permit, but has a different quota. Check availability for your date before ruling it out.
4. Combine a hike and the train
You can add a one-day hike, such as Humantay Lake, and reach Machu Picchu by train. You would get the mountains and the citadel without depending on a permit.
5. Change the date
If your heart is set on the Inca Trail, moving the trip by a few days or weeks may open up quota. Check real permit availability before buying flights.
How to decide
- You want to hike several days: Salkantay.
- You want Machu Picchu without effort: 2-day tour.
- You travel in February: the Inca Trail is closed; Salkantay or the 2-day tour (rainy season details).
- You want the Inca Trail at all costs: check alternative dates.
Tell us your date and what you are looking for and we will tell you what is available: quick inquiry.
Frequently asked questions
What do I do if there are no Inca Trail permits?
Change the date if you can, or choose an alternative: the 5-day Salkantay reaches Machu Picchu without needing a route permit.
What is the best alternative to the Inca Trail?
The 5-day Salkantay Trek. It combines high mountains and high jungle, and ends with a guided visit to Machu Picchu.
Can I go to Machu Picchu without hiking for several days?
Yes. The 2-day Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley tour includes train, optional hotel and a guided visit to the citadel.
What if I travel in February?
The Inca Trail closes in February. Salkantay and the one-day tours keep running.