How Far in Advance Should I Book an Alternative Route to Machu Picchu?
Alternative routes to Machu Picchu are excellent options for travelers looking for an authentic trekking experience in the Peruvian Andes. Unlike the Inca Trail, these hikes offer less crowded trails, spectacular landscapes, and a deeper connection with nature.
Among the most popular alternative routes are the Salkantay Trek, Lares Trek, Ausangate Trek, and Choquequirao Trek with an extension to Machu Picchu. Each route offers unique experiences, allowing travelers to explore impressive mountains, high-altitude lakes, traditional Andean communities, and a great diversity of flora and fauna.
One of the most special aspects of these treks is the opportunity to sleep under the stars in the middle of the Andes, surrounded by remote landscapes far from the crowds.
After completing your 3, 4, or 5-day trek, you will arrive at Machu Picchu through Aguas Calientes. In general, travelers who hike alternative routes arrive at the citadel earlier than those entering through the Inca Trail, allowing them to enjoy a more relaxed visit.
Entrance to Machu Picchu is included in most of our trekking packages. However, it is very important to book in advance to secure availability for the best visitor circuits. We recommend booking at least 3 to 6 months in advance. If you can plan your trip 8 months or even one year ahead, even better, as this significantly increases your chances of obtaining the best available circuit to visit Machu Picchu.
Why Is It Important to Book in Advance?
After the pandemic, the Peruvian Government implemented a circuit system to organize the flow of visitors inside Machu Picchu. There are currently three main circuits:
- Circuit 1: Panoramic viewpoints
- Circuit 2: The most complete and requested circuit
- Circuit 3: Route through the lower section of the citadel
Circuit 2 is the most requested because it allows visitors to explore a large part of the citadel and access some of Machu Picchu’s most iconic areas. Due to its high demand, tickets often sell out quickly.
For this reason, we recommend booking your trip at least 4 to 6 months in advance. If you plan to travel during the high season, booking 8 to 12 months ahead is the best option to secure availability for your preferred circuit.
Currently, the number of tickets for Circuit 2 is limited, so availability may sell out long before your travel date.
At Alpaca Expeditions, we manage entrance tickets as soon as we receive your booking confirmation, with the goal of securing the best available circuit for your Machu Picchu experience.
Which Circuit Is Included in Alternative Routes to Machu Picchu?
Alternative routes include treks such as:
- Salkantay Trek
- Lares Trek
- Ausangate Trek
- Choquequirao Trek + Machu Picchu
- Huchuy Qosqo Trek
- Inca Jungle Trek
The assigned circuit will depend mainly on availability at the time of booking.
Our priority when booking Machu Picchu tickets is:
- Circuit 2 — 2A or 2B
- Circuit 3 — especially 3B
- Circuit 1
What Is the Best Circuit to Visit Machu Picchu?
Our main recommendation is Circuit 2, either 2A or 2B.
This route offers the most complete experience inside Machu Picchu, allowing visitors to explore a large part of the citadel and discover its most important areas from an archaeological, historical, and scenic perspective.
For this reason, Circuit 2 is considered the best option for travelers arriving at Machu Picchu after completing a trekking route.
What Do Circuits 2A and 2B Include?
Circuits 2A and 2B allow visitors to explore almost the entire citadel of Machu Picchu.
They are ideal for travelers who complete alternative routes such as:
- Salkantay Trek 5 days / 4 nights
- Lares Trek
- Ausangate Trek
- Choquequirao Trek
- Other adventure routes that end at Machu Picchu
Most of these travelers arrive from Aguas Calientes and are looking for a complete visit that allows them to fully appreciate this Wonder of the World.
Why Do We Recommend Circuit 2?
One of the greatest advantages of Circuit 2 is that it includes access to the famous viewpoint at the Guardhouse, also known as the Watch Tower, where travelers can take the most famous panoramic photos of Machu Picchu.
This is the place where the classic images seen in magazines, documentaries, social media, and postcards around the world are taken.
In addition, this circuit allows visitors to explore a large part of the citadel, making it the best option for those who want a complete Machu Picchu experience.
Differences Between Circuit 2A and Circuit 2B
The differences between these two routes are minimal. One of the variants includes an additional terrace near the main viewpoint area. However, the overall experience, the areas visited, and the photo opportunities are practically the same.
For this reason, both Circuit 2A and Circuit 2B are excellent options for visiting Machu Picchu.
Rainbow Mountain
Alex was a wonderful tour guide, knowledgeable and patient with our varying abilities. The chef prepared a one of a kind, amazing meal. Rainbow Mountain is definitely worth the early morning alarm and difficult climb.
Experiencia increíble
Experiencia única tanto el camino inca como la visita a MachuPichu. Circuito 1 y 3 espectaculares con guía propio para una experiencia única. El guía (Reynaldo) y chefs muy muy buenos. Experiencia irrepetible
Truly an experience I will never forget and would wholeheartedly recommend!
The Inca Trail was challenging and demanding, but an absolutely unforgettable experience. The organization was excellent, and it was incredible to see what the team managed to arrange at each campsite, considering that absolutely everything had to be carried up and down the mountains by the porters every single day. The porters (Tomas as the head porter and his crew) and the chef Melquidaes deserve special recognition. They are truly remarkable people: hardworking, humble, dedicated, and incredibly resilient. They made the whole experience possible for us. Our guides Juan Carlos Zuloaga and Reynaldo were equally amazing – supportive, encouraging, motivating, and extremely knowledgeable. They cheered us on every step of the way, especially when things got tough, and their knowledge, personal experiences, and stories brought every part of the trail to life. Of course, the breathtaking views and beautiful nature were incredible, but what made this experience even more special was spending four days completely immersed in nature, sharing the journey with people from different backgrounds, each bringing their own stories and experiences. A physically demanding adventure, but one that gives you so much more in return.
Once in a lifetime
Unforgettable experience that was made much better because of our crew. Juan Carlos Zuloaga was an impeccable tour guide, so much knowledge about the history and culture, I was absorbing it all like a sponge. Also so easy going and fun, couldn’t wish for a better tour guide. His tour guide partner Reynaldo is my hero, everytime he was smiling and supportive for everyone. The porters are the real heroes of this trip, organization and execution was without a flaw, head porter Tomas organized it incredible. I can’t even talk about food, every meal was different and so delicious, trying different local dishes with our chef Melquiades. I would recommend to everyone to try the experience, and if you get the crew we had, you’ll remember it for the rest of your life.
How great the experience was
It was an incredible experience! We had an excellent tour guide named Saúl Palma. He told us about everything and explained the history of each place in a very calm, clear, and easy-to-understand way. He took us to the most beautiful places, where there weren't many people. Everything was excellent! He was very kind to us and always made sure we had a great time and enjoyed the experience. We highly recommend him!