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 Experience
We had an absolutely incredible experience on our Rainbow Mountain trip! 🌈⛰️
The effort it took to reach the summit made the experience even more rewarding. It was challenging, but the breathtaking beauty of the landscape made every step worth it. The scenery was truly spectacular, and it’s an experience we’ll never forget.
Elix, our guide, was fantastic—so positive, helpful, attentive, and informative. He encouraged us along the way, shared so much interesting information, and made sure we were well taken care of throughout the day.
Nancy and Nemu, our cooks, were amazing! The food was beyond our expectations. Everything was delicious, fresh, and so thoughtfully prepared. Having such wonderful food after the physical effort of the hike was a real treat!
Edgar, our driver, was excellent. He handled the narrow roads, speed bumps, and challenging driving conditions with great skill and care. We always felt safe with him behind the wheel.
A few practical tips for future travelers: bring some Peruvian soles for the bathrooms along the way, and bring a little extra cash if you’d like to purchase food, souvenirs, or photos. There are plenty of opportunities to capture memories and support the local vendors.
A huge thank you to Elix, Nancy, Nemu, and Edgar for all the effort, care, and hard work they put into making this such a special and memorable experience. The beauty of Rainbow Mountain was incredible, but having such a wonderful team made the day even better. ❤️🌈
Machu Picchu 4 day trek - fabulous!
We had a fabulous trip with Alpaca Tours on the 4 day Inca trek to Machu Picchu. After we had some flight cancellations, the company went above and beyond to ensure we made it to the start of the trek on time. Our guides Miguel and Walter were wonderful. Encouraging, patient, knowledgable and prepared. Our porter team and chef were incredible, absolute machines! We were stunned by the quality, freshness and presentation of the food each day, delicious!
A memorable and thoroughly enjoyable experience. Highly recommended.
A trip of a lifetime with close friends!
This was a long awaited trip with two friends and after a lot of research we decided to go with Alpaca Expeditions. We couldn’t have imagined a better experience in terms of the detailed organization and support throughout the four days. The porters, chefs and guides made this such a seamless and enjoyable trip, from having our tents ready at the end of the day, amazing meals and so much insightful information along the way. Juan Carlos was our guide and he was supported by Walter. Our chef was Sergio and regrettably I’ve forgotten the names of all our amazing porters. They truly made this a memorable once in a lifetime experience!
Sacred Valley Machu Picchu experience
Wonderful experience on this tour! Saul, our tour guide was the best! He kept everything organized and we never had to worry about a thing. He provided us with a very informative tour packed with amazing scenery, views and experiences. I would highly recommend this tour and Alpaca Expeditions, they were extremely accommodating!
Trekking Salkantay to Machu Picchu with Edward an Melinton from Alpaca Expeditions
The 5-day, 4-night Salkantay Trek with Edward and Melinton from Alpaca Expeditions was undoubtedly one of the best decisions we made on our trip to Cusco. We were lucky to have a wonderful group, and the guides made the adventure fun, engaging, informative, and safe for everyone.
The whole experience was very well organized. Transfers were on time, and the meals were generous, delicious, and made with ingredients that tasted fresh. The schedule gave us time to enjoy the trek and rest along the way. The bathrooms were fine, although their condition also depends on how guests treat them. The hotel in Aguas Calientes was beautiful, and breakfast offered plenty of options.
Our day at Machu Picchu was also well coordinated, from departure and the buses to the guided tour in Spanish. I can’t remember our guide’s name, but I do remember that he had a Quechua surname and a Spanish surname. He shared the history of the site without rushing us, offered to take our photos, and accompanied us to the check-in point for the Huayna Picchu hike.
One suggestion for improvement would be to pay closer attention to the cleanliness of the rooms, particularly on the second night. It was a minor issue that doesn’t change my five-star rating.
A special mention goes to the cooks and the entire Alpaca team who looked after us throughout the trek. And a heartfelt thank-you to Edward and Melinton for making my birthday even more special. Thank you to everyone behind this unforgettable experience! Tupananchiskama!