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.
Our amazing time in Machu Picchu
Our tour guide was called Luis and he is amazing! He took us lots of photos, have lots of facts and had a great sense of humour. The experience was great because there was extraordinary panoramic views and our guide was very patient, caring and was thoughtful of which spots to go to. The length of the visit was perfect to have a thorough exploration and have lots of fun while the crowd size was bearable and comfortable. This tour is beast for families and photographers and although it was expensive, it is absolutely worth a visit!
Amazing guides at ethical company
We had a wonderful trip on the 7 day Salkantay and Inca Trail with our guides Ivan and Romario. They were professional, knowledgeable, super fun, and helped us with anything we needed. Everyone on the staff from the chefs to the porters were exceptional. The food was outstanding and as a vegan that’s very important to me. I had more than I could eat at every meal. I really appreciate the social programs and focus on employee, community, and ecosystem wellbeing that Alpaca supports - and is why we chose them.
Outstanding time on the Salkantay/Inca Trek
We just did the 7D/6N Salkantay/Inca Trek and it was AMAZING! Our guide Ivan C. was outstanding and extremely knowledgable about the history, plants and animals of the trail. Delicious food, great people, and an overall wonderful experience!
Amazing
The hike was absolutely incredible. The views and history make this the experience of a lifetime. It's a tough hike (day 2 is killer), but well worth it in the end. Everything was perfectly organized from the pickup from our hotel to the drop-off at the end. Our guides (Rolando and Joel) were knowledgeable, helpful, insightful and super accommodating of everyone's needs. The food was amazing; chef Fabian performed miracles. The food was far better than anything you would expect on a hike. The porters also did an amazing job of overtaking us every morning to have lunch and our campsite set up before we even arrived. They made the trail look easy while we struggled along behind them. Alpaca also does a great job of giving back to the community, which makes it feel even better to support them.
In a word - magical
This was absolutely one of the most incredible experiences of my life - memories to last a lifetime. What an amazing way to discover one of the Inca trails to Machu Picchu. Breathtaking scenery and so much biodiversity to see along the way. Our guides Rolando and Joel were deeply knowledgeable and gave everything their own sense of fun. The porters deserve a big shout out - they are athletes, and are integral to making the process as smooth for non-seasoned hikers as possible. Each and every meal was delicious - top restaurant quality magicked together with ingredients all carried up by the porters. I would wholeheartedly recommend Alpaca Expeditions to anyone looking to explore the Inca trail.