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.
Joyce and Darwin made my 2-day Inca Trail unforgettable
I did the 2-day Inca Trail solo with Alpaca Expeditions, and my guide Joyce was a huge part of what made it such an incredible experience. He was super kind from the moment we met, and his knowledge of Inca history, the ruins, and the landscape brought every part of the trail to life. I learned so much more than I ever could have on my own. Joyce was also wonderfully encouraging. Whenever the climb got tough, he was there with a positive word to keep me going, and his great sense of humor had me laughing the whole way. Traveling solo, I really appreciated that he always put my safety first, checking in on me and making sure I felt confident and cared for the entire time. A big thank you as well to my porter, Darwin, who worked so hard behind the scenes. His help and support made the trek so much easier and let me fully enjoy every moment on the trail. If you're booking with Alpaca Expeditions, I can't recommend Joyce and Darwin enough. Thank you both for making my journey to Machu Picchu so special!
Memorable trip with Javier, Ever and Alpaca
We had very memorable and pleasant trip, big kudos/thanks to our guides Javier and Ever. They took time to explain all the history, philosophy and ways of Inca. One of us needed help with the hike, they very patiently helped, motivated, carried luggage and went extra miles. They helped us with each steps including small details like train stations pick and drop, restaurants etc. Great experience and we strongly recommend Alpaca
Incredible Experience!!
This was truly one of the most incredible experiences my husband and I could have imagined! The tour was not only so well organized, but our guides provided us with such valuable local knowledge and history! Of course the trail, views and Machu Picchu were beautiful, but having such an amazing crew and group to share the experience with really was the icing on the cake. Thank you so much to Flecher, Yadira, Sergio, all of our porters and additional crew- we could not have asked for a better experience💚
Recommend checking out Alpaca!
Edward & Melinton were excellent guides and made the trip super smooth and enjoyable! Definitely recommend for anyone going to Peru for the first time and wanting to streamline any permitting. Meals were great, views were amazing, people were awesome.
Absolut Top!!!!
Die Tour hat uns sehr gut gefallen. Der Hiking Teil ist machbar aber anstrengend. Jeder konnte seine Pace laufen. Top organisiert. Besonders zu erwähnen ist unser Tour Guide Victor. Total freundlich und hilfsbereit und mit extrem umfangreichen Wissen ausgestattet. Danke Victor. Absolut empfehlenswert.