The Salkantay Trail
An adventurous alternative to the Inca Trail is this four-day route from Mollepata in Cusco to Machu Picchu, following an established but more remote footpath through lush tropical jungle and snow-capped mountains, and hiking around the glacier capped Mount Salkantay, which is still worshipped by the indigenous people. Along the way, trekkers can stop by the Incan site of Llactapata. If you'd rather spend each night in a lodge, instead of camping out, take the lodge-to-lodge route around Salkantay.
The Lares Trail
Sometimes known as the Quechua trek, this four-day route runs through the Lares Valley in southern Cusco, passing through mountainous landscape, past waterfalls and to remote Andean communities of weavers and farmers, with their herds of alpacas and llamas. The route winds up at the village of Aguas Calientes to end at Machu Picchu.
The One-Day Inca Trail
For a taste of the famous trail without the challenge of a four-day hike, set off on this one-day route, incorporating a visit to the Incan ruins of Winay Wayna and the opportunity to see Machu Picchu from Inti Punku, more commonly known as The Sun Gate.