No, there are actually hundreds of trails constructed by the Incas in Peru, Ecuador, and Chile. You can hike on a number of these non-permitted trails for a truly off-the-beaten-path adventure. The Inca Trail for which you need a permit is the only trail that leads directly into Machu Picchu. Travelers have the option of three different routes on the Inca Trail; these three routes all meet up near Inti-Pata, the ‘Sun Gate’ and entrance to Machu Picchu. .
The most popular of these trails is the Classic Inca Trail, a 45 km (28 mile) trek that ends in Machu Picchu. There are actually three different trails that join together to lead into Machu Picchu: the Classic (as listed above), the One-Day, and the Mollepata. Of these, the Classic is the most famous; the Mollepata is the longest and most challenging; and the One-Day is the shortest.
The One-day starts at km 104 and is usually part of a two-day program so travelers have time to visit Machu Picchu. The Mollepata trail joins the Classic Inca Trail on the Day 2 portion of the Classic.
No matter which of these three trails you take, you will need to purchase an Inca Trail Permit (Please refer to the section on Inca Trail Permits for more information).
