Trekking to Machu Picchu is undoubtedly an unforgettable experience, but did you know there’s more than one trail that leads there?
Most popular among adventure seekers are the classic Inca Trail and the more remote, but just as spectacular, Salkantay route.
Each trail has its own charms, and choosing which one to embark on can be difficult. To help you pick, here’s a quick overview of what each of these beautiful treks has on offer.
Below, you’ll also find a more detailed look at the differences between the two trails.
| Salkantay Trek | Inca Trail Trek | |
| Length | 37 miles | 26 miles |
| Altitude | 15,000 feet | 13,828 feet |
| Difficulty | Strenuous | Moderate |
| Availability | Recommended to book in advance. On average, 50 tourists per day. | Must book in advance since there is a cap of 200 tourists per day. |
| Pricing | More affordable | More expensive |
| Best for | Experienced hikers who are looking for mountain scenery and a variety of wildlife. | Adventurers in good shape who are okay with walking with big crowds of people. People who want to see the ancient ruins and explore the paths of the Incas. |
The classic 5-day Salkantay Trek tour starts with a visit to Humantay Lake. Then, it takes you on an adventure through the Salkantay Pass and the Peruvian jungle. On day 4, you arrive at Aguas Calientes for a good night’s sleep before heading to Machu Picchu.
The total length of the 5-day Salkantay Trek is 37 miles (59km).
Get ready for many spectacular mountain landscapes on both hikes!
The classic Inca Trail starts in the Sacred Valley. You can choose between a 2-day or 4-day tour, depending on your preferences and how much time you’d like to spend hiking.
The 4-day Inca Trail tour leads you through the ancient paths of the Incas, showing you breathtaking ruins and stunning nature. The length of the classic trail is 26 miles (42km).
The 2-day Inca Trail tour takes you through several important archaeological sites and gives you a tour of Machu Picchu. This tour is ideal for travelers who are short on time or don’t have too much hiking experience.
Note: As both treks reach an altitude of over 13,000ft in places, spending at least two days acclimatizing in Cusco is strongly recommended.
The highest point of the Salkantay trek is the Salkantay Pass at 15,255 ft (4,650 m). That said, you’ll be hiking at high altitudes (9,840 ft/3,000 m) for only a couple of days.
Mount Salkantay is one of the highest and most spectacular mountains in the Cusco region.
The Inca Trail has a lower altitude, but you’ll spend a bigger part of the hike above 9,840 ft/3,000 m.
The highest altitude along the way is the Dead Woman’s Pass (13,829 ft/4,215 m).
The trek via the Salkantay route is strenuous, going through steeper and rougher terrains. Each day, you’ll hike for about 6 to 10 hours.
Because of its diverse climate and walking conditions, you’ll need to carefully prepare your Salkantay Trek packing list. The trek takes 5 days, so remember to pack light and smart.
Travelers hiking the Salkantay pass, the hardest part of the second day.
The Inca Trail is considered a moderate hike, and you’ll likely walk around 6 to 7 hours most days. The shortened, 2-day version of the trek is easier and it allows you to see key sights at a more relaxed pace.
The weather on the Trail can be unpredictable, so preparing a packing list for the Inca Trail including all the essentials is a must-have.
The Salkantay trek comes with plenty of varied and beautiful sceneries – turquoise lakes, glaciers, and snow-capped mountain peaks. You will also visit the Amazon jungle and witness rivers, waterfalls, and coffee plantations along the way.
The Inca Trail is nothing short of impressive. It offers travelers centuries-old Inca ruins and sites, mountain views, and cloud forests. On your last day, you get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.
The Inca Trail will impress you with many stunning ruins that you’ll see on the way.
The Salkantay Trek does not have a strict limit on the number of tourists allowed, offering a wider availability. However, it’s still sensible to arrange and book your trek on time as the best operators get booked fast.
The Inca Trail has a limit on the number of hikers allowed (200 a day), so you must book well in advance.
The peak tourist period runs between June and September, and the Inca Trail permits sell out quickly. May and October are the best time to do the Inca Trail as the landscapes are still green, but the trail is less crowded.
The Salkantay Trek is often less crowded, and that’s a big factor when it comes to facilities.
The trek is ideal for those looking for solitude and an authentic hiking experience, but it’s good to remember that there are no showers or bathrooms set up along the way.
On the first night of the Salkantay trek, you’ll sleep under the stars in the sky domes.
The Inca Trail is the most popular route to Machu Picchu and, as such, it’s equipped to meet basic travelers’ needs.
During your Inca Trail hike, campsites are set up for you. In addition, basic bathrooms and showers can be found along the route and many of them are well-maintained.
The Salkantay trek doesn’t require special permits and, although you need to pay a fee to enter Salkantay, the costs will be lower than those of the Inca Trail.
The average cost of hiking the Salkantay Trek is between $500 and $600.
One of the important factors to keep in mind here is that the Inca Trail is strictly controlled. Because there is limited availability per day and you need to have a permit, Inca Trail tours are more expensive.
Depending on the duration of the hike, the average cost of the Inca Trail tours ranges between $500 and $800.
One more control at the checkpoint we’re ready to go!
The Peruvian Andes region and its captivating treks to Machu Picchu are a must-visit for any nature lover. When choosing a trek, there are several key things to consider.
Here’s how to figure out which trail is right for you.
Although costs should not be the only factor when deciding on a trekking tour, it’s still something to keep in mind.
As mentioned above, each route has different costs, so evaluate that based on your budget and plan accordingly.
One of the main factors when choosing a trail will ultimately come down to your interests and what you want to get out of your hike (e.g experiencing the jungle or exploring ancient ruins).
Be sure to take your fitness level into account, as well. The longer and steeper the hike, the more difficult it’s going to be. Here’s a quick breakdown:
One thing both hikes have in common is the ultimate highlight they include: Machu Picchu.
To avoid any surprises along the way, be sure to do your research beforehand and find out more about other travelers’ experiences, as well as carefully weigh in the pros and cons of each route.
Before you book, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We’re happy to help you out wherever we can.
Once you’ve decided which route to take, it’s time to get excited about your Machu Picchu adventure.
Ready for the next step? Check out our ultimate Machu Picchu travel guide and find everything you need to know when visiting the lost city of the Incas.
The Inca Trail follows original Inca paths and enters Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, which gives hikers the classic first view of the ruins on foot. It includes several Inca archaeological sites along the way. The Salkantay Trek follows a different route that circles the Salkantay mountain, crosses a high pass, and then descends through cloud forest before reaching Aguas Calientes. From there, travelers visit Machu Picchu using the bus and park entrance, instead of walking in through the Sun Gate.
Most travelers find the Salkantay Trek physically harder, because it reaches higher altitudes and covers longer distances per day. The high Salkantay Pass is often the most demanding section, especially for hikers who are not acclimatized. The Inca Trail is still challenging, with long uphill climbs and many stone steps, but it usually stays at slightly lower elevations and is shorter in total distance. Good acclimatization in Cusco and basic fitness are important for both routes.
The Inca Trail requires a government-controlled permit, and the number of permits per day is limited. These permits include trekkers and guides, so they often sell out months before the trip, especially in high season. The Salkantay Trek does not have the same strict permit system, so there is usually more flexibility to book closer to your travel dates. However, you still need a ticket and timed entry for Machu Picchu at the end of either trek.
The Salkantay Trek usually has fewer people on the trail compared to the Inca Trail, especially outside the most popular months. The Inca Trail is one of the most famous hikes in the world, so it tends to feel busier and more organized, with fixed campsites and controlled groups. Salkantay offers a more open mountain feel, with fewer groups on some sections and more variety in camp or lodge setups, depending on the operator.
If you prioritize Inca ruins and history, the Inca Trail is the stronger choice. You visit several archaeological sites on the way and finish by walking directly into Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. If you care more about dramatic mountain views, glaciers, and changing ecosystems in a single route, the Salkantay Trek is often the better fit. It combines high Andean passes, views of Salkantay mountain, and lush valleys before reaching Machu Picchu.
Chris Favre27 October, 2022 at 10:56 am
I love the comparison of the treks and it is very helpful to get more insights about Salkantay or Inca Trail. But which hike offers more diversity?
Konsti from Exploor Peru4 November, 2022 at 12:58 am
Hello Chris,
thanks a lot for your comment. If you are looking for a trek with more diversity than is our 5-Day Salkantay Trek the perfect choice. You’ll enjoy the perfect combination of: mountains, jungle, nature, ruins and so much more. Feel free to reach out to me if you have any other questions.
Best,
Konsti