Trekking to Machu Picchu is a dream for many travelers—but there’s more than one way to get there. The classic Inca Trail lets trekkers walk in the steps of the Incas, while the more remote Salkantay route offers solitude and wildlife. Compare your options for getting to Peru’s most famous place on foot, from distance and cost to overnight options.
## Embarking on an Andean Adventure: Deciding Between the Inca Trail and the Salkantay Trek in Peru
Deciding to undertake a trekking adventure through the majestic Andes Mountains to reach the famed Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu, is a momentous decision. The experience of hiking through the stunning landscapes, immersed in the history and culture of the region, offers a far more profound sense of accomplishment than simply arriving via a hurried train journey. Among the various trekking options available, two stand out as particularly compelling: the iconic Inca Trail and the challenging Salkantay Trek.
The most popular and historically significant route is along the ancient Inca Trail, originally an integral part of the Royal Road system that connected the vast Inca Empire. This classic trek unveils a tapestry of Inca sites as you traverse through diverse and breathtaking scenery, providing a tangible connection to the past. The Salkantay Trek, conversely, presents a more physically demanding alternative, renowned for its awe-inspiring mountain vistas and opportunities for solitude amidst the rugged terrain. While both treks promise unforgettable experiences, they cater to different preferences and fitness levels. Understanding the unique pros and cons of each will empower you to make an informed decision and select the trek that best aligns with your aspirations and capabilities. Here is a comprehensive comparison to help you navigate the decision-making process and choose the perfect Peruvian trekking adventure.
**A Head-to-Head Comparison: Inca Trail Trek vs. Salkantay Trek**
To facilitate your decision, consider the following comparison, highlighting key aspects of each trek:
| | Inca Trail Trek | Salkantay Trek |
| :—————— | :——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— | :—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————– |
| **Scenery** | A diverse panorama of mountains, enchanting cloud forest, and fascinating Incan ruins, offering a blend of natural beauty and historical significance. | Primarily characterized by breathtaking mountain scenery and abundant wildlife, providing an immersive experience in the heart of the Andes. |
| **Distance** | A moderate 26 miles covered over 4 days, suitable for those with a reasonable level of fitness. | A more challenging 46 miles traversed over 5 days, demanding a higher level of physical endurance. |
| **Difficulty** | Generally considered moderate, with some challenging sections, particularly the ascent to Dead Woman’s Pass. | Strenuous, requiring significant physical fitness and experience in high-altitude trekking. |
| **Highest Altitude** | Reaches a maximum altitude of 13,828 feet, requiring acclimatization to avoid altitude sickness. | Climbs to a significantly higher altitude of 15,000 feet, necessitating careful acclimatization and awareness of altitude-related symptoms. |
| **Availability** | Tourist permits are capped at 200 per day, necessitating booking far in advance, often months ahead, especially during peak season. Offers more customizable options compared to the Salkantay Trek, allowing for tailored itineraries. | No permit restrictions, with an average of 50 hikers per day, offering greater last-minute booking flexibility for group tours compared to the Inca Trail. |
| **Facilities** | Accommodations range from mid-range camping with basic amenities to luxury glamping with enhanced comfort and services. Porters are readily available to carry personal gear, easing the physical burden. | Options vary from rudimentary camping with minimal facilities to luxurious lodges offering a comfortable and immersive experience. Pack mules are utilized to transport gear, providing support for trekkers. |
| **Best For** | Travelers in good hiking shape who appreciate comfortable camps and don’t mind sharing the trail with fellow adventurers. Ideal for those seeking to walk in the footsteps of the Incas and prioritize exploring ancient ruins. | Experienced, fit hikers seeking solitude, breathtaking mountain scenery, and opportunities to observe wildlife while venturing off the beaten path. Appealing to those who value a wider range of overnight options, from basic camping to luxurious lodges. |
## A Closer Look at the Scenery
**Inca Trail**
As you embark on the Inca Trail, you’ll be immediately captivated by the dramatic mountain passes that wind through ethereal cloud forests. This route is not just a hike; it’s a journey through time, punctuated by numerous ancient Inca sites that whisper tales of a bygone era. Prepare to be mesmerized by the architectural wonders of **Llactapata**, **Sayaqmarka**, and **Phuyupatamarca**, each offering unique insights into Inca civilization. The culmination of this scenic and historical tapestry awaits at the terraces of **Winay Wayna**, a breathtaking prelude to the dawn arrival at Machu Picchu through the revered **Sun Gate**, a moment that will forever be etched in your memory.
**Salkantay Trek**
While the Salkantay Trek may feature fewer visible ruins compared to its counterpart, it compensates with an abundance of indelible mountain scenery that will leave you breathless. This trek challenges you to ascend higher and traverse longer distances, looping around the majestic glacial **Mount Salkantay**, towering at an impressive 22,000 feet. Unlike the Inca Trail, with its constant stream of foot traffic, this less crowded route presents a unique opportunity to witness wildlife in its natural habitat. Keep your eyes peeled for glimpses of elusive creatures such as deer, chinchillas, and even the rare spectacled bears. It is important to note that the Salkantay Trek does not lead directly to Machu Picchu. Instead, you’ll arrive at **Aguas Calientes** on the final day of the trek, allowing you to explore Machu Picchu the following day, refreshed and ready to fully appreciate its grandeur.
## Evaluating the Difficulty
Before embarking on either of these challenging treks through the Andes, it’s imperative to assess your physical preparedness. Both the Inca Trail and the Salkantay Trek demand a good level of physical fitness, and given that both reach altitudes exceeding 13,000 feet, spending a few days acclimatizing to the altitude is absolutely crucial to mitigate the risk of altitude sickness and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
**Inca Trail**
The Inca Trail can be characterized as a moderate hike, but it’s essential to acknowledge that a reasonable level of physical fitness is still required. Over the course of four days, you’ll cover approximately 26 miles, typically walking for 6-9 hours each day. The second day presents the most significant challenge, involving a demanding ascent over **Dead Woman’s Pass**, reaching an altitude of 13,828 feet. On the final day, a pre-dawn hike of about two hours will lead you to the iconic Sun Gate, offering a breathtaking entrance to Machu Picchu. For those seeking a less strenuous option, the shortened version of the Inca Trail, spanning two days, provides an opportunity to witness some of the most captivating sites at a more leisurely pace.
**Salkantay Trek**
The Salkantay Trek presents a more strenuous and demanding experience compared to the Inca Trail. It traverses rougher, steeper, and potentially colder terrain, requiring a higher level of physical endurance. Over five days, you’ll cover approximately 46 miles, nearly double the distance of the Inca Trail, and ascend to altitudes of up to 15,000 feet. This option is best suited for experienced trekkers who are in peak physical condition and possess a strong resilience to the challenges of high-altitude trekking.
## Understanding the Costs Involved
While the specific prices for both treks can fluctuate depending on the time of year and the booking agency you choose, it’s generally acknowledged that the **Inca Trail** tends to be more expensive, often costing nearly twice as much as the **Salkantay Trek**. This higher price reflects the superior facilities and services offered on the Inca Trail. Campsites are typically well-maintained and equipped, providing a more comfortable and convenient experience. In contrast, camping on the Salkantay Trek often represents a more budget-conscious option. However, for those who prefer not to camp, the Salkantay Trek offers the possibility of a basic lodge trek or even a more luxurious lodge-to-lodge trek, allowing you to enjoy the comfort of a bed each night while still immersing yourself in the stunning scenery.
## Considering Flexibility and Availability
**Inca Trail**
Due to its immense popularity and the strict limitations on the number of permits issued (200 per day for tourists), the Inca Trail offers less flexibility and availability compared to the Salkantay Trek. To secure your spot on this iconic trail, it’s essential to book several months in advance, ideally in mid-December when permits are released for the following year. Peak periods, such as the summer months, tend to sell out very quickly. It’s also important to note that the Inca Trail is closed during February, the wettest month of the year. While availability can be limited, the Inca Trail does offer some flexibility in terms of the length of the trek. The four-day option is the most popular, but it can be extended to five days to allow for a more relaxed pace and deeper exploration. Alternatively, you can opt for a shorter two-day trek, which focuses on the final sections of the trail and showcases some of the most impressive Inca ruins.
**Salkantay Trek**
The Salkantay Trek offers significantly more flexibility and availability in terms of booking. With no restrictions on the number of trekkers allowed, you can often arrange your trek even at the last minute. However, it’s worth noting that the best operators tend to get booked up during busy periods, so it’s always advisable to plan ahead if possible. The Salkantay Trek is typically undertaken over five days, but it can be shortened to four days if you are in excellent physical condition. Unlike the Inca Trail, there is less flexibility in choosing which sections of the trek to undertake, as the route is generally fixed.
## Examining the Facilities Provided
**Inca Trail**
Most camping tours on the Inca Trail offer a mid-level of comfort. Campsites are typically set up for you and include basic amenities such as toilets and showers. You’ll only need to carry what you need for the day, as porters are employed to carry the bulk of your equipment, up to a maximum of 15 pounds per hiker. For those seeking a more luxurious experience, you can upgrade to more expensive “glamping” tours, which offer more comfortable tents, enhanced bedding, and gourmet food. The luxury version of the shortened two-day Inca Trail, which combines one day of hiking with one day at Machu Picchu, typically includes hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes.
**Salkantay Trek**
The Salkantay Trek offers a wider variety of accommodations, ranging from basic camping to luxurious lodges. The most common basic camping option often provides minimal facilities, with no showers or toilets available. In these cases, you’ll need to wash in streams and groups typically set up their own makeshift tent latrines. Pack mules are used instead of porters to carry equipment. Basic lodges offer toilets, showers, and accommodation in simple wooden cabins, while the upscale lodges provide a more comfortable experience with better facilities and amenities.
## Determining Which Trek is Best for You
**Inca Trail**
The Inca Trail stands as one of the most renowned and sought-after hikes in the world, attracting thousands of trekkers each year. This popularity brings both advantages and disadvantages. On the positive side, choosing the Inca Trail means that you’ll be following the original path that the Incas themselves traversed, allowing you to discover and explore otherwise inaccessible ruins. However, the downside is that the trail can often be crowded, with trekkers navigating the sometimes narrow path in a single-file line.
**Salkantay Trek**
The Salkantay Trek presents a tougher, more basic, and less crowded alternative, offering breathtaking scenery for those who are physically fit and prepared for the challenge. For many, its appeal lies in its more authentic and rugged nature. It’s undeniably quieter than the Inca Trail, affording more opportunities to immerse yourself in the scenery and enjoy moments of solitude away from the crowds. With an average of only about 50 people per day compared to nearly 200 tourists per day on the Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek provides a more intimate and personal experience. While it features fewer readily visible ruins, this can be easily compensated by adding visits to **Ollantaytambo** or **Pisac** in the **Sacred Valley**, enriching your cultural exploration of the region.
B-2089