Inca Trail vs Salkantay Trek. If you've decided to trek to Machu Picchu, it’s completely normal to wonder which route to choose: the Inca Trail or the Salkantay Trek. In this guide, you'll find a clear and detailed comparison of Peru's most popular trekking tours to help you find the one that best suits your interests.
Inca Trail vs Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: A Complete Guide
What is the Inca Trail?
The Inca Trail is an iconic trek often ranked among the best hikes in the world. Its fame comes from the combination of stunning inca sites and natural scenery, making it a highly sought-after hike.
Even so, many blogs claim that the Classic Inca Trail is always overcrowded and fully booked year-round. Actually, that is not entirely true. With some smart planning, you can enjoy this incredible hike with just a few other tourists.
What is the Salkantay Trek?
The Salkantay Trek is the less popular option but the second in demand after the Inca Trail. It offers more wildlife, breathtaking mountains, and cloudscape vistas. This trek is a great alternative to the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
This trek is longer and more challenging than the Inca Trail, but it offers spectacular scenery and a more authentic experience of the Peruvian Andes.
Whichever option you choose, you will have an unforgettable time in the Andes, as both routes offer remarkable landscapes, archaeological sites, and a fascinating history.
Comparison Table: Inca Trail vs Salkantay Trek
Before choosing between the Inca Trail and the Salkantay Trek, it’s important to compare the factors that most influence the overall experience:
| Factor | Inca Trail | Salkantay Trek |
| Hiking Distance | 43 km / 26 mi | 48 km / 30 mi |
| Highest Altitude | 4,215 m (13,829 ft) Dead Woman’s Pass | 4,630 m (15,190 ft) Salkantay Pass |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Challenging |
| Prices | $760 - $850 | $550 - $650 |
| Availability | March to January | Year-round |
| Permits | 250 people per day Advance booking required | No daily limits No permits required |
| Archaeological Sites | Several Inca sites along the route | May include Llactapata depending on the route |
| Landscapes | Inca ruins, mountains, cloud forests | Snow-capped mountains, glacial lakes, cloud forests |
| Accommodation | Outdoor camping | Campsites or lodges |
Which Trek Should You Choose Based on Your Travel Style?
Inca Trail or Salkantay Trek? The best option depends on the type of experience you are looking for, your fitness level, interests, budget, travel dates, and overall expectations for your trip.
| Choose this route if ... | Best Option |
| You want more history and archaeological sites | Inca Trail |
| You want to visit Humantay Lake and cross Salkantay Pass | Salkantay Trek |
| You want to hike the original route to Machu Picchu | Inca Trail |
| You are looking for a longer and more challenging trek | Salkantay Trek |
| You prefer a route with more organization and regulations | Inca Trail |
| You want a trek with a greater variety of landscapes | Salkantay Trek |
| You want to arrive at Machu Picchu through Inti Punku or the Sun Gate | Inca Trail |
If you still have doubts about which trek to choose, below we explore each factor in more detail. This will help you compare both routes more clearly and make the best decision for your next adventure trip to Peru.
Hiking Distance: Inca Trail vs Salkantay Trek
These two hikes vary in length depending on the itinerary and route. You shouldn't be surprised if some websites have a different number of kilometers than others.
How long is the Inca Trail?
The Sacred Valley is the starting point of the Classic Inca Trail, which begins in the small village of Piscacucho, also known as Km 82. You can choose between a 4-day or 5-day itinerary depending on your group size, your pace and available travel time. Both routes will take you along the same path, covering a total distance of 43 kilometers (26 miles).
The 5-Day Inca Trail can also start at Km 88, known as Qoriwayrachina. This alternative version of the traditional Inca Trail explores archaeological sites located along the valley floor.
How long is the Salkantay trek?
The Salkantay Trek begins in the Mollepata District. There are several route options, schedules, and departure spots available. The classic route of the Salkantay Hike starts near the Soraypampa base camp and takes hikers to explore to Humantay Lake, Salkantay Pass, the cloud forest, and finally Machu Picchu. Over 4 days, hikers cover approximately 48 km (30 miles).
On the 5-Day Salkantay Trek, the total hiking distance reaches 60 kilometers or 37 miles.
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Altitude on the Inca Trail vs Salkantay Trek
Altitude sickness is a common concern on a trekking to Machu Picchu, so it’s essential to keep this in mind before choosing your route. We always recommend arriving in Cusco at least two days before your trip to give your body time to acclimate.
It’s also a good idea to drink plenty of water before and during the trek, eat light meals during your first days, and bring Diamox.
Inca Trail Altitude
During the Inca Trail, you'll conquer two important mountain passes.
- Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 m / 13,829 ft), with an ascent that takes around 6 hours and a descent that takes approximately 2 hours.
- Runkurakay Pass, located at 4,000 meters (13,123 ft), which takes about 2 hours to reach from the starting point of the ascent.
The Inca Trail isn't as high as the Salkantay Trek, but you'll still spend a considerable amount of time above 3,000 meters (9,842 feet). This can increase your chances of experiencing altitude-related difficulties, but with proper preparation, you should be able to handle it without any problems!
Salkantay Trek Altitude
The Salkantay trek's highest point is 4,630 m (15,190 ft), almost 200 meters higher than the highest point of the Inca Trail. However, there is only one mountain pass above 3,000 m (9,842 ft).
While the chances of having altitude problems are higher on the Salkantay trek, you will only be hiking at a high altitude for two days. After that, you'll descend into the cloud forest, where the average altitude is 2,600 meters (8,530 feet). From this point, you'll enjoy warm weather for the rest of the trek.
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Inca Trail vs Salkantay Trek Difficulty
Both the Inca Trail and the Salkantay Trek are demanding routes to Machu Picchu, but each one has different challenges. The Inca Trail combines steep climbs, stone stairways, and two mountain passes. The Salkantay Trek, on the other hand, has its biggest altitude challenge at Salkantay Pass, along with long hiking days and a gradual descent into warmer, lower areas such as the cloud forest.
For this reason, the difficulty of the treks to Machu Picchu does not depend only on which route reaches the highest altitude. It also depends on how long you spend at high elevation, the length of each hiking day, your fitness level, and how well you acclimate in Cusco before the trek.
Inca Trail Difficulty
The Inca Trail difficulty is moderate to challenging. It does not require technical mountain experience, but you do need good physical condition, especially because of the long hiking days, steady climbs, and sections with original Inca stone steps.
The climbs toward the mountain passes can feel intense, as they combine altitude, steep terrain, and continuous effort. However, once you reach and cross them, the sense of achievement and the mountain views make the effort truly worthwhile.
Salkantay Trek Difficulty
The Salkantay Trek usually feels more demanding in terms of altitude, especially when crossing Salkantay Pass, which reaches 4,630 m / 15,190 ft. This section can be challenging for travelers who are not well acclimated, as it combines high altitude, cold weather, and physical effort.
However, the time spent at high altitude is shorter than on some other routes. As the days go by, the trail gradually descends into lower elevations with warmer weather. Even so, one constant challenge on the Salkantay Trek is the intensity of its daily hikes, which are often long and demanding. That’s why good endurance, a positive attitude, and proper acclimatization beforehand are key to enjoying this trek to Machu Picchu.
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Hiking through the Andes is a unique experience, so it’s always important to prepare in advance with a training plan for treks to Machu Picchu.
Budget Comparison: Inca Trail vs Salkantay Trek
Inca Trail
On average, group tours on the Inca Trail cost between US$ 760 and US$ 850. The Peruvian government strictly regulates daily access to the Inca Trail, so these tours are often more expensive than any Salkantay Trek tour.
Consider an average increase of $200 for permits and porters. Before you book your Inca Trail trek, keep these additional tips for planning your budget:
- It is important to check whether your trip includes a personal porter, as some companies offer this service only as an extra add-on.
- Hiring a porter during the trek can be expensive and, in many cases, unavailable at the last minute.
- That’s why it’s highly recommended to book with a company that already includes personal porter services.
- Make sure the company offers complete transportation services. A poor experience at the end of the trek can affect your entire trip.
- For example, some companies do not include the bus service from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
Salkantay Trek
The average cost of the Salkantay Trek ranges from US$ 550 to US$ 650. No special permits are required for the Salkantay Trek. However, you will still need entrance tickets to Machu Picchu and train tickets to return to Cusco.
Even though the price is lower than the Inca Trail, there are still several important things to consider before booking your trip:
Avoid booking the lowest-priced trips for this trek. Since this is a multi-day hike at high altitude with potentially harsh weather conditions.
- The lower the price, the larger the groups usually are in order to reduce operating costs. This means underpaid staff, lower-quality food, basic camping gear, and less comfortable accommodations.
- It’s always better to book with a reliable company that offers expert tour guides and appropiate camping equipment suitable for elevations above 3,000 meters.
- Be cautious with tour offers for Salkantay Treks priced under US$ 400, as they often come with hidden fees, which is a very common sales tactic.
- In the end, you may spend more than you would on an all-inclusive tour: Entry fees, emergency horse, duffel bag for personal items, transportation during the trek, extra activities on the route , hotel category, and round-trip bus tickets to Machu Picchu are basic services you should always confirm before booking. Many travelers are disappointed to discover these were not included.
- Choosing a more complete package is usually the best way to enjoy a stress-free experience without dealing with unexpected issues during the trip.
- Last but not least, pay attention to the return train schedule to Cusco and the hotel transfer service.
- Some companies reduce costs because they book the latest and most basic trains, arriving back in Cusco around midnight or even 1 a.m. After four days of trekking in the mountains, this is far from ideal.
- After several long days of hiking, your body will appreciate comfort, rest, and the peace of mind of knowing everything is already organized for your return to Cusco.
TreXperience is one of the few companies that provides all-group tours with exclusive Vistadome Panoramic trains to Ollantaytambo and private vehicles for the final leg to Cusco.
Inca Trail vs Salkantay Trek Availability
While the Inca Trail has a limited number of spots available each day, the Salkantay Trek can be booked at almost any time. This allows the Salkantay path can accommodate more people in a single group than the Inca Trail, even during the high season.
Inca Trail Permits
Inca Trail availability is limited to a maximum of 500 people per day. This number includes porters, guides, chefs, and travelers. On average, only around 200 tourists hike the trail daily, which is significantly higher than those who do the Salkantay Trek..
The Inca Trail also offers top-notch group management, as regulations control the number of guides assigned per group size. This helps ensure high-quality service while protecting the integrity of this ancestral trail, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Because of these regulations, one tour guide can lead a maximum of 8 people at a time, and each tourist group is limited to 16 participants with two guides. If a party exceeds16 people, it will be split into smaller groups.
Some travelers believe the Inca Trail is overcrowded, but this is not always true. It largely depends on departure schedules, campsite locations, and the different trekking paces of each group.
At the same time, it can be a great experience to stop, talk with other hikers, and learn about their reasons for taking on this unforgettable journey through the Andes.
Pro-tip: The Inca Trail isn't open year-round. It closes to hikers in February to allow for maintenance and preservation of the trail. Make sure to plan your trip outside of this month to ensure you don't miss out on the experience.
Salkantay Trek Tickets
Unlike the Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek is not subject to the same strict regulations. This means guides and trekking teams have more flexibility in choosing campsite locations. Most companies decide how many people should be in their groups, or they sell tickets to as many people as possible.
Although there are usually fewer hikers on the Salkantay Trek daily, the number of people in your group or with you on the trail will depend on the itinerary you choose and the company you hire.
It’s important to mention this because some groups can include up to 30 or 40 travelers. While large groups may sound fun, you should also consider differences in fitness levels, hiking pace, and personal travel preferences.
Some days, the Salkantay Trek sees more hikers than the Inca Trail. This is because only about 200 people arrive at Machu Picchu each day through the Inca Trail, out of a total of approximately 4,500 visitors entering Machu Picchu daily.This means there is a chance to see more tourists on the Salkantay Trek.
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History on the Inca Trail and Salkantay Trek
The Inca Trail is the best choice if you want to visit historic places associated with the Inca civilization. This does not mean you will not find history on the Salkantay Trek. In fact, many of the tour guides who lead the Inca Trail also guide the Salkantay Trek.
History on the Inca Trail
Before arriving in Machu Picchu, you will stop at several archaeological sites, including Huillca Raqay, Patallaqta, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Intipata, Wiñaywayna, Intipunku, and others. At each stop, our knowledgeable tour guides will explain their history, function, and importance within the great Inca road system.
If you take the 5-Day Inca Trail from Km 88, you will also visit sites such as Salapunku, K’anabamba, and Machu Q’ente.
History on the Salkantay Trek
The historical experience on the Salkantay Trek is more limited than on the Inca Trail. However, it offers valuable cultural contact with the local communities that live along the route. Coffee and tropical fruit farming families open their homes to share their daily life and offer a complete coffee experience, from harvesting to preparation and tasting.
The Salkantay Trek is more about natural scenery, but you might also get a chance to hike a section of the historic Inca Trail (different from the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu), located in the high jungle region of Cusco.
Llactapata is one of these sites. It is an ancient Inca site located on a mountaintop with views of Machu Picchu. It's usually part of a 5-day Salkantay trek, but depending on the route you choose, it might not be included on your itinerary, so it's a good idea to check your options!
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The scenery on the Inca Trail vs Salkantay Trek
Stunning vistas along the Inca Trail
The Inca Trail provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and cloud forests. But what really sets it apart are the Inca sites along the way that blend into the scenery. Plus, on the last day of the trek, you'll get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate (Inti Punku).
Scenery on the Salkantay Trail
The Salkantay Trek gives you more diverse and fantastic scenery than any other trek: lakes, glaciers, and cloud forests. Without a moment's hesitation, the view from Llactapata to Machu Picchu from a separate mountain is one of the most incredible vistas in the world.
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Weather on the Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail
| Inca Trail | Salkantay Trek | |
| Trek Starting Point | 18°C - 25°C during the day 5°C - 10°C at night | 8°C - 18°C during the day 0°C - 6°C at night |
| Mountain Passes | 5°C - 15°C during the day | 0°C - 12°C during the day |
| High Camps Above 3,500 m | 0°C - 8°C at night | -5°C - 5°C at night |
| Cloud Forest and Lower Areas | 12°C - 22°C during the day 6°C - 12°C at night | 18°C - 26°C during the day 10°C - 16°C at night |
Cusco is located deep in the Andes, so the weather can really keep you on your toes. Whether you’re hitting the Inca Trail or the Salkantay Trek, you’ll find the same unpredictable conditions. We only have two seasons: rainy and dry, but it’s best to come ready for anything. Pack some light clothes and a warm jacket, and don't forget your rain gear!
Rainy Season (September to April)
Rain isn't guaranteed every day during this season; there can still be entire weeks without rain. However, the chances are higher than in the dry season. Daytime and nighttime temperatures also tend to stay more stable during this period.
Dry Season (May to October)
Even though it's the dry season, consider bringing rain gear, as there might be occasional rains. When it is sunny, daytime temperatures could be sweltering, and at night, they can drop below 0°C.
Both treks start in the Andes, where the air is dry and cold, and finish in the cloud forest, where Machu Picchu is located, with warm weather and humidity. Due to the trails' location, the Salkantay Trek will likely get more rain than the Inca Trail.
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Accommodation on the Inca Trail vs Salkantay Trek
Inca Trail
Camping is the only option on the Inca Trail; robust porters must carry everything needed during the trek, such as food, equipment, and tents. You will spend three nights camping along the Inca Trail. Toilets can be found at each campsite and at specific locations during the day, like lunch spots. At TreXperience, we provide portable toilets for all our groups
Campsite elevations on the Inca Trail vary throughout the route. Some of the main campsites include:
| Campsite | Altitude |
| Wayllabamba | 3,000 m / 9,843 ft |
| Ayapata | 3,300 m / 10,826 ft |
| Llulluchapampa | 3,800 m / 12,467 ft |
| Pacaymayo | 3,650 m / 11,975 ft |
| Chaquicocha | 3,600 m / 11,811 ft |
| Phuyupatamarca | 3,680 m / 12,073 ft |
| Wiñay Wayna | 2,600 m / 8,530 ft |
Salkantay Trek
On the Salkantay Trek, you have two choices: pitch a tent or stay lodge-to-lodge. There are plenty of lodges and campsites along the trail, making it easier to find a place to stay compared to the Inca Trail.
The route we take is less crowded, and the campsite we stay at gives us free space to see the stars at night. A typical five-day tour includes three nights of camping and a night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
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Camping with us
We provide good-quality camping equipment on both trails. Even on the most challenging days, when the weather can be extreme, you will still have fun and enjoy your vacation. Always prepare for rain and cold weather, and have sunscreen, water, and a camera.
At TreXperience, all Salkantay Treks to Machu Picchu include a stay at the Salkantay Glamp Luxury Campsite.
Food on the Inca Trail and Salkantay Trek
On all our hiking tours that last three days or more, you'll be accompanied by an expert trekking team dedicated to preparing fresh, delicious meals for you every day. The food is generally the same on each trek, but a few special additions are made depending on the route.
Inca Trail
On the Inca Trail, our trekking chef kicks off with a hearty breakfast on the first morning. Throughout the trek, we serve buffet style, so you’ll have plenty of daily options, from fresh fish on day one to chicken and beef and a range of vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free dishes. We make sure everyone's dietary requirements are met.
Salkantay Trek
On the Salkantay Trek, you’ll enjoy the same varied menu as the Inca Trail, plus a special treat: Pachamanca, a traditional Peruvian hot stone barbecue. This is something we can’t do on the Inca Trail due to fire restrictions.
However, the Salkantay Trek takes us through villages in the cloud forest where we can engage with the locals. Here, you'll not only get to try organic coffee from the nearby farms, actually preparing your own cup from scratch—but also help cook a delicious Pachamanca.
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These are some of the main differences between these great treks. Both offer unforgettable experiences with their own unique highlights. If the Inca Trail is sold out, you can still choose the Salkantay Trek, the Lares Trek, or even the Short Inca Trail. All of them are excellent alternatives.
If you still haven't made up your mind, why not experience both? You can also combine these fantastic routes in a single trip. Take a look at our Salkantay + Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 6 Days tour or the newer Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail 4 Days route.
Frequently Asked Questions: Inca Trail vs Salkantay Trek
Can I do the Inca Trail and Salkantay Trek in the same trip?
Yes, it is possible to combine the Inca Trail and the Salkantay Trek in one trip through the following options:
- Salkantay Trek (4 or 5 days) to Machu Picchu plus the Short Inca Trail: This option is perfect if you want to experience the natural scenery and adventure of the Salkantay Trek and then continue on the Short Inca Trail from Aguas Calientes, entering Machu Picchu through Inti Punku or the Sun Gate.
- Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail Route 6: This is one of the most innovative options, following the northeastern side of the Apu Salkantay through high mountain landscapes before descending into warmer inter-Andean valleys. Along the way, you will also visit archaeological sites connected to the Inca Trail system, including Paucarcancha, Patawasi, Tunas Moqo, and others.
Which trek is easier to book: the Inca Trail or the Salkantay Trek?
Between these two treks to Machu Picchu, the Salkantay Trek is generally easier to book because availability is not as limited or strictly regulated as the Inca Trail. This means you can usually reserve it with less advance notice and with more flexibility regarding travel dates and group size.
However, both treks still depend on the availability and entry date of Machu Picchu tickets, especially during the high season.
Which route requires more packing: the Salkantay Trek or the Inca Trail?
The Inca Trail usually requires a bit more planning when it comes to packing, although both treks cross the Andes before reaching Machu Picchu and require clothing for changing weather conditions.
On both routes, you will experience cold temperatures in the high Andes, strong winds, and possible rain. On the Salkantay Trek, the proximity to the glacier and Salkantay Pass makes thermal layers and warm clothing especially important during the first days. However, as the trail descends into the cloud forest and warmer areas, you can hike with lighter clothing and fewer layers.
On the Inca Trail, you spend more time above 3,000 m, so it is important to maintain good protection against cold weather, rain, and sudden temperature changes for several days. For this reason, while the essential packing list is similar for both treks, the Inca Trail usually requires more attention when choosing layers and hiking accessories.
Which route is better for families and children: the Inca Trail or the Salkantay Trek?
Both routes can be suitable for families traveling with children over the age of 14. However, it is important that younger travelers are well acclimatized, physically prepared, and comfortable walking for several hours each day.
Proper acclimatization, physical preparation, hydration, rest, and maintaining a comfortable hiking pace are essential for both treks.
It is also helpful to teach children basic mountain safety, such as informing the guides if they experience headaches, dizziness, nausea, or unusual fatigue, so the trekking team can assist them quickly if needed.
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