Two ways to reach the same destination: Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. But which route should you choose? Comparing the Inca Trail vs Salkantay can be confusing if you're unfamiliar with the pros and cons of each option.
The main difference between the Inca Trail and the Salkantay Trek lies in the sensations each offers on the journey. Choose the Classic Inca Trail for its archaeological sites, original stone paths, and the iconic arrival on foot through the Sun Gate to Machu Picchu. In contrast, choose the classic Salkantay Trek for its stunning views of Humantay Lake, glaciers, and an abundance of natural scenery.
Let’s explore their differences in more detail. This comparison focuses on the Classic Inca Trail 4 days and the Classic Salkantay Trek 5 days.
Inca Trail vs Salkantay Trek at a glance
| Feature | Classic Inca Trail | Classic Salkantay Trek |
| Duration | 4 days / 3 nights | 5 days / 4 nights |
| Walking distance | 42 km / 26 miles | 68 km / 42.5 miles |
| Highest point | Dead Woman's Pass (4,215 m / 13,829 ft) | Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft) |
| Main physical challenges | Steep stone steps, repeated climbs and long descents | Higher pass, long walking days and changing terrain |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Challenging |
| Prices | Approx.US$ 850 per person | Approx.US$ 720 per person |
| Main attraction | Inca sites and access through the Sun Gate to Machu Picchu | Humantay Lake, glacier views, coffee crops and varied mountain landscapes |
| Entrance tickets | Require Inca Trail permits through an authorized tour operator | No entrance required; Humantay Lake local fees may apply |
| Machu Picchu arrival | On foot via Intipunku, the Sun Gate | Usually from Aguas Calientes by bus or the uphill walking route |
| Accommodation | Tents at designated campsites | Tents at designated campsites; usually a final hotel night in Aguas Calientes |
| February | Annual trail closure | Open year-round, except in the event of a natural disaster |
The Classic Inca Trail 4 Days
The 4-day Classic Inca Trail is the most popular and traditional way to get to Machu Picchu. This original path was used by the Incas more than 500 years ago to access their Inca wonder.
Usually, it begins at Km 82 in the Sacred Valley (Piscacucho). The first day introduces the trail and its archaeological sites. The middle days bring the highest passes, stone stairways, and cloud forest. On the final morning, you approach Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, the original entrance used by the Incas.
You spend the night at campsites, and typically, the tour operator you’ve hired handles the camping logistics, meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), guiding, and permits for the Inca Trail.
Classic Inca Trail at glance
1. Cusco to Ayapata via Km 82 and Patallacta (12 km, 6 hours)
Your operator will pick you up at your hotel and drive you to Km 82, to begin the walk. You’ll pass farmland, small villages, and the Inca site of Patallacta before reaching Ayapata at 3,300 m (10,826 ft). Your tent will be ready when you arrive, giving you time to rest while the team prepares dinner.
2. Ayapata to Chaquicocha via Warmiwañusca (16 km, 10 hours)
Start your morning with coffee or coca tea served at your tent. Today’s route climbs to Warmiwañusca, known as Dead Woman’s Pass, at 4,215 m (13,829 ft). You’ll then cross Runkurakay Pass before heading down to Chaquicocha for the night. Take your time on the climbs and follow your guide’s advice to keep a pace that feels right for you.
3. Chaquicocha to Wiñay Wayna via Phuyupatamarca (10 km, 6 hours)
Walk through cloud forest and enjoy the changing mountain views as you visit Phuyupatamarca, Intipata, and Wiñay Wayna. There’s plenty to see along this stretch, from Inca stonework to the vegetation surrounding the trail. The day ends at your last campsite, close to Machu Picchu.
4. Wiñay Wayna to Machu Picchu, then Cusco (4 km, 2 hours)
An early start takes you to the Sun Gate, where you’ll get your first view of Machu Picchu if the skies are clear. After a guided visit, take the bus to Aguas Calientes and board a train to Ollantaytambo (Sacred Valley). Your driver will meet you there for the journey to your hotel in Cusco, arriving around 7:30 p.m.
The Salkantay Trek 5 Days
The 5 days Salkantay Trek is the less popular option but the second most in demand after the Inca Trail. It offers more wildlife, breathtaking mountains, and cloudscape vistas. However, there are not many archaeological sites along the route.
A standard five-day Salkantay itinerary usually includes Humantay Lake early in the trip, followed by the crossing of Salkantay Pass and a descent toward warmer valleys. Later stages may pass coffee farms and Llactapata before reaching Aguas Calientes, the modern town of the area. Machu Picchu is normally visited on the final day, taking a bus or climbing up to the archaeological park entrance checkpoint.
It is a great alternative to the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Classic Salkantay trek at Glance
1. Cusco to Salka Glamp via Humantay Lake (16 km, 8 hours)
After pickup from your hotel, begin the hike to Humantay Lake. Your tour operator chef prepares lunch before you continue to Salka Glamp in Salkantaypampa. Dinner and a campfire await at camp, beneath Salkantay Mountain.
2. Salka Glamp to Collpapampa via Salkantay Pass (18 km, 9 hours)
Enjoy coffee or coca tea at your tent before climbing to Salkantay Pass at 4,630 m. The descent takes you into cloud forest, with a night in an Andean hut at a locally owned campsite.
3. Collpapampa to Llactapata via Lucmabamba (16 km, 8 hours)
Help prepare Pachamanca, a lunch cooked underground with hot stones. While it cooks, learn how local coffee goes from the plant to your cup. Later, follow an old Inca trail uphill to camp on the Llactapata ridge, facing Machu Picchu.
4. Llactapata to Aguas Calientes via Hidroeléctrica (14 km, 6 hours)
Take in the morning views toward Machu Picchu before walking down to Hidroeléctrica. After a final lunch with your trekking crew, follow the railway beside the Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll spend the night in a hotel.
5. Machu Picchu visit and return to Cusco (4 km, 2 hours)
Explore Machu Picchu with your guide early in the day. Afterwards, board a train to Ollantaytambo. Your tour operator's driver will meet you there for the final transfer to Cusco.
Salkantay trek vs Inca Trail: Difficulty
Salkantay usually involves a higher pass and a longer overall walk. Thus, the Salkantay Trek has its biggest challenge at Salkantay Pass altitude, along with long hiking days and a gradual descent into warmer, lower areas such as the cloud forest. On the other hand, the Inca Trail combines steep climbs, stone stairways, and two mountain passes.
Neither route is an easy walk, and a lower maximum altitude does not automatically make a trek suitable for you. 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.
Salkantay Trek Difficulty
The Salkantay Trek usually feels more demanding in terms of altitude, especially when crossing Salkantay Pass. This section can be challenging for travelers who are not well acclimated, as it combines high altitude, cold weather, and physical effort.
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. 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.
- Distance: The Salkantay Trek starts near the Soraypampa base camp (Mollepata district) and takes hikers to explore Humantay Lake, Salkantay Pass, the cloud forest, and finally Machu Picchu. The total hiking distance reaches 68 km or 42.5 miles.
- Altitude: The Salkantay trek's highest point is 4,630 m (15,190 ft), almost 400 meters higher than the highest point of the Inca Trail. However, there is only one mountain pass above 3,000 m (9,842 ft).
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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 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). 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.
- Distance: 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. The route covers a total distance of 42 kilometers (26 miles).
- Altitude: 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. And the Runkurakay Pass, located at 4,000 meters (13,123 ft), which takes about 2 hours to reach from the starting point of the ascent.
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.
How you arrive at Machu Picchu
The Sun Gate and the entrance from Aguas Calientes
The way one reaches Machu Picchu could determine the winner of the Inca Trail vs Salkantay. On the Classic Inca Trail, you walk toward Machu Picchu through Intipunku, the Sun Gate, the original entrance door to the citadel. This approach is one of the main reasons to choose the route. The view depends on the weather, and reaching the Sun Gate does not guarantee a clear sunrise or an empty archaeological site.
The standard Salkantay Trek usually ends its walking stages in Aguas Calientes town. After a hotel night, you will reach the main entrance to Machu Picchu by bus or on foot the next day. You still visit Machu Picchu, but the approach feels different: the mountain trek and the archaeological visit are separate parts of the final experience.
Tickets, circuits and your final day
While the Inca Trail requires a special permit to hike it, the Salkantay trek is a free route without any tickets or entrance. However, both routes need a Machu Picchu entrance ticket in order to visit the citadel in the last days.
Take note:
The Inca Trail is a regulated path by the Peruvian government, and you can't hike it on your own. You have to hire an authorized travel agency. Instead, the Salkantay trek is free, and you can walk it on your own. However, if you are a beginner hiker and lack physical fitness, we recommend hiring a tour operator for this route.
Inca Trail Permits
The Inca Trail permits availability is limited to a maximum of 500 spots per day. This number includes porters, guides, chefs of tour operators, and travelers. As you can see, about half of the spots are actually allocated to visitors. For this reason, we recommend booking these permits well in advance, around 6 months ahead of time. This permit already includes an entrance to Machu Picchu via Circuit 3B.
Salkantay Trek Tickets
Unlike the Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek doesn't require an entrance fee. However, the visit to Humantay Lake on the first day of the trek requires a small tax charged by the Mollepata municipality (around US$ 6 per person). In addition, you will need to purchase a Machu Picchu entrance ticket for the final day.
Although the route itself does not require a specific entry ticket, purchasing a ticket for Machu Picchu for your final day will impose a booking limit. Tickets for Machu Picchu also sell out quickly, as there is a daily capacity limit of 5,600 visitors (from June 19 to November 2, January 1st, from April 2 to 5, and from December 30 to 31) and 4,500 visitors per day for the rest of the year. You can purchase these tickets directly through the official platform, tuboleto.com, up to three months in advance.
Costs and What to check before booking
In any comparison of Salkantay vs Inca Trail, the cost and budget can be a major deciding factor.
Inca Trail
On average, group tours on the Inca Trail cost around US$ 850. The Peruvian government regulates the Inca Trail, so these tours are often more expensive than any Salkantay Trek tour.
This is because the Inca Trail is accessed through authorized travel agencies, which offer it as part of comprehensive tour packages that include tents, camping equipment, porters to carry your belongings, tour guides, and the necessary Inca Trail permits.
Consider booking your Inca Trail package in advance, about 6 months ahead of time. Additionally, your tour operator can ask for a deposit equal to one-quarter approx. of the total cost, which will be used to purchase the most essential items.
Salkantay Trek
The average cost of the Salkantay Trek is around US$ 720. No special permits are required for the Salkantay Trek. However, you will still need entrance tickets to Machu Picchu.
Although the trek can be done independently, if you are a beginner hiker or are not in good physical condition, we recommend hiring a reliable tour operator.
As with the Inca Trail, the agency will require a deposit and will take care of all the logistics, including tents, pack animals, guides, and your entrance ticket to Machu Picchu. We recommend booking at least 3 months in advance.
TreXperience is one of the few companies that provides tours with exclusive Vistadome Panoramic trains to Ollantaytambo and private vehicles for the final leg to Cusco.
Inca Trail vs Salkantay booking
Compare the total cost of the services you need:
- Inca Trail permits or local entrance fees, where applicable.
- Machu Picchu ticket, circuit, and entry time.
- Accommodation for every night and any single-tent supplement.
- Meals, drinking water, and the meals excluded on the final day.
- Personal luggage allowance, sleeping bag and trekking pole rental.
- Bus tickets, return train or road transport, and transfer to Cusco.
- Optional activities, mountain tickets, tips and travel insurance.
Ask for these details in writing. Also read the cancellation, date-change, and disruption policies before paying a deposit. Price alone cannot tell you how well a company treats its team or how carefully it runs a trek.
Scenery, Inca sites and crowds
Inca sites 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. Wiñay Wayna and Phuyupatamarca are among its highlights. Plus, on the last day of the trek, you'll get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). Choose it if the history and culture matter as much to you as reaching Machu Picchu.
Stunning vistas on the Salkantay Trail
Salkantay places more emphasis on mountain landscapes: Humantay Lake, the slopes below Salkantay Mountain, and the change from high, cold terrain to warmer valleys. Some itineraries include Llactapata and coffee-growing communities. 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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Neither trek guarantees solitude. Humantay Lake also receives day visitors, while Inca Trail groups can meet at checkpoints, campsites, and popular viewpoints. Your experience depends on the season, departure times, itinerary, and pace. Ask about your operator’s maximum group size separately from the number of people on the trail.
Best time to hike the Inca Trail and Salkantay trek
| 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 (November 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.
Accommodation and luggage
Inca Trail
Camping is the only accommodation option on the Inca Trail; the travel agency's porters will carry everything needed from campsite to campsite, such as food, equipment, tents, and your duffel bag.
Your 7 kg duffel bag will contain all your overnight items, such as a sleeping bag, pajamas, and toiletries, while you will carry only a small daypack containing essentials for the hike, including items like trekking poles, sunscreen, a hat, and a windbreaker.
You will spend three nights camping along the Inca Trail. Basic toilets can be found in some campsites 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, the accommodation varies more: a tour may use tents, glamping, or domes, followed by a hotel in Aguas Calientes on the last night. There are plenty of domes and campsites along the trail, making it easier to find a place to stay compared to the Inca Trail.
The route TreXperience takes is less crowded, and the campsite they 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.
There are no luggage restrictions, but many agencies apply the same rules as those for the Inca Trail: 7 kilograms of luggage in a duffel bag, which will be transported by pack-animal handlers from campsite to campsite, plus a small daypack that you will carry yourself.
| Campsite | Altitude |
| Soraypampa | 3,900 m / 12,795 ft |
| Salka Glamp Camp | 3,900 m / 12,795 ft |
| Collpapampa | 2,770 m / 9,087 ft |
| Llactapata | 2,750 m / 9,022 ft |
| Aguas Calientes | 2,040 m / 6,693 ft |
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In case you missed it:
TreXperience offers exclusive tents with comfortable space on the first night of the Salkantay Trek 5 days, the Salka Glamp.
Which trek fits your travel plans?
inca trail vs salkantay trail? 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're more interested in history and archaeological sites | Inca Trail |
You want to follow the original route the Incas used to reach Machu Picchu | |
You prefer a more organized route with stricter regulations | |
You want to reach Machu Picchu through its original entrance, Inti Punku, also known as the Sun Gate | |
You're more interested in nature, wildlife, and places with fewer people | Salkantay Trek |
You want to visit Humantay Lake and hike over Salkantay Pass | |
You want a longer, more challenging hike | |
You want to see a wider variety of landscapes |
Salkantay trek vs Inca Trail: Why not Combine Both Routes?
The 5-day Salkantay and Short Inca Trail tour combines selected sections of both routes in one trip. You visit Humantay Lake, cross the Frozen Inca Pass at 5,100 m, and descend through Pampacahuana. The route then follows part of the Classic Inca Trail to Km 82. After a night in Ollantaytambo, you take the train to Km 104 to begin the Short Inca Trail.
Choose this option if you want Salkantay’s mountain scenery alongside Inca sites and the experience of walking into Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. You visit Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna on day four, then return to Machu Picchu for a guided tour on day five. The combination brings these experiences together within five days, though the high mountain pass makes good fitness and time to acclimatize especially important.
FAQs: 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 km 104, 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 route is better for families and children: the Salkantay or Inca Trail?
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.
Is there Wi-Fi or phone signal on the Inca Trail or Salkantay trek?
Don’t count on a steady connection on either route. The Inca Trail has little or no signal and no reliable campsite Wi-Fi. Some Salkantay camps offer paid Wi-Fi or limited charging. Bring a power bank and download anything you need before leaving Cusco.
Are there showers on the Inca Trail and Salkantay Trek?
Showers on the Inca Trail are limited and generally cold. On Salkantay, some camps offer showers, sometimes for an extra fee. With a typical five-day itinerary, you can also shower at your Aguas Calientes hotel before visiting Machu Picchu.
Where can I leave my suitcase during the trek?
Most hotels in Cusco offer luggage storage, and TreXperience provides free storage for its travelers. Leave behind anything you won’t need on the trail, and confirm drop-off and collection times before setting off. Keep your passport and valuables with you.
Can I get vegetarian or vegan meals on either trek?
Yes. TreXperience can prepare vegetarian and vegan meals on both routes. Mention your needs when booking so the chefs can plan the menu. If you have food allergies, discuss them with the team before confirming your trip.
Can I fly out of Cusco on the day my trek ends?
Plan to spend that night in Cusco and fly the following day. Train and road delays can push back your return. An afternoon flight gives you time to rest and avoids a rushed departure after several days of hiking.
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