The Inca Trail and Salkantay Trek are the two most famous
treks to Machu Picchu. Both are incredible experiences but
very different. This complete guide will help you decide
which trek is best for you.
🏔️ QUICK COMPARISON
Inca Trail
✔ Most famous trek in the world
✔ Historic Inca road to Machu Picchu
✔ Limited permits — 500 people per day
✔ 43km — 4 days
✔ Maximum altitude: 4,215m
✔ Price: from $620
Salkantay Trek
✔ Most spectacular alternative route
✔ Pass beneath Salkantay glacier (6,271m)
✔ No permit required
✔ 74km — 5 days
✔ Maximum altitude: 4,650m
✔ Price: from $450
🥾 DIFFICULTY
Inca Trail
Moderate to challenging.
Day 2 with Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215m) is hardest.
Well maintained stone path throughout.
Salkantay Trek
Moderate to challenging.
Day 2 with Salkantay Pass (4,650m) is hardest.
More varied terrain than Inca Trail.
Both treks require good fitness and acclimatization
in Cusco for at least 3 days before starting.
🏛️ SCENERY & HIGHLIGHTS
Inca Trail Highlights
✔ Sun Gate (Inti Punku) — sunrise over Machu Picchu
✔ Dead Woman’s Pass — 4,215m
✔ Wiñay Wayna ruins
✔ Sayaqmarka ruins
✔ Cloud forest ecosystems
✔ Arrive at Machu Picchu through Sun Gate
Salkantay Trek Highlights
✔ Salkantay glacier panoramic views
✔ Salkantay Pass — 4,650m
✔ Diverse ecosystems — Andes to cloud forest
✔ Humantay Lake optional visit
✔ Santa Teresa hot springs
✔ Arrive at Machu Picchu by train
🎫 PERMITS & BOOKING
Inca Trail
⚠️ Permit required — only 500 people per day
⚠️ Book 3-4 months in advance
⚠️ Sells out very fast in peak season
⚠️ February closed for maintenance
Salkantay Trek
✔ No permit required
✔ Can book last minute
✔ Available all year round
✔ More flexible
💰 PRICE COMPARISON
Inca Trail — from $620 per person
Includes: permit, guide, camping, all meals, train
Salkantay Trek — from $450 per person
Includes: guide, camping, all meals, train
Both prices are for group tours with TripCusco.
Private tours available at higher price.
🌤️ BEST TIME
Both Treks
Best: May to October (dry season)
Avoid: November to April (wet season)
Closed: February (Inca Trail only)
The dry season gives clear skies and best views.
The wet season has fewer tourists but muddy trails.
👨👩👧 WHO SHOULD CHOOSE EACH TREK?
Choose Inca Trail if:
✔ You want the most famous trek in the world
✔ You want to arrive through the Sun Gate
✔ You are flexible with booking dates
✔ Budget is not a concern
✔ You book well in advance
Choose Salkantay Trek if:
✔ You want more dramatic mountain scenery
✔ You want more flexibility
✔ You are on a tighter budget
✔ You book last minute
✔ You want fewer crowds
❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Which trek is harder — Inca Trail or Salkantay?
Both are similar difficulty. Salkantay is slightly harder
due to higher altitude at the pass (4,650m vs 4,215m).
Which trek has better scenery?
Both are spectacular. Inca Trail has more Inca ruins.
Salkantay has more dramatic mountain and glacier views.
Can I do both treks?
Yes — some travelers do Salkantay first then Inca Trail.
Allow at least 2 weeks for both treks.
How far in advance should I book the Inca Trail?
Book at least 3-4 months in advance.
June, July and August permits sell out very quickly.
Is the Salkantay Trek worth it?
Absolutely — the Salkantay Trek is one of the most
spectacular treks in South America and a great
alternative to the Inca Trail.
Do I need a guide for both treks?
Yes — a licensed guide is mandatory for the Inca Trail.
For Salkantay a guide is highly recommended for safety.
🎒 BOOK YOUR TREK WITH TRIPCUSCO
TripCusco is your local expert trekking agency in Cusco
since 2018. We offer both Inca Trail and Salkantay Trek
with experienced certified bilingual guides.
📞 WhatsApp: +51 973 309 975
🌐 www.tripcusco.com