The Best Hike to Machu Picchu: Inca Trail v. Salkantay Trek

Machu Picchu is the adventure of a lifetime. If you’re planning on hiking to the destination (which we HIGHLY recommend), you’ll soon find yourself deciding between the Salkantay and Inca Trails. While the Inca Trail is the more well-known option, we found that the Salkantay Trail offered a unique and unforgettable experience. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at why we loved the Salkantay Trail, why we recommend it over the Inca Trail, and in what situations one trail “wins” over the other.

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

The Trek

The Salkantay Trek is a 4- to 5-day hike, covering a distance of around 74 kilometers (46 miles). It starts in the small town of Mollepata, about a 3-hour drive from Cusco. From there, the trail winds through stunning mountain landscapes, with snow-capped peaks, high-altitude lakes, and lush tropical forests. The picture above is actually day 4 of the Salkantay Trek, overlooking Machu Picchu in the distance (to the upper left of Sylvia’s head).

If you’re interested in taking the same trek as us, here is the (un sponsored) company’s website.

Highlights

One of the highlights of the Salkantay Trek is crossing the Salkantay Pass, which sits at an elevation of 4,600 meters (15,000 feet). This is a challenging part of the hike, but the views from the top are truly breathtaking. From there, the trail descends into the cloud forest, passing through remote villages and ancient Inca ruins, before reaching the town of Aguas Calientes at the base of Machu Picchu.

Cost

The cost of the Salkantay Trek varies depending on the tour operator and the level of service you choose. On average, a 4- to 5-day trek costs between $400 and $700 per person. This typically includes transportation from Cusco to the trailhead, meals, camping equipment, and entrance to Machu Picchu. Some operators offer more luxurious options, such as lodges or hot springs along the way, at a higher cost.

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Trail Overview

The Inca Trail is one of the most famous trekking routes in the world, and for good reason. This four-day, three-night trek takes hikers along a 43-kilometer (26.7-mile) trail that winds through the Andes Mountains and the cloud forests of Peru. The trail leads hikers to the ultimate destination: the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

The trek begins in the Sacred Valley, just outside of Cusco, and gradually ascends to over 4,200 meters (13,800 feet) at the highest point, Warmiwañusca, or “Dead Woman’s Pass.” This elevation gain can be challenging for some hikers, especially those who have not acclimatized to the altitude. However, the trek is manageable for most hikers who are in decent physical condition.

Highlights

The Inca Trail is a true testament to the ingenuity and engineering prowess of the Incas. The trail was built over 500 years ago and still stands today, consisting of impressive stone steps, tunnels, and terraces that hug the mountainside. Along the way, hikers will see various Inca ruins and settlements, including Wiñay Wayna, Sayacmarca, and Phuyupatamarca.

The Inca Trail also provides hikers with a unique glimpse into the rich history and culture of the Inca civilization. Walking in the footsteps of the ancient Incas and experiencing their magnificent architecture is an unforgettable experience.

Cost

In terms of cost, the Inca Trail is generally more expensive than other trekking options in the region, with prices ranging from $500-$1,500 per person, depending on the tour company and level of comfort desired. This cost includes all necessary permits, entrance fees, transportation, meals, and camping gear.

Salkantay Trek Over Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

If you’re considering taking the Salktantay Trek to Machu Picchu, here are some of the top reasons to consider the Trek, and potentially choose it over the Inca Trail. There are many reasons to choose one over the other, but these are the top reasons based on our experience.

The Salkantay Trek Offers a More Secluded Experience

The Inca Trail is a popular destination, with limited entries and early sell-outs. The Salkantay Trail, however, is less well-known and less crowded, making it a more peaceful and personal experience. During our four-day hike, we rarely ran into other tour groups, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the stunning natural scenery.

Salkantay Trek Doesn’t Have Capacity Constraints

The Inca Trail is sacred and therefore monitored. Only 250 people are allowed to hike it per day. Salkantay, on the other hand, does not have this limit. Adding to the theme from above, since the Inca Trail is so popular, you have to book the trek farther in advance to secure one of the 250 spots. Because Salkantay is less travelled, for last-minute planners, you’ll have a better chance of getting into the Salkantay Trek. Capacity for this one is based off camping or tour guide availability.

The Views on the Salkantay Trek are Breathtaking

The Salkantay Trek takes a different route than the Inca Trail, offering unique and stunning viewpoints along the way.

Here are some examples:

• The breathtaking views of the Salkantay mountain range
• The turquoise waters of Humantay Lake (pictured above)
• The lush greenery of the cloud forest
• The snow-capped peaks of the Andes in the distance
• Views of Machu Picchu from a distance

The Salkantay Trail Offers a Unique Camping Experience

If you’re planning on hiking to Machu Picchu, you should know it’s not a glamping experience. On the Salkantay Trek, however, we found camping sites that were a step up from the normal tent. Our first night we lodged in these blue globes (pictured above) where you could gaze up at the starry sky. We also had huts and jungle domes for the other two nights. This was by far the coolest camping experience we’ve ever had.

The Inca Trail, as far as we could see/find out, didn’t have an equivalent camping experience. The options were tents or “slightly nicer” tents. But leave a comment if you’ve found cooler camping on the Inca!

Rest Up in a Hotel Before the Big Day at Machu Picchu

The Salkantay Trek actually takes you to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. On the other hand, the Inca Trail takes you through the Sun Gate, as the Incas would enter Machu Picchu. If you’re taking the Salkantay Trek, this means you have one night in Augas Calientes, with a real bed and a real shower. This was perfect for us, as got to to rest up and clean up for the big finale.

Salkantay Trekkers Get First Entry to Machu Picchu!

Hikers who take the Inca Trail have to hike into the park on the morning of their entry, which means they typically arrive later in the morning. Salkantay trekkers, on the other hand, get first entry to Machu Picchu, allowing you to explore the ruins in peace and quiet.

This was actually one of our favorite perks of hiking Salkantay, as we were #10 and #11 inline to actually enter Machu Picchu. Granted, we did race to the top. If you want to beat the buses, you have to wake up at something like 2 in the morning to start the hike up these giant stairs. We were in such a race to get there, we don’t have any pictures to share from the experience! Just know it was worth it! Check out the picture above for proof.

The Salkantay Trail Offers a Mix of Inca Ruins and Natural Wonders

While everyone knows the Inca Trail for its Inca Ruins, the Salkantay Trail has its own unique set of ruins, including the Llactapata ruins. And while you may miss out on some of the Inca ruins on the Inca Trail, you get to experience the natural wonders of the Salkantay Trail.

The coolest part of the Llactapata ruins is the views – distance views of Machu Picchu itself. You definitely don’t get that on the Inca Trail. This was probably the only reason we would’ve considered regretting choosing Salkantay over the Inca Trail. But, turns out we still got a mix of ruins plus all the perks of the views from Salkantay.

Inca Trail Over Salkantay Trek

While we highly recommend the Salkantay Trail for its unique experience, there are some reasons why the Inca Trail might be a better option:

• Cultural Significance – The Inca Trail has been a cultural and historical pilgrimage for centuries. Walking the same path as the Inca people can be a deeply meaningful experience for some.
• Shorter duration – The Inca Trail can be completed in as little as three days. This is a great option for those with limited time in Peru.
• Well-maintained trail – The Inca Trail is maintained by the government and is generally in better condition than the Salkantay Trail.
• Entrance through the Sun Gate – if you want the full experience of entering into Machu Picchu like the Incas did, this trek takes you through the Sun Gate. Salkantay hikers, don’t worry, you can still visit the Sun Gate and mimic entering through it while you visit the park on Day 5. See picture above for proof!
• Lower Elevation – if high elevations could potentially be an issue for you, you may want to stick with the Inca Trail. Inca goes to 13,800 feet while Salkantay takes you to 15,000 feet. Salkantay hits 15,000 ft on the second day of the trek. Inca Trail, on the other hand, works its way up to 13,800 ft. If both of those are worrisome, you can take a train to Aguas Calientes or take a guided tour directly to Machu Picchu from Cusco.

Know Before You Hike to Machu Picchu

Before you book your trek to Machu Picchu, there’s a few things you should know:

• The trails are not easy on the lungs. The majority of our tour guide’s day bag was actually a oxygen tank for emergencies. The Salkantay Pass is the highest point of elevation, at 15,000 ft, but you ascend to it very quickly. Acclimate to the altitude in Cusco in preparation for your trek. The Inca Trail ascends more gradually, but you should still plan to acclimate in Cusco in preparation.
• Just as it’s not easy on the lungs, the treks are easy on the knees. Downhill is the worst for the knees. For the rough downhill, book a tour group that gives you the option of skipping the downhill with a bus if needed.
• You should be trained or fit enough to walk 15+ miles a day. You don’t need to train for a marathon (though it wouldn’t hurt), but you’ll hurt yourself, or have to turn around, if you’re not prepared. For reference, we “trained” by running, doing a few 10+ mile “hikes” (really hard to find mountains in Chicago), and using the stairmaster at the gym.
• The Inca trail can be done in 3 days while most Salkantay treks take 4-5 days. Keep this in mind when budgeting your total time in Peru.
• Most campsites will have running water, but it will be cold. And if it’s not cold, there will be a long line. Don’t be surprised if most people don’t shower. Bring some wipes for quick wash-downs in the morning or evening.
• Be prepared for the experience of a lifetime.

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