When it comes to visiting Machu Picchu, the old adage, “it’s not just about the destination, it’s about the journey” definitely applies. The trails that wind their way through the Andes allow hikers to pass through cloud forests, traditional Incan villages, and maybe meet a llama or two. The most famous trail—and the one that’s on many travelers’ bucket lists—is the iconic Inca Trail. But it’s far from the only way to reach Machu Picchu! Read on to discover an alternate route, so you can decide which trail is the best fit for your Peru itinerary.
The Salkantay Trail vs. the Inca Trail: Key Differences
The Inca Trail is a 26-mile trail that features a tk elevation gain. It’s rated a “moderate” trail; so it’s not an easy hike by any means, but reasonably fit travelers often tackle it with no problem (just be sure to acclimate yourself to the elevation in Cusco for a few days first, before you begin hiking).
The first thing you need to know about the Salkantay Trail is that it’s longer, harder, and much steeper than the Inca Trail. It’s 46 miles long and takes you15,090 feet above sea level. Most travelers complete the Inca Trail in 3-4 days—the Salkantay Trail takes 6-8 days.
I personally hiked the Salkantay Trail and yes, I definitely found it taxing. But it was totally worth it. For one, it wasn’t that crowded at all—we often had long stretches of the trail all to ourselves. We wound past several important Incan ruins, and we enjoyed extraordinary views from the remote valleys ringed by mountains.
But my favorite thing about the Salkantay Trail is that it’s a lodge-to-lodge trail. After the end of every grueling hiking day, we got to check into a comfortable and welcoming lodge, where we could put up our feet, enjoy a home cooked meal, and get out of the elements for a bit. By contrast, the Inca Trail only allows for camping (you don’t have to set up the tents yourself, your tour company will do that for you—but still, a tent is a lot different than a lodge!).
To my knowledge, the Salkantay Trail offers the only lodge-to-lodge hiking experience in South America. Even though conquering the trail was tough, it still felt like an elevated style of vacation—and I don’t mean the “elevation gain”!
You should choose the Salkantay Trail if:
- You have at least a week to devote to hiking to Machu Picchu
- You enjoy going more off-the-beaten-path and uncrowded experiences
- You don’t want to tent camp and would prefer more comfortable lodges
- You’re comfortable with more difficult hiking conditions at higher elevations
- Alternatively, you could also tackle the Salkantay Trail by horseback, giving your feet a rest
You should choose the Inca Trail if:
- It’s a major bucket-list item for you
- You only have 3-4 days to devote to the hike
- You prefer tented camping to lodge stays
- You’re more sensitive to elevation change; while still a very high elevation, the Inca Trail is 1,262 feet lower in elevation than the Salkantay Trail
When to trek the Inca Trail and Salkantay Trail:
The dry season in the Cusco region runs from early April to late October; this is generally the best time to tackle the trails so you’re not caught in downpours or unable to enjoy views obstructed by constant cloud cover.
Keep in mind it’s tough to get permits to do the Inca Trail, so your best bet is to go during the spring or fall “shoulder season,” instead of the busier summer season. Currently, hiking the Salkantay Trail doesn’t require a permit, so you should be okay with a summer trip.
Ready to explore Machu Picchu with expert guidance? Work with Curioso Travel to plan your end-to-end Peru vacation, as we match you with the best guides and tour outfitters to make your experience one to remember—complete our trip inquiry form to start planning today.
