blog

Machu Picchu treks: Salkantay vs Inca Trail

Trekking to the Lost City of the Incas is a bucket list ticker for many adventurers, but which route is the best?

The famous Inca Trail, rated one of South America's finest treks, allows travellers the chance to follow in the footsteps of the ancient Incas, visiting the impressive ancient Inca sites along the way. The Salkantay trek, an alternate route for Inca trail trekkers, is no less remarkable with an array of breathtaking scenery – from snow-capped mountains to cloud forests – that will make you feel closer to nature.

Whichever route you decide on, both promise to deliver an unforgettable trek up high mountain passes and through lush jungles, with that llama selfie you were probably hoping of taking too. Use our comparison table below to help choose the right Machu Picchu trek for you.

  Salkantay Trek Classic Inca Trail

Trek Duration

4 days

4 days

Why do it

Experience the wilderness of the Peruvian Andes, looping around the glacial and verdant path of Mount Salkantay en route to Machu Picchu, avoiding the Inca Trail crowds. Considered the best short trek alternative to the classic Inca Trail without having to worry about permits.

Expert bilingual guide

Earn bragging rights for visiting one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and completing one of the greatest short treks on earth. Trek along the 'original' route Incas travelled from the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu. Visit intriguing Inca sites every day and enjoy your first glimpse of Machu Picchu at the dramatic Sun Gate entrance.

Expert bilingual guide

 

Inclusions

Use of a gear pack including sleeping bag, fibre filled jacket, Thermarest and headtorch

Breakfasts, lunches and dinners while on trek

Porters/mules to carry personal gear

Sightseeing and site entrance fees (including Machu Picchu)

Group medical kit and camping equipment

Use of a gear pack including sleeping bag, fibre filled jacket, Thermarest and headtorch

Breakfasts, lunches and dinners while on trek

Porters to carry personal gear

Sightseeing and site entrance fees (including Machu Picchu)

Group medical kit and camping equipment

 

Highlights

Trek to magnificent views of Mount Salkantay (6270m), regarded as one of the most sacred snow peaks in Inca mythology and is the highest peak in the Vilcabamba mountain range.

Hike slightly higher than the highest point on the Classic Inca Trail.

Climb to the pristine turquoise waters of Lake Humantay.

Enjoy a nature-rich experience, from highland to cloud forests, with vistas of the Vilcabamba Mountain Range in every direction.

Pass through banana, granadilla, avocado and coffee plantations and spot Andean condors along the way.

Gain a special view of Machu Picchu sanctuary from the southeast that few travellers get the chance to admire, with lunch served in a scenic viewpoint that looks out to Machu Picchu.

Discover the enigmatic ruins of Machu Picchu on a guided tour with time to explore the site at your own pace.

Enjoy two scenic train journeys from Hydroelectric train station to Aguas Calientes and from Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo.

Trek the famous ‘Royal Highway of the Incas’, built more than 500 years ago.

Hike past centuries-old Incan terraces, camp in picturesque valleys and marvel at stunning Incan architecture.

Enjoy a guided tour of the Machu Picchu sanctuary with time to explore the site at your own pace.

Get an extra visit to Machu Picchu with an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes to fully appreciate the majestic site at its best, early the following morning.

Enjoy a scenic train journey from Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo after the trek.

 

Lowlights

You do not enter Machu Picchu through the Inti Punku 'Sun Gate', instead a train is taken to Aguas Calientes. (However, the longer Salkantay Base Camp trek does include this in the itinerary.)

A limit of 500 permits available per day for trekkers and crew and must be booked far in advance (If you're thinking of going within the next year, you better start booking now). April to August permits sell out fast.

This is the most popular and thus the busiest route where strict permit rules do not allow for date changes and cancellation fees would apply.

Permit?

No.

Yes. If there is a shortage of Inca Trail Permits and they aren't available for your trip date at the time of booking, we offer the Salkantay trek as an alternative option at no additional cost (except on the Inca Trail Adventure trip).

Difficulty and level of fitness

Introductory (3) – This will rarely involve flat terrain. It is harder than the Classic Inca Trail with daily physical exercise around six to eight hours due to more rugged trails.

Introductory (3) – Daily physical exercise on the trail is around six to seven hours with some long steep ascents and rough ground to cover. Expect a lot of stairs.

Max. elevation

Salkantay Pass (4638m)

Warmihuañusca Pass (4200m)

Trek start point

Challacancha

Ollantaytambo

Bonus climbs

Can climb one of the two mountains in the Machu Picchu sanctuary (minimum of 3 hours return) by purchasing a Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain permit. (Note: these options sell out if not pre-booked early)

Can climb one of the two mountains in the Machu Picchu sanctuary (minimum of 3 hours return) by purchasing a Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain permit. (Note: these options sell out if not pre-booked early)

When to go

March to December

March to December. The most popular time to hike the Inca Trail is between April and August.

How to experience it

Salkantay Trek & Machu Picchu (7 days) > Best of Peru (16 days) >

Classic Inca Trail (11 days) >

Inca Trail Adventure (6 days) >

 

   
 
   

Other treks to consider

Salkantay Base Camp trek to Machu Picchu: Camp beneath the spectacular Mount Salkantay and on the final day, join the classic Inca Trail for the unforgettable sight of Machu Picchu from the ‘Sun Gate’. This is a variation of the Salkantay trek which is longer and slightly more challenging.

 

inca ruins, Inca Trail, lost city, Machu Picchu, Peru, salkantay

Comments (4)

Wilma Spaa

Please let me know if there is an age limit on this tour.

Thanks,
Wilma

2 years ago
World Expeditions Team

Hi Wilma,

Generally, the minimum age is typically 8-12 years old, with travellers over 70 years old who can participate. It would depend on which walking tour you were looking at doing and your level of fitness. This will be assessed at the time of booking.

Let me know which country you are based in and I can put you in touch with an adventure consultant to further assist, otherwise, you can contact us directly at: https://worldexpeditions.com/Contact-Us

Cheers,
Angela

2 years ago
George Tibbits

I was offered the Salkantay Pass trek when a permit was unobtainable for the classic Inca Trail and I have absolutely no regrets. The scenery is beyond spectacular, the people very friendly, the trail uncrowded -- we saw maybe a dozen other groups on the trek. Be forewarned that the "introductory" rating can be misleading. It's hard -- long, slow-going days on the trail, the high elevation saps you, and the weather can get nasty quickly. That said, I did it age 67 at a relatively good fitness level -- definitely train before you go. We ran into a sleet storm atop the pass, limiting views of the mountain. In addition to chilling us, and one person in our group briefly suffered from altitude sickness. Remember the pass is 1,400 feet higher than the classic Inca -- and 700 feet higher than Mount Whitney, the highest point in the U.S. lower 48. But the bad weather was brief, the food terrific, the guides and porters wonderful, and the views across the valley to Machu Picchu amazing. We toured Inca ruins and met really nice folks running little cafes, farms, shops and a coffee plantation. World Expeditions was giving local people little solar-powered lanterns along the way, which were extremely well received (solar is the only source of electricity along most of the trek. Wish I had one myself.
Remember that the trek and Machu Picchu are only two facets of the trip. Just as fascinating were Cusco, Ollantaytambo and the Urubamba Valley (aka Sacred Valley) the circular ruins at Moray (an ancient Inca agricultural research site), the salt ponds at Maras, etc., etc. And all the other serendipitous pleasures, like dining on ceviche, cuy (guinea pig), drinking pisco sours, and watching the Peruvian National football team play on big screen TVs in a Lima park along with thousands of screaming fans.

2 years ago
Angelo Salerno

All I can say is the extended Salcantay base camp to Machu Pichu trek is awesome and beyond words to describe the beauty and ruggedness of the region. Only to be topped with our enthusiastic, knowledgable guide to add further to a memorable trek. Just make sure you prepare yourself before hand for some long days at high altitudes that are testing. Highly rated trek.

5 years ago
Your comment will be visible after the administrator's approval.







b i u quote


Save Comment
Join Newsletter
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ADS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Adventures South"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Adventure South</div>
Adventure South NZ is unrivalled in their geographic coverage, originality and overall quality of adventures holidays in New Zealand. Choose from walking, cycling, winter or multi-activity holidays, on either the North or South Island.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/AWH.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Walking Holidays"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Walking Holidays</div>
Australian Walking Holidays specialises in small group guided walking adventures. Since 1982 we have been guiding small groups of travellers on Australia's finest walks across our tropical, coastal or red centre landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GCT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Canadian Trails"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Canadian Trails</div>
Great Canadian Trails specialises in active holidays in Canada. With both guided and supported self-guided options available, our unique itineraries draw upon some of Canada's most inspiring parks, trails and landscapes from coast to coast.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/HUM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Humac Challenge"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Huma Charity Challenge</div>
Huma enables those with adventurous spirits to challenge themselves and make a difference for a cause close to their heart. Travel, fundraise and meet life-long friends on one of Huma's meaningful and unique challenges around the world.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TAS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Tasmania Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Tasmanian Expeditions</div>
Tasmanian Expeditions is the most experienced operator of treks and adventure travel holidays in Tasmania. We own and operate the most comprehensive range of adventure holidays available across Tasmania's varied landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/UTX-new.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Utracks"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>UTracks</div>
UTracks are the active European holiday specialists. Whether you prefer cycling or walking, 2-star or 4-star, small groups or self guided, land, river or sea – UTracks can help you to explore Europe exactly the way you want.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WYA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions Schools"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions Schools</div>
World Expeditions Schools is our specialist division dedicated to organising tailor made overseas school group adventures. Specialists in Service Learning projects, choose from more destinations than any other school group provider.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/YOM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Yomads"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Yomads</div>
Yomads offers adventures for the 20s and 30s on six continents. Designed as a way to bring young and likeminded travellers together, Yomads caters to those interested in lightly structured and active trips that allow freedom to roam and explore.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ACT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Cycle Tours"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Cycle Tours</div>
Australian Cycle Tours specialises in high quality self guided and guided cycling experiences in a selection of the most beautiful regions in Australia.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WEX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions</div>
The pioneers of original, worldwide adventure travel holidays since 1975
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TJX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Trail Journeys"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Trail Journeys</div>
Self-guided cycling experts on New Zealand's Otago Rail Trail and more
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/BMAC.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Blue Mountains Adventure Company"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Blue Mountains Adventure Company</div>
The original Blue Mountains canyoning, hiking, climbing and abseiling experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GWNZ.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Walks of New Zealand"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Walks of New Zealand</div>
Explore New Zealand's most spectacular wilderness regions with the self-guided hiking experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/NAA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="North America Active"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>North America Active</div>
USA Canada hiking & cycling tour specialists, choose from self-guided or guided trips