Planning your adventure to Machu Picchu in 2025? The big question is: Inca Trail vs Salkantay Trek? Both are epic routes, but they differ in experience, price, difficulty and how you reach Machu Picchu. In this guide, we’ll help you compare them and choose the best trek for your style — even if it’s your first time hiking.  |
Inca Trail vs Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: Quick Comparison Chart
| Feature | Inca Trail | Salkantay Trek |
| Duration Classic | 4 days/3 nights | 5 days/4 nights |
| Total Distance | 43km(26 mi) | 60km(37 mi) |
| Maximum height | 4215m(13,829 ft) | 4630m(15,190 ft) |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Challenging |
| Main Landscape | Inca ruins, cloud forest | Glaciers, rainforest, lagoons |
| Availability | March to January | All year |
| Access to Machu Picchu | On foot, through the Puerta del Sol | By bus from Aguas Calientes |
| Average price(USD) | $550-$850 | $549-$700 |
| Best for... | Lovers of history, culture | Adventurers, pure nature |
The big picture
What is the Inca Trail?
The Inca Trail is the original route built by the Incas and considered one of the most famous treks in the world. It ends by entering directly into Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), something no other trek offers.
Advantages:
- You walk directly to Machu Picchu.
- You pass 6-8 unique Inca archaeological sites.
- Fully guided and organised, ideal for beginners.
Disadvantages:
- Limited permits: you must book 4-6 months in advance.
- Higher price.
- High demand
What is the Salkantay Trek?
- The Salkantay Trek is the best alternative to the Inca Trail, with much more diverse landscapes: snow-capped mountains, turquoise lagoons, Amazon jungle and remote villages.
- No permit is required, making it ideal for those who missed out on the Inca Trail or are looking for more freedom.
Advantages:
- Varied and spectacular landscapes.
- More affordable and flexible.
Disadvantages:
- You don't walk directly to Machu Picchu.
- Greater physical effort (it is longer and higher).
- More changeable climate.
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Did you know that...? - Curiosities before deciding
- The Inca Trail is a unique and highly regulated trek. It closes every February for maintenance and conservation, and only 500 people — including staff — are allowed on the trail each day to preserve the experience.
- The Salkantay Trek includes the Humantay Lagoon, one of the most Instagrammable places in Peru... even though the ultimate goal is Machu Picchu.
- The name Salkantay means ‘wild mountain’ in Quechua. And believe me: it is.
- Some travellers have said that seeing Machu Picchu from Llaqtapata (Salkantay Trek) is more exciting than from the classic Sun Gate (Inca Trail). Controversial, but valid.
What kind of adventure are you looking for??
Inca Trail: The trail with an archaeological soul
If you are fascinated by history, the mysteries of the Inca Empire and walking on stones that have been there for centuries, the Inca Trail will blow your mind. It's not just about getting to Machu Picchu: you arrive where the Incas themselves arrived. Intipunku (the Sun Gate) is the perfect climax.
Salkantay Trek: Breathtaking and authentic nature
It doesn't have as many ruins, but it throws you into changing landscapes: glaciers, forests, turquoise lagoons. Plus, you can camp under the stars or sleep in eco-lodges. And yes, there's organic coffee, pachamanca and more contact with local people.
Road hardness: is it for everyone?
- Inca Trail: 4 days, about 43 km. Lots of stairs. Requires average physical condition. The altitude can be difficult, but there are porters.
- Salkantay Trek: 5 days, up to 70 km. Rougher and with intense weather changes. Requires more endurance, but not impossible if you are prepared.
Real tip: Train a bit beforehand, climb hills, don't come in raw. And always carry poles.
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Camping, lodge or glamping?
- Inca Trail: Rustic but well-organized campsites. Porters carry all your gear, so you can simply focus on walking and enjoying the journey.
Salkantay Trek: A more varied experience. You can camp, sleep in star-roofed domes, or even go lodge to lodge if you prefer extra comfort.
Pro tip: Some agencies offer hot showers and private bathrooms on the Salkantay route — make sure to check before booking!
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Food: an underestimated part of the journey
On both routes you will eat like a king if you choose the right agency. But...
- On the Inca Trail, logistics are stricter. No fires are allowed, but the chefs work wonders.
- In Salkantay, there is more freedom. You can experience a pachamanca (Andean cuisine underground) and visit coffee farms in the high jungle.
Bonus: Coffee lover? At Salkantay you can roast and brew it yourself with local farmers.
Availability and reservations 2025: Don't sleep!
- Inca Trail: Book at least 4-6 months in advance! Especially if it is between May and September.
- Salkantay Trek: Much more flexible. You can even book weeks in advance (although it is always better to plan ahead).
Which one to choose?
| If ... | We recommend |
| You dream of Inca history | Inca Trail |
| You want a variety of landscapes | Salkantay Trek |
| You like camping under the stars | Salkantay Trek(glamping) |
| You don't want to worry about high demand | Salkantay Trek |
| Do you want the most epic entrance to Machu Picchu? | Inca Trail |
Real testimonies
| “I did the Salkantay in November and it was brutal. Sleeping in front of a lake at 4,000m is an unforgettable experience.” — Jake, traveller from United States of America |
| “The Inca Trail was magical. Walking through the ruins and entering the Sun Gate was like a dream come true.” — Mikkel, Dinamark |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which is more difficult?
The Salkantay Trek is considered more physically challenging. Its maximum altitude is over 4,600 m a.s.l. and the trek is longer (approx. 5 days), with drastic climate changes between snow-capped mountains, cloud forests and jungle.
Inca Trail, although shorter (4 days), includes many sections of steep stairs (called ‘Inca steps’) and also passes through high altitudes, but is more manageable for people in moderate physical condition.
- Ideal for experienced travellers: Salkantay Trek
- Ideal for those looking for a controlled challenge: Inca Trail
Which is cheaper?
Salkantay Trek is notably more accessible:
- From $350 USD, includes guide, food, transport and camping.
Inca Trail, being regulated and with limited daily quotas, is more expensive:
- Salkantay is cheaper: from $350. The Inca Trail starts at $650.
Can it be done without a guide?
- Inca Trail: No. It is strictly regulated by the Peruvian government. Entry is only allowed with an authorised agency.
- Salkantay Trek: Yes, it is possible to do it on your own, but it is not recommended if you have no experience in high mountain trekking or extreme weather management.
Salkantay Trek for safety and experience, it is always better to go with a guide, especially in the rainy season.
Which one has the best view?
It depends on what you want to experience:
- Inca Trail: It offers you a journey through archaeological sites hidden in the jungle, ancient Inca trails, stone tunnels and the magical arrival at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku).
- Salkantay Trek: It offers wilder and changing landscapes: towering glaciers, turquoise lagoons (such as Humantay), mountain passes and cloud forests.
Are you moved by history and archaeology? Inca Trail.
Are you passionate about extreme nature? Salkantay.
The Inca Trail is sold out?
You can still experience the magic through the Lares Trek, the short version of the Inca Trail or even combine routes in one trip. In fact, if you can't make up your mind...
Why not do both?
The combined Salkantay + Inca Trail tour in 6 days allows you to experience the best of two worlds: extreme adventure and ancient tradition. Whichever you choose, rest assured that trekking to Machu Picchu will be a transformative experience - and we are here to help you find your perfect route this 2025.
Conclusion
Both the Inca Trail and the Salkantay Trek offer unforgettable experiences to Machu Picchu, and the best choice depends on your profile as a traveller: if you are looking for living history, ancient ruins and the mystical entrance through the Sun Gate, the Inca Trail is for you; if you prefer freedom, wilderness and a more challenging landscape, the Salkantay Trek is ideal.
Ready to decide?
Check out our detailed guides or contact us on WhatsApp at +51 984 800 095 so we can help you choose the perfect route for 2025.
About the author
 | Ruth CusihuamanI am an SEO writer focused on Andean tourism and culture. Born in Raqchi, in the Sacred Valley, I grew up surrounded by Inca history. Today, I use storytelling to connect travellers with real and unforgettable experiences in Peru. |
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