Inca Trail or Salkantay: Which one to choose?

There are several ways to reach the ruins of Machu Picchu, from roundtrip tours to multi-day trekking. Since the 1970s, new routes and trail circuits have been added and expanded the possibilities of reaching the sacred city. In this article we show the two main trekking routes: the popular Inca Trail and Salkantay, the alternative.

INCA TRAIL

This is the most popular trek to reach Machu Picchu, because it manages to combine various environments, stunning landscapes and centuries-old ruins. Due to its beauty, this walk is preferred by travelers, having to be booked up to 5 months in advance (authorization is required, as there is a daily limit of people).

The Inca Trail Peru covers 42 kilometers of jungle and mountains, visiting some archaeological sites such as: Patallacta, the ruins of Wiñay Wayna and, of course, the lost city of Machu Picchu. In addition, it offers unforgettable landscapes of the Vilcabamba mountain range.

Despite being a very beautiful circuit, getting an available seat can be a real headache. This is because the Peruvian government limits the entry of 500 people per day,

including guides (which are mandatory), in order to preserve the ruins and archaeological sites.

The second options is the 2 day Inca Trail, which is more easy to walk and book.

• Duration: 4 days

• Distance: 42 kilometers

• Physical difficulty: medium

• Paths: well signposted

• Maximum height: 4,200 meters above sea level

• Entrance fee: $ 180 per person

• Best season: May to September

SALKANTAY

In addition to the Inca Trail, which is the most popular and classic in the region, there are a number of alternatives that do not require permission. Within them, Salkantay is the most popular alternative to Machu Picchu. This route covers the southern part of the Vilcabamba mountain range, with beautiful landscapes that range from the pampas to the Peruvian jungle.

Being a lesser known route, it does not have a large number of visitors to the Inca Trail, and does not need any permission to do this trekking. Although, unlike the Inca Trail, it does not include historic ruins before reaching Machu Picchu. Salkantay will guarantee you less investment, trails with fewer people and spectacular panoramic views of the mountains, especially from Abra Salkantay or Salkantay pass.

With a duration of 4 to 5 days, you will visit several altiplanic locations, lagoons, thermal baths and the famous snowy Salkantay.

• Duration: 4 to 5 days

• Distance: 70 kilometers

• Difficulty: Medium

• Paths: well signposted

• Maximum height: 4,600 meters

• Entrance fee: 10 soles per person

Another short treks to Machu Picchu you can hike is the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days or the Choquequirao Trek 4 Days.