Salkantay Trek vs Inca Trail
Two of the most incredible hiking circuits you can do in Peru (if not good contenders for the whole of South America), the Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail both offer unique, yet different experiences for travelers.
Salkantay Trek vs Inca Trail: Which is better?
In this guide we will explore both the Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail.
We’ll compare both using factors such as what sceneries you’ll see, the difficulty of each trek as well as the cost of each.
Hopefully this will give you a better idea of which Andean circuit is best for you.
Best Time to Hike the Salkantay Trek vs Inca Trail
Both treks follow somewhat similar routes, where you will pass through cooler, high-altitude peaks as well as the warmer cloud forest at the end (before reaching Machu Picchu).
The dry season (May until October) remains the best time to embark on any of these two hikes, given climbing and walking conditions are much easier.
Remember that you’ll already have to deal with the high altitudes, so you’ll want as much going in your favor as possible to make it less difficult.
Temperatures will be cooler during this time, however you may still experience some rains given you’ll be passing through various biomes that have their own micro-climates.
The wet season (November until April) is least preferred, but is definitely still possible. This is because the rains can put hikers off, especially as it’s already quite cold in the higher Andean mountains.
However, the unique advantage of hiking during this time (either of the two treks) is that you’ll have less crowds with you, as well as getting to enjoy the more lush greens of the cloud forest.
🏅 Our Winner: N/A
Scenery on the Salkantay Trek vs Inca Trail
Both offer slightly different, yet incredibly memorable sceneries along each respective hiking route.
The Salkantay Trek is much more about those classic, remote peaks that tower above you. You’ll see more glacial vistas too, including alpine lakes and snow-covered mountains.
You will also pass through the cloud forest too, which is full of life and more Amazon-like surroundings.
Whilst you won’t see so much in terms of ancient ruins (unless you choose a tour that intersects with the Inca Trail), you will have a truly remarkable and unique view of Machu Picchu from on top of Llaqtapata.
The Inca Trail also offers beautiful panoramas of the surrounding mountains, some lakes as well as the vibrant cloud forest. Where it differs is the fact that you’ll also pass through numerous archaeological sites – given this pass was once used as a route by the Inca.
This includes sites such as Runkurakay, Intipata as well as Wiñay Wayna. It’s overall a more immersive trek, where your guide will also teach you about the ruins as you pass them by.
🏅 Our Winner (Scenery): The Salkantay Trek
🏅 Our Winner (Ruins): The Inca Trail
Facilities at the Salkantay Trek vs Inca Trail
It’s important to properly set your expectations before heading on either of these hikes, given you’re going to be spending numerous days in the Peruvian wilderness.
Aside from your final night in Aguascalientes before reaching Machu Picchu (where you will have access to hot showers and private bathrooms), you’ll have less facilities available regardless of which hike you choose.
Having said that, the Inca Trail does have basic bathroom stalls set up along the way, given its more touristy. However the Salkantay Trek has none, so you’ll instead have to rough the elements as you enjoy what will probably be the most memorable scenery as you do your business!
🏅 Our Winner: The Inca Trail
Difficulty of the Salkantay Trek vs Inca Trail
Overall both treks are quite difficult, so it’s important to prepare properly for the higher altitude and to be in relatively good physical shape.
The Salkantay Trek is slightly more difficult, given the path is less trodden as well as being up at an overall higher altitude (we’ll cover this in the next section).
This means it’s best reserved for those who are prepared for a more challenging experience, although the views and scenery will be really worth it (if not more so than what you will see during the Inca Trail).
The Inca Trail is also difficult, but not as hard as the Salkantay Trek. Here you’ll be at a slightly lower altitude which makes every step easier, and also have the comforts of a toilet or two along the trail (which will be more physically comfortable).
Of course it doesn’t mean it will be really easy though, so be sure to prepare the best you can the days prior to your trek (getting altitude sickness medication and avoiding junk food is a good start).
🏅 Our Winner: The Inca Trail
Altitude of the Salkantay Trek vs Inca Trail
Most likely you will first spend time in Cusco before your trek, and if possible we recommend at least 2 days here before heading on either of these treks.
This is because it will allow your body time to acclimatize before heading on these high-altitude hikes.
Of the two, the Salkantay Trek is located at a higher altitude with an average elevation in the mid 4000m range. The highest point is 4635m, although some parts can even go into the 5000s (if going with a customized tour).
You’ll definitely want to have Coca Leaves handy with you, as this altitude can make travelers sick as well as breathing more difficult. Soroche Pills are another must which can be bought in any Inkafarma.
The Inca Trail is more easy to stomach, with the altitudes ranging between 2200m and 4200m (the highest point is known as the Dead Woman’s Pass).
You’ll still want to acclimatize beforehand in Cusco, which will make the parts between 2200m and 3500m relatively straightforward. However anything over 3500m can definitely feel like harder work, so be sure to take it slow and listen to your body as you hike.
🏅 Our Winner: The Inca Trail
Cost to Hike the Salkantay Trek vs Inca Trail
Both hikes are going to cost you several hundred dollars, so it’s worth planning it in advance as a special bucket list item you will do during your trip (also book in advance given spaces are popular and limited).
The Salkantay Trek remains the cheapest of the two, usually costing between $500-600 (depending on how many days you choose as well as the company). We recommend booking this Salkantay Trek Tour, which includes all meals and equipment.
It’s actually pretty good value considering the price and everything that’s included.
The Inca Trail is slightly more expensive, given its both more popular and also as you will need to pay several permits for the ruins that you will enter.
The cost of the Inca Trail is usually between $700-900, however can sometimes be as much as $1300 (again depending on the company and trip style).
We suggest booking this Inca Trail Tour, which includes all meals, private transport as well as equipment needed during the hike.
🏅 Our Winner: Salkantay Trek
🏆 Summary and Our Final Winner: Overall, we’ve found that the classic Inca Trail is the must-do of the two if you can only pick one during your trip.
This is because it’s steeped in more history, and also has its fair share of incredible vistas. Of course the Salkantay Trek also offers its own advantages, so it really depends on you and what you want to see (it’s worth doing extra independent research before choosing one).
Salkantay Trek vs Inca Trail: Which hike will you do? (Conclusion)
That’s all for our guide on choosing between the Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail.
Regardless of which hike you’ll pick, you’ll have a highly memorable time. Here you’ll see breathtaking landscapes while learning about the important history of the Inca who once traversed these same paths.
In this guide we’ve looked at factors such as the difficulty, cost, sceneries as well as the best time to hike each of these circuits.
We’ve also listed our winner for each category, however we still recommend doing some extra research based on what you specifically want.
Be sure to read our High Altitude Hiking guide so you can prepare properly before tackling either of these two classic routes.
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