Are you an explorer? or Want to explore the world?
Many people can have a dream of travelling but not all of them can become a traveller and this ‘explore’ feeling remains in their mind, haunting them always. Afterall, we only get one life so it should not be wasted in overthinking.
If you are courageous enough to live your dream life; especially trekker’s life, you must have heard about Peru. Peru – a popular country for trekking to Machu Picchu. It is a dream destination for trekkers, don’t you think so? This beautiful country has 2 lucrative gifts for trekkers – Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail.
Both treks offer extraordinary experience with a new perspective to see life. But time to take a difficult decision – choosing one between Salkantay trek vs Inca trail. Here is a simple guidance and you can make your decision accordingly.
Choosing one is kind of impossible because the decision depends on your preference and physical fitness. Both routes offer different experiences with challenges, culture and scenery. But you should never make your decision based on scenery, you should consider your fitness levels first because if your body won’t support, your experience can turn into a nightmare. Salkantay trek offers rugged terrains and Inca trail gives historical experiences, you can make your informed choice for an extraordinary experience here.
The Salkantay Trek
Just like every adventurous trekking, the Salkantay trek is grabbing the attention of every trekker. Trekkers from different parts of the world want to experience it. This amazing place offers you something that you can’t get in normal life; mental freedom, natural air, breeze. Here, you can feel the natural air and freedom in real time. A totally different world and memorable experience. Here, you can enjoy freedom, diverse landscapes, rugged alpine terrain, clouds etc. Snow capped peaks to see villages and traditional life of the Andes and Peruvian culture. This is the best choice to feel the unfiltered nature and history.
The Classic Inca Trail
This gives a memorable touch at every step. You don’t trek to reach destination, you explore, build and reveal destination at every step in Classic Inca Trail. You can experience nature, freedom and history at the same time. When you reach Sun Gate, that feeling and live view of mist lifting feels like an earned reward. Nothing in this trekking world can replace this experience because you can breathe freely and enjoy the natural touch very closely. Inca Trail is known for its archaeological sceneries, terraced mountainsides and creative stone pathways.
Comparison between Salkantay trek vs Inca trail based on various parameters
Tour costs
Salkantay trek
- To be very honest, both treks give different experiences so there is no comparison but if you consider cost, Salkantay trek is budget friendly and would cost between $250 – $800 per person. You can customize your package according to your requirements.
- Some tour operators offer trekking at very low prices to attract you. In that case, it’s your responsibility to confirm if it includes the Machu Picchu entry or not.
Inca trail
- As both trekking options are memorable, you can’t simply compare both options. If we talk about budget, Inca trail costs more than the Salkantay Trek.
- There is no fixed package for Inca trail. Generally, it costs around $750 – $1,500 per person for 3 nights.
Difficulty
A common question in the minds of most travellers is which trek is easier Machu Picchu? Both the Salkantay trek and Inca trail presents unique challenges to the trekkers. In terms of difficulty, both involve high altitudes, with the Salkantay trek reaching altitudes of more than 15,000 feet, while the Inca trail reaches altitudes of more than 13,800 feet.
Salkantay trek
No trek is easy because every trek is a challenge itself. But if we compare the Salkantay and Inca trail treks, then the Salkantay is more challenging because of the higher altitude and rugged mountain terrains. Moreover, steep climbs make it difficult for trekkers to cover 74 km. In the Inca trail, you can cover the trek in 43 km.
Inca trail
The Inca trail is easier than the Salkantay trek but it is not the easiest. It is difficult and demands a healthy body so don’t take it lightly. You need to go through stone stairs, narrow pathways and occasional steep climbs to cover this trek.
Hiking distance
Salkantay trek
This trek is longer than the Inca trail. You need to cover 74 km in this 5-day trek. If you choose a 4-day alternative trekking option, you need to cover a shorter distance.
Inca trail
Total walking distance – 43 Kilometers.
Any trekker can cover 43 km walking distance in 4 days. These 4 days are full of natural experiences of landscapes and scenery. A perfect idea to get lifetime memories.
Landscapes and natural scenery
Inca trial gives a feeling of walking through history because there is art and creativity at every step. You need to remember that you are not just leading to your destination; Machu Picchu. In fact, you are using the same paths once used by the Incas.
Salkantay trek
- The Salkantay trek gives a lifetime trekking experience through rugged topography, the amazing Humantay lake, and snow-capped peaks mountains. Here, you can see landscapes, coffee plantations and cloud forests too.
- You will also witness the Andes valleys, pristine glacial lakes, rivers, and also hot springs. In short, this trek offers a diverse scenic and natural beauty experience.
Inca Trail
Who doesn’t know about the attractive sites and lush vegetation in the Inca trail? It attracts hikers through the ancient Inca pathways and sites like Intipata and Winay Wayna. Moreover, the lush green vibrant flora, cascading waterfalls and panoramic views of the Andean mountains add to the scenic beauty of this trail.
Most desirable entrance to Machu Picchu
Salkantay trek
If you want exact information about Salkantay trek, please note that Machu Picchu is not the end point of the Salkantay trek. This trek ends at Aguas Calientes which is a town close to Machu Picchu. Trekkers spend their 4th night in this town. The next day, they visit Machu Picchu through the main entrance or a shuttle bus.
Inca trail
On the morning of the last day of trekking, trekkers reach the Sun Gate before sunrise to witness the city slowly emerging from the mist. This is an extraordinary and lifetime experience that comes directly through the mountains.
If you are a real trekker, do you think that suggestions will change your mind? Obviously, not. We have explained every factor for both, now the ball is in your court. Choose any option depending on your personal choice, preferences and fitness levels. You will get extraordinary experience in both options.
Is it possible to go independently for the Inca trail?
No, according to the stringent regulations, you cannot do the Inca trail independently. This trek is strictly regulated by the government to protect the natural scenery and ancient view.
Are there any restrictions on both treks?
Both treks have different guidelines so you need to follow the guidelines and regulations to enjoy it without any problem.
Can I complete the Salkantay trek in 2 days?
Mostly, trekkers complete this memorable trek in 4-5 days but you can complete it in 4 days also.
Can you explain accommodation options for both?
Salkantay as well as Inca trail have different accommodation options for trekkers but you need to decide what type of services you need. This factor can change your overall trekking experience. You can choose any luxury as well as including food options to make it a more memorable experience. Moreover, choose any option like traditional camping, mountain cabin or homestays according to your budget. You can get options in Salkantay trek but for the Inca trail, you will get a fixed accommodation with full camping option only.
I’m 26 years old, am I eligible for this trek?
Generally, if you are between 25 to 55 years, you can easily go trekking but if you have any medical history, you need to discuss with your doctor first.
