How To Choose Between The Inca Trail Vs Salkantay Trek (An Expert Trekking Guide)

A Full Breakdown Of The Salkantay Trek Vs Inca Trail

Now let’s really dig deeper into what both of these unforgettable treks offer, how each varies from the other, and how to make the best trail choice for you when booking your own trek experience.

Important Basics Of The Inca Trail Vs Salkantay Trek

Trek Difficulties

Inca Trail – The Inca trail is rated difficult, it is not a walk in the park. Actually every day, you hike up and down in a rocky step so you need to be relatively fit to complete the famous hike. If you are tired, there is no option to ride a horse and take a van because the trail is located in a remote area.

Salkantay Trek – The Salkantay trek is rated also as difficult because on the second day, you will get to 4650 meters and you will climb 700 meters in a switchback trail. However, you can make it easy by renting a horse. In the afternoon the local families come to the campsites to offer their horses. It is highly recommended to ride a horse just uphill not downhill for the safety thing. Also, on the third and fourth days if you are tired, you can take the colectivos to avoid the hike.

The Difference In Physical Walking Trails

Inca Trail – The trail on the Inca trail is much better because horses are not allowed(except the first day). Since the second day, all the way to Machu Picchu the Trail is paved with rocks and you will see how well was the Inca trail back in Inca’s time. Even in the rainy season, you won’t find any muddy trail, because it is paved. The good thing is that the Inca Trail is maintained every February by the state.

Salkantay Trek – The only portion that you will find on the original Inca trail here in Salkantay is when you hike to the Llactapata Inca site. The majority of the trail in the Salkantay trek is with gravel and is dusty. Since the horses are allowed on this hike. the trail is damaged by their hooves and in the rainy season the trail is very muddy and difficult to hike. So, if you are going to the Salkantay trek in the rainy season, it is highly recommended to wear trekking boots because the trail especially on the second day in the afternoon is very slippery. Also, you will find horse poops along the way and some people don’t like them much. Unfortunately, the trail is not maintained by the state in February. Only people who work as horsemen try to maintain the trail in January.

Safety And Evacuation Systems 

Inca Trail – In the event of an injury during the Inca trail, the sole means of evacuation involves a porter carrying you to the nearest town based on your location. There are stretches in every campsite to evacuate the customers. Unfortunately, there are no flat areas suitable for helicopter landings.

Salkantay Trek – If you get hurt in the Salkantay trek, you will get evacuated with a horse to the nearest town and then with a van to Cusco hospital. Basically, the evacuation by horse works only on the second day, other days there are colectivos in the área which can evacuate as soon as possible.

Toilets And Restrooms On The Trails

Inca Trail – There are toilets at every campsite and lunch stop. However, the conditions are not good because they belong to the state. And those toilets are cleaned once a day so early in the morning you will find them clean and in the afternoon the toilet is gross. However, some companies like AB Expeditions bring portable toilets. So you will have the toilet only for your group.

Salkantay Trek – In every campsite and lunch stop, there are toilets of local families so you pay them 1 sol to use them. Since toilets are private, the majority of them are clean and they have proper seats.

Camping Establishments Along Both Trails

Inca Trail – The Inca trail porters set up the camping tents, one kitchen tent, dining tent, and passenger tents for overnight. There are some shower stalls for those who would like to take shower after the hike (nighttime shower). As for the restrooms, there are only squat toilets, unless you find some proper toilets on the first-day hike but bear in mind these are private, so you will be charged by someone else.

Salkantay Trek – From the first base camp on, there are various kinds of camping accommodations. From Domo tents, and Andean huts to the simple shelters thatched with straw to set up tents inside if you are going on your own. There are some stores to buy water and some other boosters you may need for the hike. The showers and toilets will depend on where you stay, but there are some mid-level showers. 

Landscapes And Experiences On The Salkantay Trek Vs Inca Trail

The Weather Along Both The Inca Trail And Salkantay Trek

Inca Trail – Winter months on the Inca trail are just the right time to go. Although the temperature is cold at night, the day hike is more enjoyable, having sunny days. However, if you are planning on hiking in summer, the weather remains nice (warm). However, rain and fog can obscure scenic views. See more about the best time to hike the Inca Trail. 

Salkantay Trek – Expect cold temperatures at night and early hours in winter running from May-August, but it turns out to be advisable months for doing the hike. (Temperature can dip below zero degrees). Whereas, in the summer months from December – March, the temperature gets warmer but is followed by downpours. The rest of the year is mild.

Mountain Scenery And Landscapes

Inca Trail – The surrounding mountain slopes of the Inca trail are more overgrown with bushes, and trees, so it is greener in coloration. Given a little luck, you may spot some Andean deer or a spectacled bear wandering nearby.  And on a good winter day, you even have a glimpse to see the snow-covered peaks far away. 

Salkantay Trek – Hiking the Salkantay trek, on the first day, you can expect to see the towering snow-covered peaks, such as Humantay and Salkantay mountains, both featuring over 5 000 m. Also, the turquoise gem of the route, the incredible Humantay Lake. Nearing Machu Picchu, the landscape turns into a jungle landscape, giving enthralling views, where flocks of birds fly and Orchids and other flowers come into blossom.

Thermal Hot Springs

Inca Trail – It is important to clarify that you won’t find any hot springs in the mid-hike. The way you can get it is if you have an extra night at Aguas Calientes, so you can visit the hot springs just a few minutes away from the main square. 

Salkantay Trek – Beyond the coffee farm communities on the route, Santa Teresa town sits on the shores of the Vilcanota River, which at present become a must-stay place for many tourists, due to its outdoor Cocalmayo hot springs where to relax, for just a few soles. (Bear in mind that while visiting Llactapata ruins, you will skip the hot springs).

Indigenous Mountain Villages And Local People 

Inca Trail – Since the Inca trail surroundings are overgrown with bushes and vegetation, no family lives in those secluded mountains. Additionally, the vast area is under preservation to protect the wildlife of Machu Picchu´s sanctuary. Only on the first day you see some local stores and family houses, but nothing of that captures your attention that much. 

Salkantay Trek – The first highland town you get to is called Mollepata, and along the way to Soraypampa, the starting point of the trek, local people farm and live raising some cows as a source of food. But also, they raise mules and horses for working on the route as muleteers. Beyond the Salkantay pass, down in the valleys, there are country houses where locals started to implement a coffee tour to offer tourists an experience of those coffee preparations.

Important Notes Regarding Costs, Availability And Ethics Of The Inca Trail Vs Salkantay Trek

Costs Of The Salkantay Trek Vs Inca Trail

Inca Trail –  On average, the Inca Trail tour costs between $650 and $ 850. The Inca Trail cost more because the porters carry your belonging. The porter’s salary is more than the horse’s. For example, our Company AB Expeditions provide 6 porters for 2 customers. Another reason is that the Inca Trail permits cost more than the Salkantay trek.

Salkantay Trek – The Salkantay hike costs between $350 and $750 USD on average. The reason the price varies is that each Company organizes different ways, some have shelter, some have cabins, some have domes and some have hotels. Before booking your trip ask them what will be the accommodation.  Another reason is that all the companies use horses to carry all the camping equipment. So the payment for horses is cheaper than for porters.

Booking Availability And Flexibility 

Inca Trail – Only 500 people are allowed to enter the Inca Trail per day, including tourists, guides, porters, and cooks. If you really want to do this hike, plan well in advance to secure your Inca Trail permit. Otherwise, you will arrive at taking alternative treks. You can also see our 2 Day Short Inca Trail Hike for a less intense hiking option. 

Salkantay Trek – There is no need to pre-book the tour months before, as it receives unlimited tour groups year-round. Just look for a reliable tour operator and ask for the tour, then they will begin to organize the hike. Even for last-minute bookings, there is always availability. 

Trail Closures In February

Inca Trail – Yes, it closes for upkeep procedures. 

Salkantay Trek – No, it doesn’t close in February. But since it gets somewhat risky, some tour operators stop until March comes along.

Porters And Local Workers

Inca Trail – No pack animal is allowed to enter the Inca trail. Besides protecting the damage that these animals can cause on the trail, the fact is that they just can’t climb up and down on some of the steep sections of the trail. Our porters help to carry necessary hiking gear and food – and here at AB Expeditions we ensure all of our porters are equipped with the highest quality hiking gear, clothes, shoes and have a healthy weight load limit. 

Salkantay Trek – At the start of your hike, you will be presented with your Salkantay trek muleteers, and they will carry the supplies and the camping gear for the hike. Most of them come from the Soraypampa community, and after 3 or more days of work, they have to climb the high Salkantay pass again back home. 

Booking The Salkantay Trek Vs Inca Trail Tours

If you’re ready to book your Salkantay or Inca Trail tour, then you’ll be glad to know that we offer both complete treks here at AB Expeditions.

We suggest Booking The Four Day Salkantay Trek Here for those who want a more remote and challenging hiking experience, while reaping the rewards of nature, true wilderness and a diverse range of Andean, forest and glacial landscapes.

For the Inca Trail route, the best trek is The Four Day Inca Trail Trek, which passes along the entire ancient route and visits Inca ruins such as Sayacmarca, Wiñay Wayna and Intipata. It’s worth knowing there are alternative Inca Trail treks too, in case you want more or less time on the trail.

How about hiking both within the same trip? Here at AB Expeditions we offer a special 7 Day Inca Trail + Salkantay Trek which combines the best of both worlds, along with all meals, lodging, permits and private transport all sorted for you. You simply turn up and enjoy this unforgettable, all-inclusive hiking experience through the Peruvian Andes!

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding The Salkantay Trek Vs Inca Trail

Below we’ll now answer some of the frequent questions we get about the Salkantay trek vs Inca Trail, as well as anything else important that you need to know.

Is The Salkantay Trek Or Inca Trail Better?

This really depends on you and what you want most from your hiking experience in Cusco. The Salkantay trek is the best for seeing glacial lakes, snow-capped peaks and getting further out into the remote wilderness. The Inca Trail is best for seeing ancient crumbling ruins and cloud forests, as well as getting to know more about local cultures. It’s important to know that both treks will visit Machu Picchu on the final day.

Is The Salkantay Trek Part Of The Inca Trail?

No it’s not – the Salkantay Trek is a different route which passes around the Salkantay Mountain. Here you pass through Mollepata, Soraypampa and Collpampa, whilst the Inca Trail begins at Pisacucho and visits remote ruins along the stone path. Both treks do however finish at Aguas Calientes, so for this reason it often makes sense to Book A Combined Inca Trail + Salkantay Trek instead for the best of both worlds.

What Is The Hardest Trek In Peru?

This is up for debate between hikers, however many generally agree that the Choquequirao Trek is the most difficult, non-technical climb in Peru. This is because of the steep ascents and descents, while the terrain can also be challenging in certain sections. You’ll also need to factor in the changes of altitude – where here you can rise or decline as much as 1500m along the route!

Overview Of The Inca Trail Vs Salkantay Trek

And that’s all for our guide to hiking the Inca Trail vs Salkantay Trek.

Both of these iconic treks are some of the most popular for hiking in all of Peru, given they each combine diverse landscapes, endemic wildlife and memorable cultural exchanges. In truth there’s no one hike which is “better” than the other, as it all depends on what you want most from your time spent hiking in and around the Cusco region of Peru.

Is the Inca Trail trek a must for you during your trip? Book Our Four Day Inca Trail Hike Now, where you’ll get to experience all of the very best ancient highlights on four days before reaching the incredible ruins of Machu Picchu.

Original Article Author: Aldair Choque

Updated By: The AB Expeditions Team