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Inca Trail vs Salkantay Trek
The Classic 4 day Inca Trail allows you to trek the famous route seeing ancient ruins and settlements along the way. If what you’re looking for is history and culture then the Inca trail is for you. However, you do need a permit for this trek so booking months, even a year in advance is necessary. If you are a lover of trekking and nature then Salkantay Trek is for you, a less touristic route it provides connection with the snow capped mountains and winding river. Salkantay has the most extreme weather ranging from snowy alps to tropical rainforest. Although, importantly they both end with the majestic visit Machu Picchu, one of the seven wonders of the world. This comparison of the Inca Trail vs Salkantay Trek will help you decide which trek suits you best.
The Salkantay Road
Inca Trail Vs Salkantay
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is an excellent alternative to the Incan trail. On this trek you will hug the base of the sacred Salkantay mountain, standing high above the surrounding mountains at a stunning 6271m/ 20,574ft. You will pass through traditional Andean communities and Inca ruins before arriving in Aguas Caliente, the town that sits below the legendary Machu Picchu.
- Tour Type: Hiking, Nature and Archaeological Sites
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Distance: 72 km / 45 miles
- Considerations: A spectacular but challenging alternative to the famous Inca Trail.
- Elevation: 2040m- 4600m / 6692ft- 15,090ft
- Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
The Inca trail Road 1
Inca Trail Vs Salkantay
The world-famous 4-day classic Inca Trek is a part of the Incan empires extensive network of roads which spanned over 40,000km. The footpaths towards the mysterious ancient city of Machu Picchu which are hiked every day is attributed the name Qhapaq Ñan, meaning “Royal Road.” These roads were not constructed of that of European civilisations at the time. The Inca roads are infamous for their large blocks of granite and serpentine stone with sharp and wide inclines. It is believed one reason is due to the altitude; not only the need to ascend into high places but the people and the animals of transport where accustomed to the altitude and elevations.
- Tour Type: Hiking,
- Camping, History and Culture
- Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging
- Distance: 43km/26mi
- Considerations: Permit Required (We’ll obtain it after you book with us)
- Elevation: 2050 – 4200m / 6730 – 13,780ft
- Duration: 4 days/3 days
- Meals: All Inclusive
