Salkantay Trek or Inca Trail: What is the best route to get to Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu, the jewel of the Inca Empire and one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, is the dream destination of many adventurers. But before you marvel at its terraces and temples, there’s a crucial decision to make: What’s the best route to get to Machu Picchu? The two most popular options are the Inca Trail and the Salkantay route.

Both offer breathtaking landscapes, unique cultural experiences, and an unforgettable trip, but they differ in difficulty, access, type of experience, and more. Here, we take an in-depth look at both paths to help you decide which one best suits your adventure style.

The Inca Trail: Living History Beneath Your Feet

The Inca Trail is the most iconic and traditional route to reach Machu Picchu. This ancient trail was part of a vast network of roads in the Tahuantinsuyo that connected different regions of the Inca empire.

Distance and duration

• Length: Approximately 43 km.
• Duration: 4 days and 3 nights.
• Maximum height: 4,215 m at the Abra Warmiwañusca (“Dead Woman’s Passage”).

Characteristics of the route

• It passes through impressive archaeological sites such as Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca,  and Wiñay Wayna.

It culminates in the arrival at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) at dawn: a magical moment.

NDifficulty Level

Moderate to demanding, due to steep climbs and altitude. It requires basic physical preparation.

Limitations

• Allowed only with an authorized agency.
• Daily quotas limited to 500 people (including guides and porters).
• They sell out 3 to 6 months in advance, especially in high season (May-September).

Salkantay Route: The Alternative and Wild Adventure

The Salkantay Trek is the favorite alternative for those looking for a road less traveled, more challenging and with diverse landscapes ranging from snow-capped peaks to tropical jungles.

Distance and duration

• Length: 70 – 74 km (depending on the variant).
• Duration: 5 days and 4 nights (4-day versions are also available).
• Maximum height: 4,650 m at the Salkantay Pass.

Characteristics of the route

• Start in Mollepata, passing through the imposing Nevado Salkantay, and then descending towards the high jungle in Santa Teresa.
• Visits to the Humantay Lagoon, natural thermal baths and coffee plantations.

Difficulty Level

More physically demanding than the Inca Trail, especially because of the altitude and the long days of hiking.

Advantages

• It does not require advance permits like the Inca Trail.
• Fewer tourists, more authentic and adventurous experience.
• Optional: you can add zip lining, biking or thermal baths.

¿Cuándo hacer estas rutas?

Temporada seca (abril a octubre):

Ideal para ambas rutas. Menos lluvias, mejor visibilidad.

Temporada de lluvias (noviembre a marzo):

Riesgo de deslizamientos. El Camino Inca cierra en febrero por mantenimiento.

When to do these routes?

Dry season (April to October):

Ideal for both routes. Less rain, better visibility.

Rainy season (November to March):

Risk of landslides. The Inca Trail closes in February for maintenance.

Which one is best for you?

• Do you love Inca history and culture? → Inca Trail
• Do you like adventure, extreme nature and avoiding crowds? → Salkantay
• Short on time or looking for an iconic experience? → Inca Trail
• Do you want to improvise or not find places for the Inca Trail? → Salkantay

Conclusion: There is no wrong way to Machu Picchu

Both routes are spectacular and will take you to the same sacred destination. The Inca Trail is more spiritual and historical, while the Salkantay Trek is a scenic and wild trek. Whatever your choice, you will arrive with your soul full of landscapes and your heart vibrating with the ancestral energy of the Inca Empire.