Enjoy the Indelible Scenery in the Most Famous Hikes: Salkantay Trek vs Inca Trail

Are you confused about Salkantay Trek vs Inca Trail? Read on further to compare both the treks and choose the one that fulfils your quest. 

Trekking to Machu Picchu is a lifetime experience. You will be thrilled to know there’s more than one way to reach there. The Salkantay trek is accompanied by solitude and wildlife while the 4 Day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu helps you to walk in the steps of the Incas. 

Both the treks are equally amazing.

SALKANTAY TREK

On the Salkantay Trip, the camping areas are set underneath the great Vilcabamba range. The Salkantay course will, in general, have calmer camping areas. There is a more extensive assortment of convenience choices available in this trek. Even though, they are obviously at an extra price.

What to Anticipate about Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu? 

All in all, this trek has an exciting experience to offer. It has turquoise blue lakes, beautiful snow-capped mountains, and a lush green environment accompanied by butterflies and hummingbirds. The adrenaline rush will be at a different level throughout the trek. The magnificent ruins of Machu Picchu await you. 

Thrill Level in Salkantay Trek

A trek without thrill and challenges is very boring. Soraypampa – Chaullay is the toughest part of the Salkantay Trek. The altitude of 4580 is breath-taking. 

The Apacheta pass is at the highest elevation in this entire trek. Moreover, the steep slopes add more to the difficulty. The view from the pass is worth the efforts. The Turquoise blue lake and the soothing white snow adds more to the peaceful panoramic view. 

Lunch can be done at Huayracmachay. The steep descent from Chaullay is a challenge. 

Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu - Salkantay Trekking
Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu – Salkantay Trekking

Humantay Lake

The splendid Humantay Lake is an incredibly bewitching blue lagoon. It is situated at the height of 4200m. The colours are so majestic that they will take you to a world of bliss. 

Sleeping at this altitude is not easy at all. Therefore, you need to train yourself before coming to this trek. 

Humantay Lake Tour, Lake Humantay Tour
Humantay Lake Tour, Lake Humantay Tour

INCA TRAIL

The Inca Trail is a distinct hiking Path situated in Peru. It starts from the Sacred Valley to the ruins of Machu Picchu, which you can enjoy during our 2 Day Machu Picchu Tour – Cusco to Machu Picchu Tour. This is very prominent as it is the only hike that permits travellers to walk through the Machu Picchu National Park. 

Difficulty Level

The rugged terrain combined with the altitude and oxygen devoid atmosphere can result in slow progression. The path has rough cobblestone and the stone steps are uneven.

Many Micro-climates 

The Inca Trail has many micro-climates, from mountains to rainforests. The Classic Inca Trail is one of those standard routes to Machu Picchu that needs pre-booking. It usually gets crowded due to the many trekkers. This might also intervene with your picture taking sessions and admiring the scenery.

Cheapest 2 Day Inca Trail, Salkantay Inca Trail Trek Inca Trail Salkantay Trek
Cheapest 2 Day Inca Trail

The Beauty of the Inca Trail Trek

When discussing the charm of the trek, it has the most striking walk for visitors. You will get an opportunity to view the remarkable Inca Trail.

The path takes you along the ancient trade route utilized by the Incas. Hiking through the cloud forests of Peru is another remarkable experience. Over four days you will cover 45 km with the most elevated point coming to ‘Dead woman’s Pass‘ at 13779 ft.

Around 75000 trekkers trek the Inca Trail every year. The Inca Trail has a crowd almost every day. Local porters help with conveying camping pieces of equipment. You will complete the hike at the Sun Door with glorious scenery over Machu Picchu. 

No matter how much you are confused between Salkantay Trek vs Inca Trail, Hiking is certainly amongst one of those adventures which will bring you an everlasting memory.

Cheapest 2 Day Inca Trail, Salkantay Trek vs Inca Trail, Salkantay Inca Trail Trek Inca Trail Salkantay Trek
The Inca Trail is a Paved Stone Path to the Ancient City of Machu Picchu

Final Words

After knowing much about Salkantay Trek vs Inca Trail, let’s have a final look at the major differences that will help you in making an informed decision. 

Distance: Inca Trail Trek is around 26 miles over 4 days. The Salkantay Trek is 46 miles over 5 days. 

Highest Altitude: The heights elevation in Inca Trail is 13, 828 feet and 15000 feet in Salkantay Trek.

Difficulty level: The Inca Trail trek is moderate in terms of difficulty level. The Salkantay Trek is strenuous.

While considering Salkantay Trek vs Inca Trail, both trips give amazing benefits. You will have master guides, stunning views and liberty to connect with the local population. Both hikes require some degree of wellness.

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