If you are planning to hike in Cusco, you may find it difficult to choose between the most popular routes in Cusco, here are some differences between the Inca Trail 4 days and the Clasicc Salkantay trek .
Trekking in the Andes of Peru is undoubtedly one of the best adventures, the Andes offers a biodiversity of species of flora and fauna, you will be trapped with so much beauty that offers each destination in Peru, however, the routes of Inca Trail and Salkantay trek are the most popular treks and considered the best hikes by national geographic, achieving appreciate enigmatic Inca monuments, mountains, cloud forests and jungle in its natural state.
Differences in difficulty
1. Inca trail
The difficulty of Inca trail is moderate compared to other trekking routes in Cusco, the Inca trail 4 days, is a 43 kilometers journey Crossing mountains, cloud forests with abundant vegetation and in that way reach the sanctuary of Machupicchu.
Difficulty level Inca Trail
Day 1: 11 kilometers Difficulty: Moderate Altitude: 3,850 masl 12,631 ft.
Day 2: 19 Kilometers Difficulty: Hard Altitude: 4,600 masl 15,090 ft.
Day 3: 16 kilometers Difficulty: Hard Altitude: 2,800 masl 9,080 ft.
Day 4: 3 kilometers Difficulty: Moderate Altitude: 2,740 masl 8,901 ft.
2. Salkantay Trek
the difficulty of the Salkantay trek 5 days is high compared to the Inca Trail. The trekking distances are longer, that is why there are two trekking programs: Basically it will make the trek more demanding, the distances are longer to reach Machupicchu. This trip will make the trek more resting time and more stops for a better enjoyment of the trek.
Difficulty level Salkantay Trek
Day 1: 11 kilometers Difficulty: Moderate Altitude: 3,850 masl 12,631 ft.
Day 2: 19 Kilometers Difficulty: Hard Altitude: 4,600 masl 15,090 ft.
Day 3: 16 kilometers Difficulty: Hard Altitude: 2,800 masl 9,080 ft.
Day 4: 3 kilometers Difficulty: Moderate Altitude: 2,740 masl 8,901 ft.
Difference of the most difficult sections
Inca Trail: The one day and second day are more difficult because they go through mountains, reaching high altitude elevations.
Salkantay Trek: The first day and third day are the most difficult because they cross the Salkantay mountain, and have longer treks.
Differences between the two treks
Inca trail Trek
- To access the Inca trail requires a permit and a guide with anticipation due to the popularity of the Inca trail.
- views of archaeological sites, Inca monuments and the Inca trail which is still maintained from the Inca period.
- Physical preparation is required at least 2 months in advance.
Note: Take into account the state of your heart, muscular pains and back, so that you can do the Inca Trail without discomfort.
Salkantay trek
- To be able to do the salkantay trek you do not require permission to access the salkantay trek trail, except for the entrance to machupicchu.
- If like are a nature lover this trek is of interest to you as you will be able to observe nature and discover places in the less explored high jungle.
- Advance physical preparation is required.
Which trek is better?
Without a doubt both treks are impressive, but as they are different types of treks, you should choose between one of them.
Inca Trail Trek
Explore in the Inca culture, to get to know archaeological sites and to experience up close how the Incas used to move along enormous trails that still remain and to reach the historic sanctuary of Machu picchu as the Inca ancestors did, this trek is made for you.
the Inca Trail has biosecurity protocols which must be complied with, read more about the protocols at: Inca Trail Protocol
Salkantay Trek
If you are a nature lover, if you want to get close to sacred lakes and mountains and pass through virgin jungle that is little explored, if you want to exchange the production of Andean coffee with the communities, you will undoubtedly live one of the best travel experiences with the final arrival at Machupicchu.