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Inca Trail  / Inti Raymi

Inca Trail Vs. Salkantay Trek: both in the National park of Machu Picchu

You don’t know which trail to Machu Picchu to hike? find here the answer and the essential information for Inca Trail Vs. Salkantay Trek

The Inca Trail and Salkantay Trek are two best treks in the region of Cusco in Peru; they run through the National park of Machu Picchu located in the southern of Peru. The 4-day Inca Trail runs through the meddle of the national park, while Salkantay Trek runs by the skirt of the National park, separated by almost 50 km, basically they are separated by the Salkantay Mountain which lies at 6,271m.

“Which of the two Treks is best for history and wildlife safari?”

This is a question that travelers often find it difficult to find an answer to. You will likely find a number of similarities and differences between the two Treks.

Machu Picchu was established in 1983 as Peru’s first national park; since then, the Inca Trail becomes more popular as a tourist TREKKING destination in Peru and south America; and has been declared a World Heritage Site. So, the entrance started to be controlled from 2010 because the quantity of visitors and the destruction of the environment; Nowadays Peruvian government allows 500 visitors per day (Approx. 200 tourist and 300 support team). So, alternative to these measures was open the Salkantay Trek and offers many more options to tourists in terms of Adventure, tourist facilities and at least access. Tourists can easily find a range of hotels of their choice, from budget to luxury, which is certainly not the case with the Inca Trail.

Comparison – Inca Trail Vs. Salkantay Trek.

Trekking to Machu Picchu is a dream for many travelers, but there is more than one way to get there. The 4-day or Classic Inca trail allows hikers to walk on the Inca steps, while the more distant route from Salkantay offers solitude and wildlife. Compare your options for walking to Peru’s most famous location, distance and cost to the night options.

WALKING DISTANCES:

If you want to walk Machu Picchu but are looking for the shortest path to get there, then the Inca Trail is a winner here. You also have the short Inca Trail option.

With 42 kilometers from the starting point (kilometer 82) to Machu Picchu, the Classic Inca Trail is almost twice as short as the Salkantay Trek with 74 kilometers to cover.

THE SCENERIES AND WILDLIFE

On the Inca Trail you will cross spectacular mountain passes through misty cloud forests, passing many ancient Inca sites along the route, such as Llactapata, Sayaqmarka, Phuyupatamarca, Inti Pata, Wiñayhuayna and Inti Punku; the trail ends at Machu Picchu when you walk through the door of the sun.

While on Salkantay Trek, there are relatively few ruins, but otherwise you are rewarded with incredible mountain landscapes. You will hike higher and longer than the Inca Trail, circling the Salkantay Glacier Mountain (6,271m/22,083 feet). Unlike the Inca Trail, with its constant pedestrian traffic, this less congested route offers a good opportunity to see wild animals such as deer, chinchillas, and spectacled bears. Note that you do not arrive directly to Machu Picchu on the Salkantay Trek, but rather visit the site on the last day; you spend one night in the town of Aguas Calientes and the next day you visit Machu Picchu.

COST OF THE INCA TRAIL VS SALKANTAY

If you want to enjoy the beautiful nature of the Peruvian Andes and arrive to Machu Picchu after several days of trekking, but you are limited by money, choose the Salkantay Trek which is more economical than the Inca Trail.

In general, the Inca Trail costs around 50% more than the Salkantay Trek.
The higher cost of the Inca Trail is due not only to its popularity but also to the fact that it is necessary to have more staff and porters than on the Salkantay Trek where it is possible to replace men with horses .

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

INQUIRY NOW THIS TRIP

    WHY TRAVEL WITH US?

    Sunrise Peru Trek has over 20 years of experience operating unique adventure holidays on the paths less travelled. We offer our travellers big adventures with a small footprint.

    • Leaders in responsible adventure travel
    • Authentic experiences – our trips start where others end
    • Pioneers in designing ground breaking itineraries
    • Supported by some of the world’s most respected adventurers
    • Great value, high quality trips with all inclusive pricing and added comforts
    • Experts in creating flexible custom adventures



    ESSENTIAL INFO.

    Why Book with Sunrise Peru Trek?...

    At Sunriseperutrek.com, we have an intimate understanding of the unique travel needs and preferences of our Peru-based clientele. We offer an extensive selection of tour packages throughout Cusco, Machu Picchu, and beyond, designed to cater to a diverse range of traveler interests. If you’re seeking flexibility, our dynamic or customized tour and travel packages provide the opportunity to create and design your own unforgettable holiday. For those preferring a pre-planned itinerary, our fixed departure holiday packages offer a thoughtfully curated travel experience. Regardless of your travel style, rest assured that Sunrise Peru Trek can meet and exceed your holiday needs.

    At Sunrise Peru Trek, we pride ourselves on our exceptional customer service and commitment to providing the best possible travel experience for our clients. Our team is made up of experienced travel professionals who are passionate about sharing the beauty and culture of Peru with travelers from around the world.

    When you book with us, you can expect personalized attention and support throughout your journey. We understand that every traveler is unique, and we strive to create tailor-made itineraries that cater to your specific interests and preferences. Our goal is to make sure you have a stress-free and unforgettable experience while exploring the wonders of Peru.

    What does Sunrise Peru Trek offer?...

    Sunrise Peru Trek specializes in offering a wide range of tours, including popular Inca Trail Treks, Alternative Treks, Machupicchu Tours, Inti Raymi Tours, Cusco Day Tours,  Tours in Peru. They provide hassle-free holidays where all your travel needs are taken care of, including comfortable accommodation, convenient transfers, varied sightseeing options, and a plethora of activities to choose from. With tailor-made packages for destinations all over Peru, Sunrise Peru Trek caters to various holiday preferences, such as distinctive honeymoon experiences, exclusive tours for women, itineraries for solo travelers, families with kids, and those who are young at heart. They ensure an unparalleled tour experience that leaves a lasting impression.[/su_list]

    How to book a Tour with Sunrise Peru Trek?...

    Booking with Sunrise Peru Trek Travel & Tours is a breeze! Simply visit their user-friendly website and follow these steps:

    1. Use the convenient filters to select your desired city, travel dates, duration, and any specific preferences for hotels or types of holidays.
    2. Browse through the extensive list of Tour Packages that Sunrise Peru Trek offers.
    3. Choose a package that meets your needs, or customize your own package by selecting preferred hotels, adding sightseeing and activities.
    4. Once you have your ideal package ready, you can either book it online by clicking the button or contact their travel experts for immediate support via chat or by dropping a query.

    That's it! With Sunrise Peru Trek, booking your dream holiday tour package has never been easier.

    Arrival Information for your trip

    Upon your arrival in Cusco on the designated program start date, our attentive staff will be eagerly awaiting your presence at the airport. Rest assured, they will be holding a blackboard with your name displayed so that you can easily identify them. A swift and comfortable 15-minute transfer will then transport you to the meticulously selected hotel.

    Once settled into your accommodation, an informative briefing will be conducted. During this time, you can sip on a delightful cup of Coca tea, which comes highly recommended for acclimatization to the altitude. We will provide you with valuable insights about the city, as well as a comprehensive review of the meticulously curated tour itinerary.

    To ensure a seamless experience, please coordinate your flights to arrive at Cusco’s renowned “Alejandro Velasco Astete” International Airport (airport code CUZ) on your program start date. As the adventure reaches its conclusion, your journey ends in Cusco on the program’s scheduled end date. Please note that no activities are planned for this day, allowing you the freedom to depart at a time that suits your convenience.

    Eligibility & FAQ's

    To book your flights, please contact our dedicated fights team on +51 950 313131 who will do their best to get you the best deal on the day; please provide them with your full name as it is stated in your passport.

    Before you make the call please make sure you have your required departure dates, return dates and other details you may require.

    Visas

    • Citizens of the United Kingdom do not require visas to travel to Peru if they are staying for under 180 days. Visa rules may change, so it is your responsibility to stay up to date with the current visa laws of the countries you are visiting and adhere to them.
    • All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay.
    • It is your responsibility to obtain the necessary visas for your travels and correct travel documents, if one is necessary, in accordance with the regulations of the country you are to visit. The information offered below is to help you with that process. We are not responsible for the actions of local immigration and customs officials, whether at points of entry or otherwise and any subsequent effects.
    • All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay. Citizens of the United Kingdom do not require visas to travel to Peru if they are staying for under 180 days. Visa rules may change, so it is your responsibility to stay up to date with the current visa laws of the countries you are visiting and adhere to them.

    Travelling at Altitude

    This trip goes above 2,800 meters / 9,200 feet where it is common for travellers to experience some adverse effects in their health due to the altitude. Please see further information on Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) and High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE).

    Travel Insurance

    On this trip you will be trekking at more than 2,000 meters / 6,561 ft above sea level, you therefore need to ensure you have suitable travel insurance in place.

    Can I Travel Solo?

    Yes, in fact many of our travellers choose to travel solo as our trips offer a fantastic opportunity to meet new people. This is a group trip, so there’ll be other people to share the experience with – you’re never truly travelling alone! You can also travel with a friend or partner, however you choose to participate you’re sure to have an amazing time!

    Can I Opt For My Own Room?

    You can opt for your own room, but it will incur an additional cost. Please note that you’ll be unable to have your own room during nights 3 to 5 when we will be hiking. For more details on opting for your own room, please contact us.

    Responsible travel...

    • Litter collection on our treks

      The 5 Pieces litter collection initiative, where travellers collect 5 or more pieces of plastic or paper litter on the trail each day, is offered on all of our treks. This simple yet effective initiative harnesses the collective power of tourists to keep wilderness trails clean and to educate local communities about the negative impact of litter on their environment and tourism economy.

    • Porter welfare policies

      All porters that we employ receive a good working wage that is regulated by the Trekking Agents Association of Peru and the Labor ministry of Peru, paying as per their guidelines, which are unionized. We are one of the only trekking companies in Peru to provide porters with three meals a day, prepared by our cooks, as well as lodging or tents, sleeping mats and sleeping bags. Porters receive income protection and life insurance and have access to the same first aid care that travellers receive including emergency evacuation if required. Porters are provided with a wind and waterproof jacket and over-trousers, leather or canvas shoes and a warm cap, and carry a maximum of 20kgs in provided backpacks.

    • Eco-campsites

      Our series of eco-campsites during our treks contribute to the local economy by providing employment and yearly rent and by bringing trekkers into nearby villages to purchase handicrafts. The campsites minimize our environmental footprint by using biodegradable products.

    GROUP SIZE

    Small Group Service:

    Join our exclusive tour service:

    For Large Groups (04-12 people – maximum of 16): We guarantee two experienced guides to ensure the best experience. If your group consists of 06 people or more, please contact us for an exciting discount. By choosing our tour, you’ll have the chance to meet fellow hikers from around the world, creating unforgettable memories and lifelong friendships.

    Large Group Service:

    Join our exclusive tour service:

    (04-12ppl Average – 16 People Max): 02 Guides over 08 people) If you are a group of 06 people or more, please contact us for an exclusive discount. By choosing this option, you’ll embark on an adventure with like-minded hikers from around the world, creating unforgettable memories and forging new friendships along the way.

    Private Group Service:

    Experience the ultimate adventure with our exclusive Private Group Tour. Whether you’re traveling with family, your special someone, or for your honeymoon, we have a special trek program designed just for you. With the flexibility to depart on any day and choose your preferred group size, your experience will be tailored to your preferences. Unlike other tours, we won’t add any people to your group – it will be arranged exclusively for you. Our Private Group Tours include additional services, such as extra porters, horses for riding, and assistance with carrying your personal gear on alternate treks. Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure with us and create unforgettable memories.