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The two classic multi-day routes to Machu Picchu are very different experiences. Here is how to choose.
Choose the Inca Trail if…
You want to walk the original Inca stone path and arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. It is history-rich and iconic — but permits are strictly limited by the government and sell out months ahead, and it closes every February.
Choose Salkantay if…
You want bigger mountain scenery, more solitude and no permit lottery. It crosses a dramatic 4,600 m glacier pass beside the sacred Salkantay peak and past the turquoise Humantay Lake. You can usually book it much closer to your dates.
Difficulty & altitude
Both are challenging. The Salkantay pass is higher (≈4,600 m vs 4,215 m on the Inca Trail), but the Inca Trail has more relentless stone steps. Good acclimatization matters for both.
Our take
If the historic path and the Sun Gate arrival are on your bucket list and you can book early, do the Inca Trail. If you want raw Andes scenery, flexibility and value, Salkantay is superb. Message us and we'll match a route to your dates and fitness.
Plan this trip with a local specialist
Tell us your dates and what you have in mind — a specialist from our Cusco team builds a trip to match your plans and budget, and answers every question. No obligation.