Getting to Machu Picchu by trekking can have different options. Today we want to talk about perhaps the two most famous trekking routes that can be done. The Salkantay Trek is an excellent option given the lack of availability of the 4 days Classic Inca Trail. Nowadays more people know about the existence of both routes and can also book them in advance, they wonder, what are the routes like? How are they similar and how are they different? In this blog we will answer these questions and also present some comparisons so that the traveler or adventurer who decides to visit Cusco has all the necessary information to choose an option.
The 4-day Inca Trail route begins with the departure from Cusco. When purchasing any hiking route, travel agencies are usually in charge of giving the briefing, which can be understood as talks where the entire travel group can get to know each other and the tour guide introduces himself. This is the moment when tourists or travelers should express their questions or concerns; in case something has not been made clear. The Inca Trail should only be done with authorized travel agencies. While the Salkantay Trek can be done on your own.
As we said, the 4-day Inca Trail begins with a bus ride from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, then to kilometer 82 of the railway. At this point, the entire group will begin to prepare their belongings, adjust their footwear, and begin the hike. Before that, the guide will introduce the chef and porters who will accompany the group and will be in charge of carrying all the camping equipment and also preparing the food for the four days. For this first day, it is important that everyone who does this route has a good breakfast. The hike is arduous, but luckily the food offered is light and quite nutritious.
Many people agree that the first two days of the hike are demanding. This comment probably refers to the fact that it is necessary to acclimatize for at least 2 days to the climate of the city of Cusco. But it is also due to the fact that the route is ascending until reaching the highest point known as Warmiwañuska and has an altitude of 4,215 meters (13,828 feet). In this sense, this is the place where it can be coldest and at the same time some discomfort from altitude sickness can appear. Therefore, it is essential that people have a few days of acclimatization before doing the route. When making the reservation, you should also think about this adaptation time by doing other activities in Cusco.
Continuing with the 4-day Inca Trail route, from the third day you will already be in the high jungle. This means that the weather conditions will be warmer. It is also possible to observe some curious birds that fly towards the camps or towards the ancestral road built by the Incas. On the fourth day, the last part of the hike begins early in the morning. In this sense, it is expected to arrive at Machu Picchu at dawn or see this spectacle from the Inti Punku.
The total distance covered during these four days of walking is 40 kilometers, distributed according to the difficulty of the route. On the other hand, the tour will end with the return to Cusco. The trip is usually in bimodal service, although this will depend largely on the option chosen by the tourist, since the return can be made in any of the services offered by both Inca Rail and Peru Rail.
The Salkantay Trek route to Machu Picchu has 3 variants. One of them is the classic 5-day Salkantay Trek, while the second option is the 4-day one, and the third option is the 3-day Salkantay Trek Challenge. The truth is that few people choose the 4-day option because it requires a trip by bus or minivan; something that hiking enthusiasts usually do not like. This hike is done on the third day where you board the minivan from Playa Sahuayaco to Hidroeléctrica. From Hidroeléctrica you walk again to Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Pueblo. On the fourth day you will visit Machu Picchu and return to Cusco.
However, we want to talk about the most used option and although they have details in common, we believe that it is important that the entire route is done on foot. So that at least the comparison between these two routes makes more sense. The 5-day Salkantay Trek begins in Cusco, with a minivan ride to Soraypampa, where everyone begins to get their belongings ready to begin the 5-day trek. This first trip from Cusco to Soraypampa takes 3 hours of travel. We recommend that you do this trip with a travel agency so that you have everything you need during the trip, but if you do it on your own, we recommend following or taking a proper Salkantay Trek guide.
After arriving at Soraypampa, the first activity is the hike to the Humantay lagoon, one of the most beautiful natural treasures that Cusco has. The first night will be spent in one of the Salkantay Pampa camps. The second day will test the most demanding walkers or hikers. The route is ascending and reaches the Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the route, reaching 4,600 meters above sea level (15091.86 ft). This day is also known as the most difficult day of the entire route, the camp is located in Chawllay at 2900 meters above sea level (9514.4 ft).
The third and fourth days are different from the first two days, and a truly magnificent descent begins. Magnificent for the view you will have of the green vegetation of the high jungle. In this sense, you will pass through the points of Lucmabamba, from where you will go to the thermal baths of Cocalmayo, and the next day you will visit Llaqtapata and Hidroeléctrica. All these places are surrounded by abundant vegetation. Upon reaching Hidroeléctrica, you will have lunch and then continue with the walk until you reach Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Pueblo. In this place, you can spend the night in a hotel or in the camping area, depending on what each person decides
The fifth day is dedicated exclusively to the tour of Machu Picchu. From early on, you have the option of going up by bus or on foot. The tour of the wonder of the world will always be better if you do it with a guide, who will explain details of the construction and this ancient civilization. The return trip coincides with the Inca Trail, as it can be done by train or you can return by car. This way, the 5-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu would end. Now let's look at some similarities, and then appreciate the differences between these two tours.
Acclimatization – During the first 2 days, both tours will be at altitudes of over 4,000 meters above sea level. In this sense, it is recommended to do a prior acclimatization. It is advisable to be in Cusco doing simple activities. In Cusco you can find many options to acclimatize.
Best travel date – In both cases, it is recommended to do the trek between the months of March, April, May, June, July, August and September. The rest of the months have a higher probability of rain. Rain can be a danger especially in areas near rivers or streams. It is important to know that the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu closes during the month of February.
About the camps – Camps will be essential in both cases. If you do the Salkantay Trek, you will be able to find some camps along the route, but you can also bring your own camp to spend the night. In the case of the Inca Trail, it is simpler, because the camping equipment will be in the care of the porters, who will be in charge of carrying.
Spectacular views – Something that these two routes to Machu Picchu will have in common is that they offer beautiful views of the entire mountain range and also of the landscapes that form between the high jungle and the Cusco Andes.
Effort – We consider that the effort is very similar. In both cases, you have to follow ascending and steep sections. Fortunately, the rest of the path is descending and this can li Effort – We consider the effort to be very similar. In both cases, there are ascending sections with a steep slope. Fortunately, the rest of the path is descending and this can lighten the load. Despite this, both activities require acclimatization before undertaking the walk. This is to enjoy the walk and not suffer it.
Who carries the luggage – It is very important to know that along the Inca Trail, those in charge of carrying the camping equipment and food are the porters; however, on the Salkantay route, those in charge of carrying all the equipment are the horses and mules.
|
Data |
CLASSIC 4-DAY INCA TRAIL |
classic 5-day Salkantay Trek |
|
Starting point |
Piscacucho or km 82 |
Challacancha or Soraypampa |
|
Permits |
The route is closed in February |
It can be done any day of the year |
|
Safety |
Avoid doing it during the rainy season |
Avoid doing it during seasons of heavy rain |
|
Tour cost |
$ 670 USD |
$ 440 USD |
|
Route datails |
Trail and steps |
Trail and flt terrain |
|
Walking distance |
40 kilómetros |
70 kilómetros |
|
weather |
Cold to temperate |
Cold to temperate |
|
Difficulties |
Uphill sections |
Low temperatures |
|
is it done with an agency? |
yes |
No |
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