Which trek to Machu Picchu fits you? Our six routes compared
Juan from Salas Travel here. Choosing a route to Machu Picchu is the question we answer most before people book. Here are our six options and the questions that usually decide it.
What are the options?
- Short Inca Trail, 2 days: USD 569 on our website. About 11 km from Km 104 to the Sun Gate, a night in Aguas Calientes and a guided visit of Machu Picchu on day 2.
- 1-day Inca Trail: USD 399. The same route from Km 104 in a single day, back by train in the evening.
- Classic Inca Trail, 4 days: USD 780. About 40 km, 3 nights camping and the Warmiwañusca pass at 4,215 m.
- Salkantay trek, 5 days: USD 585. A high mountain route with a pass at 4,630 m, combining camping and a hotel.
- Inca Jungle trek, 4 days: USD 549. Biking and rafting along the way. If the river is too high, rafting is replaced by another activity, such as the zipline.
- Lares trek, 4 days: USD 690. A route through a different valley from the Inca Trail. Ask us for the full itinerary.
I only have one or two days. What should I do?
The 1-day Inca Trail or the Short Inca Trail. If you want time to enjoy Machu Picchu without rushing for the train, take the 2-day version.
I want the real Inca Trail experience.
The Classic 4-day route is the full trail. It needs good fitness and time to acclimatize in Cusco first.
The Inca Trail permits are sold out. What now?
Salkantay, Inca Jungle and Lares do not use Inca Trail permits, so they are good options when your dates are full.
Which is the hardest?
Salkantay and the Classic Inca Trail, because of their high passes. The Short Inca Trail and the 1-day route stay lower than Cusco.
Which is the most active?
Inca Jungle, if you like mixing hiking with biking and rafting.
Still undecided? Reply with your dates, fitness level and what matters most to you, and we will suggest a route here.