What would you pick...Salkantay Trail or Inca Trail?

Question

Hey everyone, I'm going to Peru in December. I am VERY excited to finally see Machu Picchu!! I just don't know which trek to the site is better...The inca Trail is overridden by tourists and expensive, and I would rather have a more strenuous hike, but it is the classic trail with all the classic goodies. The Salkantay Trail does not have the sights to be seen at the Inca Trail, but there are not many people doing it, it is less expensive, and I like its difficulty level. Basically, I'm worried that the S Trail will not be as beautiful and full of ruins as the I Trail. So what do you think??

Also... What companies should I book my trek with? Something cheaper please..I'm a poor budget backpacker:).

Answer 1

I would chose the Salkantay trail or Lares trek.

I think the inca trail is more commercial and you get to see way more of the countryside and real people on the other treks.  and they both end at Macchu Picchu so you get to see the runs..

we used www.sunriseperu.com

their prices were good

Answer 2

Salkantay, for sure. The Inca trail is crowded and dirty. It's true that there are a few other Inca ruins you'll see along the classic trail, but the scenery of Salkantay is AMAZING and you'll still see Machu Picchu. If you want more ruins after that,  you can stay at Ollantaytambo.

Be careful trying to choose a cheap trekking company. You may be "poor" by backpacker standards, but you are not as poor as a Peruvian porter and those guys really get exploited by the cheaper companies.

This article gives tips on how to choose a trekking company: http://peru-travel.suite101.com/article....

btw, I liked United Mice and recommend them highly.

Answer 3

I am also traveling to Peru, this summer.  I chose to go on the Salkantay trail, but it really depends on what you are interested in seeing while you visit Peru.  I chose the S. T. becasue I was more interested in the landscape aspect of the hike rather than the historical sites.  Although the S.T. does have a couple of historical landmarks, the I.T. has far more.  And on the other side the S.T. has a much more amazing scenery while hiking.  Also something to think about is that on the Salkantay trail you will probably see almost no one else while you are hiking.  Both are probably unbelievable!

Answer 4

Are you kidding? i am a tour guide from and living in Machupicchu region. The trail of Salkantay is more exciting and more adventure in the sense that you will feel more explorer for you will not find rules or check points as during the inca trail to Machupicchu and no thounsand of porters behind you. Along the salkantay you will get bennefit with beatiful sceneries, natural hotsprings, a secret archeologycal site, natural hotsprings and horsemen helping you during the trail. The inca trail is beatiful but is not adventure, the goberment put many conditions on it. However it does not mean that you do not have to care the nature at the salkantay trail and generate the tricle down economycal effect on the peasant and farmers of the area. I recommend that you go there before the rainy season do not go there after due landslades and things like that.

http://www.southamericamyjourney.com

Answer 5

What the h**l is Salkantay Trail?? I live in Perú and I've never heard about it.

Well, obviously I'd pick Inca Trail.....I think Incas are the most important thing in Perú.