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Hiking and trekking

Which trek to Machu Picchu? Inca Trail vs Salkantay vs Inca Jungle vs Lares

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Walking to Machu Picchu is one of the great experiences of a trip to Peru, but there are several routes and they are very different. The Inca Trail is the only one that enters the citadel through the Sun Gate, but it needs permits that sell out months ahead; Salkantay offers glaciers and needs no permit; the Inca Jungle mixes biking and adventure at a good price; and Lares focuses on Andean communities. This guide compares days, distance, altitude, difficulty and booking so you can choose the trek that fits your trip.

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Quick comparison

  • Classic Inca Trail: 4 days, about 42 km, highest point 4,215 m (Dead Woman's Pass). Permit and agency required. Moderate to hard.
  • Short Inca Trail: 1 day (or 2 with a night in Aguas Calientes), about 12 km, up to about 2,700 m. Permit required. Moderate.
  • Salkantay: 4–5 days, about 70 km, pass at about 4,600 m. No permit. Hard.
  • Inca Jungle: 3–4 days, with a bike descent from about 4,300 m and hiking in the high jungle. No permit. Moderate.
  • Lares: 3–4 days, passes of 4,400–4,700 m depending on the variant. No permit. Moderate to hard.

Machu Picchu entry is separate

Except on the Inca Trail, whose permit includes entry, on the other treks you need a Machu Picchu ticket for the last day. Check that your agency includes it or buy it early.

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Classic Inca Trail: the most iconic

This is the original Inca route: about 42 km from km 82 of the railway to Machu Picchu, past archaeological sites you can only see on foot, such as Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca and Wiñay Wayna. On day two you cross Dead Woman's Pass (Warmiwañusca) at 4,215 m, the hardest stretch. On day four you arrive at dawn through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku).

  • Pros: the most special arrival at Machu Picchu and the route with the most history.
  • Cons: limited permits, only with a licensed agency, and the highest price.
  • Booking: May–August spots usually sell out 4–6 months ahead. The trail closes every February for maintenance.

Short Inca Trail: the one-day version

It starts at km 104 of the railway and climbs about 12 km past Wiñay Wayna to the Sun Gate. It is ideal if you are short on time or don't want to camp, and it also requires a permit, though it can be booked a little later. In some years it closes temporarily for conservation work, so check it is open on your dates.

Salkantay: high-mountain scenery without a permit

The route circles snow-capped Salkantay (6,271 m) and usually includes Humantay Lake on day one. On day two you cross the Salkantay Pass at about 4,600 m, then descend to the high jungle, coffee farms and Santa Teresa before reaching Aguas Calientes. It is the most popular alternative to the Inca Trail and the best choice if scenery is your priority.

  • Pros: no permit, spectacular landscapes and options for every budget.
  • Cons: the pass is very high and cold; you must be well acclimatised.

Inca Jungle: adventure on a budget

It combines sports: on day one you cycle down from Abra Málaga, at about 4,300 m, towards the jungle; then come optional rafting, ziplining in Santa Teresa, the Cocalmayo hot springs and a walk along the railway to Aguas Calientes. It includes a quiet stretch of Inca path.

  • Pros: usually the cheapest, less demanding in altitude and great fun.
  • Cons: less pure hiking; part of the route is on roads.

Lares: the cultural trek

It crosses valleys with Quechua communities who live from herding llamas and alpacas and from weaving, with lakes and high passes. Many itineraries start at the Lares hot springs and end in Ollantaytambo, where you take the train to Aguas Calientes. It is peaceful and uncrowded.

  • Pros: contact with local communities, few groups, no permit.
  • Cons: fewer ruins along the way; you reach Machu Picchu by train, not on foot.

Which one to choose

  • If you want the classic experience and can book months ahead: the 4-day Inca Trail.
  • If you are short on time: the Short Inca Trail.
  • If you couldn't get a permit or love mountains: Salkantay.
  • If you are on a tight budget or want adventure: Inca Jungle.
  • If you care about Andean culture and avoiding crowds: Lares.
  • If you want a long, remote challenge: Choquequirao, which can be linked to Machu Picchu on an 8–9 day route.

Acclimatisation and preparation

All these treks go above 3,000 m at some point. Spend at least two or three days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before starting, walk around the city to get in shape and drink plenty of water. Bring broken-in boots, layers, a rain jacket and trekking poles. Many agencies rent sleeping bags and poles if you don't want to carry your own.

Best time

The dry season, May to September, is best for all the treks: clear skies, but very cold nights at the high camps. From November to March it rains often and trails get muddy; the Inca Trail closes in February. April and October are good shoulder months with fewer people.

Frequently asked questions

What is the easiest trek to Machu Picchu?
The one-day Short Inca Trail, followed by the Inca Jungle, which is lower and partly done by bike.
Which treks don't need a permit?
Salkantay, Inca Jungle and Lares need no permit; only the Inca Trail (classic and short) requires one.
How far ahead should I book the Inca Trail?
For May–August, 4–6 months ahead; for other months, at least 2–3 months.
Which trek goes highest?
Lares and Salkantay, with passes of 4,400–4,700 m depending on the variant.

Book this plan

Notice: This guide shares advice and recommendations based on research and local experience. Prices, opening hours and rules may change: always check with official sources and operators. Cusco Tips is not responsible for third-party services, bookings or decisions made using these guides; some links are affiliate links (see our affiliate policy).

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