Difference Between the 2, 4, 5-Day Inca Trail & the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

Difference Between the 2, 4, 5-Day Inca Trail & the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

Complete & Accurate Guide for Trekkers

Choosing the right trek to Machu Picchu can be confusing. The Inca Trail and the Salkantay Trek are Peru’s most famous routes, but each option—2, 4, 5+ days—offers a very different experience.

Overview: Inca Trail vs Salkantay Trek

Feature Inca Trail Salkantay Trek

Ends at Machu Picchu ✅ Yes✅ Yes

Original Inca path ✅ Yes❌ N0

Archaeological sites ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Mountain scenery ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Permit required ✅ Limited❌ Not required

Crowds Moderate Low–Moderate

2-Day Inca Trail (Short Inca Trail)

Best for: Limited time, cultural focus, easy hiking
Keywords: 2 day Inca Trail, Short Inca Trail trek, Machu Picchu hike

The 2-day Inca Trail is the shortest official section of the legendary Inca Trail. It includes a scenic train ride to Km 104 and a hike through beautiful cloud forest to Wiñay Wayna, finishing at the Sun Gate.

Highlights

• Perfect for beginners or families

• Visit authentic Inca ruins

• Enter Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate

• Requires official Inca Trail permit

Limitations

• No high mountain passes

• Less immersive than longer treks

4-Day Classic Inca Trail (Most Popular)

Best for: First-time trekkers, history lovers
Keywords: Classic Inca Trail 4 days, Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, best Inca Trail trek

The 4-day Inca Trail is the most iconic hike in South America. It combines Andean landscapes, cloud forest, and the highest concentration of Inca archaeological sites.

Highlights

• Walk original stone Inca paths

• Cross Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 m)

• Multiple ruins: Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca

• Sunrise arrival at Machu Picchu

Important

• Permits sell out months in advance

• Only licensed operators like Inca Land Adventures can operate this trek

5-Day Inca Trail (Extended / Premium Version)

Best for: Photographers, slow trekkers, less crowded experience
Keywords: 5 day Inca Trail trek, extended Inca Trail, luxury Inca Trail

The 5-day Inca Trail follows the same route as the Classic trek but at a slower, more relaxed pace. It offers extra time at archaeological sites and better acclimatization.

Highlights

• Fewer crowds

• Better for altitude adaptation

• Ideal for photography and cultural immersion

• Same Machu Picchu entrance as the 4-day trek

Salkantay Inca Trail Trek (6 Days or More)

Best for: Adventure seekers, mountain lovers
Keywords: Salkantay trek Machu Picchu, Salkantay hike Peru, alternative trek to Machu Picchu

The Salkantay Trek is the most popular longer hike to Machupicchu . It does cover Slakntay + the classical inca trail since the bgging you will follow the Inca path but delivers dramatic alpine scenery, glaciers, turquoise lakes, and remote valleys.

Highlights

• Cross Salkantay Pass (4,950 m)

• Stunning landscapes and fewer ruins

• No permit limitations

• Ideal for experienced hikers

• Several inca sites along the way

Limitations

• Does enter Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate

Which Trek Should You Choose?

Choose the Inca Trail if you want:

• Authentic Inca history

• Archaeological sites

• The classic Machu Picchu arrival

• A regulated, historic route

Choose the Salkantay Trek if you want:

• High-altitude mountain scenery

• Fewer crowds

• No permit stress

• A more rugged adventure

Why Book with Inca Land Adventures?

Inca Land Adventures is an official Inca Trail operator, specializing in small groups, expert guides, and responsible trekking.

✔ Guaranteed permits
✔ Experienced local guides
✔ High safety and service standards
✔ SEO-trusted brand for Machu Picchu treks