Inca Trail vs Salkantay vs Lares: which trek to Machu Picchu?
Three classic routes lead to Machu Picchu, and travelers agonise over which to choose. The good news: there is no wrong answer — only the one that fits you best. Here is how the Inca Trail, Salkantay and Lares really compare.
Part of our complete guideThe complete Inca Trail guide →The quick comparison
| Inca Trail | Salkantay | Lares | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Headline | Inca ruins + Sun Gate | High mountains + glacier | Living Andean culture |
| Difficulty | Challenging | Challenging | Moderate |
| Highest point | 4,215 m | 4,630 m | 4,650 m |
| Permit cap | Yes — sells out | No | No |
| Ends at | Walk in via Sun Gate | Train from Aguas Calientes | Train from Aguas Calientes |
Choose the Inca Trail if…
You want the history and the legendary walk through the Sun Gate into Machu Picchu. The catch is the permit — it is capped and sells out months ahead. See the Classic Inca Trail and check the live calendar.
Choose Salkantay if…
You want the most spectacular mountain scenery — a glacier pass and Humantay Lake — and an easier booking with no permit. See the Salkantay Trek 4 days.
Choose Lares if…
You want culture and quiet — weaving villages, hot springs and far fewer trekkers — at a gentler pace. See the Lares trek.
Still undecided?
Tell us your fitness and dates and we’ll recommend the right trek.
Frequently asked questions
There is no single best — the Inca Trail wins on history and the Sun Gate, Salkantay on mountain scenery, and Lares on culture and quiet. Choose by what you value and your fitness.
Lares is generally the most moderate. The Inca Trail and Salkantay are both challenging, with high passes.
No. Only the Classic and Short Inca Trail are permit-capped. Salkantay and Lares can be booked closer to your dates.
Salkantay is the most popular alternative for scenery; Lares is best for culture. Both reach Machu Picchu and need no Inca Trail permit.