I have done the Inca trail in June 2025 and the Salkantay trail last week(pics are from last week).

The Inca trail was a 5 day/4 night with an expedition company and the Salkantay trek was solo over 2 days.

So, which one should you do?

I wont compare the history/ruins as it is not fair to do that IMO. Salkantay is nature trail.

Trail conditions

Inca trail is very well maintained and is easier to hike. However there are a ton of steps, steps and more steps.

I am not sure if Salkantay is maintained by volunteers, but it is at times very rough. After the Salkantay pass, the trail is basically a wash in some sections. It is rough. I took the actual trail from Collpapampa to Lucmabamba . It was full of landslides and at times scary. If you simply walk on the dirt road you will be fine.

Landscapes

Inca trail IMO is absolutely breathtaking, you get to experience varied landscapes. Every pass and mountain ridge seemed different and beautiful in it is own way. There were some beautiful ponds and creeks.

Salkantay trek seemed very monotonous for me. It was beautiful, but the landscapes looked similar. After Salkantay pass, heading to Collpapampa seemed like more of the same views for a long while. Then on day 2 — Collpapampa to Sahuayacu Playa I was walking along Lluskamayu river, it was about similar views. Lucmabamba to LLactapata was beautiful. Heading to Hidroelectrica was obscured by trees and steep downhill.

Effort

Note: I consider myself very fit. I regularly do long trail runs.

Inca trail because it was with an expedition team seemed easy. I was being fed 3+ meals a day and didnt have to cary any weight. On top of that the Inca trail’s max elevation was just 4215m (13,828 feet). So, it felt like a breeze hiking through it.

Salkantay on the other hand starts at a much higher altitude and the pass which is the highest point is 4630m (15190 feet). I had altitude sickness and my fingers were bitterly cold in the morning when I got to the highest point. I was fine with the downhill after that until I got to Lucmabamba. Overall I felt Salkantay was a grueling hike. And I forgot — I was carrying a 40lb backpack. So, yes it was quite tough. If you go with an expedition company you might be fine.

Overall, even if you use an expedition company on Salkantay I would recommend going with the Inca trail. You get to enjoy it a lot more. And throw in the amazing number of beautiful Inca ruins you will go encounter you will be blown away.