Inca trail vs other trails (Salkantay, etc)

Hi there

ive been doing research for the inca trek to MP for this summer, and my main question is: "is the INCA trail far better than the other trails"?

it sounds more touristy, id like something a little less crowded and overhyped. the less tourists the better basically. but if the main INCA trail is really that much better than the others, i can deal with the crowds.

also, anyone know of any good, affordable, amazon rainforest tours?

thanks a bunch!!!

tyler

i did salkantay trek and am pleased with my decision. other then my group we didnt see another person the whole time on the trail. talking with people who did the inca trail, they said there was tons of people, and at the campsites there was numerous groups. the scenery on salkantay was amazing. ive heard that the scenery on salkantay is better, but on the inca trail you pass by alot of ruin sites. one differerence is on the inca trail the last day you hike to MP, and with the salkantay route you spend the night in aguas caliente, and then wake up and hike up to MP from town. either way you can get there before sunrise, but some like hiking into the park from a trail better. the price is another thing to consider and reservation time. the inca trail usually requires a month ahead of time booking, while with salkantay i paid a place in cusco and left the next day. also the hike cost me $160. the inca trail is alot more then this

hey thanks alot for your feedback

2 quickies:

how many people were in your group, and what agency did you use?

thanks again
tyler

Hi,

BahUllah, how long ago did you do this tour? The reason I ask is that I have also been reaching this trek and the standard price now seems to be around $350 ... ??

I too would like to know what tour group you went with if it was that cheap...

Thanks,
Cam.

i did the tour in september of 2005. there was 9 people in my group. i dont recall the name of the tour company, but ill find a map of cuzco and tell you what street its on. its was right off the main plaza. everyone in the group went to a different tour company in cuzco and they grouped us together. we all paid between 150-180$ except one couple who paid 250$. they were very upset about this since they got the same service. if you book online you will pay double, but if you go during peak time you might want to get others opinions on how booked up the tours are. in september you could walk into almost every agency in cusco and leave the next day. unless your in a big group i would recommend just going to cusco and asking around. people cancel alot so you can usually find a spot.
i would also suggest staying away from the big name tour companies if money is an issue. we had great service. everything was included for the 160$ i paid, and i have no complaints about anything.

i was there in december (off peak) and did the inca trail with a company called 'peru treks'. they were AMAZING, a little spendy, but worth every penny. i didn't do any other trails, so i have no comparison.

enjoy!

Has anyone tried going there in peak season (May - June) and try to get a spot on the Salkantay trek lately? I would hate to be in Cuzco not beeing able to get into Macu Picchu, but I would at the same time hate to pay more than double the price of what i need.

you will need to pay a lot more than $150 for a number of reasons.

1. Machu picchu entry has now increased to 120 soles - $36 (this should be included in your tour cost if you do Salkanty)
2. Train tickets are around $46 one way
3. INC are now charging around 120 for entry to the Salkantay trek. (they are not always collecting this... but...)

Do the sums and there is no way an agency can offer a trip for $150, as well as treat their staff humanely AND provide decent tents AND give you food to eat!

Salkantay does not yet have a sistem of reservas so you will be able to get a spot in May June but I would say it will be a little crowded. after all, Salkantay is the second most popular trek.

as posted above, the main difference between these treks is the tourists, yes. but also the Classic Inca Trail has loads of ruins and Salkantay does not. it has lovely mountain scenery.

Affordable jungle tours - puerto maldonado is cheaper than manu.

HOW CAN YOU EVEN TRY TO COMPARE THE FAMOUS INCA TRAIL TO OTHER TREKS? is there any other site close to wiñay wayna beautiness for example? what abouy llactapata on 1st day?

you will find lots less hyped and crowded treks but obviously not better than the iNCA tRAIL; although you will still enjoy your trek whatever u choose and as you dont know the inca trail and have nothing to compare with you will be happy with your trek and think it was better the the IT.

happy travels.

Altitude - I take your point.

However as I have done a range of treks around Cusco, I can compare the IT to the other trails. The ruins on the IT are unsurpassed! They are wonderful, amazing and my personal favourite is Phuyupatamarca. However... for many people (myself included) its the experience which is the thing which sticks in ones mind - and so for me the alternative treks are better than the IT.

You can't beat the IT - its a world famous walk - but if people have to make decisions for others there are plenty of good options.

any suggestions about good tour companies?

anyone else tried peru treks? or how about peru adventures tours?