Inca Trail vs Inca Jungle trek, which one will give you a unique experience towards Machu Picchu?
Want to explore Machu Picchu Sanctuary and don’t know if you should travel on the Inca Trail or Inca Jungle Trek?
In this exciting blog from Inkayni Peru Tours, we will teach you two of the most fascinating routes to the ancient Inca city, the Inca Trail vs Inca Jungle. Are you passionate about hiking, history and natural beauty? Adventurous or traditional routes? Then, you are in the right place! Read on and find out which of the two treks is for you!
Descubre la historia de Machu Picchu
¡Sumérgete en la fascinante historia de Machu Picchu y déjate cautivar por uno de los lugares más enigmáticos del mundo!, Te invitamos a explorar las paginas que narran legado de esta antigua ciudadela inca perdida en lo más alto de los andes.
¡Conoce más!WHAT IS THE INCA TRAIL?
Also known as Qhapaq Ñan in Quechua, it is an ancient network of roads that stretches for more than 30,000 kilometres across the western Andes of South America.
Today, however, the term “Inca Trail” refers specifically to the most recognised stretch that connects the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu with the Sacred Valley for 44 km/27 miles.
The Inca Trail Peru begins at kilometre 82 of the railway in Piskacucho town and ends at Machu Picchu.
Interesting information about the Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu.
WHAT IS THE INCA JUNGLE TRAIL?
The Inca Jungle Trail is the most adventurous trekking option in Cusco. Also, it is the most varied, multi-activity tour.
The Inca Jungle Hike is the most ideal combination of hiking, mountain biking, rafting and zip line. It is a non-traditional trek that takes place in the cloud forest of Cusco accompanied by local flora, fauna, and coffee tasting on your journey. In addition, you can enjoy Cocalmayo’s refreshing thermal waters.
What is the Inca Jungle Hike?
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS, INCA TRAIL VS INCA JUNGLE HIKE?
THE INCA TRAIL
The Inca Trail is a trek where history is everywhere! Along the route, you will find and discover cultural attractions that will enchant and impress you with their strategic locations plus imposing structures and stories.
Each Inca trace prepares hikers to finally reach its majestic jewel: Machu Picchu.
PATALLACTA
It is the starting point of the Inca Trail, also known as the “high city” or “city on the hill”.
RUNKURAKAY
An urban and religious centre used by the Incas as a checkpoint. It has a circular shape and is small in size.
SAYACMARCA
Also called the “standing village” or “dominant village”.
PHUYUPATAMARCA
Known as the “city above the clouds”. Why? When you reach this place, you are literally above the clouds due to the habitat surrounding it.
CHACHABAMBA (SHORT INCA TRAIL HIKE)
This is one of the first points to visit if you choose the Short Inca Trail. On the railway, it begins at Km 104. It is believed that this place was dedicated to water and is considered a secondary gate that guarded Machu Picchu’s entrance.
WIÑAYHUANA
It offers beautiful views of the Urubamba River and Wiñayhuayna, which means “always young” due to its abundance of orchids.
INCA JUNGLE
This route allows you to practice different sports among the route, the habitats in which they are practised are within the cloud forest, Puna grasslands, rivers and mountains.
URUBAMBA RIVER
Known as Willkamayu which means Sacred River. This river is optimal for rafting and feel the adrenaline owing to its waves.
HUAMANMARCA
Located at 172 km away from Cusco. Marks the endpoint of the mountain biking activity.
ABRA MALAGA
This is the highest altitude you get on this tour. It is at 4,350 m/14,271 ft.
COCALMAYO HOT SPRINGS
I am sure you will love this place owing to the weather and warm, cold and hot pools.
HOW TO BOOK THE INCA TRAIL VS INCA JUNGLE TRAIL?
INCA TRAIL PERU
The Inca Trail Hike is the most famous and historic trekking route towards Machu Picchu.
Therefore, to hike this route, we recommend booking as soon as possible because it has a maximum capacity of 500 people each day.
INCA JUNGLE TRAIL
To do this trek, it is advisable to book at least two to three months in advance. Like the Inca Trail Trek, the Inca Jungle Hike is also a popular route which ensures the enjoyment of all participants.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO HIKE THE INCA TRAIL VS INCA JUNGLE TREK?
INCA TRAIL
It is advisable to travel between April and September, as this is the dry season in the Cusco region. On the other hand, this reason is the most crowded.
If you wish to travel during the dry season, you should make your reservation 06 months ahead.
Between October and January, it is possible to make a reservation 03 to 04 months in advance.
In February, the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance, cleaning and drainage maintenance work.
INCA JUNGLE TREK
The best time to do the Inca Jungle trail to Machu Picchu is between April – September because of the sunny weather, clear skies and little rainfall. The dryest months are June – August mainly.
January to March is summer on the coastline of Peru, however, rainy weather occurs in Cusco, the Inca Jungle trail, Salkantay and other treks.
Similarly to the Inca Trail Peru, travel agencies, like Inkayni Peru tours, avoid selling this hike for February to safeguard people’s lives.
AVERAGE ALTITUD OF THE INCA TRAIL VS INCA JUNGLE HIKE
INCA TRAIL
The Inca Trail Hike is known for having a variety of altitudes along its route, as it passes through different landscapes and ecosystems.
The starting point is at kilometre 82 (near Piscacucho) at 2,720 m.a.s.l./8,923 ft.
As you hike up, you will gradually ascend to the highest point known as Warmiwañusca or “Dead Woman’s Pass”, at 4,200 m.a.s.l. (13,779 ft.). This is the most challenging point of the trek, as it involves a steep ascent and can be a challenge for some hikers due to the lack of oxygen at high altitudes.
Inca Trail altitude
INCA JUNGLE TRAIL
The Inca Jungle Hike crosses different altitudes through the Peruvian Cloud Forest on its journey.
It generally starts in Cusco at 3,350 m.a.s.l./10,990 ft. Then, as you progress you will enter the Sacred Valley, where you will experience lower altitudes and warmer temperatures.
The highest point of the Inca Jungle trek is the Abra Malaga Pass at an altitude of 4,350 m.a.s.l./14,271 ft. appx. After crossing the pass, the trek descends into the elfin forest and the mountain forest at Machu Picchu.
Inca Jungle Altitude
TREKKING DISTANCE OF INCA TRAIL VS INCA JUNGLE HIKE
INCA TRAIL TREK
Classic Inca Trail Trek 4d/3n
| DAY | 01 | 02 | 03 | 04 |
| Kilometers | 12 km | 11 km | 16 km | 5 km |
| Miles | 7.45 mi | 3.43 mi | 9.94 mi | 3.10 mi |
Illustrative map of the Classic Inca Trail
Short Inca Trail Trek 2d/1n
| DAY | 01 | 02 |
| Kilometers | 10 km | Visit Machu Picchu |
| Miles | 6.21 mi | Visit Machu Picchu |
Illustrative Map of Short Inca Trail
INCA JUNGLE TRAIL
Inca Jungle Trail 4d/3n
| DAY | 01 | 02 | 03 | 04 |
| Kilometers | 21 km | 12 km | 16 km | Machu Picchu |
| Miles | 13.05 mi | 7.46 mi | 9.94 mi | Machu Picchu |
Illustrative Map of the Inca Jungle Hike 4D/3N
INCA JUNGLE TRAIL 3D/2N
| DAY | 01 | 02 | 03 |
| Kilometers | 31 km | 10 km | Visit Machu Picchu |
| Miles | 19.26 mi | 6.21 mi | Visit Machu Picchu |
Illustrative Map of Inca Jungle 3D/2N
TREKKING TIME OF THE INCA TRAIL VS INCA JUNGLE TRAIL
INCA TRAIL TREK
Classic Inca Trail Trek
| DAY | TREKKING TIME | DIFFICULTY |
| 01 | 05 hours | Tough |
| 02 | 06 hours | Challenging |
| 03 | 08 hours | Tough |
| 04 | 02 hours | Mild |
Short Inca Trail Trek
| DAY | TREKKING TIME | DIFFICULTY |
| 01 | 06 hours | Tough |
| 02 | 02 hours | Easy (Machu Picchu) |
Inca Jungle Hike
Inca Jungle Trail 4d/3n
| DAY | TREKKING TIME | DIFFICULTY |
| 01 | 04 hours | Mild |
| 02 | 05 hours | Tough |
| 03 | 04 hours | Mild |
| 04 | 02 hours | Easy (Machu Picchu) |
Inca Jungle Trail 3d/2n
| DAY | TREKKING TIME | DIFFICULTY |
| 01 | 05 hours | Mild |
| 02 | 06 hours | Tough |
| 03 | 02 hours | Easy (Machu Picchu) |
ACCOMMODATION IN THE INCA TRAIL VS INCA JUNGLE TRAIL
INCA TRAIL TREK
- Day 01: Piscacucho – Wayllabamba (12 km): Overnight at Wayllabamba Camp.
- Day 02: Wayllabamba – Pacaymayu (11 km): Overnight at Pacaymayu Camp.
- Day 03: Pacaymayu – Wiñayhuayna (15 km): Overnight at Wiñayhuayna Camp.
- Day 04: Wiñayhuayna – Machu Picchu (5 km): No overnight.
INCA JUNGLE TRAIL
- Day 01: Santa Maria: Overnight at Santa Maria Hotel.
- Day 02: Santa Maria – Santa Teresa: Overnight in Santa Teresa Hotel.
- Day 03: Santa Teresa – Aguas Calientes: Overnight in Aguas Calientes Hotel.
- Day 04: Machu Picchu – Cusco: No overnight.
Descubre la historia de Machu Picchu
¡Sumérgete en la fascinante historia de Machu Picchu y déjate cautivar por uno de los lugares más enigmáticos del mundo!, Te invitamos a explorar las paginas que narran legado de esta antigua ciudadela inca perdida en lo más alto de los andes.
¡Conoce más!PRICES OF THE INCA TRAIL VS INCA JUNGLE TREK
INCA TRAIL TREKExperience a unique adventure full of culture and nature with our ultimate guide, Inkayni Peru Tours takes you to the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu!Lear mhttps://www.inkayniperutours.com/blog/inca-trail-to-machu-picchu-guide
Departures are made at least with 2 people.
| Short Inca Trail 2D/1N (Group Service) | Short Inca Trail 2D/1N (Private Service) | Classic Inca Trail 4D/3N (Group Service) | Classic Inca Trail 4D/3N (Private Service) | Inca Trail 5D/4N (Private Service) | Salkantay Trek & Inca Trail | |
| Prices | $489 per person | $599 per person | $759 per person | $1,250 per person | $1,340 per person | $1,400 per person |
INCA JUNGLE TRAIL
| Inca Jungle Trek 4D/3N | Inca Jungle Trek 3D/2N | |
| Prices | $559 per person | $479 per person |
PACKING LIST ||
IN A NUTSHELL, INCA TRAIL VS INCA JUNGLE HIKE?
INCA TRAIL PERU:
Advantages:
- Historical and cultural footpaths which the Incas used for transportation.
- Breathtaking and panoramic natural views along the route.
- Exclusive access to certain archaeological sites along the Inca Trail.
Disadvantages:
- It has maximum capacity and requires booking at least 6 months ahead of time.
- Crowned place around the year.
- Requires good physical stamina and previous trekking experience.
INCA JUNGLE TRAIL:
Advantages:
- Multisport activities in a row.
- It is more comfortable than the Inca Trail Peru.
- It is less crowded than the Inca Trail Trek giving a more exclusive feel.
- Options for adrenaline junkies, such as mountain biking and zip-lining.
- Pass through beautiful landscapes of mountainous jungle, beside rivers, streams, waterfalls, etc.
Disadvantages:
- It has fewer cultural attractions than the Inca Trail Trek.
- Some sections can be physically demanding due to mountain biking, rafting and zip-line.
- There are lots of mosquitoes along the entire route.
- In summary, the Inca Trail Peru offers an unforgettable cultural and historical experience whereas the Inca Jungle trek provides an exciting combination of trekking and jungle adventure. Both routes have their charms and challenges, allowing travellers to choose according to their preferences.
Both of them end in Machu Picchu, the highlight of Peru!
Now that I have explained the differences, advantages, and disadvantages of the Inca Trail vs Inca Jungle, you have a better understanding of how both Trekking adventures differ.
Book with us, Inkayni Peru Tours, and experience an unforgettable trek through Cusco’s cloud forest and historic Inca Trails. Our family, with years of experience, seeks to provide you with the best experience. Don’t miss this opportunity to write your own epic travel story about Peru. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary in the way that most excites and connects you with nature. Book now and live a unique experience in southern Peru.
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