HomeTrailsCamino del Inca Salkantay vs Santa Cruz Trek

Camino del Inca Salkantay vs Santa Cruz Trek

A side-by-side look at distance, elevation, difficulty and the best time to hike each — so you can pick the right route.

Camino del Inca Salkantay Santa Cruz Trek
Distance 74 km 113 km
Elevation gain 2,880 m 3,191 m
Typical duration
Difficulty
Route type Point-to-point Point-to-point
Network Regional Local
Country Peru Peru
Best time to hike Best from May to July Best from July to September
map Route & GPX map Route & GPX

Camino del Inca Salkantay vs Santa Cruz Trek: which should you hike?

At 113 km, Santa Cruz Trek is the longer route — roughly 39 km more than Camino del Inca Salkantay (74 km). If you want the bigger challenge or a longer trip, that's the one; for a shorter or first multi-day hike, Camino del Inca Salkantay is the gentler pick. Check the elevation and best-season rows above, then open each route for the full guide and a free GPX download.