Want to visit Machu Picchu but can’t decide between the Inca Trail vs Inca Jungle? Both routes are exciting but offer very different experiences. The Inca Trail is famous for its history and the archaeological sites you’ll encounter along the way. On the other hand, the Inca Jungle combines adventure sports with breathtaking landscapes.
In this Inca Trail to Machu Picchu blog, we’ll compare these two options, discussing difficulty levels, landscapes, and activities you can enjoy on each. Don’t let indecision hold you back; keep reading to find the route that suits you best. Your journey to Machu Picchu awaits!
General Comparison
What is the Inca Trail?
The Inca Trail is one of the world’s most famous trekking routes. This trail, built by the Incas, leads directly to one of the wonders of the world: Machu Picchu. Along the journey, you can admire spectacular landscapes like mountains and the edge of the Cusco jungle, as well as visit important archaeological sites that are part of Incan history. Due to the popularity of this route and to preserve it, a special permit with limited availability is required to hike it.

One trekking route you can’t miss is the Inca Trail.
What is the Inca Jungle?
The Inca Jungle is a more adventurous alternative to reach Machu Picchu. Unlike the Inca Trail, it’s not just a hike but combines various activities like mountain biking, rafting, zip-lining, and a trekking segment.
This route traverses different landscapes, from high-altitude areas like Abra Málaga to the edge of the Cusco jungle. Additionally, it doesn’t have the same permit restrictions as the Inca Trail, offering more flexibility when planning your trip.

For those seeking adrenaline-filled activities, the Inca Jungle is the ideal choice.
What is the main difference between the Inca Trail vs Inca Jungle?
The primary difference between these two trekking routes lies in the activities offered by each. On the Inca Trail, the main activity is hiking ancient paths while exploring archaeological sites rich in history. In contrast, the Inca Jungle offers not only trekking but also other adventure activities, although it doesn’t include visits to archaeological sites.
Despite these differences, both routes share a common allure: the opportunity to culminate the experience with a visit to Machu Picchu, one of the wonders of the world. This is a destination you definitely can’t miss on your trip to Peru and Cusco.
Which trek is more popular and why?
The most popular route is the Inca Trail, internationally known for being an ancient path built by the Incan civilization. This trek is recognized by UNESCO and connects directly to the citadel of Machu Picchu, making it an irresistible attraction for travelers.
On the other hand, the Inca Jungle is gaining popularity among tourists. Unlike the Inca Trail, this route is significantly younger, but its name is starting to resonate with travelers from different parts of the world.

An unmissable and the most popular route you should experience at least once in your life.
Duration and Difficulty: Inca Trail vs Inca Jungle
How long is the Inca Trail?
The Inca Trail comes in various versions, so the duration varies depending on the tour package you choose. Many travel agencies offer it in options of 4 days, 5 days, or, in its shortest version, 2 days.
If you’re a traveler in excellent physical condition and can walk more than planned each day, it’s advisable not to overexert yourself. Since it’s a multi-day trek, you’ll need sufficient energy. You don’t want to run out of steam, do you?!
How long is the Inca Jungle?
The Inca Jungle has two versions offered by travel agencies: 3 days and 4 days. What makes it longer or shorter is how much you wish to trek during the hiking activity.
Which is more difficult, the Inca Trail vs Inca Jungle?
The Inca Trail route is considered more challenging than the Inca Jungle. This is because the hike involves sudden ascents and descents of mountains and being at a higher altitude, which can be physically demanding. Additionally, there are narrow sections that require caution.
On the other hand, the Inca Jungle, while presenting its own challenges, is much more accessible. Despite involving various activities during the route, it doesn’t cause the same level of physical wear as the Inca Trail, giving it a simpler approach.
It’s important to prepare adequately; that way, the difficulty will be just words.
Cost: Inca Trail vs Inca Jungle
What is the average cost of doing the Inca Trail?
The average cost to do the Inca Trail can vary depending on several factors, such as the tour’s duration, the type of service, and the travel agency you choose. Generally, prices range from **$500 USD** to **$1,200 USD** per person.
Take note! The price can be higher during the high season (May to September) due to increased demand and favorable weather conditions. It’s also crucial to make your reservation in advance to ensure you secure an entry ticket.
What is the average cost of doing the Inca Jungle?
For the Inca Jungle, the average cost is usually a bit lower, ranging from **$400 USD** to **$700 USD** per person. This price also depends on the tour’s duration, the type of activities included, and the selected travel agency.
Moreover, like the Inca Trail, the price for this trek can increase during the high season. Another detail you should check is what each package includes and choose the one that best suits your tastes and preferences.
What does the price of each trek include?
In several of our blogs, we’ve mentioned that most trekking packages include practically the same services, with some exceptions. An exceptional case is the Inca Jungle, so before booking, it’s important to carefully review what’s included.
For the Inca Trail, most travel agencies offer transportation, permits, camping equipment, hotel accommodations, meals, and a tour guide. It’s important to know that hiring a travel agency is mandatory to enter the Inca Trail route, as it’s an indispensable requirement.
On the other hand, the Inca Jungle, being an adventure route, includes more services that you should review carefully before making your reservation. Most travel agencies offer transportation, a tour guide, bicycles, rafting, zip-lining, hotel accommodations, and meals. If you’re wondering whether you can do this route on your own, the answer is yes, since you don’t enter areas where an agency’s presence is mandatory. However, all the logistics will be your responsibility.

There are various offers from travel agencies; choose the one that best fits your preferences.
Attractions and Points of Interest
What places are visited on the Inca Trail?
The Inca Trail is a trek where history is ever-present. Along the way, the attractions are purely cultural and will leave you impressed by their locations and the structure of each. Meanwhile, this prepares you to receive the majestic “Machu Picchu.”
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- Patallacta: The first point when starting the Inca Trail, also known as the high town or town on the hill.
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- Runkurakay: It was an urban and religious center where the Incas controlled the passage of travelers. It has a circular shape and is small in size.
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- Sayacmarca: Also known as the “standing town” or “dominant town.”
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- Phuyupatamarca: This place is also known as the “town above the clouds.” Why? Upon reaching this place, you have the chance to literally find it above the clouds.
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- Chachabamba (SHORT INCA TRAIL): This is one of the first points visited if you take the Short Inca Trail, which starts at Km 104 of the railway. This place is believed to have been dedicated to water and is considered a secondary gate guarding the entrance to Machu Picchu.
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- Wiñayhuana: This place offers beautiful views of the Urubamba River and Wiñayhuayna, which means “forever young” due to the abundance of orchids around it.
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- Machu Picchu: As the final point, you can’t miss visiting one of the must-see places on your trip: knowing a wonder of the world after walking for days is an unparalleled reward.

Places full of history and nature are what the Inca Trail trekking route offers.
What places are visited on the Inca Jungle?
The Inca Jungle route offers natural attractions that are perfect companions during adventure activities and add a magical touch to the entire route, always accompanied by nature.
- Abra Málaga: It’s a route that runs from Ollantaytambo to Quillabamba, crossing Andean ecosystems. It’s known for being the highest point on the Inca Jungle.
- Vilcanota River: Also known as the “Urubamba River,” it’s one of Peru’s main rivers where rafting is practiced.
- Cusco Jungle: The Cusco jungle is present during the Inca Jungle route, providing incredible views and a wide variety of plant and animal species.
- Cocalmayo Hot Springs: The Cocalmayo hot springs are a place to relax and enjoy, surrounded by vegetation and next to a river. It’s a popular destination to unwind and connect with nature.
- Machu Picchu: Although not reached directly, this destination is visited at the end of the journey and is a must-see after fully enjoying the adrenaline.

Flora and Fauna on the Inca Trail
The Inca Trail not only offers points of interest but also fascinating details like its flora and fauna. The diversity of terrains along the route allows you to discover a wide variety of species, adding special value to travelers’ experiences. If you want to delve deeper into this topic, click here.
Flora of the Inca Trail
- Bromeliads
- Orchids
- Ferns
- Kantuta (Cantua buxifolia)
- Queuña (Polylepis spp.)
Fauna of the Inca Trail
- Llamas
- Hummingbirds
- Andean Cock-of-the-rock
- Andean Condor
- Spectacled Bear

Hike the Inca Trail and enjoy the variety of plants and animals. Come and see it!
Flora and Fauna on the Inca Jungle
Despite being a route full of adrenaline, the Inca Jungle stands out for its diversity of ecosystems, as it crosses different terrains—from the heights of Abra Warmi Wañusca to the lower areas near Machu Picchu—allowing interaction with a wide variety of animal and plant species along the way.
Flora of the Inca Jungle
- Orchids
- Bromeliads
- Ferns
- Cinchona
- Ichu (Andean grass)
- Cacao
- Coffee
- Queuña (Polylepis spp.)
Fauna of the Inca Jungle
- Toucans
- Quetzals
- Condors
- Deer
- Butterflies
- Lizards
- Hummingbirds
- Ants
- Beetles

Explore the Inca Jungle and see wildlife and plants. You won’t regret it!
Best Time to Go
What is the best time to do the Inca Trail?
The best time to do the Inca Trail is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. During these months, the weather is more pleasant, with sunny days and fewer rains. June and July are the busiest months because many people have vacations, which can mean more tourists on the route.
But if you’re a traveler looking to find the route less crowded, May and September are good options because there are fewer people and the weather is still excellent for this trek.
What is the best time to do the Inca Jungle?
To do the Inca Jungle, it’s advisable to go during the dry season. This journey allows you to enjoy various adventure activities and presents more varied weather due to the different altitudes it crosses.
If you prefer warm, sunny days with no chance of rain, June and July are ideal months. However, May and September are also excellent options if you want to avoid the crowds. Remember to be prepared for weather changes, as surprises like unexpected rains can occur.

Try to plan your trip during the dry season! You’ll thank yourself, I assure you!
How does the weather affect each trekking?
The impact of weather conditions is quite noticeable, so it’s important to choose the right time to travel. On the Inca Trail, the months from May to September offer sunny days and cool nights, allowing you to enjoy incredible views along the route. On the other hand, if you travel between November and March, rains can complicate the journey, increasing the risk of slipping and reducing visibility due to fog.
A similar situation occurs with the Inca Jungle route, although with fewer risks since the hikes are less extensive. Even so, during the months from November to March, rains increase river flows, which can make activities like rafting dangerous. Watch out there!

Consider the weather of the trekking route you choose to prepare adequately.
Logistics and Preparations
What is needed to prepare for the Inca Trail?
To prepare for the Inca Trail, it’s important to have good physical condition and wear appropriate clothing for changing weather conditions, such as cold nights, hot days, and possible rains. I also suggest using trekking poles and specialized footwear, as they will provide support, momentum, and better grip during the route.
Remember! I’ve mentioned in various parts of this blog that one of the requirements to enter the Inca Trail route is to hire an authorized travel agency.
What is needed to prepare for the Inca Jungle?
For this adventure route, it’s essential to be in good physical condition and carry only what’s necessary in your luggage, avoiding overpacking. Trekking shoes and a change of clothes are also indispensable to ensure a comfortable and safe experience.
One aspect that many travelers don’t consider and that can ruin their experience is attempting to ride a bicycle without knowing how, which can lead to accidents at the start of the journey. Therefore, it’s important that you know how to ride one. For the other adventure activities, you don’t need prior experience; you just need a brave attitude and the desire to enjoy the adrenaline.

Make sure to bring appropriate clothing, no matter which trekking route you choose; you’ll need it.
Is it necessary to hire an agency for both treks?
Here is where you need to be careful with the Inca Trail, as the only way to access it is by hiring an authorized agency responsible for obtaining entry tickets and ensuring proper use of the route, as it’s within the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
On the Inca Jungle route, it’s not mandatory to hire an agency, although it’s recommended. Why? Because this route includes various adventure activities that require expert guides and specialized equipment to ensure your safety. By opting for an agency, you also ensure that the logistics are in professional hands, allowing you to enjoy the activities without worries.
Recommendations
Which trekking should you choose according to your profile?
If you prefer a traditional hike full of history, nature, and archaeological sites, this could be an excellent option, provided you’re in good physical condition and attracted to the idea of walking for more than four days. As a reward, you can end your journey by visiting the impressive citadel of Machu Picchu.
On the other hand, if you’re more into adrenaline-filled adventure activities, the Inca Jungle might be the ideal choice for you. This alternative is less physically demanding and more flexible, perfect for those who enjoy outdoor activities.
Is it possible to combine both treks in one trip?
Keep in mind that you won’t be able to do the full version of the Inca Trail, as the Inca Jungle and the Inca Trail routes are quite distant from each other. First, you’ll complete your journey through the Inca Jungle, which will take you to the town of Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes). Then, you’ll walk along the rails to kilometer 104 to enter the Inca Trail in its shorter version, which is covered in just one day.
If you’re wondering, “When can I visit Machu Picchu?” The answer is that once you finish your journey on the Inca Trail, you can explore the Machu Picchu citadel the next day.
Note: This is not a common request among tourists, as many prefer to hike the full version of the Inca Trail. If you plan to do so, I recommend taking your time to enjoy each trek separately.

Take your time to explore each trekking route, and you won’t miss any details.
At the end of the day, the choice between the Inca Trail vs Inca Jungle comes down to your personal preferences. If you enjoy history and trekking, the Inca Trail might be the ideal option. On the other hand, if you’re looking for adventure and a bit more adrenaline, the Inca Jungle offers an exciting mix of activities.
Think about what excites you the most and what you want to experience on your trip. Both paths will lead you to Machu Picchu, but each offers a different way to get there. Don’t hesitate to make a choice. Your next great experience at Machu Picchu is just one decision away!