The Tour du Mont Blanc is a longer, more strenuous trek through diverse alpine landscapes with varied accommodation options and no permit requirements. The Inca Trail is a shorter, historically rich trek to Machu Picchu, requiring permits and primarily offering camping accommodations.
| Attribute | Tour du Mont Blanc (France/Italy/Switzerland) | Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (Peru) |
|---|---|---|
| Trail Length (km) | Approximately 166-180 | 42-43 (classic), 9.35 (shorter) |
| Elevation Gain (m) | Around 10,000 | 2,153 |
| Difficulty Level (Easy, Moderate, Strenuous) | Moderate to Strenuous | Moderately challenging |
| Typical Duration (Days) | 7 to 11 (some complete it in 6 to 12) | 4 (classic), 2 (shorter) |
| Best Time to Hike (Month) | Late June to September | April/May to September/October |
| Permit Requirements (Yes/No) | No | Yes |
| Average Daily Cost (USD) | Costs vary widely | Not available |
| Accommodation Options (Camping, Hotels, Refugios) | Camping, hotels, and mountain refuges | Camping (classic), Hotels (shorter treks) |
| Scenery (Mountains, Ruins, Forests) | Rugged mountains, lush meadows, alpine lakes, glaciers, valleys, forests | Mountains, Inca ruins, cloud forests |
| Crowd Levels (High, Moderate, Low) | High during peak season, Moderate in late June and September | High (June-August), Moderate (April, May, September, October) |
| Accessibility (Transportation to Trailhead) | Accessible from Les Houches, Courmayeur, and Champex-Lac. Geneva Airport is the nearest major airport | Kilometer 82, accessible from Ollantaytambo |
| Technical Difficulty (Scrambling, Exposure) | Generally low, some sections may have ladders or require scrambling | No special skills needed |