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The Salkantay Trek: How to Hike to Machu Picchu

By Author Steph Dyson

Posted on Last updated: 20th February 2024

Hiking to Machu Picchu is a bucket-list destination for many. But what many visitors to Peru don’t realise is that there are far more options than just the Inca trail for reaching this world-famous Inca city tucked high into the Andes – such as my new favorite, the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu. 

The Inca trail is the most famous of all the hikes to Machu Picchu and follows the route of the Qhapaq Ñan or Royal Road. This Inca stone pathway weaves through valleys and across mountains to arrive at the Sun Gate, a doorway into Machu Picchu that sits high above the city.

But, for me, a fan of beyond-the-beaten-path destinations , it is the Salkantay trek that I’ve been long waiting to experience. 

I’d been bewitched by the idea of hiking to Machu Picchu via this alternative route ever since I first lived in Cusco back in 2015. However, life got in the way and I never stepped foot on the path. 

But this year, when Alpaca Expeditions asked me to join them on the Salkantay trail, I jumped at the chance. With the country now fully open to tourists (albeit numbers down to 30% of pre-pandemic levels), there has probably never been a better time to go to Machu Picchu, particularly as there are far fewer hikers on the trails than you would traditionally find. 

Whether you’ve been dreaming about reaching Machu Picchu via this lesser-known route or have had to switch up your plans because the Inca trail is fully booked, here’s everything you need to know about hiking the Salkantay trek. 

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Key facts about the Salkantay trek

How many miles is the salkantay trek.

The Salkantay is a roughly 66-kilometre (41-mile) hike that starts in the sleepy hamlet of Soraypampa and ends at Aguas Calientes, the town below Machu Picchu. There are various different routes that you can take, depending on how many days you want to walk and which company you’re hiking with. 

The most common route is the five-day, four-night route, whereby you leave Cusco around 4 am and start on the trail around 8 am, scaling the Salkantay Pass on day one and arrive in Aguas Calientes on the evening of day four to spend the final day at Machu Picchu. 

Alpaca Expeditions, like a handful of other companies, have their own glass-roofed huts at Soraypampa, where the trek begins. This means that they take their groups to the trailhead the day before (departing at 3 pm from Cusco) to allow you to start early and beat the other hikers to the trailhead. As a result, they advertise their trek as a five-day/five-night Salkantay hike . 

Their hikes also include the route up to Lago Humantay, which adds an extra three hundred metres of ascent and descent to the first day’s hike, plus the incredible scenery of this turquoise lake. 

What is the elevation of the Salkantay trek?

The Salkantay trek starts at Soraypampa at an elevation of 3,900 metres above sea level. The elevation profile for the rest of the hike is as follows:

Day One: Soraypampa (3,900 metres) – Humantay Lake (4,200 metres) – Soraypampa (3,900 metres) – Salkantay Pass (4,620 metres) – Wayramachay (3,800 metres)  Distance covered: 20 kilometres (12.5 miles) Total elevation gain: 1,020 metres Total elevation loss: 1,120 metres

Day Two: Wayramachay (3,800 metres) – Loreta (2,200 metres) Distance covered: 20 kilometres (12.5 miles) Total elevation gain: 200 metres Total elevation loss: 1,600 metres

Day Three: Loreta (2,200 metres) – Llactapata (2,700 metres) Distance covered: 12 kilometres (8.7 miles) Total elevation gain: 600 metres Total elevation loss: 400 metres

Day Four: Llactapata (2,700 metres) – Hidroelectrica (1,820 metres) – Aguas Calientes (2,000 metres) Distance covered: 15 kilometres (9.3 miles) Total elevation gain: 180 metres Total elevation loss: 880 metres

The first night sleeping at altitude you’re inside a cabin, with a sleeping bag (either your own or rented) and it’s pretty cosy. The second night was also at altitude and despite the sleeping bag, extra blankets, two sleeping mats and hot water bottle that Alpaca provided, I was still a bit cold and ended up sleeping in my down jacket. 

I highly recommend bringing a down jacket (mine is this one from Jack Wolfskin but you can find plenty of down jackets at REI ) plus a waterproof coat (mine is this one from Patagonia ; for men from Patagonia | REI | Backcountry ).

They did give us rain ponchos but frankly, any sort of plastic coat is a recipe for sweaty hiking, so I much prefer to have a breathable, lightweight coat that’s great as a windproof layer at high elevations and also as protection against any downpours. 

How fit do I need to be to hike the Salkantay trek?

The Salkantay trek is a moderate hike. The challenge comes from the amount of ascent and distance you’re required to cover on day one, as well as the altitude at which you’re hiking. 

The toughest day by far is day one. Not only do you gain 300 metres to reach the dazzling waters of Lago Humantay, but you lose them again as you drop back off the mountain and then climb a further 720 metres to reach the Salkantay Pass. Because you’re hiking at altitude, it won’t be long until you realise how thin the air feels (and how little of it seems to be going into your lungs). If you’re relatively fit and can cope with covering 20 kilometres (12.5 miles) in a day, you shouldn’t have any issues. 

Many of my group who had flown straight from home to Peru and hadn’t had time to acclimate beforehand in Cusco for a couple of days really struggled with the first day of the trek. 

Therefore I strongly recommend spending at least two days in Cusco before the hike for acclimatisation purposes and also speaking to your doctor to get a prescription for Diamox – tablets that help your body cope at high altitudes. You’ll want to take the tablets once per day, starting 24 hours before you start the trek and continuing until day three when you won’t need them anymore. 

How can you prepare for the high-altitude Salkantay trek?

While being moderately fit and physically able to walk at least 20 kilometres (12.5 miles) at lower elevations is essential, preparing for high-altitude trekking is challenging. This is because you can’t predict how your body will react when it’s faced with these conditions – particularly as it’s not impacted by how fit, young or healthy you are. In fact, even the fittest people can suffer horrible altitude sickness.

As a result, the best preparation for hiking the Salkantay trek is to arrive in Cusco at least two days before the trek begins to give your body time to acclimate. Get plenty of sleep, stay hydrated and be sure to get some Diamox to help your body adjust. 

Do I need to book the Salkantay trek months in advance like the Inca trail?

Unlike the Inca trail, where there is a limit of 400 trekkers per day and so tickets can be sold out up to six months in advance, there are no limits for the Salkantay trek. This makes it an excellent alternative if you’d been hoping to hike the Inca trail but have found that there isn’t any space. 

The only restriction you’ll face is on the availability of entry tickets to Machu Picchu, so it’s still worth trying to book at least a few weeks in advance, particularly if you’re travelling between June and August. As a result, you’ll find it a good idea to book your trek in advance before you arrive in Peru; you can also check out what we think are the best times to visit Machu Picchu  before deciding when to travel.

Better still, while an unlimited number of hikers allowed on the trailhead doesn’t sound fun, if you trek with Alpaca Expeditions, you’ll likely not see anyone else. This is because they schedule the trek to avoid all of the other tours leaving from Soraypampa. Through this wizardry, during the entirety of the five-day trek, we met only six other hikers.

The five-day Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu

The Inca trail is famous for taking you along a stretch of the Qhapaq Ñan or Royal Road, a path used by Inca royalty as well as pilgrims and other administrators to travel between Cusco and Machu Picchu. 

However, what you probably didn’t know is that the Salkantay actually travels along a stretch of Inca road on day three, allowing you to have a little bit of the same experience, just without sharing it with anyone else.

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The scenery is also spectacular and involves a little bit of each of the microclimates that are found surrounding Cusco, and which pay host to everything from spectacled bears (the inspiration for Paddington!) to llamas, alpacas, condors and vizcachas (chinchilla-like rodents).

You travel from high mountain passes to lush cloud forest in just over a day, while you’re always far enough away from towns and villages to have gorgeous starry skies at night. 

Want a cheeky 5% discount on the Salkantay trek?

Alpaca Expeditions  are not only one of the most sustainable companies offering Salkantay and Inca trail treks to Machu Picchu, but their guides, porters and chefs are the ultimate hosts.

They’re now offering Worldly Adventurer readers a 5% discount on all of their hikes – use discount code WorldlyAdventurer when you enquire!

Best of all, unlike on the Inca trail, you don’t share campgrounds with other groups. In fact, we saw only six other hikers from when we started the hike to when we reached Hidroelectrica and began the final trek along the railway line. Therefore, if you’re like me and prefer hiking in destinations where you aren’t surrounded by others, this is the perfect route for you. 

But what’s the hike like day by day? Here’s an itinerary of what you can expect on the Salkantay trek. 

Day Minus One: Pre-trek information session

• Distance hiked: 0
• Total elevation gain: 0
• Total elevation loss: 0
• Time on the trail: 0

I started my Salkantay trek experience two days before we actually started hiking. This is because Alpaca Expeditions invited all of my group to their office in Cusco for a short information session to go over everything we needed to know before we started the hike. 

It was a quick, 15-minute meeting with our guide, Isao, where we were given our lime green duffel bags (for up to seven kilograms of clothes and other items for the hike that would be taken on mules), bright green rain ponchos and rucksack rain covers.

We were also able to reserve a sleeping bag, sleeping mat and trekking poles at this stage, while they made recommendations for essentials we needed to bring (bug spray – bring plenty!).

If I’d been sensible and brought some with me, I would have started taking Diamox this evening or on day zero to help prepare my body for the altitude. Don’t be like me: I highly recommend discussing Diamox or similar with your doctor if you’re planning a short trip to Peru to hike the Salkantay. This is because going directly from sea level to an altitude of up to 4,620 metres (15,157 ft) can be extremely dangerous – trust me: you don’t want to feel as shit as those people in my group who did this.

Day Zero: Cusco to Soyrapampa

On day zero you’ll have time for a relaxed morning and lunch in Cusco, before you’re picked up at your hotel by the Alpaca Expeditions team around 3pm. The minibus will head directly out of Cusco for the spectacular drive through the Andes to the first night’s accommodation.

It’s three and a half hours of serpentine roads with sheer, vertiginous roadsides and lush valleys lined with avocado plants. Keep your eyes peeled for the first glimpses of Nevada Salkantay; we saw it sink into darkness as the sun set behind its snow-laden peak before our van began gaining altitude quickly.

After about two and a half hours you’ll stop in Mollepata, a tiny town en route, to use the toilets and then stock up on any remaining items you might have forgotten, before an hour later reaching the first night’s accommodation: Soraypampa and its glass-roofed cabins. 

If luck’s on your side, the stars should be bright and your chef, sous chef and their merry band of porters will quickly rustle up a delicious two-course meal, giving you plenty of time to head to bed and sleep beneath the stars before an early wake-up call the next morning. 

Day One: Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Salkantay Pass – Wayracmachay

• Distance hiked: 20 kilometres (12.5 miles)
• Total elevation gain: 1,020 metres (3,346 feet)
• Total elevation loss: 1,120 metres (3,674 feet)
• Time on the trail: Around six hours, plus lunch and breaks 

Day one starts early. At 4.30 am, you’ll be woken up by a knock at the door. For us, it was by Juan Carlos, our second guide, bearing coca tea (coca leaves infused in water) to help settle heads and stomachs from any potential altitude sickness. 

While there are flushing toilets at this accommodation, showers there are not, but your guides will ensure you have hot water for washing hands and faces at every mealtime along the trek.

There will be time for a filling breakfast – omelettes, pancakes, cereal and bread – and to pick up snacks and water ready for the day. Today will be the hardest of the entire trek – there’s no gentle first day to ease you into it – so eat plenty and stay hydrated. You’ll need all the energy you can get. 

At this stage, your body, with the help of Diamox, should be starting to acclimatise to the altitude and be ready for the two-hour climb up to Lago Humantay. Mine felt ok, but as we began the trek, climbing a gentle gravel road that became a steep trail as it emerged out of the valley and up to the shores of Lago Humantay, my lungs were burning and the effort of hiking was already beginning to feel like a challenge. 

At the top, there’s time to relax, take copious photos and dive into your snacks, before you head back down the way you came, joining the main Salkantay trail back at the bottom of the valley.

For us, we began the ascent to the Salkantay Pass around 10 am, relieved to discover that the other groups of hikers for that day’s walk were long gone, leaving us the trail to ourselves as we passed meadows filled with llamas and then the barren slopes of Nevada Salkantay. 

Keep your eyes peeled for stone-coloured vizcachas hiding in the rocks alongside the trail; these chinchilla-like rodents live in this otherwise empty landscape. 

After a further 4.5 hours, and about an hour from the top, you should arrive at your first lunch: prepare to be amazed by what your chef and porters can put together, despite being miles from civilization. 

Our chef, Sergio, his sous chef and porters had prepared us an extensive lunch of roast chicken, salads, rice and plenty of vegetables to help give us enough energy to get over the pass. If you’re lucky and well acclimatised, you’ll be feeling extremely hungry right now, so fill your boots and also have a good few cups of coca tea – they’ll help stave off any incoming headache. 

From lunch, it’s a thankfully short final hour to reach the Salkantay Pass. At 4,620 metres above sea level (15,157 feet) and in the shadows of snow-capped Salkantay,  it’s the highest point on the trek and you deserve to celebrate here.

We followed Quechua traditions and made an offering to the Apus (the Gods of the mountains) of some coca leaves given to us by our guide, Isao, while making three wishes. I’m fairly certain at least a few members of the group were wishing to get out of there quickly!

After the pass, it’s a long, two-hour hike down the camp, through the quickly changing scenery that passes from barren rock to become a verdant river valley flushed with powder blue lupins. It’s a dramatic contrast between the hike up and the scenery as you come down. 

When you arrive, finally, at Wayracmachay, your first camp on the trek, your camp fairies (aka the porters, chef and sous chef) will have been busy preparing the camp. Our tents had been filled with our mats and sleeping bags, plus the welcome addition of fluffy alpaca blankets and, when it was finally time for bed, some extremely welcome hot water bottles. You’ll find flushing toilets, but no showers, here, too. 

Dinner will be another feast of hearty, filling Peruvian food that’ll put you to sleep early, ready for another pre-dawn start.

Day Two: Wayracmachay – Colpapampa – Loreta 

• Total elevation gain: 200 metres (656 feet)
• Total elevation loss: 1,600 metres (5,249 feet)
• Time on the trail: Around seven hours, plus lunch and breaks 

Today, you’ll rise before dawn again, ready for a big breakfast of pancakes, omelette, bread and the obligatory coca tea to help you start the day. 

While day two of the Salkantay trek is as long as day one, the vast majority of the trail is downhill, so you’ll find it much less taxing. 

From Wayracmachay, it’s a gentle downhill hike along a gravel path. As a group, we had decided that downhill sounded too boring for the day (!) so Isao and Juan Carlos took us off-piste to climb another hill (just a 100 metres of ascent this time).

By this stage, the scenery had changed dramatically, and we’d dropped far enough down to find ourselves in thick, lush cloud forest, filled with butterflies and bromeliads suspended from the trees. 

If your guides offer you this detour, I strongly suggest taking it. The payoff for climbing this extra hill is some seriously incredible views back across the valley towards Salkantay and then down into the next valley, where lunch and your accommodation for the night are located.

The views change by the second; the clouds move rapidly as the valley and the mountains beyond appear and disappear in turn. 

From this incredible vantage point, it’s a steep downhill – through cloud forest thick with orchids and hummingbirds to finally hit the road beneath and lunch at Colpapampa. For us, it was mango ceviche followed by mountains of lomo saltado , vegetables, salads and rice.

The final few hours to reach your accommodation are along a flat gravel road that follows the Rio Salkantay as it weaves through the valley.

Finally, you’ll descend down an incredibly steep path to reach your home for the night: Alpaca Expeditions’ very own hobbit holes, complete with lime green, round front doors and comfy beds. There are even hot showers available and, the pièce de résistance : jacuzzis. 

We saluted a long but incredible day with some cervezas (beers) and even a small pisco sour prepared unexpectedly for us by our chef, Sergio. It’s fair to say we slept like babies – you will too. 

Day Three: Loreta – Lucmabamba – Llactapata

• Distance hiked: 14 kilometres (8.7 miles)
• Total elevation gain: 600 metres (1,968 feet)
• Total elevation loss: 400 metres (1,312 feet)
• Time on the trail: Around five and a half hours, plus lunch and breaks 

Day three starts with a gentle walk through a clutch of villages tucked into the cloud forest, where you’ll meet the resident dogs, chickens and any other livestock that’s wandering around.

Today will be a fairly relaxed day and give you the opportunity to hike a stretch of the Inca trail that clambers up through lush forest and coffee plantations and, for some parts, still consists of worn stone steps. 

As you climb this five-hundred-year-old stone staircase into the mountains, you’ll realise quite how relieved you are that you didn’t do the Inca trail. It’s tough going on your thighs (perhaps even more so than the climb up to the Salkantay Pass), but a fairly gentle incline up to lunch at a coffee farm, where you’ll also have the chance to pick, toast and grind your own steaming cup of Joe alongside the owner, Paulina.

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Your chef will also give a demonstration about cooking a traditional Peruvian dish (in our case lomo saltado , with fake meat for the vegetarians), before you dine again like kings, with incredible views across the valley. 

In the afternoon, it’s a tough, sweaty climb up, up and up, although you’ll take plenty of breaks and have the chance to enjoy the pretty flowers and picturesque valley views that characterise this part of the hike.

After around three and a half hours of walking, you’ll finally reach the brow of the hill, from where it’s a short hike down to Llactapata.

An Inca site, it sits across the valley from Machu Picchu – the Inca liked to be able to see this city from other parts of their Empire – which you can see in the distance. It’s here that you’ll suddenly realise just how far you’ve come and how close you are to the end of the hike. 

After half an hour learning a little about this site, which would have acted as a waystation for the chaskis (the messengers of the Inca, who ran along the Inca roads delivering messages across the Empire), it’s a 20-minute hike down the mountain to reach perhaps the most surreal of you campsites.

Offering even closer views of Machu Picchu from its lofty position, the campground below Llactapata is the most remarkable of the whole trip. It’s possible to spend hours here, watching as the sun slips away past the mountains in the west and bathes the Cordillera de Vilcabamba in which Machu Picchu lies in gentle evening light. 

If you can tear yourself away from the view, you’ll be delighted to learn that after a sweaty day’s hike there are hot showers at this campsite (costing around S/10), and mountains of food to help you sleep soundly. 

Because you’re still far away from any towns, there’s very little light pollution, so if the skies are clear, you can expect a sensational view of the Milky Way and the night’s sky. 

Day Four: Llactapata – Hidroeléctrica  – Aguas Calientes

• Distance covered: 15 kilometres (9.3 miles)
• Total elevation gain: 180 metres (590 feet)
• Total elevation loss: 880 metres (2,887 feet)

You’ll wake early again today in time to eat breakfast as the sun’s rays climb above Machu Picchu and bathe you in their glorious light.

There will be time to enjoy the views while your team packs up camp and you should be on the trail by about 7 am, for a snaking, tough-on-the-knees, steep climb down the mountain and along the Río Ahobamba to reach Hidraelectrica, the hydropower station that produces electricity for Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu itself. 

Here you stop for a final leisurely lunch with your porters and cooking team, before it’s time to bid them farewell and continue along the side of the railway line that connects Hidroeléctrica with Aguas Calientes and beyond, Ollantaytambo. 

While the hike itself is hot and sweaty and feels like you’re starring in the film Stand By Me (yes, you do need to keep an eye out for trains as it’s a functioning railway line – although they do tend to make an awful lot of noise on the approach to allow you to get out of the way), it takes you through the deep mountain canyon that is the Urubamba Valley, with the dramatic steep valley sides rising high above you. 

Along the way, you’ll find the occasional shops operated by those who live in houses dotted along the railway line, where you can pick up snacks of fresh watermelon or ice-cold drinks. 

It’s around 10 kilometres (six miles) along the railway line and a three-hour hike. Finally, you’ll reach the edges of Aguas Calientes, the small but picturesque town that sits beneath the Inca city.

Here, you’ll be checked into your hotel and have some downtime to explore the town or just take a long, hot shower, before heading out for dinner with your group. 

Day Five: Machu Picchu

• Distance hiked: Depends; the path around Machu Picchu is a couple of miles 
• Total elevation gain: Roughly 10-20 metres (32-65 feet)
• Total elevation loss: Roughly 10-20 metres (32-65 feet)
• Time on the trail: Depends; around three hours if just exploring the site. Add a further two hours if hiking to Huyana Picchu. 

Today’s the day you’ve been waiting for: Machu Picchu. To get on the first bus up to Machu Picchu, you’ll wake around 4.30 am and aim to be at the bus stop by 5.30 am, read when it leaves.

It’s a 30-minute drive up to the entrance and definitely worth taking the bus (the tickets are included in the cost of your tour): the walk looked exhausting and takes at least two hours. 

At the top, your guide will show your tickets and you’ll climb the final few steps of Inca stone up into Machu Picchu, a former summer retreat for the Inca emperor and a remarkable example of Inca architecture.

At the viewpoint at the top of the site, if the weather’s clear, you can watch as the sun rises over the mountains, showering the stone buildings and Huayna Picchu, the mountain that sits behind, with morning light.

If it’s not clear, don’t worry: when we arrived, it was cloudy, but the weather came and went quickly, giving us good opportunities for capturing photographs and absorbing the surreal feeling of standing above Machu Picchu. 

In total, you will have around three or four hours in Machu Picchu, which will involve a guided tour by your guide to learn more about life in Machu Picchu, the architecture and the key buildings dotted around.

Since the pandemic, they’ve introduced a very strict route around the site, so you don’t have as much opportunity to explore as you once had. However, it definitely felt like plenty of time for visiting and learning more about the Inca Empire. 

If you want to hike up Huayna Picchu, this will take around two hours and you can expect an alternative view of the site from the top. As my tour was booked quite last-minute, I didn’t manage to get these tickets (it’s recommended to buy them at least a couple of months in advance as they sell out; book them here selecting “Circuito 4 + Waynapicchu”), but other members of my group highly recommended it. The path up is very steep, so definitely not for the faint of heart. 

Around noon, you’ll catch the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for a final lunch. This wasn’t included in our tour, but there are plenty of restaurants within the town. I recommend Chullos Craft Beer & Homemade Food for great local food and beautiful views of the river. 

Early afternoon, you’ll board the train to Ollantaytambo, a stunning, two-hour journey that takes you along the Urubamba Valley and, thanks to the train’s large windows, gives you dazzling views of the surroundings. 

At the station in Ollantaytambo, a bus will be waiting to take you back to Cusco, a final two-hour journey through the mountains. Be sure to have your accommodation booked ready for you when you in the town. You’ll be exhausted but still reeling from an incredible six days!

Preparing for the Salkantay trek

When to travel to cusco and machu picchu.

Unlike the Inca trail, which needs to be booked at least six months in advance, the Salkantay is a trek that can be organised with a lot less advance notice. This is because permits are not required to hike along this trail; instead, you’ll just need to make sure you’ve got a ticket for Machu Picchu.

That said, if you’re planning on visiting between the peak months of May and September, you’ll likely need to reserve this trek at least a few weeks in advance to ensure that there’s time for the company to book Machu Picchu tickets for your dates. 

It’s possible to hike the Salkantay trek all year round, but for the best conditions (and to get those iconic views at Machu Picchu on the final day), try to avoid the rainy season, which is between November and February. 

Alpaca Expeditions do run this trek from the start of March through the middle of January, but as someone who has lived in Cusco and knows how hard it can rain here, I imagine trekking during the rainy months would be a very soggy experience. 

Choosing a sustainable and ethical tour company

One of the main reasons I chose to hike with Alpaca Expeditions is because of their attitude towards their staff. They pay some of the highest wages for porters and guides; the minimum wage for porters by law is S/44 per day, while Alpaca pays them S/180 per day.

As many of their staff come from indigenous and often poor Andean villages scattered across the region, Alpaca Expeditions have also built a house in Ollantaytambo where their staff can stay the night before or after a trek, with its own resident doctor offering them healthcare. 

What’s more, due to limits on entering Machu Picchu, porters who accompany groups of hikers aren’t allowed to enter the site, and many can’t afford the expense of visiting Machu Picchu on their own dime. This means many have spent years hiking to Machu Picchu but have never actually gone in.

To address this injustice, Alpaca Expeditions take groups of their porters, chefs, guides and their families to Machu Picchu twice a year, ensuring that all of their staff can experience the culture of their ancestors and learn about their own history. 

Alpaca Expeditions are also leading the way when it comes to female employment. They were the first tour company to introduce female guides (2017) and then porters (2018) onto the Inca trail and now have women working in every role on the trek and in their office, with an aim to employ an equal number of men and women in the future. 

They’re also doing some amazing work to allow local communities to visit sites such as Machu Picchu, as well as the archaeological sites of Pisac, Ollantaytambo and others in the Sacred Valley .

To achieve this, every Sunday they pay to take a group of 15-17 local children from Cusco or surrounding villages to visit some of these sites and learn more about their heritage, ensuring that they have the same access to their history as the thousands of tourists who explore the region each day.

I followed along for one of these days and it was wonderful to see the kids soaking everything in and even getting to experience the incredible Alpaca Expeditions outdoors lunch, too!

All in all, I found the experience on the trail with Alpaca Expeditions to be even better than I had expected. Their staff are absolute heroes: our guides were good-humoured and extremely supportive when the going got tough on the first day and the rest of our team of chefs and porters ensured that every single meal and camp felt like we’d stepped into our own private resort, no matter how remote the location. 

The cost of hiking the Salkantay trek

The cost of the trek varies depending on the company with whom you go. Alpaca Expeditions isn’t the cheapest and nor is it the most expensive. They offer the five-day/five-night tour that I did at a cost of just $650 USD per person and you can potentially have a group size of up to 16 people. We had nine in ours and it felt like a really comfortable size.

They also commit to running a hike even if they just have two people signed up, which means you’re less likely to get your tour cancelled if they don’t manage to sell other tickets. 

To secure your place on the trek, you will need to make a deposit of $400 USD per person either through PayPal (who’ll charge a 5.5% PayPal fee) or by wire to Bank of America or Citibank (free if you bank with either of these companies). Therefore, it’s worth being aware that the trek may well cost a little more when you’ve factored in the transfer cost. 

Alcohol isn’t included in the cost of the hike but there are places en route where you can buy beers, ranging from a cheap S/5 to a more eye-watering S/20. If you think you’ll want a cold cerveza to celebrate a long day’s hiking, then bring extra soles (small notes preferably as change can be an issue) with you.

Tipping on the Salkantay trek

Before departing for the trek, it’s important to budget into your trip the cost of tipping. While it’s certainly not obligatory, tipping was brought up quite a few times during the hike and our guide made recommendations for the amount of money we should consider tipping per person.

This worked out around S/50 soles per porter (we had four for a group of nine people), $20 USD for both the chef and sous chef, and $40 USD each for our guides. 

It’s worth bearing in mind that there’s often a limit of around S/750 soles (around $200 USD) per day that you can withdraw from ATMs in Cusco, so it might be sensible to bring dollars with you for tipping purposes if you also need to withdraw cash to pay for your tour when you arrive.

Another area to consider when it comes to hiking costs is whether your travel insurance covers hiking up to 4,600 metres.

My travel insurance with World Nomads * required me to pay for additional coverage up to their level three (camping up to 4,500 metres and hiking up to 6,000 metres), which cost an additional $75.33 for my two-week trip to Peru. 

Packing for the Salkantay trek 

If you book before you arrive in Cusco, you should get sent a packing list covering what they recommend you bring. In short, it includes:

• Your passport. You will need to show the original document to get into Machu Picchu. Don’t forget it, otherwise the hiking will have been in vain!
• A day pack. I brought my Osprey 40-litre pack ( REI | Amazon | Osprey ), which comfortably fitted my camera, down jacket, waterproof coat and a couple of other bits and pieces for the day. You could comfortably get away with carrying a 25-litre or 30-litre pack, as the majority of your belongings go into your duffel bag that’s carried by mule. 
• A cosy sleeping bag. You can actually hire one of these for $25 USD for the duration of the trek, so unless you’re particularly attached to your own, then it’s probably easier to just pay this cost. I found the one I rented to be warm and comfortable. I generally recommend the Nemo Disco 15 for women ( REI ) and men ( REI ) if you want to buy one.
• Air mattress. Again, this can be rented for $25 USD. If you want to buy your own, I recommend this one from Therm-a-Rest ( REI | Amazon | Backcountry )
• Trekking poles. I made the mistake of turning these down when I was offered to rent them. Don’t be like me. They’re really helpful for the first day in getting you up the Salkantay Pass and absolutely ESSENTIAL in helping you get back down. Rent them for $25 USD or buy these lightweight ones ( REI | Amazon | Backcountry ). 
• Well-broken-in hiking boots. I can’t stress enough how important it is that you wear hiking shoes that you’ve used before on this trek. Days are long and there’s absolutely nothing worse than getting a bad blister on the first day. All of the downhill can also wreak havoc with your toenails, so they need to be comfortable. I’m a convert of Salomon (women’s: REI | Amazon | Backcountry ; men’s: REI | Amazon | Backcountry )
• Five pairs of walking socks. Seriously, you need a clean pair for each day. I recommend Darn Tough socks (women’s: REI | Amazon | Darn Tough ; men’s: REI | Amazon | Darn Tough )
• Sandals. These are for the evenings when you’ll want to allow your feet to breathe. I love my Teva sandals (women’s: REI | Amazon | Backcountry ; men’s: REI | Amazon | Backcountry )
• Warm clothing. A down jacket (I wear this one from Jack Wolfskin; you can find plenty of others at REI ) and a lightweight waterproof coat (mine is this one from Patagonia ; for men from Patagonia | REI | Backcountry ) are essentials for this trek. I also had a midweight walking jumper and a fleece jumper (women’s: REI | Amazon | Backcountry ; men’s: REI | Amazon | Backcountry ). 
• Two or three pairs of hiking trousers. You want lightweight trousers that won’t be too hot for the warmer days. I like these ones from prAna ( REI | Amazon | Backcountry )
• Long-sleeved hiking tops. I didn’t bring any of these and it was a mistake. Not only do they protect you from the sun (which is fierce at this altitude) but they can protect you from the mosquitos, too. We only really encountered these a little bit in the evening at Loreta (day three) and during the hike through the cloud forest on day four. 
• Headlamp. This is essential for the camps, as many of them don’t have electricity. You don’t want to trip over and injure yourself when going to the bathroom in the middle of the night. I recommend this one .
• Camera. This hike is incredibly photogenic, so make sure you’ve got a couple of spare batteries for your camera. I travel with the Sony A7iii , an 18-135 lens and a spare battery. 
• Phone charger and adapter plug. There is electricity on days zero, three and five. I use this universal adapter plug .
• A sunhat and sunglasses. Don’t burn your head or hurt your eyes. 
• Mosquito repellent. You will want this for evenings on days three onwards and at Machu Picchu. I use Sawyer insect repellent ( REI | Amazon )
• Dry sacks. While Alpaca did give us plastic bags that we could put our clothes into to protect them from the rain in transit, I prefer to travel with a couple of dry sacks ( REI | Amazon ), as they’re reusable and more environmentally friendly!

Other options for hiking to Machu Picchu

Still not sure which is the right hike for you? Here’s a round-up of the other treks that can get you to Machu Picchu. 

The Inca trail

• Length: 48 kilometres (29.8 miles) 
• Hiking time: Four days/three nights
• Cost: From $695 USD

The best-known trek of all, the classic Inca trail is a four-day, three-night trek up and down the stone pathway of the Inca, stopping at a handful of other Inca sites before arriving at Machu Picchu at dawn on the fourth and final day through the Sun Gate.

This is the only trek that allows you to approach the site through this entrance and have the first dawn views of Machu Picchu.

Read all about the Inca trail to Machu Picchu for more information about this trek. 

It’s also possible to extend this trip to five days/four nights to allow you to take a slower approach to the hike (perfect if you’re travelling with your kids), or do a shortened version of the Inca trail if you’ve got less time but still want to hike this fabled road.

You can even combine a bit of Salkantay with the Inca trail for a seven-day/six-night adventure . 

The Inca Jungle trek

• Length: 89 kilometres (55.30 miles) 
• Cost: From $450 USD

Keen to visit Machu Picchu but want to get your adrenaline pumping even more? The Inca Jungle trek is a route that combines mountain biking, rafting, hiking along sections of the Inca trail, and even ziplining.

It’s not a trip organised by Alpaca Expeditions but there are other companies based out of Cusco who do. 

The Lares trek

• Length: 33 kilometres (20.5 miles) 
• Cost: From $600 USD

Perhaps the least-known of the three main treks to Machu Picchu, the Lares is another alternative route that takes you through Andean villages around the Sacred Valley, where you’ll soak in natural hot springs and climb up into the mountains to a 4,680-metre (15,354-foot) pass.

Considered a little easier, slower-paced and much shorter than the Salkantay and the Inca trail, it’s a good option for families, as well as those who aren’t sure about their fitness levels! Alpaca Expeditions have a four-day/three-night itinerary . 

The Choquequirao trek 

• Length: 100 kilometres (62 miles) 
• Hiking time: Nine days/eight nights
• Cost: From $1,250 USD

For the really adventurous, the trek to Machu Picchu via Choquequirao is a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. Taking you first to the archeological site of Choquequirao, a mountaintop series of Inca buildings that is only visited by a handful of tourists and where you can camp just beneath, you then continue to Machu Picchu, combining two of the region’s finest Inca cities. 

The hike has plenty of uphill to reach Choquequirao and is a long slog: 100 kilometres (62 miles) in total.

We’ve got information about hiking it independently in this guide to hiking to Choquequirao , while Alpaca Expeditions offer a shortened six days/five nights version of the trek .

I was a guest of Alpaca Expeditions  on this tour, but the experiences, opinions and unfettered enjoyment of the trip are my very own. I don’t promote tours or experiences that I don’t believe to be 100% sustainable, ethical or high-quality.  

* World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Wednesday 4th of October 2023

Thanks for the article Steph! I would like to give a tip to your readers. If you buy the 5-day Salkantay trek online you pay anywhere between $500 - $700. On the other hand, if you simply walk in to the many tour agencies around Cuzco's Central Plaza (Plaza de Armas), you can get the same trek for between $250 - $300. Everything included. I walked into a few agencies and they were all around the same price. Seriously. I'm not trying to be an A-hole, just trying to save your readers some money. And you don't even need to wait for a spot. I walked into the tour agency and I was on the trail two days later. So my advice is...don't buy it online. Wait until you get to Cuzco and buy it in the agency. Just saying :)

Steph Dyson

Thursday 23rd of November 2023

Hi Gabriel, yes that definitely is an option. However, there's no guarantee the quality of the company you're travelling with and there are some pretty rubbish companies in Cusco who go for low prices and high tourist numbers without any consideration towards quality. Steph

Taylor Nelson

Saturday 3rd of June 2023

Great article Steph! Stoked we were part of your group and you captured the experience magnificently. Arriba, abajo, al centro, sexy movimiento, ADENTRO!

Monday 5th of June 2023

Thanks so much Taylor! I think I captured a lot of photos of the pair of you in the distance as you marched on at incredible speed😉It was great to share the experience with you! Steph

THE SALKANTAY TREK

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Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu Best Inca Trail Alternative

Salkantay trekking to machu picchu.

The famous Salkantay Trek (or Salcantay Trek), named among the 25 best Treks in the World by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine, is a trek open to everybody, with no limitation on spaces or permits (at least for now).

Connecting the city of Mollepata, Cusco with Machu Picchu, the Salkantay Trek is an ancient and remote footpath located in the same region as the Inca Trail where massive snowcapped mountains collide with lush tropical rain forests.

Located less than fifty miles northwest of the city of Cusco in south central Peru by the Cordillera Vilcabamba and rising to 6271 meters above sea level (20574 ft) Mount Salkantay is an outstanding glacier-capped summit worshipped for thousands of years by locals.

The name Salkantay is a quechua word meaning "Savage Mountain".

Our classic Salkantay Trek is a custom-designed alternative to the traditional Inca Trail.

Off the beaten path, this is a cutting edge experience for adventure travelers looking for a little more privacy and authenticity.

With more spectacular vistas, the Salkantay to Machu Picchu Trek offers the solitude and quiet contemplation such a sacred path deserves.

Is it The Best Machu Picchu Trek?

Crossing the rugged Andes and extending across undulating terrain before winding through lush hillsides, the Salkantay Trail is a unique entrance into the Inca’s historical and cultural beauty.

If you’re planning to tackle Salkantay, there are a few things to keep in mind. Please consider the following information as a starting point:

Why Hike the Salkantay Trail?

What is the route, how long does it take to hike to machu picchu, top highlights on the trail, planning your trip.

Everyone has a different reason for embarking on the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, and here lies the trail’s unique appeal.

For many, Machu Picchu is the trip of a lifetime - a journey to one of the most enigmatic places on earth.

For others, the sense of self-discovery and achievement that a walk along the Salkantay Trail can bring, offers an undeniable allure.

Yet for all, the extended stretch of incredible food, beautiful landscapes, fantastic emotions, expert support, and camaraderie are what make the Salkantay Trek one of the most legendary hikes in the world.

With a grand finale at the end of the road, the Salkantay Trek is for hikers of all skill levels, genders and travel experience.

Winding its way along the majestic Andes, the Salkantay Trail starts in the small district of Mollepata before passing through Soraypampa, Challway and Santa Teresa.

The path is accentuated by dramatic cliffs, rugged mountains and tiny andean villages.

The most impressive sight you’ll witness along the trail is the imposing Salkantay mountain and the glaciers that surround it.

Salkantay Pass Elevation

Passing through the Vilcabamba Mountain Range, the 37-mile Salkantay hike is not Everest or Annapurna but hill climbing through rough weather and terrain is all but guaranteed—even in the so‑called dry season.

The Salkantay Route crosses the Abra Salkantay Pass at 4630 meters or 15190 feet above sea level , going down into the cloud forest, ascending to the Inca ruins of Llactapata for a great view of Machu Picchu and finally relaxing at the hot springs of Cocalmayo before heading to Machu Picchu Pueblo.

Normally it takes 5 days to hike to Machu Picchu via the Salkantay Trail, considering that the last day could be a 2 hours hike from Aguas Calientes town up to the citadel entrance.

Salkantay Trek Distance

The Salkantay Trek covers roughly a distance of 60 kilometers or 37 miles and depending on your level of fitness, the estimated trekking time per day is around 6 to 7 hours the first three days and 3 hours the last stretch from Santa Teresa to Machu Picchu Pueblo.

It is possible to modify the total distance of the Salkantay trek by covering the part from Sahuayaco to Santa Teresa by car and from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes by train.

Return to Cusco

Trains depart from Machu Picchu Pueblo station regularly.

Depending on which train you select, the ride takes 90 minutes to Ollantaytambo station and 3 hours to the Poroy Station

It takes 90 minutes from Ollantaytambo train station to Cusco by car.

If you arrive to Poroy train station, it takes 30 minutes to get to Cusco by car.

If you have not visited Ollantaytambo, it is advisable to stay here for the night and enjoy the Sacred Valley and more ruins the next day.

Each day on the Salkantay Trail is a new adventure, whether it’s revealing an amazing view or resting your muscles on the superb hot springs. While some experiences will stick out above the rest, here are a few stops that can’t be missed along the Salkantay Trail.

Humantay Lagoon: The unbelievable turquoise-water lagoon surrounded by the impressive Humantay and Salkantay Peaks offers one of the most gorgeous views in Peru.

Abra Salkantay Pass: You will be face to face with the sacred Salkantay mountain upon reaching this point at 4630 meters or 15190 feet above sea level. A jaw-dropping vista as Salkantay elevation reaches 6271 meters or 20574 feet above sea level.

Llactapata Inca Ruins: Some would say that no Inca ruins are visited during the Salkantay Trek, but we visit these archaeological remains discovered by Hiram Bingham himself. An amazing view of Machu Picchu is enjoyed from this point.

Cocalmayo Hot Springs: With important healing properties and reaching 45 ºC, these natural thermal baths are ideal to relax and recover your sore muscles after a long hiking day.

Machu Picchu: The Inca citadel is the perfect ending for your adventure. A detailed tour is offered on the last day and free time is available for you to explore the World Heritage site by yourself.

Best Time to Visit

The North American or European summer and South American winter is the best time to visit Machu Picchu because it is the dry season.

While Machu Picchu is open all year round, the months of April, May, June, September and October are optimal months for experiencing the Salkantay Trek.

For those wanting to beat the crowds and don't mind some heavy rainfall, opt for the months of November, December or March but note the Andes mountain chain can experience inclement weather in rainy season. We advise to avoid the months of January and February.

July and August are peak season and have high visitor numbers, meaning an influx of hikers on the Salkantay trail.

Remember to note Peru’s Inti Raymi in the month of June, as many pilgrims try and align their trips with this week long Inca celebration.

How to Prepare

“Am I out-of-shape for a Machu Picchu Hike?” It’s a common question you might be asking yourself.

If you love the outdoors, nothing can stop you from the hiking adventure of a lifetime regardless of your fitness level. But remember to give yourself time to prepare, at least three weeks before the trip will make it more enjoyable.

Try these 5 fitness tips to trek Salkantay and give yourself the confidence to accomplish a good performance on the trail.

Focus on your cardiovascular fitness and leg strength.

Get involved in aerobic activities such as swimming, cycling, brisk walking or jogging. Add a short period of more strenuous exertion into your routine.

Jumping jacks, squats, lunges, leg and calf raises, hops, and even plank-jacks are great bodyweight exercises that require no special equipment or skill.

Get a strong back and core.

Strap on your pack with a few bottles of water and practice “step ups”. This will get your back ready for the weight you’ll be carrying on the hike.

Push-ups, crunches, bridges, and planks are some of the best exercises to build a strong back and core.

Stop eating those extra calories

Choosing healthier foods and drinks can make you look and feel better as well as making a big difference to your health.

Eat more fruit, load up on vegetables, keep your carbohydrates limited, drink plenty of water and you will for sure get fit for your hike.

Try local hikes.

Look for places with variable terrain and take yourself out for a walk two or three times during the week. Let your body know you’re going to be pushing it beyond your daily routine.

Be sure to wear the same shoes that you’ll be wearing on your hike. Improving your balance can prevent injuries.

Mental preparation is important, try yoga and meditation.

You will notice a huge difference in how you feel prior to your hike if you incorporate a consistent yoga routine.

Combat fear by visualizing success and realizing why you’re taking an adventure trip and knowing you will have the best support available.

Important: Even if you’re in pretty good shape, it’s important not to push yourself too hard at higher altitudes.

What to Pack

Footwear: This is the most important piece of gear for your trip to Machu Picchu. Assess your own needs, whether that be arch support, breathability or weight. Finding what makes your feet happy is critical.

Socks: Much like your footwear, the socks you wear on the Salkantay hiking trail can also have a significant effect on your comfort. Good ones will reduce pain, blisters, pressures and moisture.

Underwear: Choose moisture-wicking, quick-dry, tagless waistbands, odor resistance underwear.

Backpack: A 40-liter backpack should be more than enough. Needs to feel comfortable on your shoulders and if it includes a hydration system you are off to the races. Request an additional horse for excess weight if needed.

Other essentials include: Your passport (this should be first), a good camera, a headlamp, lightweight waterproof jacket, long sleeve base layers, sunglasses, sunblock, sunhat, rain poncho, trekking poles with rubber tips, gloves and bug repellent.

Regardless of the season, Machu Picchu is said to have two types of weather: rainy or hot. Be prepared for anything.

Salkantay Booking

If hiking to Machu Picchu is on your bucket list, you might want to consider the Salkantay Trek as a great option to reach the Inca Citadel.

Please read important information about Salkantay bookings and contact us with any question or requirement you may have. We are rated as one of the best salkantay trek companies.

No permit limitations exist to hike the Salkantay Trail, access is available all year round, but we recommend making a Salkantay reservation now so we can handle all the logistics and you can focus on the important tasks like booking the international flight or getting fit to hike to Machu Picchu.

Key Useful Phrases to Know

Good morning: Buenos días

How much does it cost?: Cuanto cuesta?

Where is Machu Picchu?: Donde está Machu Picchu?

Thanks my Friend: Gracias Amigo

Trek Packages

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Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – One Of The World’s Best Hikes

Back in September 2022, I hiked the Salkantay route to visit Machu Picchu . I also spent over a month in Cusco .

In this article, I've compiled the most up-to-date and comprehensive information on the Salkantay trek based on my own experience and extensive research. 

I've included guidance on the route, costs, the tour operators, how to do the Salkantay without a guide, when to go and much more.

Let's jump in.

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Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu - One of the World's Best Hikes

A brief overview of the salkantay trek.

The Salkantay trek (also known as the Salkantay trail) is the most popular alternative trek to Machu Picchu . And with good reason - it offers hikers an incredibly diverse trekking experience. 

National Geographic Adventure Magazine rated the Salkantay trek as one of the 25 Best Treks in the World. 

The trail is relatively easy to access from Cusco. Unlike the Inca Trail , there are no permit limitations. In fact, the Salkantay trek can be completed without the use of a guide or tour agency.

See more in our guide on how to do the Salkantay Trek unguided . 

The trail journeys through incredible landscapes with lowland jungle giving way to highland alpine settings and glaciated mountains. 

See our handy route map below outlining the various checkpoints along the Salkantay trek. 

How long is the Salkantay Trek?

The Salkantay Trek is approximately 69 kilometres / 42.87 miles long. There are some variations on route depending on where you start and the company you trek with. 

The trek is typically completed on a 5 Day / 4 Night itinerary with a visit to Machu Picchu on the fifth and final day. However, it is possible to do the trek on a 4 Day / 3 Night itinerary too. 

You can also  combine the Salkantay trek with the Inca Trail for a challenging, 7-day hike.

Looking for a day tour? Here are my 5 favourite day tours around Cusco: 

• Rainbow Mountain day trip (with meals)
• Moray and Salt Mines Quad Bike Tour
• Sacred Valley day tour
• Humantay Lake day tour
• Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu entrance tickets

See more Cusco day trips .

Is the Salkantay Trek Difficult?

The Salkantay trek is not too difficult and considered a long hike with some moderate to challenging ascents. The Salkantay trail is generally said to be more difficult than the  4-day Inca Trail  since it is almost twice the distance.

After hiking the Salkantay, I would say it is not especially challenging. There are no technical parts and only two long uphill climbs. Many of the days include long sections trekking downslope.  

With that said, you will need to be physically fit to take on this hike. Some form of training is necessary (see more in our section on training and preparation below). 

I would also suggest you first take on some tough day trails (more than 15km / 9 miles) and shorter overnight hikes. Huaraz in North Peru is a great place to prepare for the Salkantay trek. 

The most difficult part of the Salkantay trek is on Day 2. This is when you ascend the pass to  Salkantay Mountain (6,271m / 20,574 ft). During this part of the trek, make sure you drink plenty of water and stop often to catch your breath.

Day 4 is another long day with a steep hike in the morning. I found the 2-hour descent to Hidroeléctrica (1,890m / 6,200 ft) to be particularly tough on my knees. Take it slow and walk in small zigzags down the path. 

Day 2 of the Salkantay Trek - The top of Salkantay pass.

What Makes Salkantay Mountain Special?

What makes Sakantay trek special is its most notable landmark - Mount Salkantay, for which the trail is named. 

Mount Salkantay (or Nevada Salkantay / Salcantay) is the most iconic mountain near Cusco. It is also the highest mountain in the Willkapampa range. 

Trekkers on the Salkantay trail approach the mountain from the south. On the first night, you can sometimes hear avalanches from camp in the valley below this snowy summit. 

On the second day, hikers scale the Salkantay Pass (4,630m / 15,190 ft). At the top of this pass, you will be in close proximity to the mountain. This altitude also provides amazing views into the valley below. 

This mountain is held sacred within Peruvian culture. It is not easily scaled and there have been few summit expeditions.

South-west face of Nevada Salkantay, as viewed from the Salkantay trail.

What Is the Salkantay Trek Itinerary?

The Salkantay trek set out below is for a typical 5 Day / 4 Night itinerary using an official tour company. With these treks, arrieros (horsemen) are employed to carry gear for hikers. 

This route is the most common. You may see some variations from tour company to tour company. 

Stone Cairns left by previous trekkers at the Salkantay Pass (4,600m / 15,092 ft).

Day 1: Cusco - Mollepata - Soraypampa

• Total trek distance: ~12km / 7.45 miles
• Total time walking: ~6 hours

Most Salkantay tours depart by bus or private car from Cusco city (3,399m / 11,151 ft) early on day one. You will be picked up from your hotel or meet at the company office around 4:30 / 5:00. 

From Cusco, it is a 2-hour drive to the town of Mollepata (2,900m / 9,514 ft). Here is the first checkpoint where you will need to pay Salkantay entrance fees (which costs about 20 soles). This money goes directly to the community. In Mollepata, you will likely stop and have breakfast.

It is possible to start the trek from Mollepata but most tour operators don’t. This is because this lengthens day one by a few hours. Also, the beginning of the trail is along a rather unpleasant road.

Most operators will take you to the trailhead at Challacancha (3,600m / 11,811 ft). You may also start slightly further on at Sayllapata. Both these start points are around 3,600m (11,811 ft) above sea level.

From here, trekkers follow a gradual trail that climbs upwards. It takes about 3-4 hours to reach Soraypampa (3,850m / 12,631 ft).

Soraypampa is where you will meet your support team. The first good views of Salkantay and the Apurimac River valley are visible from here.

This is where most trekking groups will stop to have lunch. After lunch, you may trek up to Humantay Lake situated at 4,200m / 13,779 ft (1.5 hours up the pass) before returning to Soraypampa to camp for the night.

Alternatively, some companies start from Soraypampa Camp (3850m / 12,631 ft). In this case, the first day is a short but challenging ascent of 3km (1.8 mi) to Humantay Lake.

After spending some time at the lake, you will hike back down to your camp for the night.

There are a few companies that continue on to Salkantaypampa Camp (4,100m / 13,451 ft) for the first night. In this case, Humantay Lake may be skipped altogether during a Salkantay trek.

Buses at Soraypampa camp.

Day 2: Soraypampa / Salkantaypampa – Soyrococha – Abra Salkantay / El Passo – Huaracmachay – Colpapampa

• Total trek distance: ~ 22km / 13.67 miles
• Total time walking: ~7 hours

Day two is the longest ascent, so prepare to be challenged.

After waking early, you will begin the trek from Soraypampa / Salkantaypampa to Soyrococha (4,600m / 15,091 ft). This stretch takes about 2-2.5 hours. It starts gradually and gets steeper.

After about an hour of trekking, the trail begins zigzagging. These switchbacks are called the 7 Culebras (7 snakes), making this one of the toughest parts of the trail.

Many guides refer to this section as the ‘Gringo Killer’. Don’t let that scare you! In the cool hours of the morning, the ascent is totally manageable if you take it slow. After my trek, my entire group agreed that the slope was not as difficult as it had been made out to be.

Please Note: There is an option to ride a mule or horse up this section (at an extra cost of 100 soles). If you are already struggling with the altitude, consider taking this ‘mountain taxi’ for the rest of the way up.

At the top of the Culebras, you might notice that the temperature is cooler. Wear a hat and sunscreen as the sun is more intense at this altitude.

The views of Salkantay from here onwards are breathtaking. Make sure you have enough film and battery life. After this, you will reach Soyrococha before 10 am.

You might be exhausted as the air is thin at this altitude. There is still a significant climb ahead, so dig deep in your reserves!

Salkantay Mountain

You will continue for another hour upwards, with Salkantay on your right. Finally, you will reach the Salkantay Pass (4,630m / 15,190 ft). You can enjoy the feeling of immense satisfaction and pride at this exquisite height.

On a clear day, you will get amazing views of Salkantay Mountain to your right and Humantay Mountain (5,917m / 19,413 ft) to your left.

One of many camps at Chaullay. You can enjoy a well-deserved rest here after a mammoth day of trekking!

Here’s the good news. From the Salkantay Pass, it is all downhill. You will descend 2-3 hours to Wayraqmacchay (3,912m / 12,834 ft) for a lunch break. It is possible to stay overnight here. However, most tours continue further for 3 more hours down to Chaullay (2,920m / 9,580 ft) or Collpapampa (2,850m / 9,350 ft).

As you get lower in the valley, you will notice that the landscape changes dramatically. Andean mountain terrain becomes a lush tropical forest.

Day 3: Collpapampa - La Playa

• Total trek distance: ~18km / 11.19 miles

Day 3 is considered fairly easy-going. You may even rise later than usual to depart from the campsite at Collpapampa.

There are some ascents at the beginning of the hike. However, most of the trail is along even ground towards Playa Sahauyaco (2,064m / 6,771 ft). The route is a little more populated than the earlier trails. The area sits firmly within the tropical forest zone.

Some friendly advice : douse yourself with insect repellent before you begin hiking. My legs looked like a war-zone, covered with bites from nasty little sandflies.

Playa Sahauyaco is a small campsite bordering the Salkantay River and the Santa Teresa Valley. With that said, it is a lot bigger than any of the other campsites you would have stayed at. For this reason, some trekking companies like to continue on for 30 minutes to Lucmabamba. Other trekkers catch a minibus to Santa Teresa .

You should reach your camp by lunchtime. Some companies include a short coffee tour before or after your meal.

Jungle trail along the river on Day 3 of the Salkantay Trek.

Day 4: La Playa – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes

• Total trekking distance: ~17 km / 10.56 miles
• Total time walking:   ~7 hours

Some companies offer Day 3 activities on the morning of Day 4. After these activities, tour groups are then transported directly to Hidroeléctrica (1,890m / 6,200 ft).

However, it is more common to trek over the mountain on Day 4. You will then arrive at Hidroeléctrica on foot.

Wake up early and hike from Playa Sahauyaco or Santa Teresa through aromatic coffee plantations. This is a long and challenging hike uphill. Some of this trail goes up the original Incan steps.

The views from the lookout points are spectacular and you will see flocks of green parrots along the way.

First view of Machu Picchu in the saddle.

It will take you around two hours to reach the viewpoint of Machu Picchu. Do not skip this lookout! You can catch your first glimpse of the ancient city - nestled between the Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu mountains in the distance.

From the top, it is around 20 minutes down the mountain to the Llactapata Ruins (2,702m / 8,864 ft). The site is still covered by vegetation in some areas. It gives a good sense of what Machu Picchu must have looked like when  Hiram Bingham stumbled upon it in 1911.

The route descends steeply for 2 hours from the site to the Hidroeléctrica Station.

Here, you will stop for lunch before catching the train (which costs about $25) or trekking another 2-3 hours (10km / 6.2 mi) along the rails to Aguas Calientes.

See more in our guide on how to travel to Machu Picchu . 

Where to stay? Here are 5 of my favourite accommodation options in Cusco: 

• Sonesta Hotel  
• Antigua Casona San Blas
• El Mariscal Cusco  
• Hotel Paradis
• Quechua Hostel Recoleta

See more Cusco accommodation options .

Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Aguas Calientes (2,040m / 6,693 ft) is the town that sits below Machu Picchu. You will stay overnight here in a hotel – ah, a real bed and shower! The next morning, you will make your way to Machu Picchu.

See more in our guide on best Machu Picchu hotels in Aguas Calientes .

From Aguas Calientes, there are buses that run regularly up and down between the town and Machu Picchu (2,430m / 7,972 ft).

Aguas Calientes, the town below Machu Picchu (often referred to as Machu Picchu town).

The first bus departs around 05:30 and tickets cost about $12 each way. Queues for buses can start before 05:00 during the peak trekking season (May-September), so get there early. A one-way bus trip takes 30 minutes.

It is also possible to walk up to Machu Picchu. This takes a good hour and a half and involves scaling over 1,700 steps!

For many, it is a goal to witness the sunrise from Machu Picchu’s Sun Gate (Inti Punku) situated at 2,730m / 8,956 ft). You will need to get one of the first buses to the Citadel and then briskly walk up the trail leading to the Sun Gate. It is well marked and takes about 45 minutes at a good pace.

The view of Machu Picchu from Inti Punku (the Gate of the Sun).

Please remember your passport and your ticket as you will need them to enter Machu Picchu. If you have booked the Salkantay trek with a company, you will have a 2-hour tour around Machu Picchu with your guide.

After the general circuit, you will have free time to explore Machu Picchu . The route you take depends on your ticket. You may also have booked a hike up one of the mountain viewpoints.

The view of Machu Picchu from Huayna Picchu (aka Wayna Picchu or Wayna Pikchu).

You need to book early if you want to climb Huayna Picchu. Machu Picchu Mountain is less popular but equally challenging. Permits are also required, so make sure you book well in advance.

When you finish exploring Machu Picchu, you can either walk back down to Aguas Calientes (which takes about 1 hour) or catch a bus. Buses depart regularly, but expect queues during and just after lunchtime. This is when most trekkers head back to catch trains to Cusco.

Queues for buses at Machu Picchu start forming around lunchtime and waits can be as long as an hour on bad days.

If you are with an organised tour, you will likely have train tickets booked for Ollantaytambo (2,792m / 9,160 ft). From Ollantaytambo, you will catch a minibus / private car back to Cusco, which takes approximately 1.5 hours.

If your tour doesn’t include the train (i.e., you booked the ‘return by car’ option), you will need to walk back along the rails to Hidroeléctrica. This will take another 2-3 hours.

From Hidroeléctrica, the van ride to Cusco is 7-8 hours with a stop for a snack. I highly recommend taking motion sickness tablets for this windy ride.

Other Things to Do During the Salkantay Trek

Many Salkantay Trek companies also offer additional activity options.

Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, there's something for everyone venturing along the Salkantay trek. 

Option 1: Hot Springs in Colcamayu

The first option is the most relaxing. Particularly if you are feeling shattered after 3 days of hiking. A bus will take you to the thermal baths in Colcamayu. This is roughly a 45-minute drive from the town of Santa Teresa.

Spend a few hours soaking your sore muscles whilst enjoying jungle surroundings. You may want to take extra cash for cocktails.

Price Range: ~50 soles / $16 (including transport)

Option 2: Zip-lining at Cola de Mono

This option is for adrenaline-seekers. Trekkers are transported to Cola de Mono, the site of South America’s highest zip-line.

Here you will fly down 5 different lines between 12 platforms. The steel cables are approximately 250 meters (820 feet) above the ground.

Price Range: ~100 soles / $30

What is The Salkantay / Inca Combo?

The Salkantay / Inca Trail Combo combines the best of both worlds. This is where the extraordinary mountain scenery of the Salkantay Trail meets the authenticity of the Classic Inca Trail.

Although the route has a similar first day to the Salkantay Trail, it soon departs from the Classic route by heading east around Salkantay. The route is longer and more challenging than the classic Salkantay trek. It is typically completed on a 7D/6N itinerary. It is sometimes called the 7-Day Inca Trail and requires an Inca Trail permit.

See more in our guide on the full itinerary for the Salkantay-Inca Trail .

Salkantay Trek Altitude Profile

Here are some more details about the route followed on a typical Salkantay trek. After most trekkers reach Soraypampa, the trail tends to split in western and eastern directions depending on the trekking itinerary.

The Western trail follows the Salkantay trail up and over El Paso and around Playa Sahauyaco. The Eastern trail showcases the Salkantay / Inca Trail Comb trek by climbing over the Incachiriasca Pass to join the Classic Inca Trail at Wayllabamba (3,000m / 9,842 ft).

There are also some excellent route maps available in the Trailblazer Inca Trail Guidebook .

Here is our handy altitude profile for the Salkantay Trek. As you can see below, the first two days are tough. After this, the gradient evens out from Chaullay onwards.

When Is the Best Time to Do the Salkantay Trek?

There are two main seasons in the subtropical Peruvian Andes:

• The dry season, which runs from late April through to early October.
• The wet season, which starts around mid or late October and draws to a close in April.

The peak trekking season to Machu Picchu occurs during the dry season. The Inca Trail is very busy during these months and permits sell out months in advance.

Those who don’t get permits for the Inca Trail typically overflow onto the Salkantay trail or the  Lares trail . This means that between May and September, the Salkantay route can be busy.

That being said, you will not get a sense of overcrowding which can be the case on the Inca Trail. There are usually around 6 groups (8-20 people each) hiking the trail at a time on the Salkantay. These are spread out as groups start the day at different times and walk at different paces, which still allows you some tranquility during your trek.

Technically speaking, the Salkantay trek can be completed all year round. Although, I highly recommend avoiding the months of December, January, and February. This is when rainy days are the norm, which can make trekking extremely dangerous due to landslide risk.

The best trekking times run from the shoulder wet months (March / April). Good weather continues up to the shoulder dry months (October / November).

Temperatures throughout the year follow a very consistent pattern. The days are warm, reaching the high twenties in Celsius (70-80°F). The nights and early mornings are cold. After dark, temperatures are usually single digits and sometimes go below 0°C (32°F).

Temperature fluctuation is further exacerbated by the dominant micro-climates in the region. The first night is particularly icy below Salkantay Mountain. It gets warmer as you descend into the tropical forest on the following days.

Layering your clothes is key to staying comfortable throughout your trek. See more in our equipment packing list section below for details on ideal clothing requirements for the Salkantay trek.

Full charts on historic weather patterns in and around Machu Picchu can be seen here .

What To Know Before Hiking the Salkantay Trek

Acclimatization and altitude sickness on the salkantay trek.

The Salkantay trek is a high-altitude hike and comes with altitude sickness risks.

The highest altitude that you will reach on this trek is just over 4,600m / 15,092 ft) (4,900m / 16,076 ft if you do the Salkantay / Inca Trail Combo). This might be the highest altitude you have ever gone to outside of an airplane, which is remarkable when you think about it.

At this altitude, available oxygen per breath is nearly 45% less than what is available at sea level. This results in a number of physiological impacts.

It is difficult to predict how a higher altitude will personally affect you. There is very little correlation between altitude sickness symptoms and age, fitness, or gender.

However, we do know that going too high too fast is a key determinant of altitude sickness. Given enough time and adequate spacing, the body can adapt to higher and higher altitudes – this is called acclimatisation.

The trouble with treks to Machu Picchu is that most, if not all trekkers, start their journey from Cusco (3,399m / 11,151 ft). This city is already at a high altitude, making the potential of altitude sickness even greater.

It is important that you spend a few days (2 at a minimum) acclimatising in Cusco. You could also stay in the Sacred Valley before starting your trek. This area is nearly 1,000m / 3,281 ft below Cusco.

See more in our guide on acclimatisation and altitude sickness .

What Do I Pack for the Salkantay Trek?

There are a few key equipment items that you will need to take with you on your Salkantay trek.

I have written a very comprehensive packing list for the Inca Trail . This checklist is identical to what is needed for the Salkantay trek.

The only key difference is that mules are used to carry gear on the Salkantay trek instead of porters like on the classic Inca Trail.

The weight distribution between porters and mules is very similar. You will be given a tog bag and allowed to pack up to 5kg / 11 lbs. (7kg / 15.4 lbs. including a sleeping bag).

Basically, you will be packing a few changes of clothes and your toiletries. Include a small towel and warm layers for the evenings.

During the day, you will be carrying a daypack. This should contain your waterproof jacket, camera, snacks, hat, sunscreen, and other essentials.

Please Note: Don't pack anything delicate as the bags get fastened onto the mules and your items could be crushed.

Do I Need to Train for the Salkantay Trek?

The Salkantay trek is a moderate to tough hike, so you don’t need to be super-fit or a marathon runner. However, you should be in relatively good shape all the same. It will help to train for a few months before arriving in Cusco.

The best type of training you can do is aerobic cardiovascular exercise. This includes long-distance jogging, swimming, or cycling. Click here to read our  hiking training program . This provides some useful guidance on how best to prepare for the Salkantay trek.

Are There Toilets and Showers On The Salkantay Trek?

The Salkantay Trek goes through small villages and rural areas. Along the way, at regular intervals, you will find flushing toilets that you can pay 1 sole to use. Most of these bathrooms are fairly clean but don’t expect to find toilet seats or toilet paper. Be sure to pack a toilet roll in your backpack.

There are showers at almost every camp, particularly as you head towards Machu Picchu. Most of these are fairly basic and only have cold water. At some campsites, it is possible to pay up to 10 soles to have a hot shower.

• Hotel Paradis  
• Quechua Hostel Recoleta  

Is There Drinking Water On The Salkantay Trek?

It is not advisable to drink water along the trail. Rivers in this area pass through communities and there are many animals around. It’s better to be safe than sorry with drinking water on the Salkantay Trek.

If you have booked with a more expensive tour company, the chefs will boil water to refill your bottles each day. Budget Salkantay companies do not provide water.

You will have loads of opportunities to buy bottles of water at camps and along the trail. However, these are sold with a huge markup. A 1-litre bottle of water will cost between 6-10 soles. This adds up quickly if you are traveling on a tight budget.

I recommend being prepared and bringing a water bottle with a filter attached. Purification tablets are usually okay but are not 100% effective in every case, making filters more reliable.

Either way, fill up your bottle from high in the catchment or where the water is clean and flowing well. Never take water from below houses or where grazing animals are located.

How Much Does The Salkantay Trek Cost?

Like most treks to Machu Picchu, the costs vary quite dramatically. Here is a brief overview of the types of operators you will come across and their prices:

• Local Operators: $250-600 per person
• International Trek Operators: $400-$700 per person
• Private / Luxury Salkantay Treks: $800-$2000 per person

When it comes to local operators, it is important to note the quality of treks. There are huge variations in terms of service, equipment, guiding, facilities, and safety.

There are over 200 local trekking companies in Cusco alone. Generally, they are split into two types:

• Cheap local operators
• Responsible local operators

Cheap Local Operators

At the bottom of the market are the cheap local operators. These guys often cut corners and pay questionable wages to their staff. Their services often don’t stack up to their promises.

Cheap operators base prices on large groups of up to 16 trekkers. If they don’t reach this number, they will combine treks with another company.

Booking with a cheap operator doesn’t necessarily mean that you will have a bad experience. But the likelihood of poor service is much higher. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Prices for this type of operator often exclude certain key tour items. Usually, these are the bus tickets to Machu Picchu and return train tickets. Make sure you check what is included beforehand.

Responsible Local Operators

There are a number of great local trekking companies. These companies offer excellent services and run responsible operations.

Finding a responsible trekking company for the Salkantay Trail can be tough. I have picked out some of my favourite Salkantay trekking companies .

World Nomads has you covered so you can trek worry-free

Do You Need Insurance For The Salkantay Trek?

Insurance for your trek to Machu Picchu is a must. Most operators will require you to carry sufficient travel insurance for your trek.

As most trails to Machu Picchu go over high 4,000m / 13,123 ft passes, you will need to make sure your insurance covers you for high-altitude hiking (up to 6,000m / 19,685 ft).

We have reviewed a number of travel insurance providers and the most affordable and best by far is World Nomads .

I hope that I have answered many of your questions about the Salkantay trek. If you have any unanswered questions, please leave a comment below and we will respond within 24 hours.

Please feel free to share this page with friends and family or link to it from your blog. We always appreciate a shout-out on your social media page!

We very much welcome questions or feedback so that we can keep this article up to date. Thanks!

Tags: Salkantay Trek, Salkantay Trail, Salkantay Trekking, Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, Salkantay Trek Peru, Camino Salkantay, Salkantay Pass, Salkantay Peru, Salkantay Trail Peru, Salcantay trail

Alison Macallister

With a degree in Nature Conservation and experience working with wildlife including the Big 5, Alison works as a guide for a 5-star reserve. She enjoys sharing her passion for all things nature-related. She enjoys hiking, horseriding, 4x4 driving and kayaking.

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Hi! I’m currently looking into doing the Salkantay trek at either half November or half December (around the 15th). I will be in Peru from the beginning of next week, so I could fly from Lima to Cuzco and do this trek at the beginning of my trip. Or, I will end with it, after traveling around for four months. I’m very worried about the weather in December, but on the other hand don’t know if it is “smart” to start Peru with the Machu Picchu (because of the altitude). Furthermore, I don’t know if there are any tickets still available. What is your opinion? Hoping to hear from you and thank you for your time.

Hi Noa, The weather can be quite unpredictable in December – usually there is quite a bit of rain, but you may get a glorious week. The altitude risk is really highest in Cusco. I recommend spending a few days relaxing in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before hiking the Salkantay – that way you can pre-acclimatise for the Saklkantay pass, which is the highest altitude you will reach. You should still be able to secure Machu Picchu entrance tickets – but worth checking with a few operators now instead of booking last minute.

I found this and the initial article re the Salcantay walk exceptionally good and informative, and clarified a great deal. I am in my early sixties fit and have hiked in NZ and Nepal, and would loke to trek in south America , the Salkanty, and the O or W track in Chile, and this article was very encouraging in respect to my aspiration to trek solo or at least independently of a tour group. I'm also trying to marry this up, no pun intended with travelling with my wife who is no so keen on extended day treks . Could she possibly take the train to Aguas Calientes, so we could do the last part of the trek to Machu Pichu together , then travel back together on the train/bus ?

Hi Warren, thanks for your kind feedback. Yes, your wife could take the train to Aguas Calientes to meet you. She’ll obviously need to hang around Cusco for 3-4 days whilst you hike the Salkantay. From Aguas Calientes it’s a relatively short and easy walk up to Machu Picchu. Most people take a bus for this section, but you and your wife could easily walk. You’ll probably want to stay the night in Aguas Calientes on the day of arrival and then hike up to Machu Picchu, do a guided tour and then get a train back. Hope this helps!

Hi! Great article! I’m thinking think to travel to Peru in mid March-April or in November, since I work from May to October. What do you think is a better month for trekking? I’ve seen the ‘rain’ chart and it seems that April would be my best option; but, in terms of landscape, do you think it will be nicer in April, after rain season, or in November, after dry season? Also, I would like to leave my backpack in Cuzco so I don’t have to carry too much weight during the trail, do you think this is possible?

Thank you very much!

Hi Alex, I would go in April, this is a better month than March – weather-wise – and the scenery is great too. In terms of your backpack, almost all hotels offer a storage facility for hikers so you shouldn’t have a problem leaving it in Cusco. All the best!

Hi Alison, you've written a great blog about the Salcantay trail! So very helpful! Such a gift! A couple of questions: I'm 66, in shape but no marathoner, and am wondering if I'm a suitable candidate for this hike? I'm thinking of taking the 8 day Cusco & Salkantay Trekking to Machu Picchu with your recommended outfit, Inkayni travel. An ignorant question: how do I dial their number from the US (California)? Thank you so much! Lori

Hi Lori Thank you so much for the response. I’m glad to know the info is useful! Yes, you are absolutely OK to do this hike. Just be sure to spend a few days in Cusco acclimatizing to the altitude. Also, take it easy and drink lots of water and coca tea. I suffered a bit from altitude sickness on one of my early hikes in Peru, it doesn’t discriminate by age and fitness level!

I have personally never tried dialing Peru from the USA but I believe you need to Dial 011 51 933 839 757. Hopefully that works.

Have an amazing trip!

Wow ! All great information ! Do I nedd to make some camp site reservation if i'll like to hike de Salkantay by my own? For a first experience, do you recommed with a guide tour or I can organise everything by my own? Thnaks

Hi Odrey, you are most welcome! From my experience, camp site reservations are not usually necessary. However, this trail gets busier every year and things change. If you can track down a number for camping/ accommodation, I’d say try to call. Of course you can do it on your own (it’s very manageable and the trail is easy enough to follow) but I sometimes find it’s nice to hike with a group. The social aspect is fun plus it takes away all the stress of planning. It’s up to you and depends on your travel style but, if it’s your first multi-day trek and you don’t speak any Spanish, I’d lean towards the guided option. If you do want to enquire about guided trips, I’d recommend checking out Skyhook Adventures. Hope that helps!

Get a quote from our recommended local trek operator in Peru

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Salkantay Trek Solo: The Complete Guide to Machu Picchu

When visiting Peru , the number one thing on most travelers’ bucket lists is visiting the sacred site of Machu Picchu. It has skyrocketed in popularity, partly due to it becoming one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. The treks to Machu Picchu as well as entering the site has become so popular to the point where you have to book months in advance. The most popular trek is the Incan Trail. We decided against doing this trek and instead chose to do the Salkantay trek.

The Incan trail takes you along one of the same paths the Incans took to make it to Machu Picchu. While the cost of travel in Peru is low, these excursions are pricey. I still think it’s a must to add to your Peru itinerary !

When doing the Salkantay trek, you will instead go around the surrounding area and visit some of the most popular sites. In total, this 5-day trek will be around 73 Kilometers or 45 miles.

In this guide, I will go over how to do the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu solo, where to stay, and many more details.

Where is Salkantay Located?

The Salkantay trek is located outside of the famous town of Cusco in Peru. The Cordillera Vilcabamba is the mountain range that surrounds this area. These mountains sit high and Mount Salkantay reaches a height of 6,271 meters or 20,574 feet.

How to Get to Salkantay Trek Solo

Known by some as the Salkantay Pass, this trek can be reached easily solo. If you want to come to do this independently, then you’re in the right place.

The cheapest way is to take a collectivo from Cusco and then a cab to the trailhead. This will cut the price in half for a tour company. The added benefit of you going solo is that you’ll be able to start this hike a little bit later in the morning.

• Cusco to Mollepata one-way by Collectivo = 20 Soles (each)
• Mollepata to Saoryapampa one-way by Cab = ~30-40 Soles (total)
• Pay the Entrance Fee in Mollepata

I started at Challacancha, which is a longer route toward the base of Laguna Humantay . It is popular to stop here and do the side hike to the lake.

How to Get to Cusco, Peru

There are many different ways of getting to Cusco from throughout the country. Many people fly straight from Lima as it is their first stop. Below I will give the other options from different towns.

Lima to Cusco

This is a long bus ride from Lima to Peru. It will end up taking you around 22 to 24 hours in total. I highly recommend that you pay the extra money and get the VIP seats. These will be better for sleeping and overall make it a much more enjoyable ride.

• If you don’t want to go to the bus terminal, you can order your ticket on  Redbus . This is the go-to for online bus tickets in Peru.
• Julio Ceasar is one of the highest-rated bus companies but they are all pretty good.
• Terminal Plaza Norte and La Victoria are two good stations
• The bus ride is around 22 hours. If you buy early you can get tickets as cheap as $30.

Arequipa to Cusco

Arequipa is located southeast of Cusco and is much closer than Lima. The prices also reflect this and it is a much more doable bus ride.

• Once again I suggest looking on  Redbus  to get an idea of where to look and the price.
• This bus ride is around 10 hours long and only costs $14.
• I would suggest taking the night bus as you will save money on accommodation for that night.

Best Places to Stay in Cusco, Peru

• Kokopelli Hostel Cusco : This is the most popular hostel in all of Cusco. It’s not the cheapest place but the atmosphere makes up for that.
• Wild Rover Cusco : If you’re looking for a more social atmosphere with partying, then Wild Rover is your choice.
• Intro Hostels Cusco : With free breakfast and only $8 a night, the Intro hostel is a great choice for backpackers and travelers alike.

My Suggested Hiking Gear

Tips for Altitude Sickness

A common fear of most people when traveling to these parts of Peru is the chance of getting altitude sickness. This isn’t fun and can ruin a trip. Here are some of the best tips to lower the chances of this happening to you while traveling to Peru:

• Drink a lot of water (I like to aim for a gallon a day)
• Rest, Rest, Rest. Sleep is everything with recovery and health.
• If you’re planning on hiking, start with smaller hikes like  Cristo Blanco  (if in Huaraz, then Wilcacocha  )
• Coca is very popular in Peru and having some of the candy on hand can be smart
• Stop and rest wherever you are
• Take ibuprofen

This goes for a lot of hikes in Huaraz and throughout Peru! The altitude can take some time to get used to.

Salkantay Trek Details

• Distance:  This hike is around a 46-mile loop in total to reach Machu Picchu. For just the Salkantay Pass, it is 12.3 miles point to point.
• Duration: On average it will take people 5 days to finish. This depends on fitness level and time at the laguna.
• Difficulty:  I’d rank this hike as difficult because of the altitude and elevation gain as well as the length.
• Incline : The max elevation for the Salkantay trek is 4,630 meters or 15,190 feet.
• Hiking Guide:  A guide is not needed for this hike and is easily accessible by the public.

If you want more details and reviews of just the Salkantay Pass part of the trek, then you can check it out on Alltrails .

Salkantay Trek Altitude

During the Salkantay Trek, the max altitude you will reach is 4,630 meters or 15,190 feet. This elevation is reached normally on day 2 and from the Salkantay Pass, it is mainly downhill until Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu sits at 2,429 meters or 7,972 feet.

Best Time to Visit Cusco, Peru

The best time to visit Peru would be in its dry months or winter. This time frame lasts from April until November. It is also their peak season and many travelers come here hoping for clear skies and beautiful mountain ranges.

The opposite in weather has to do with Peru’s proximity to the Equator. It is located in the southern Hemisphere which has the opposite effect of those in the North.

We did the Laguna Humantay Trek as well as the others located along the Salkantay trek in August. It was clear skies for the majority of the time.

5-day Salkantay Trek Solo Guide: The Itinerary

The famous 5-day Salkantay Trek can be done solo or with a guide. In this section, I will go over the day-by-day itinerary and details of the hike.

This can also be done in 4 days but most people opt for the 5-day trek instead.

Day 1 – Soraypampa to Laguna Humantay

Day 1 of the trek will be long because you have to first drive a few hours into the mountain. If you are going with a guide, then they will be picking you up very early in the morning. Most companies will pick you up around 4 am.

If you are doing the Salkantay Trek solo, then you get the added benefit of being able to wake up a little bit later.

You will want to catch the collectivo from Cusco to Mollepata. From here you will then need to find a ride to take you to Soraypampa.

This is where you will begin the hike to Laguna Humantay and stay the night here as well.

Day 2 – Laguna Humantay to Chaullay thru Salkantay pass

After a good night’s sleep, you will want to wake up early and eat breakfast. Getting an early start every day will be beneficial to you as you will be less likely to be fighting daylight.

The trek through the Salkantay pass to our next stop will be around 12.4 miles long. Day 2 is also when you will be at the highest point of the whole trek at 4,630 meters.

You will arrive in Chaullay where there will be multiple accommodations to choose from.

Day 3 – Chaullay to Lucmabamba

Day 3 is, in my opinion, the easiest day of them all. The entire day, either downhill or along a canal in a valley. You will be going from Chaullay to Lucmabamba. This will take you around 5 to 6 hours and is 18km long or 11 miles.

The area around Lucmabamba is known for its coffee plantations and there will be some here that you can stay at.

Day 4 – Lucmbamba to Aguas Calientes

This is the last real day of hiking and you will not have to sleep in a tent or hostel anymore. Aguas Calientes is the town right below Machu Picchu.

Although it is touristy, it is a really cool town to explore.

This is the longest day of the whole Salkantay Trek. It will take you around 7 to 8 hours and is 25km long or 15.5 miles.

This day will take you along some old ruins that are in decent condition.

Day 5 – Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu

Today is the day! Day 5 is solely focused on visiting the historic site of Machu Picchu. Please do not just arrive at Machu Picchu and expect to get in.

You will need to buy a ticket for the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu if you want to visit the amazing site. You can also take the stairs but it’s a long hike up.

We had an early wake-up call, caught the bus to the top, and explored Machu Picchu for 3 hours.

Completing the Salkantay Trek before arriving here really made it so much more worth it.

Accommodations during the Salkantay Trek

The Salkantay Trek is so popular that there will be accommodations at every stop, even if traveling solo. Below I will go over the options that you will have when arriving at these stops.

Places to stay near Laguna Humantay

When arriving at Soraypampa, there won’t be as many options as other sites along this trek. The best option is to camp in your own tent if you have one. There is a hostel at the bottom of Laguna Humantay called Backpacker Humantay.

It costs 80 soles for the night and this includes breakfast/dinner.

Places to stay in Chaullay

When starting day 2, you will be relieved to know that there are a lot more options for where to sleep when getting to Chaullay.

If you are looking to book in advance, you can at Salkantay Hostel . The cost is ar found $45 for two and includes breakfast.

If you didn’t book ahead, look at maps.me and walk up to any hostel you want and ask if they have a bed. It shouldn’t cost much.

Places to stay in Lucmabamba

Lucmabamba is where there are many coffee and avocado plantations. You can do the same as before and just show up or ask your host in Chaullay to help you book it for you.

We stayed at the Jungle Domes and absolutely loved it!

They had some of the cleanest bathrooms I’ve seen along the Salkantay Trek and at this point in the trip, that’s a huge plus.

Places to stay in Aguas Calientes

When arriving at Aguas Calientes on day four, you will soon come to realize that there is nowhere to camp. This was fine by us as we were craving a comfy bed and a hot shower.

Hostelworld is full of accommodations that you can choose from. Make sure to book these well in advance too as they can sell out fast, especially during peak season.

My Experience Hiking the Salkantay Trek

After giving you all of the details for completing the Salkantay Trek solo, I will now go over my experience of this amazing adventure.

This was the #1 thing I did in all of my travels this year and it wasn’t even close.

Arriving at Laguna Humantay Trek Trailhead

When we started our Salkantay Trek, we started some ways further back than you’re able to. I’m not sure as to the reason but it helped us get warmed up for the days ahead.

This day was very easy as most of it was extremely flat, and we followed an aqueduct to the town of Soryapampa.

Many people do this hike as a day trip but it was a great way to start our 5-day journey to Machu Picchu. Laguna Humantay was crystal clear and conditions could not have been better.

Deprating on Salkantay Trek solo

Day 2 was when we really started our Salkantay trek. This day was much harder than the previous but the views of the mountains helped take the pain away.

We a handful of times until we arrived at the top of Salkantay Pass (4,630 meters). This is where we ate lunch, had some coca tea, and enjoyed the views.

Shortly after we finished eating, a group of clouds came rolling through and it brought some chilly weather. We took this as it was time to go and we started the rest of the trek to Chaullay.

This 2nd half was much easier as it was all downhill or flat.

Arriving at Chaullay

Chaullay is where we stayed the night on Day 2. We stayed in some huts and had an amazing dinner.

This dinner consisted of some of the best chicken I’ve had in Peru or possibly ever. After every day of hiking, we also had pre-dinner which consisted of tea/hot chocolate and popcorn. Man was that some good popcorn.

We didn’t have to wake up as early as the days before. We got to sleep in until 6 am which felt amazing.

Day 3 of the Salkantay Trek

When we started day 3 I thought it was going to be over fast. This day took us a little bit longer than we had planned. There were too many cool places to take a stop at that we couldn’t resist.

At the end of the day, this trek is to be done at your own pace. All that matters is that you enjoyed it.

For a large majority of this day, we hiked along the cliffside in a canal. It felt epic, to say the least.

Unfortunately, we had to push back the coffee tour until the next morning because we ran out of time. This was quite alright because I was itching for a good cup of coffee in the morning.

We had a good supply of coffee during our Salkantay Trek.

Arriving in Pueblo Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes)

There were some cool things to see like old ruins on day 4 but the main mission was to make it all the way to Aguas Calientes or Pueblo Machu Picchu.

This meant we had to hike close to 16 miles in one day. Our feet didn’t like the sound of that. What kept us going was the hot shower and comfy bed when we arrived.

You really do get to see it all when doing this trek and that’s why I would do it again in a heartbeat.

This day had some of the best viewpoints too. It was hard to get up off the seat and keep moving when it was time.

We were all mesmerized by the views.

Early Morning at Machu Picchu

The day had finally come. This is what many people come to Peru for and what others dream of seeing one day. Machu Picchu is one of the most iconic wonders of the world. I recommend going with a guide here because they will teach you some valuable information you would otherwise not get.

The day started at 6 am as we had breakfast and headed to the bus. The bus takes you straight up to the entrance of Machu Picchu. The only other entrance is the Incan trail entrance and we could easily tell who were the ones that came from there.

The weather was perfect and the site was breathtaking. It was the perfect cap for our Salkantay Trek adventure.

Other Activities to do in Cusco, Peru

Cusco is popular for a reason. There is so much to do around this beautiful area of Peru. This is mainly a huge hiking hub but there are other activities for those that don’t. Some of the activities around here include the Laguna Humantay Trek, Rainbow Mountain, Machu Picchu, and Salkantay Pass. Below are some amazing tours that you can book with just a click of a button.

Final Thoughts on the Salkantay Trek Solo

What more can I say? This was an adventure of a lifetime and something that I will never forget. The Salkantay Trek was more than I could have ever imagined. To experience it with some good friends and other travelers was the cherry on top. As I did do this with a group, it is the same path and steps as if you are doing it solo. I would do this hike again with the tour company solely for the food. It was amazing. We had 3-course meals every meal and snacks. They were extremely accommodating and I wish I was back right now.

That being said, I highly recommend this hike to everyone. Even budget travelers can make this trek work.

Thank you for reading my guide on how to do the Salkantay Trek solo! I hope this helps you on your adventure of a lifetime.

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Salkantay trek to machu picchu.

EXPLORE THE SALKANTAY TREK

The more scenic & lesser-trodden trail to machu picchu..

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is one of the best alternative routes to the world famous Inca Trail. Long the way you’ll see some of the most incredible landscapes as well as enjoy the adventure of a lifetime. You’ll walk through the Andean mountains surrounded by snowy peaks to the warm and humid jungle.

There are plenty of different species of wildlife and some beautiful flora for you to see, in addition to witnessing Andean life in small villages.

The snowy peak of Salkantay itself is sacred and appreciated by all who live in the area. It’s 125km northeast of Cusco and sits at 6,264 masl. Professional climbers have been hiking the mountain since the year 1952. This is because it’s very easy to access from Cusco.

Salkantay Trek Tours Packages

With the Salkantay Trek being so popular, you’ll find there are many different lengths available. These range from 3 days and up to 7 days, which includes a part of the Inca Trail as well. If you don’t want to end at Machu Picchu, you can also go on a 2 day trip to hike to the Salkantay Pass. Here you’ll find all the tours on offer:

Humantay Lake Hike Full Day All inclusive

Humantay Lake & Salkantay Pass Trek 2 Days

Salkantay Trek 3 Days

Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu 4 Days Premium Service

Salkantay Trek 4 Days Classic Service

Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu 5 Days Premium service

Salkantay Trek 5 Days Classic Service

Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu 5 Days Via Llactapata in Tents

Why travel with us, tour guides.

All of our horsemen are from Mollepata, which is the starting point of our trek. We make sure to employ responsible people that are serious about what they do. This way, they do an excellent job at transporting everyone’s items along the trail with mules and are in charge of getting your gear safely to each campsite where it will be waiting for you. Our horsemen are very content with us receiving a good salary and benefits at the end of each season. Peru Hike provides all the mountain gear and uniforms to the horsemen. These guys can be of great help in an emergency because they know the area and trail like the back of their hand.

Peru Hike relies on an extensive network of highly trained guides and expert ambassadors as a premise to guarantee excellence in our services. We are fully conscious that an excellent guide is key to making your trip a memorable experience, which is why we are extremely demanding when recruiting and regularly training our guides.

In all of our trekking trips, the chef ensures high-quality meals on time, an adequate diet both in its quality and quantity. The secret lies in the careful selection of our team of chefs, whose top-quality restaurant background, creativity and passion for their jobs provide an unequalled touch to all of our meals. We do not have set menus since we wish to give our chefs the chance to create, innovate and surprise our clients through delicious dishes in every trip.

We do not have set menus since we wish to give our chefs the chance to create, innovate and surprise our clients through delicious dishes in every trip. We provide general guidelines, guest information on dietary restrictions and preferences and, most especially, the tools for a constant updating of our cooks’ knowledge in both Peruvian and International cuisine through specialization courses and training.

Peru Hike Company has created the most amazing exclusive campsites for our trekkers to relax in after a long day on the trails. On the Salkantay route, you’ll stay in our Sky Camp under the stars, our Andean Huts in Chaullay or Collpapampa, and our Jungle Domes in the middle of nature in the jungle.

On other routes, you’ll find we have private campsites away from other groups and in some instances, homestays with local families for a truly unique experience.

Salkantay Trek Travel Guide

Before You Go, What You Should Know

SALKANTAY HIGHLIGHTS

• Conquer the trail of the 7 snakes to reach the Salkantay Pass and take in the glorious view.
• Spot some of the most beautiful Andean flora and fauna along the way.
• Hike through the Andean mountain range and see some of the best landscapes you’ll ever see.
• See the incredible Humantay Lake that sits like a turquoise jewel in the middle of the snowy mountains.
• Make new friends along the way from across the globe.
• Try local dishes prepared in the middle of the mountains by great cooks.
• End your trip at one of the New Seven Wonders of the World: Machu Picchu.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE SALKANTAY TRAIL

When booking a trek like Salkantay, you want to be as prepared as you can be. To help you, we’ve come up with a few of the things you should expect when taking this tour.

Feel the Altitude

You’ll be hiking at very high altitude, and going up to a little over 4,600 masl. This can mean you feel light-headed, tired easily, nauseous, headaches, and more. To avoid feeling like this, you should take the proper precautions, which we’ll go over below.

Find Some Parts a Challenge

This trek is relatively moderate overall, and most people can complete it if relatively fit, however day 2 is a real challenge. The steep and winding climb up to the Salkantay Pass takes a lot out of you. The rest of the day is downhill but can take its toll on your knees and ankles as you endure a full 10 hours walking this day.

Enjoy Your Surroundings

The Salkantay Trek is one of the top choices for many hikers because of the beautiful landscapes and views you see throughout. From snowy mountain peaks to thick jungle, you’ll get to enjoy a whole range of sights. Don’t forget to take a good camera to capture all the flora and fauna.

Experience Different Climates

You’ll need to be well prepared when it comes to clothing as you will experience very cold temperatures during the first day and a half, but will then get very warm as you head down into the jungle. You may also see some rain.

See Plenty of Trekkers

This is the second most popular trail to Machu Picchu, and there’s no limit on numbers like there is for the Inca Trail, so, as you can imagine, it can get busy. This is particularly true during the dry season from May to October.

You need a lot of energy to keep your strength up at such high altitude. Thankfully, a full team of cooks will join you and you’ll be amazed at the food they whip up in the middle of the mountains. There’s no doubt you’ll eat plenty of delicious food on the trek.

Learn a Lot

Your guide will be informing you all along the way about the history and more regarding your surroundings. Be prepared to come away knowing a lot about the Incas as well as the Andean flora and fauna.

WHERE IS SALKANTAY?

The Salkantay Trek is a popular multi-day hiking trail in Peru that takes you through diverse landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, lush forests, and high-altitude deserts. The trek usually lasts for 3-5 days and covers a distance of approximately 60-70 kilometers (37-43 miles). It is named after the Salkantay mountain, which is one of the highest peaks in the region at 6,271 meters (20,574 feet). The trek culminates in a visit to the historic ruins of Machu Picchu, which is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Peru.

DIFFICULTY LEVEL

The Salkantay Trek is rated moderate to challenging. You’ll find some days easier than the others, but it can be difficult. To make sure you’re well prepared you should do some training beforehand and make sure you’re in good shape. You’ll also need to prepare for the altitude so it affects you as little as possible.

SALKANTAY FACTS

To help you know more about this trek, we’ve got some interesting facts to share with you.

• The locals call the mountain Apu Salkantay, which means ‘Holy Lord above the valleys.’
• The highest point of the trek is the Salkantay Pass at 4,600 masl.
• The trek starts in Mollepata and ends at Aguas Calientes.
• The classic trek that lasts five days is over a distance of 74km/46 miles.
• The Salkantay Trek is the second most popular hike to Machu Picchu after the Inca Trail.
• You don’t need a special permit for this trek.
• The average altitude along the trail is 3,000 masl.

SALKANTAY TREK TIPS

To save you from asking too many questions about your trip, we’ve put together some tips to help you with preparation.

• Get to Cusco 2-3 days before your trek. This way, you can adjust to the altitude and take it easy before you head out on the trail.
• Do some exercises daily before you come to strengthen and prepare your muscles.
• To make sure you’re ready for the altitude, you should speak with a doctor at home for advice and see about getting pills to help you.
• Check out a packing list to make sure you pack as efficiently as possible. You will have a weight limit and need clothing for different climates.
• When you get to Cusco, try to limit your alcohol intake, or better yet, don’t drink any at all. The effects are strong at high altitude and it could make you very sick.
• Walking poles are a good idea to help your joints throughout the trail.
• Remember that the trek is not a race, and you should go at your own pace. Everyone is different, and you will never be left behind. Going too fast can make you feel ill and make the rest of the trip difficult.
• You need to stay well-hydrated because of the altitude and the distance you’re walking. Take plenty of water each day.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Finally, we share with you some recommendations, to make sure your trip goes smoothly and you don’t come up against any issues later on.

Plan Ahead of Time

pointing-left, some travellers book the trail once they arrive to Cusco, but this sometimes means there’s no space left or that they don’t get to go on the day they had planned. This can be really disappointing when you were looking forward to the trek.

If you plan and book the trek ahead of time, it will give you more time to relax in the city. Your vacation will also be less stressful as everything is already taken care of.

Check Which Season You Want to Travel In

In Peru, we enjoy a dry season and a wet season. Dry season is from May to October, and November to April is wet season. It can rain a lot in those months, so keep that in mind if you want to come during wet season. The temperature tends to be warm from November to April, however.

In the dry season, you see less rain, but it does get very cold at night. You can also expect to see more hikers on the trail. Consider these facts when booking your trip.

Be Careful When Packing

As we mentioned before, there are weight limits to your luggage. Make use of a packing list so you bring the right amount of each thing to not go over the weight and to ensure you have everything you need.

Take Out Travel Insurance

Many agencies and operators won’t let you on the trek if you aren’t insured. If they do, they probably aren’t very reputable. If anything does happen to you and you aren’t insured, the health care in Peru can be very expensive.

Take Extra Snacks

You’ll get snacks along the way and plenty of food, but it’s always a good idea to take extras, like dried fruits and nuts, as you never know when hunger will strike.

Consider Tipping

Most trekkers will tip the guides, cooks, and horsemen. Consider their work and how tough it is when thinking of an amount. It’s up to you.

Circuit Related to Salkantay Trek

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The Savage Mountain Trek to Machu Picchu

The salkantay trek.

Discover a world surrounded by magical moments while experiencing Peru’s real outdoors and its rugged elements.

Explore the Salkantay Trek

The more scenic & lesser-trodden trail to machu picchu.

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is one of the best alternative routes to the world famous Inca Trail . Long the way you’ll see some of the most incredible landscapes as well as enjoy the adventure of a lifetime. You’ll walk through the Andean mountains surrounded by snowy peaks to the warm and humid jungle.

There are plenty of different species of wildlife and some beautiful flora for you to see, in addition to witnessing Andean life in small villages.

The snowy peak of Salkantay itself is sacred and appreciated by all who live in the area. It’s 125km northeast of Cusco and sits at 6,264 masl. Professional climbers have been hiking the mountain since the year 1952. This is because it’s very easy to access from Cusco.

Locally Owned & Operated

We are the operators! We are a licensed Tour Company. There is no middleman on a trip with us!

Expert Local Guides

Chosen for great knowledge of their country, and a passion to make your trip extraordinary.

Fantastic Meals

Our owner and all of our staff are local to Peru and care about its environment, people and culture.

Eco-Friendly Tours

Education and conservation are our passion. We aim to create lifelong ambassadors for the protection of all wilderness areas.

Small Groups

Average groups of 10; solos, couples and friends, united by a desire for authentic experiences.

An adventure travel company you can trust

Our best seller.

If you have a love for adventure and enjoying some of the best hiking routes in the world, our Salkantay Trek 5 Days is for you. It combines the most exciting trekking trails with the most incredible scenery you can imagine. Join us on your own, in a couple, or as part of a group.

The Classic Salkantay Trek

After spending some time in the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco, join us on the Salkantay Trek to the World Wonder of Machu Picchu. The best alternative route to the Inca citadel will take you to the stunning Humantay Lake, the imposing Salkantay Mountain, through the fascinating cloud forest, and then to the edge of the Peruvian jungle.

You’ll spend each night in comfortable accommodation and enjoy some of the tastiest food around - in the middle of the mountains! Experienced guides will be with you all the way to teach you about the history and nature of the region. Enjoy this route in comfort and great company.

Salkantay Trek Tours

With the Salkantay Trek being so popular, you’ll find there are many different lengths available. These range from 3 days and up to 7 days, which includes a part of the Inca Trail as well. If you don’t want to end at Machu Picchu, you can also go on a 2 day trip to hike to the Salkantay Pass. Here you’ll find all the tours on offer:

The Best Adventure Combinations in Peru

Every journey we design is carefully curated and completely bespoke, fine-tuned to your passions and interests. Experience jaw-dropping natural wonders, mysterious ancient civilisations, diverse indigenous culture and unique wildlife with some of the best trek combinations in Peru and South America.

Salkantay Honeymoon Trek 5 Days

Hey there love birds! They say that your honeymoon should be an experience you’ll never forget, so why not pair it with the most unforgettable adventure in the world?

The Salkantay Trek is listed as one of the 25 best treks in the world by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine and is the best alternative route to the New Wonder of the World, Machu Picchu.

We guarantee that you and the person you love most in the world will have a life-changing experience as you hike amongst the mountains and celebrate with some of our beloved Andean wedding traditions. We’ll do everything we can to accommodate you to ensure you receive all the comfort and privacy you desire!

The Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu is one of the best ways to reach the Inca Citadel and takes you through a range of incredible landscapes. The ecosystem offers a wide range of biodiversity, and you’ll get to witness some outstanding mountain scenery, unique flora and fauna, and rural communities that reside in this region.

On this incredible journey, you’ll pass through the snowy mountain tops and then descend through the fascinating and unique cloud forest to the Peruvian jungle. With each step, you’ll be making your way closer and closer to the New Wonder of the World and Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu.

Along the way, you’ll stop at some amazing destinations, including Humantay Lake, the Salkantay Pass, Llaqtapata archaeological site, and, of course, Machu Picchu. Your knowledgeable guide will give you the ultimate tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site before you and your love get to explore by yourself or embark on one last hike up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime, unique experience for you to remarry the love of your life below the sacred mountain god of Salkantay, surrounded by the magic of the mountains and the stunning Humantay Lake.

The Salkantay Premium Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days

The salkantay premium private trek to machu picchu 5 days.

After spending some time in Cusco, the capital of the Inca Empire, join us on the Salkantay trek to the Wonder of the World, Machu Picchu. The best alternative route to the Inca citadel will take you to the impressive Humantay Lagoon and the imposing Salkantay Mountain through the fascinating cloud forest, and then to the edge of the Peruvian jungle.

Each night you will spend in comfortable and exclusive lodges where you can enjoy the tastiest meals in the middle of the mountains. Experienced guides will accompany you all the way to explain the history and nature of the region. Enjoy this route with excitement and great company.

Salkantay Trek + Short Inca Trail 6 Days

The Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail is one of the best routes that you should do at least once in your life. This program will take you out of the routine to transport you to wonderful places that only the Peruvian Andes have for you. You will visit several tourist attractions, including the magical turquoise waters of the Humantay Lake and the imposing Salkantay snow-capped mountain. Around the mountains, you will explore the tropical forest and appreciate its diverse flora and fauna. Finally, you will visit Machu Picchu, one of the wonders of the modern world, and learn about the ancient history of the Incas. Without a doubt, this is a complete itinerary to recharge your energy and enjoy it to the fullest.

Salkantay and Rainbow Mountain Trek 6 Days

After spending some time in Cusco, the capital of the Inca Empire, join us on Salkantay and Rainbow Mountain trek, also known as Rainbow Mountain, Seven Colors Mountain, or Vinicunca.

This is the best route to explore the magical Humantay Lake, the imposing Salkantay Mountain, the majestic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, and the authentic Rainbow Mountain. The best tourist attractions of Cusco are in this itinerary. You´ll also witness the immensity of the highest sacred mountain in the Cusco region, Ausangate (6,372 m / 20,905 ft).

Salkantay Trek & Inca Trail 7 Days

Are you finding it hard to decide between the Salkantay Trek and the Inca Trail? Well, twiddle your thumbs no more. Our Salkantay and Inca Trail 7 Days trek combines the two routes to Machu Picchu in one awesome trip. Both treks are considered in the top twenty-five treks in the world by National Geographic and put together form one of the most epic journeys of all.

It’s no surprise that this combo will challenge you to the max and test your limits. However, when it all comes to a climax at the astounding Inca Citadel, Machu Picchu, you’ll realize all your efforts were worth it. You’ll feel a huge sense of achievement and fulfillment as you wander among the ancient city and look out over the beautiful panorama that is Peru’s dense jungle.

Our Salkantay and Inca Trail 7 Days trek is the perfect choice for those pondering over the two routes. You get the best of both worlds and can enjoy following in ancient footsteps on the Inca Trail and witness some of the most epic views you’ve ever seen on the Salkantay route. Enjoy this ultimate experience by yourself, as part of a group, or as a couple.

You’ll begin your adventure on the Salkantay trail and visit the stunning Humantay Mountain that sits like a jewel among the white mountain peaks. Next, you’ll make your way to see the imposing Salkantay Mountain before diverging and joining the ancient Inca Trail.

Along this ancient path, you’ll learn all about the fascinating, innovative Inca culture from your knowledgeable guide and stop off at some of the most important Inca archaeological sites that played a huge role in their empire.

To top it all off, you’ll end your challenging trek with a visit to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Machu Picchu.

Salkantay Imperial 8 Days

If you’re looking for the ultimate vacation in Cusco that includes everything, our 8-day Imperial Salkantay is the best choice. Come and explore the historical city in the company of our knowledgeable guides and venture on the exciting Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with like-minded travelers from across the world. This package is an excellent option whether you’re traveling alone, with a partner, or in a group.

Cusco is a beautiful city that was once the capital of the Inca empire, which means it has a lot of history and many interesting sites to visit to learn all about ancient cultures. The city boasts an eclectic mix of Inca and European architecture and you’ll want to see as much as possible while you’re here. Most visitors come to Cusco to visit Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

The Andean Explorer 9 Days

Discover the greatest in Cusco's architectural design on our 9-day Salkantay & Rainbow Mountain tour. This journey takes you to Machu Picchu, one of the World's New Seven Wonders, and Peru's Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca. Before beginning the Salkantay Trek, you'll also have the chance to take a guided tour of Cusco and a one-day journey to the Sacred Valley of the Incas to adapt to the high altitude.

Why Travel With Us?

We are dedicated and commited to our clients, to the environment, and to our fellow compatriots

Our Horsemen & Horses

All of our horsemen are from Mollepata, which is the starting point of our trek. We make sure to employ responsible people that are serious about what they do. This way, they do an excellent job at transporting everyone’s items along the trail with mules and are in charge of getting your gear safely to each campsite where it will be waiting for you.

Our horsemen are very content with us receiving a good salary and benefits at the end of each season. Salkantay Trekking provides all the mountain gear and uniforms to the horsemen. These guys can be of great help in an emergency because they know the area and trail like the back of their hand.

In addition to the trekking and camping equipment, each horse carries 40kg of the trekkers’ belongings. You’ll have 7kg of allowance for your gear.

Knowledgeable Tour Guides

Salkantay Trekking relies on an extensive network of highly trained guides and expert ambassadors as a premise to guarantee excellence in our services. We are fully conscious that an excellent guide is key to making your trip a memorable experience, which is why we are extremely demanding when recruiting and regularly training our guides.

In all of our trekking trips, the chef ensures high-quality meals on time, an adequate diet both in its quality and quantity. The secret lies in the careful selection of our team of chefs, whose top-quality restaurant background, creativity and passion for their jobs provide an unequalled touch to all of our meals. We do not have set menus since we wish to give our chefs the chance to create, innovate and surprise our clients through delicious dishes in every trip.

The Best Trekking Food in Peru

We do not have set menus since we wish to give our chefs the chance to create, innovate and surprise our clients through delicious dishes in every trip. We provide general guidelines, guest information on dietary restrictions and preferences and, most especially, the tools for a constant updating of our cooks’ knowledge in both Peruvian and International cuisine through specialization courses and training.

Exclusive & Private Campsites

Salkantay Trekking has created the most amazing exclusive campsites for our trekkers to relax in after a long day on the trails. On the Salkantay route, you’ll stay in our Sky Camp under the stars, our Andean Huts in Chaullay, and our Jungle Domes in the middle of nature in the jungle.

On other routes, you’ll find we have private campsites away from other groups and in some instances, homestays with local families for a truly unique experience.

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With astonishingly varied landscapes, stunning scenery, compelling history, and a legacy of fascinating cultures, there is truly something for everyone. Our expeditions in Peru are designed to showcase all that this country has to offer.

Our expeditions in Peru are designed to showcase all that this country has to offer.

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Rainbow mountain, salkantay trek travel guide.

Before You Go, What You Should Know

We hope that this Peru & Salkantay Trek travel guide will serve as a reference for you to prepare for and undertake an exceptional and seamless journey through this “Empire of Hidden Treasures.”

Salkantay Packing List

Salkantay weather, salkantay frequently asked questions, salkantay highlights.

Here are the top highlights that you’ll enjoy on the excursion:

• Conquer the trail of the 7 snakes to reach the Salkantay Pass and take in the glorious view.
• Spot some of the most beautiful Andean flora and fauna along the way.
• Hike through the Andean mountain range and see some of the best landscapes you’ll ever see.
• See the incredible Humantay Lake that sits like a turquoise jewel in the middle of the snowy mountains.
• Make new friends along the way from across the globe.
• Try local dishes prepared in the middle of the mountains by great cooks.
• End your trip at one of the New Seven Wonders of the World: Machu Picchu.

What to Expect on the Trail

When booking a trek like Salkantay, you want to be as prepared as you can be. To help you, we’ve come up with a few of the things you should expect when taking this tour.

Feel the Altitude

You’ll be hiking at very high altitude, and going up to a little over 4,600 masl. This can mean you feel light-headed, tired easily, nauseous, headaches, and more. To avoid feeling like this, you should take the proper precautions, which we’ll go over below.

Find Some Parts a Challenge

This trek is relatively moderate overall, and most people can complete it if relatively fit, however day 2 is a real challenge. The steep and winding climb up to the Salkantay Pass takes a lot out of you. The rest of the day is downhill but can take its toll on your knees and ankles as you endure a full 10 hours walking this day.

Enjoy Your Surroundings

The Salkantay Trek is one of the top choices for many hikers because of the beautiful landscapes and views you see throughout. From snowy mountain peaks to thick jungle, you’ll get to enjoy a whole range of sights. Don’t forget to take a good camera to capture all the flora and fauna.

Experience Different Climates

You’ll need to be well prepared when it comes to clothing as you will experience very cold temperatures during the first day and a half, but will then get very warm as you head down into the jungle. You may also see some rain.

See Plenty of Trekkers

This is the second most popular trail to Machu Picchu, and there’s no limit on numbers like there is for the Inca Trail, so, as you can imagine, it can get busy. This is particularly true during the dry season from May to October.

You need a lot of energy to keep your strength up at such high altitude. Thankfully, a full team of cooks will join you and you’ll be amazed at the food they whip up in the middle of the mountains. There’s no doubt you’ll eat plenty of delicious food on the trek.

Learn a Lot

Your guide will be informing you all along the way about the history and more regarding your surroundings. Be prepared to come away knowing a lot about the Incas as well as the Andean flora and fauna.

Where is Salkantay?

Salkantay is the highest of the peaks in the Vilcabamba mountain range in the Andes. It’s in the region of Cusco and sits about 60km from the city to the north-west.

Difficulty Level

The Salkantay Trek is rated moderate to challenging. You’ll find some days easier than the others, but it can be difficult. To make sure you’re well prepared you should do some training beforehand and make sure you’re in good shape. You’ll also need to prepare for the altitude so it affects you as little as possible.

Salkantay Facts

To help you know more about this trek, we’ve got some interesting facts to share with you.

• The locals call the mountain Apu Salkantay, which means ‘Holy Lord above the valleys.’
• The highest point of the trek is the Salkantay Pass at 4,600 masl.
• The trek starts in Mollepata and ends at Aguas Calientes.
• The classic trek that lasts five days is over a distance of 74km/46 miles.
• The Salkantay Trek is the second most popular hike to Machu Picchu after the Inca Trail.
• You don’t need a special permit for this trek.
• The average altitude along the trail is 3,000 masl.

Salkantay Tips

To save you from asking too many questions about your trip, we’ve put together some tips to help you with preparation.

• Get to Cusco 2-3 days before your trek. This way, you can adjust to the altitude and take it easy before you head out on the trail.
• Do some exercises daily before you come to strengthen and prepare your muscles.
• To make sure you’re ready for the altitude, you should speak with a doctor at home for advice and see about getting pills to help you.
• Check out a packing list to make sure you pack as efficiently as possible. You will have a weight limit and need clothing for different climates.
• When you get to Cusco, try to limit your alcohol intake, or better yet, don’t drink any at all. The effects are strong at high altitude and it could make you very sick.
• Walking poles are a good idea to help your joints throughout the trail.
• Remember that the trek is not a race, and you should go at your own pace. Everyone is different, and you will never be left behind. Going too fast can make you feel ill and make the rest of the trip difficult.
• You need to stay well-hydrated because of the altitude and the distance you’re walking. Take plenty of water each day.

Recommendations

Finally, we share with you some recommendations, to make sure your trip goes smoothly and you don’t come up against any issues later on.

Plan Ahead of Time

pointing-left, some travellers book the trail once they arrive to Cusco, but this sometimes means there’s no space left or that they don’t get to go on the day they had planned. This can be really disappointing when you were looking forward to the trek.

If you plan and book the trek ahead of time, it will give you more time to relax in the city. Your vacation will also be less stressful as everything is already taken care of.

Check Which Season You Want to Travel In

In Peru, we enjoy a dry season and a wet season. Dry season is from May to October, and November to April is wet season. It can rain a lot in those months, so keep that in mind if you want to come during wet season. The temperature tends to be warm from November to April, however.

In the dry season, you see less rain, but it does get very cold at night. You can also expect to see more hikers on the trail. Consider these facts when booking your trip.

Be Careful When Packing

As we mentioned before, there are weight limits to your luggage. Make use of a packing list so you bring the right amount of each thing to not go over the weight and to ensure you have everything you need.

Take Out Travel Insurance

Many agencies and operators won’t let you on the trek if you aren’t insured. If they do, they probably aren’t very reputable. If anything does happen to you and you aren’t insured, the health care in Peru can be very expensive.

Take Extra Snacks

You’ll get snacks along the way and plenty of food, but it’s always a good idea to take extras, like dried fruits and nuts, as you never know when hunger will strike.

Consider Tipping

Most trekkers will tip the guides, cooks, and horsemen. Consider their work and how tough it is when thinking of an amount. It’s up to you.

Quality Service

For us quality of experience is only second to safety.

We are committed to providing world-class trekking experiences for our guests that go way above and beyond the mass-produced tours so common today.

I had the most fantastic trek with my family. It was one of the best experiences in the mountains, hiking to Machu Picchu. The weather was with us, and we all had a great experience with unique landscapes.

Inspiring Stories

Get a glimpse of what you can experience.

Here you will find useful tips, travel news and experiences that will make from your experience in Peru more enjoyable and complete.

Humantay Lake & Salkantay Pass

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Salkantay Treks Hiking the Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu

Salkantay trekking.

The Salkantay Trek is one of the most spectacular trekking routes in the world. The Salkantay hiking trail goes deep in the snow capped Salkantay mountain range, visits the emerald Humantay glacial lake, an indigenous coffee farm, and travels through several microclimates. The unique glamping accommodations and private campsites are unlike any other tour: Glass Cabanas bring stargazing into full view, Hobbit Houses with outdoor jacuzzis and hot showers, and camping literally overlooking mystical Machu Picchu at Llactapata. Wow! All this, while you are hiking an ancient trade route right into the local town at the foot of Machu Picchu itself!

The Best Salkantay Treks Start with Indigenous Tour Operator Alpaca Expeditions

You are traveling with the award-winning, #1 tour operator in Cusco for all treks to Machu Picchu. Our Salkantay Trek stands out from all other companies with its unique glamping accommodations during your trek – our Glass Cabanas and Hobbit House. You will get top-quality camping equipment , exceptional, nutritious meals on the trail prepared by professional chefs, and leading safety procedures on every trek . We are a local, indigenous, and sustainable company – 100% Peruvian and the leader in supporting our local communities through social projects and porter welfare .

Salkantay Availability

All Salkantay Treks are available for daily tour departures, March – January. Optimal trekking season is April -October. No special permits are needed, unlike the Classic Inca Trail.

How Inca Trail Permits Work

Salkantay Trek FAQs - See the top questions and answers about hiking the Salkantay Trail

1. how challenging or difficult is the salkantay trek.

The Salkantay Trek is a challenging trek in the Andes Mountains range of Peru and offers trekkers the opportunity to experience some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the country. Trekkers who prepare for 5 days of hiking from 12km to 22km (7.5 miles to 13.7 miles) daily, and are in reasonable physical fitness can accomplish this beautiful, remote trek.

The trek takes place at high altitude, which can be challenging for many individuals when not acclimated even just a few days in advance. High altitude can cause symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and difficulty breathing. The hiking paths include rocky footpaths, steep mountain trails, uneven terrain, and depending on the season, deeply rutted, muddy paths.

This five-day trek starts at the height of 3,800 meters (~12,500 feet) and finishes at 4,200 meters (13,776 feet) at Machu Picchu. The trek’s highest point is the Salkantay Pass at 4,600 meters (15,092 feet). Trekkers will hike to the Salkantay Pass on the very first day of trekking. The typical Salkantay trek is five days, so day one is the highest altitude point on your trek. The night before your trek starts, your Glass Cabanas accommodations are at 3800 meters above sea level.

During the trek, trekkers will face a wide variety of weather conditions, including cold temperatures and strong winds in the Salkantay mountains on the first 2 days, and hot, humid rainforest conditions on the subsequent hiking days to Machu Picchu. This can make the Salkantay trail even more challenging. Having the proper hiking equipment and clothes for trekking is essential.

If you are fit and have trained for this trek, you should have no problems except possibly for altitude acclimatization. Note that altitude acclimatization is independent of physical fitness! If you are not an uber athlete, but are in reasonable physical condition, this is a very doable hike if you come prepared to spend up to 8 hours or more hiking, in order to complete the daily mileage. Fast hikers may get to camp by mid afternoon, and slower hikers tend to get to camp by the very end of the day.

Acclimatizing to high elevation before you start your Salkantay Trek is really important, especially because the 5 day trek has all the highest elevation on days 1 and 2. You don’t have a chance to work up to the highest elevation over the first few days, as a result. We strongly recommend that you arrive in Cusco at least 2 if not 3 full days before your trek so you can better acclimatize to the high altitude. Cusco elevation is 3353 meters or 11,000 feet.

2. How does the Salkantay Trek Compare to the Inca Trail Trek?

The Salkantay Tour is more difficult than the Inca Trail tour because it has a longer average daily hiking distance, is 5 days instead of 4 days (4 days of actual hiking versus 3 days of hiking on the INca trail, with the last day spent touring at Machu Picchu) and goes to higher altitude. The Salkantay total distance hiked is over 60 kilometers (37+miles) whereas the classic Inca Trail total distance is about 40 kilometers (25+ miles).

With Alpaca Expeditions, the Salkantay Trek is five nights and five days, with 2 of those nights camping in tents at private campsites where you will not see any other groups. The other 3 nights are in unique glamping accommodations along the hike – Glass Cabanas on the first night and Hobbit Houses on the 3rd night. The final night is at a hotel in Aguas Calientes, the local town at the foot of Machu Picchu. It has become a busy town focused exclusively on tourism and travelers to Machu Picchu. In contrast, the Inca Trail Trek is 4 days and 4 nights, and all found nights are camping in tents at group campsites along the Inca Trail. Note that all the trekking companies use the same group campsites, so hikers will be camping with many other travelers each night.

Here is a quick comparison of the Salkantay 5 Day Trek and the Inca Trail 4 Day Trek:

• Salkantay 60+km/ 37+ miles
• Inca Trail 40+km / 25+ miles

AVERAGE DAILY HIKING:

• Salkantay 12-22 km/ 7.5 -13.7 miles
• Inca Trail: 10-16 km/6.2-10 mi

MACHU PICCHU ACCESS:

• Salkantay – Hike into Aguas Calientes town at base of Machu Picchu on Day 4. Walk or bus to Machu Picchu on day 5.
• INca Trail: Hike into Machu Picchu on Day 4 through the Sun Gate

ACCOMMODATIONS:

• Salkantay: 2 nights tent camping, 2 nights glamping, 1 night hotel
• Inca Trail: 3 nights tent camping

COOKING CLASSES

• Salkantay: YES
• Inca Trail: YES

EMERGENCY HORSE for Tired Trekkers

• Salkantay: YES day 1 (hardest longest day)
• Inca Trail: no

HIGHEST ELEVATION

• Salkantay: Salkantay Pass at 4,600 meters (15,092 feet)
• Inca Trail: Dead Woman’s Pass 4,000 meters (13,200 feet)

3. Are there Facilities for Showers Available During the Salkantay Trek?

Typically yes, there are some showers on the Salkantay Trek. The availability of showers on the trek depends, though, on what kind of Salkantay Trek you are doing: tent camping only, glamping & traditional camping, or mountain lodges. If it’s an exclusively tent camping trek, typically there are no showers at all. Alpaca Expeditions’ Salkantay Trek is a glamping trek.Trekkers enjoy showers on night 1 at the Glass Cabanas, on night 3 at the Hobbit Houses, and on night 5 at the hotel in Aguas Calientes before your final day touring Machu Picchu. If you are trekking the Salkantay trail via a mountain lodge path, you will typically showers at the lodges. Salkantay Treks options vary, so it’s really about your budget and trekking style.

4. What are the Bathroom Options on the Salkantay Trek?

There are several minimalist bathroom facilities along much of the Salkantay Trek, especially with how Alpaca Expeditions runs its glamping and camping 5 day trek.

Remember to bring your own toilet paper though, as you cannot be assured of TP in any of these facilities! Along the trek, there is typically a public or private bathroom opportunity at the lunch stop; otherwise, there are no bathrooms.

Night 0 – Pre Trek

• The first night at Alpaca Expeditions’ Glass Cabanas has a bathhouse with flush toilets, and running water for sinks and showers. Note – this is the night before day

DAY 1 – Trekking

• On the first day of trekking to the Salkantay Pass, there is a small and clean bathroom one-third of the way up the pass that costs one sol to use. It is maintained by local villagers who manage the small drink and snack station (and souvenirs) there beside it, as well.
• Also on day 1 of hiking, right before the top of the pass, there is another public bathroom facility that you can use. It is really just a little shack with a flush toilet in it, and it is not regularly managed or cleaned. While it’s not in excellent condition, it is a flush toilet! You will want to remember to always carry extra toilet paper for your personal use on the trek.
• This 2nd night on the Alpaca Expeditions’ Salkantay Trek is tent camping in the middle of the mountains. There is a small bathroom stall with a flush toilet, and initial toilet paper supplies. Remember to supplement with your own toilet paper.

DAY 2 – Trekking

• During the 2nd day of the trek, you will have lunch at a little roadside picnic area with clean bathrooms with flush toilets. The bathrooms cost 1 or 2 soles to use, it’s worth it because they are well maintained!
• In the morning and afternoon while hiking, there are no public bathrooms, so mother nature is it.
• The 3rd night is at the Hobbit Houses with bathrooms with flush toilets and hot showers. Bring your own TP to be sure you don’t run out.

DAY 3 – Trekking

• On Alpaca Expeditions’ Salkantay Trek, during this 3rd day of hiking you will hike along the river and then to a really cool indigenous coffee farm. Well maintained bathrooms with flush toilets are available there, and you’ll enjoy a wonderful lunch, cooking class, make your own roasted coffee beans, and also tour the coffee farm.
• This is the 4th night of your 5 day, 5 night trek, and it is tent camping at Llactapata high up in the mountains and next to a closed lodge. Trekkers can use the two adjacent bathroom stalls with flush toilets and running water sinks there at the lodge facility.

DAY 4 Trekking

• Hiking during the morning is down into Hydroelectrica. There are no bathrooms along the way in the morning – mother nature is it.
• Clean bathrooms are available at the lunch stop, before the walk to Aguas Calientes along the train tracks in the afternoon.
• THere are a few places along the train tracks route that have bathrooms, have your own toilet paper and be prepared to pay 1 or 2 soles. Otherwise, mother nature is it.
• The 5th night is at a hotel in Aguas Calientes.

Day 5 – Machu Picchu Tour

• Machu Picchu has a large restroom facility OUTSIDE the entrance gate. There are NO bathrooms inside Machu Picchu.
• Be prepared, if you are hiking up Huayna Picchu during your Machu Picchu visit, the entrance to Huayna Picchu is at the very farthest side of the Machu Picchu complex, away from the entrance and only restrooms. You will be assigned a start time to do the steep, but intensely rewarding, hike up the peak, and you must make that start time or you may not get to climb. Plan accordingly if you want to use the bathroom before starting your Huayna Picchu climb and get to the entrance gate to use the restroom. You will need to show both your Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu tickets in order to get back into the Machu Picchu complex. There are no bathroom facilities on Huayna Picchu Mountain.
• This is also true of hiking up Machu PIcchu Mountain – plan accordingly if you need/want to use the restroom before you start your hike up that mountain from your Machu Picchu tour. There are no bathroom facilities on Machu Picchu Mountain.

5. What is the Elevation of Salkantay Pass?

The Salkantay Pass is situated at an altitude of 4,600 meters (15,092 feet) above sea level. Trekkers will hike to the Salkantay Pass on the very first day of trekking. The typical Salkantay trek is five days, so day one is the highest altitude point on your trek. The night before your trek starts, your Glass Cabanas accommodations are at 3800 meters above sea level. This means you are hiking an additional 800 meters, or 2625 feet up and down in one day.

Acclimatizing to high elevation before you start your Salkantay Trek is really important, especially because the 5 day trek has all the highest elevation on days 1 and 2. You don’t have a chance to work up to the highest elevation over the first few days, as a result. We strongly recommend that you arrive to Cusco at least 2 if not 3 full days before your trek so you can better acclimatize to the high altitude. Cusco elevation is 3353 meters or 11,000 feet.

6. What Does Salkantay Mean?

Salkantay comes from the Quechua Salka, which means “Wild.” This name is attributed to the geography of the place; since crossing the pass, all the geographic space is a cloud forest full of vegetation and a wide variety of trees and animals typical of the jungle.

Long before the Salkantay route was made available for tourism, this was a mule track for the muleteers with horses that made frequent use of this route. They transported different products such as vegetables, fruits, and other goods brought from the jungle of Cusco. These muleteers were skilled in navigating the treacherous terrain, and they used this route as a means of transporting goods and supplies to different parts of the region.

Salkantay Trek Magazine: See the spectacular Salkantay hiking trail to Machu Picchu in this full color magazine!

The salkantay trek magazine.

The Salkantay Trek is an amazing alternative hiking trail to Machu Picchu than the popular Classic Inca Trail. It is a favorite for trekkers, especially because it’s far less crowded, has extraordinary scenery in the Salkantay Mountain range, and traverses through several micro climate ecosystems. We’re excited to share this beautiful trek experience with you. Download our 44-page, full color Salkantay 5-Day/5-Night Trek Magazine and see for yourself what it’s like!

Get Your Salkantay Magazine here

Salkantay Trekking Map: Elevations, Landmarks, Campsites, Altitude Profile & More

See where The Salkantay Trek Trail is in Peru, and trace your hiking route to Machu Picchu with these useful Salkantay Trek maps.

SALKANTAY MAP

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Cooking classes are on all our camping treks . Learn to cook traditional, delicious dishes in open air classroom of the magical Andes mountains!

Explore All Salkantay Hiking Tours: Classic 5 Day, Salkantay + Inca Trail 7 Day, and Humantay Lake 1 Day

Find the Salkantay tour that best suits your interests. Do you want to hike the entire Salkantay Trek away from the crowds of the Inca Trail? Then choose the classic 5 day Salkantay Trek. Want to also hike into Machu Picchu through the famous Sun Gate? Then choose the Salkantay + Inca Trail 7 Day tour! Are you short on time or not keen on hiking a lot but really want to see the beautiful Salkantay Mountain range in person? Then go for the Humantay Lake 1 day hiking tour.

Salkantay Trek + Inca Trail 7D/6N

Ultimate Classic Salkantay Trek 5D/5N

Humantay Blue Lagoon Day Hike

Women Only Machu Picchu Tours

Salkantay Trek Peru – 6D/5N

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In the pursuit to stand out from the rest, Alpaca Expeditions has obtained four ISOs plus our carbon footprint certificate to date. These achievements result from our efforts to implement the internationally-recognized integrated management system. They also represent our commitment to all of our clients and staff of operating sustainability and responsibility in every way possible.

World Travel Awards

Alpaca Expeditions is internationally recognized as a leading tourism company in Peru. As proof, we have been awarded the World Travel Award for Peru´s Best Tour Operator 2021 for the second time.

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Our goal at Alpaca Expeditions is to create the best experience for all of our clients. We create journeys that are to be remembered for a lifetime. Journeys you can be proud of and can share with everybody around you.

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Hotel to Hotel service

Regarding the transportation provided by Alpaca Expeditions, we are committed to delivering a quality service. We strive to ensure that passengers feel supported throughout their journey. To achieve this, we coordinate closely with our guides and representatives to ensure timely pick-up at the start of their tours. Additionally, we have representatives responsible for escorting our passengers to their hotels at the conclusion of any tour.

Our drivers are not only trained in customer service but also come properly uniformed, and many are fluent in English.

Typically, all transportation types are included in each of our services. For instance, if you have booked a trekking tour, we will pick you up early, typically between 4 AM and 5 AM. When visiting Cusco, it's important to note that traffic here is generally moderate. However, there are peak traffic times, such as between 7 AM and 8 AM, which coincide with school hours, and in the evening between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM. Therefore, if you have a flight during these times, it's crucial to be at the airport at least 2 hours in advance. The drivers of Alpaca Expeditions ensure their vehicles are prepared with all necessities before each service. They are acutely aware that delays can lead to missed trains, flights, or other connections. Consequently, they are always more than punctual, arriving at least 10 minutes before the scheduled time for any service, understanding the responsibility they carry in executing these tasks.

Personal Porter of 7KG

Remember that Alpaca Expeditions offers an extra 7 kg allowance for your personal belongings on any of our tours. We include a personal porter who is responsible for carrying your duffel bag without any additional fee. You will not have access to your duffel bag until you reach your evening campsite. The bag should not exceed 7 kg, which includes 4 kg for clothes and 3 kg for your sleeping bag and sleeping mat.

Each Alpaca Expeditions porter is paid directly after each trek, allowing them to return home more quickly. They receive better wages than our competitors, health insurance, and all their equipment free of charge, including hiking boots, pants, jerseys, fleeces, jackets, hats, flashlights, sleeping bags, and high-quality food. We ensure each of our porters has a comfortable bed in a pleasant room to sleep in before and after each trek. We also visit the communities they live in, providing toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, and other necessary supplies to their families, along with books for their children.

This is just the beginning for us, and we are always looking for ways to do more. While the government allows each porter to carry up to 25 kg, we limit this to 20 kg to prioritize their health and safety. Each porter carries up to 15 kg of company equipment and 5 kg of personal items. This is why it is crucial to keep your personal duffel bag weight under our 7 kg limit. You might see other companies allowing their porters to carry more than the allotted weight, but at Alpaca Expeditions, we strictly adhere to these limits to ensure our porters' well-being.

Clases de Cocina

Alpaca Expeditions offers its passengers the chance to experience local cooking. We aim to immerse trekkers in Inca life by walking them through the original Inca paths and teaching them about Inca culture. Food is a significant part of Inca life, making it a special element in any tour or trek with Alpaca Expeditions.

In 2022, Alpaca Expeditions introduced a cooking class as part of each of our treks, conducted by our amazing trekking chefs and interpreted by our guides.

We will transform your dining tent into a makeshift kitchen, providing all the necessary supplies to prepare a Peruvian specialty. Your chef will guide you step by step through the process of making a traditional Peruvian meal, such as Lomo Saltado, and share some essential mountain cooking tips.

Peru is recognized as a top culinary destination, largely thanks to the popularity of our renowned beef dish, Lomo Saltado. This is most often the meal you will learn to cook, but there is also the opportunity to learn how to prepare other dishes like traditional Peruvian ceviche or even our signature drink, the pisco sour.

Cooking Class on the Inca Trail: These classes are voluntary and designed to be a fun, educational experience. Our clients consistently marvel at the amazing ability of our chefs to create culinary magic on a mountaintop. As you learn to prepare and cook Peruvian specialties, you will also see firsthand how such elaborate meals can be created on a small campsite stove.

Enjoy a cooking class in the mountains and be sure to take plenty of photos, just in case your friends won't believe your incredible experience.

Satellite Phones

The best way to hike in the mountains of Peru is to completely disconnect from technology, especially the internet and cell phones. The most impressive and exciting aspect is the opportunity to experience the true and wonderful nature that we often miss when we are at home, watching TV or absorbed in our cell phones during our leisure time. The feeling of being disconnected from work and the daily routine left at home is incredible.

However, this remoteness means limited access to emergency resources. That's why Alpaca Expeditions has invested in satellite phones for every trek.

We are prepared to assist you in case of any emergency, particularly health-related issues. For this reason, Alpaca Expeditions has invested in satellite phones, as they are one of the most crucial tools for any operator trekking in remote areas where telephone or television signals are absent. This means that every guide on our treks will be equipped with a fully charged satellite phone as well as radios. While these are primarily for emergencies, we allow our clients to use them at any time.

We ask that you cover the cost, which is $2.50 per minute. This fee can be paid in cash at our office or via PayPal once you have completed the trek.

Being just a phone call away from any doctor, hospital, or friend helps everyone feel assured of their safety. Radios, which all our guides carry, have limited reach, so Alpaca Expeditions includes satellite phones to ensure that we can connect no matter where we are on the mountain.

Portable private toilet

We understand that our clients will need restroom facilities at various times and locations during their journey. Along the Inca Trail, there are restrooms available, particularly those belonging to the communities near the trail. Alpaca Expeditions provides portable toilets to enhance this service, which will be set up at each meal site or campsite.

As with any mountain trip where we are exposed to nature, it is possible to use natural areas as restrooms. However, it is crucial to be mindful of the waste we generate, such as toilet paper or wet wipes used for cleaning. These should be carried with us and not discarded on the ground or left along the trail. Remember, the Inca Trail is a protected area overseen by a government institution. In places where garbage bins are unavailable, particularly at our camps, we provide special plastic bags for waste. Our porter team will be responsible for carrying out our waste.

Please be aware that although there are designated bathrooms for men and women, in practice, both genders often use the same facilities. Functionally, there is no significant difference between men's and women's bathrooms. Therefore, it is common for people of all genders to use whichever bathroom is available.

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All You Need to Know Before Hiking the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, Peru

If you’re currently planning your unforgettable  Peru itinerary , and enjoy hiking, then you’re probably considering doing either the Inca Trail or Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. If you’d like to learn more about the Salkantay Trek, then you’re in the right place.

In this blog post we’ll answer every question you may have before your trek. These FAQs include trail lengths, difficulty, altitude, elevation gains and what sort of fitness level is required. The post also details the main differences between the classic and shorter trek options, to help you make the decision as to which one is most suited to you.

There’ll also be information about accommodation and food options. You’ll read about what you should pack, wear and what to do with your extra bags whilst on the trek. Lastly, we’ve included information for those wanting to trek independently too. Hopefully by the end of the post, you’ll feel more prepared and ready to embark on an incredible journey through the Peruvian Andes.

If you’d like to see our adventures, then check out the  Salkantay Trek video  on our  YouTube Channel. For more Peru videos check out our Peru Playlist .

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission if you click a link and purchase something. Clicking these links won’t cost you anything, but it will help us to keep this site up and running! Learn more about our affiliate policy.

Table of Contents

What is the Salkantay Trek

The Salkantay Trek is a 75km (46 mi) long trek through the Peruvian Andes. It is one of the most popular ways to get to Machu Picchu .

The trek is named after the Salkantay Mountain which reaches an altitude of 6,271 m (20,574 ft). The name of the mountain comes from the Quechua words ‘Salca’ and ‘Antay’. ‘Salca’ means wild, and ‘Antay’ means something like avalanche maker. For this reason, many consider the mountain to be sacred and call it Apu Salkantay which means Lord in Quechua.

During your hike you’ll pass through the Salkantay Pass which is the highest point along the entire trek at 4,630 m (15,190 ft).

The Salkantay Trek is still less popular or as famous as the Inca Trail. However, many consider it to be just as beautiful, if not more so, since it takes you through the Vilcabamba mountain range, where you’ll see glaciers and lagoons before descending down into the Andean Jungle.

Did you know? National Geographic Adventure Magazine listed the Salkantay Trek as one of the best 25 treks in the world.

Booking the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

Below are a few important facts you should read before booking the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu.

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu Packages

There isn’t just one version of the Salkantay Trek you can book. You can opt for a shorter or even a longer version of it:

The Classic Salkantay Trek (5 days)

During the Classic 5 days 4 nights Salkantay Trek you’ll be trekking for four days and will visit Machu Picchu on the fifth. The trek takes you to Humantay Lake , one of the best day trips from Cusco , on your first day. Then you’ll hike up to the Salkantay Pass, the highest point along the trek, before entering the cloud forest on your second day. On the third day you’ll hike through the Amazon Rainforest and then finish your trek in Aguas Calientes on your fourth day.

Short Salkantay Trek (4 days)

Another popular variety of the Salkantay Trek is the 4-day 3-night version. It is pretty much the same as the Classic one. The main difference is that on your third day you’ll get to take a transport from La Playa to the Hidroelectrica train station from where you’ll hike into Aguas Calientes.

Salkantay Trek Challenge (3 days)

This is an even shorter version of the trek where you’ll be trekking for two days and visiting Machu Picchu on the third. The main difference is that this trek doesn’t go to Lake Humantay, instead taking you all the way to the cloud forest on your first day. The second day will be the same as the last day of trekking on the 4-day trek. It’s definitely a more challenging version of the Classic trek.

These three treks are probably the most popular versions of the Salkantay Trek. There are, however, much longer versions of it too. You can complete a 6, 7, 8 or even 9 day trek in the Andes which is amazing if you have the time and are a big hiker.

Best Time to Do the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

You can technically hike the Salktantay Trek all year round with the exception of February. However, there are better and worse times of the year to complete it.

The  wet season  is normally  between December and March.  Whilst visiting during this time frame doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll be hiking in the pouring rain, the chances are much higher. The trek can become a bit more dangerous due to the bad weather conditions and is more likely to get cancelled. Even if it does go ahead, you really want to enjoy the jaw dropping scenery and not be wishing the trek was over because you’re soaking wet and feeling miserable. It’s also worth noting that the trek is closed in February.

The  dry season is from about April to November.  This time frame definitely gives you a high chance of a sunny and enjoyable trek. If you come just before the dry season, around April, then you’ll probably have a pleasant and rain free hike. It’s also less busy with tourists, so a good time to come to avoid the crowds.

June to September are the most popular tourist months, so be prepared for a lot more people to be on the trail with you. Plus, you might want to book your trek a bit further in advance.

How Far in Advance do You Need to Book the Salkantay Trek?

The great thing about the Salkantay Trek is that you really don’t need to book it as far ahead as the Inca Trail. The Inca Trail has a limit of 500 trekkers per day which includes support staff. Therefore, available tickets can sell out pretty quickly, especially in the high season. Since the Salkantay Trek doesn’t have such a limit at the time of writing, it’s a great alternative in case you can’t book on the Inca Trail.

The main thing to bear in mind is that they have a limit on how many people can enter Machu Picchu per day. This is currently capped at 2,500 people for the ‘Machu Picchu only’ ticket. You probably know that you can combine your Machu Picchu visit with other hikes up the adjacent mountains. These tickets have way less availability per day. Therefore, if you know that you’d like to hike Huayna Picchu for example, then book your Salkantay Trek a bit sooner.

You normally don’t have to worry too much about advanced bookings if you’re coming in the shoulder or off seasons. For reference, the high season is between April and October.

Do You Need Special Travel Insurance to Hike the Salkantay Trek?

We cannot emphasize enough how important it is to have travel insurance before any trip you make abroad. Now, most travel insurance won’t automatically include cover for all the activities you’re planning on doing during your travels.

For example, if you’re visiting Peru, and planning on hiking in high altitudes, then you should have cover for high altitude trekking in your insurance policy. Make sure to shop around to find the most suitable one. You just never know what could happen and it’s better to be safe than sorry.

How Much Does the Salkantay Trek Cost?

As you do your research you’ll see quite a big range of costs, starting from 250USD and going as high as 700USD. This is because there are many companies offering the same trek but with different amenities. These differences include modes of transport, type of accommodations, quality of food, and how fairly they pay their staff.

For example, expect to pay more if you want to stay in any of the cool looking accommodations such as the Sky Domes and Jungle Huts. If you enjoy camping or want to keep costs down then you can pick a cheaper tour where you’ll sleep in a tent during your trek.

Many companies include a scenic train ride back to Ollantaytambo from Aguas Calientes. It’s only a 1.5 hour comfortable train journey plus a 2-hour minivan ride from Ollantaytambo to get back to Cusco. If this isn’t included then you’ll be on a 6 to 7 hour bus ride back to Cusco AND you’ll have to walk back to the Hidroelectrica first, which isn’t fun!

Tours that cost a bit more will also have better food and dietary options. Honestly, the chefs are magicians and can cook some incredible meals in the middle of nowhere. Also consider if water will be included in the price or not.

We also suggest reading a bit more about the company and how they treat their staff. If a tour is too cheap they probably don’t pay their staff fairly, and you might want to opt for a more expensive one or tip the staff well. They deserve much better compensation than what they get for their hard work.

As expected, if you opt for a shorter version of the Classic trek, it’s going to be slightly cheaper too. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s going to be easier to complete!

Additional Salkantay Trek Costs

We’d like to point out that you’ll have to calculate some additional costs on top of the tour package you see online. These will vary based on the company, but here’s a quick list of things you should be aware of:

• Check if all meals and water are included. Our trek didn’t include breakfast on the first day and lunch on our last day in Aguas Calientes.
• Unless you have your own, you can hire sleeping bags and trekking poles for an extra cost.
• Entry fees to the hot springs, plus the transport fee to get there.
• Any additional hikes you want to do at Machu Picchu.
• Bring enough cash to cover anything extra such as hiring a mule to get you up the Salkantay Pass or getting the train from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes instead of hiking.
• Bring some small change for toilet fees (1 or 2 soles), the shower on your second day and any snacks or drinks you might want to buy here or there.
• Tips for your guide, horseman and cook.

Best Salkantay Trek Tour Companies

There are quite a few great companies you can choose from. We read plenty of great reviews of the following companies:

• Salkantay Trekking,
• Alpaca Expeditions,
• G-Adventures,
• Mountain Lodges, and
• Conde Travel.

These are just a few of many. For reference, we went with Salkantay Trekking and had a fantastic experience. As always, we recommend reading about what’s included in the tour, any additional costs and a bit more about the company’s background before booking.

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu Accommodation Options

The accommodation options along the Salkantay Trek are varied and depend on your needs and budget.

If you’re trying to save some money then you can always find a company that offers camping for the duration of the trek. These tours are going to be much cheaper. Just think about the time of year you’re booking the trek, because camping might not be as fun during the wet season when there’s more chance of heavy rain. Also consider whether your body is going to be happy to sleep in a tent for so many nights after long days of hiking.

Other than camping, some companies offer more comfortable stays in some cool looking accommodations. These include the Sky Domes on your first night, the Andean Huts on your second night and the Jungle Domes on your third night. Normally, on your last night, you’ll be sleeping in a hostel or hotel in Aguas Calientes. These accommodations are basic, but you’ll have a bed and electricity in your room, which can feel pretty luxurious compared to camping. You’ll be sharing the bathrooms with others though. There isn’t really a shower option on your first night, but you can pay extra to shower on your second night and there are showers at the Hot Springs on your third. Then you can pamper yourself a little on your fourth night in the hotel or hostel room.

Lastly, you can stay in some incredible looking lodges that offer a much more luxurious stay than any of the accommodations listed above. Of course, having private bathrooms and luxurious double beds will come with a price, so have a look around and see what each company has to offer before booking.

Food and Water Options on the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

Depending on the company you book with, food is normally included in the price. You’ll be provided with breakfast, lunch and dinner pretty much every day of your hike. They’ll also likely give you some snacks for the day to keep you going between meals. Some companies won’t include breakfast on the first day of your hike or lunch and dinner on your last day.

Normally the cooks will cater for a variety of diets, so you won’t have any issues if your vegetarian or vegan. We don’t have personal experiences with allergies, so it’s worth reaching out to companies to see how they can accommodate you.

The cooks are basically magicians, and can somehow create the most flavourful dishes out in the middle of nowhere. We even had cakes made for us a few nights which was pretty impressive in our opinion. I mean, I can’t even bake something decent in my own kitchen, let alone in the middle of nowhere!

We never had any issues with the quality or quantity of the meals. However, we read online that food quality normally increases with the price tag of your trek. Whether it’s true or not we can’t say, but with a bigger budget we assume that the company can buy a more varied selection of ingredients and pay the wages of a better cook.

In terms of drinking water, cooks will normally boil the amount of water each hiker from the group will need between meals. We didn’t have any issues drinking this water, but we had a water purifier bottle for extra security. Note that we read that cheaper treks might not offer water and you’ll need to buy it along the way. Please double check that before you book with a company.

Can You Hike the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu Independently?

Unlike the Inca Trail, you can actually complete the Salkantay Trek to reach Machu Picchu without a guide. We only recommend this if you’ve done some solo multi-day trekking before. Now, we don’t have personal experience hiking the Salkantay Trek on our own but here are a few things that we read online:

• If you have your own camping gear you can totally camp for the true trekker experience. However, you can also stay at guesthouses if you don’t want to bring or rent camping equipment.
• It’s worth checking out your accommodation options a few weeks before your visit especially in the high season. Booking a place to stay in advance is always a good idea but you can definitely find accommodations last minute in the low season.
• Bear in mind that if you’re doing it all by yourself, you’ll need to do a bit more planning. For example, you’ll need to get to the trailhead in Soraypampa which will require one or maybe even multiple collectivo and taxi rides.
• With an organised tour you’ll have the luxury of only carrying a small daypack. However, without a tour you’ll have to carry everything you need for the 5 days yourself.

Preparing for the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

Even before booking the Salkantay Trek, you might want answers to some very important questions regarding the trek, such as difficulty, altitude, elevation and other practical preparations like what to pack.

How Difficult is the Salkantay Trek?

The level of difficulty of the Salkantay Trek is considered moderate to challenging.

The challenges come from multiple angles. One of the main ones is the altitude. You’ll be hiking between 4,000 and 4,600 m on your first 2 days. After that you’ll drop down to below 3,000 m but you’ll have to get through the first 2 days regardless. Acclimatising first is key to being able to complete the trek.

Elevation gain is another challenge. When you’re already at high altitude even an extra 100 m of elevation can be challenging. Possibly the greatest elevation you’ll gain during the Classic trek is 730 m (2,395 ft) to reach the Salkantay Pass, then you’ll lose about 1,730 m (5,675 ft) on the same day.

You’ll also be walking great distances everyday. The first day is the shortest at only about 10 km (6.2 mi). The longest you’ll have to trek in one day is about 25 km (15.3 mi) which also happens to be the last day when you’re already pretty tired. Every other day you’ll be trekking around 20 km (12.4 mi). Going downhill can also be very hard on your knees, especially if you already suffer from some issues.

Sleeping in high altitude can also be a challenge. Without a good nights rest, it’s going to be hard to trek for long distances. The highest altitude you’ll have to sleep at is around 3,900 m (12,795 ft) on your first night. That’s about 500 m (1,640 ft) higher than Cusco’s elevation. Luckily, after that you’ll be below 3,000 m (9,842 ft) each night which will definitely guarantee you get a better sleep.

How Fit Do You Need to Be to Hike the Salkantay Trek?

Before you book the Salkantay Trek, it’s important to be honest with yourself: do you really enjoy hiking? If your answer is no, then either book a shorter trek, a day tour or a different kind of adventure such as the Inca Jungle Trek which includes some adrenalin pumping activities like ziplining.

In terms of level of fitness, we don’t recommend signing up for this multi-day trek if you don’t have any prior hiking or trekking experience. We believe that a basic level of fitness is very important to be able to complete this trek. Having some multi-day trekking experience is recommended but perhaps not as essential as having general hiking experience.

If you’ve never had a multi-day trekking adventure before, then you can either do something in your home country before coming to Peru or perhaps go on a 2 or 3-day Colca Canyon hike before visiting Cusco.

It’s worth noting that you can still find the trek challenging even if you have hiking experience. The altitude can definitely make the trek much harder for you regardless of fitness level. Therefore, it’s important that you acclimatise as much as you can before the start of your trek.

Note. You can actually pay for a mule ride on your second day to go up to the Salkantay Pass which is the toughest section of the trek.

How Long is the Salkantay Trek to Macchu Picchu?

The total distance of the Classic Salkantay Trek is 75km (46 mi). You’ll normally complete this in 4 days despite the tour being a total of 5 days and 4 nights. This is because you’ll arrive to Aguas Calientes on the fourth day and will visit Machu Picchu on the fifth. No real trekking is involved on your last day.

The first day is going to be the shortest day as you’ll only be hiking about 10 km (6.2 mi). The second day is pretty long and difficult with a total of 22km (13.6 mi). On your third day you’ll have a slightly shorter trek at about 18km (11.1 mi). Your last trekking day is going to be the longest at 25 km (15.5 mi).

Of course, if you’re opting for a shorter or longer trek then the distances will be different. Note that just because a trek is done over less days, it doesn’t mean it’s going to be easier. The fewer days you’re trekking for, the more distance and elevation you’ll likely have to tackle each day. Therefore, make sure to check that on the tour operator’s website before booking.

What is the Altitude and Elevation of the Salkantay Trek?

The Salkantay Trek starts at Soraypampa at an elevation of 3,800 m (12,467 ft) above sea level. The maximum altitude along the trek is 4,630 m (15,190 ft) at the Salkantay Pass. The lowest altitude is going to be around 2,000 m (6,562 ft) in the Andean jungle.

Throughout the 5 days you’ll be gaining and losing quite a lot of elevation. For example, on your second day you’ll gain around 730 m (2,395 ft) of elevation to reach the Salkantay Pass, then you’ll lose about 1,730 m (5,675 ft) on the same day.

Altitude sickness is no joke, and you should make sure to acclimatise in Cusco before starting any multi-day trekking.

How to Prevent Altitude Sickness on the Salkantay Trek?

It is important to know that anyone can develop altitude sickness  and its symptoms can be less or more severe depending on the person. Symptoms of altitude sickness include dehydration, dizziness, headaches, shortness of breath, heavy breathing, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting.

To avoid altitude sickness, we recommend spending at least one or two full days in Cusco. If you can spare more, that’s even better. In this case we recommend going on one of the many day trips from Cusco or even going on a little independent hike in the Sacred Valley. Again, if you’re in Peru for longer, definitely go on a 2 or 3-day Colca Canyon trek to practice trekking in altitude.

Try to avoid drinking too much alcohol before your trek and don’t eat too many heavy foods either. It’s very important to stay hydrated during the trek to avoid dehydration and headaches. You can drink Coca tea like the locals do at high altitudes in Peru. In addition, you can also buy some altitude sickness tablets before you hike anywhere in Peru.

Generally speaking, once you start losing elevation, you’ll definitely feel much better. If you’re struggling, the guides will help you as much as they can with Coca tea and oxygen if needed.

What to Pack for the Salkantay Trek

Let’s talk about what to pack for the Salkantay Trek. Normally, the evening before your hike you’ll get given a small duffel bag. You’ll have to fit everything you need for the next 5 days in it, but it can’t exceed a certain weight. This duffel bag will be carried by a mule or horse, so you won’t have access to it during the day.

For that reason, you’ll also want to carry  a daypack  that fits in everything you’ll need for the day.

Clothing Items

In terms of a hiking outfit, we recommend packing   for both cold and warm temperatures. You’ll definitely need long trousers, fleeces, hats and gloves on your first two days. Then it’ll be quite hot when you enter the cloud forest so you’ll want to have shorts and t-shirts too. The temperatures will also change a lot during the day so definitely wear layers. Make sure to also pack waterproofs like a  rain jacket .

In terms of footwear, it’s important to wear  hiking boots or shoes  that have good grip and support. We suggest packing some light weight trainers, flip-flops or slides  that you can change into after your hike when relaxing around your accommodation.

Obviously, make sure to pack  everything you need for a few nights  such as underwear, pyjamas, toiletries and so on. On the Classic Trek you’ll have the chance to go to the hot springs, so pack some  swimwear  and  quick dry towels  too.

Electronics

In terms of  electronics , don’t forget to pack your  phone  and  camera  gear. If you book accommodations rather than camping, then you can definitely charge your electronics in your room. We still recommend taking a  portable charger  just in case.

Bring a  torch or headlamp.  They will come in handy when moving around the accommodation after dark.

For  entertainment,  we also packed our Kindles.

Accessories and Other Items

In terms of  accessories  for the hike, we recommend taking a reusable water bottle, sun-cream, a hat or cap and sunglasses for protection. Also bring some insect repellent for when you’re in the jungle section of the hike. Trust us, the mosquitos and sandflies can be pretty bad there.

We suggest having a  basic first-aid kit  with you containing some painkillers, altitude tablets, band-aids and any prescribed medications. Band-aids will come in handy if you get blisters after hiking for so long! Unless the company provides you with some toilet paper, we highly recommend packing a roll each.

Bring a rain cover for your day pack , especially if you’re visiting in the rainy season.

Make sure to have  your ID card or passport with you  in a waterproof case and have enough cash  on you to pay for anything extra.

What to Do with Your Extra Backpacks and Luggage?

If you’re travelling around Peru , chances are you’ll have a bigger luggage or backpack with you. We were on a one-year long sabbatical, backpacking through  Mexico   and  South America  before heading to  Montenegro ,  Albania  and then  Turkey . So, it’s safe to say that we had everything but the kitchen sink with us.

Luckily, you don’t need to carry your big backpack or roll your wheelie suitcase through the Andes.

The best option is to leave any extra bags at the hotel or hostel you stayed at in Cusco. Depending on your itinerary you might spend an extra night in that accommodation after your trek anyway. Most places are happy to store your luggage for a few nights. Depending on your accommodation, you may or may not have to pay a small fee per night for this. If you’re taking a tour, the company might have space in their office to store your bags too, so it’s also worth asking. This is especially important if you’re travelling with a lot of valuable items such as laptops.

If you’re a slow traveller and are planning on spending an extended period of time in Cusco, then you can book a longer Airbnb stay – which normally gives you a discount – and then leave your bags there. You’ll be paying double accommodation this way, so try to calculate which option will be more cost effective and secure before your visit.

What Happens the Evening Before the Salkantay Trek?

Technically speaking, the Salkantay Trek starts the evening before you start trekking. There’s normally a briefing in the evening at the company’s office, which you have to attend.

This means that you’ll have to arrive in Cusco the morning before your trek at the absolute latest. Of course we suggest being in Cusco for at least two days, especially if you want to do some sightseeing.

During the briefing you’ll meet your fellow hikers who you’ll be spending the next few days with. It’s great to meet them then rather than at 3AM the next morning. You’ll also meet your guide who will tell you the day by day Salkantay Trek itinerary , ask about food requirements and will give you the chance to ask any questions you might have.

You’ll get given your duffel bag which you’ll have to pack that night. In addition, you’ll also have to pay the remaining trekking fee, and you can hire sleeping bags and trekking poles.

Final Thoughts on Booking the Salkantay Trek

Booking the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu over the Inca Trail was a decision we didn’t regret. Whilst we have no personal experience hiking the Inca Trail, there were a few decision making factors when we were comparing the two treks. First of all, we loved the fact that the Classic Salkantay Trek is a day longer than the Inca Trail, so we could stay in the Andes for longer.

We also loved the unique accommodations the Salkantay Trek offered and we have no regrets booking a slightly more expensive tour just to experience those. We didn’t have high expectations for the food, but it definitely exceeded all of them in the end.

Challenging our bodies to hike at even higher altitudes was a great way to see what we were capable of doing. This also gave us confidence to go even higher and complete the 2-day Ausangate Trek and many other hikes in Huaraz .

Have you ever hiked the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu? If so, what else would you add to our guide? If not, would you pick the Salkantay Trek after reading this post? Let us know in the comments below.

Now, let your adventure begin,

Our Top Travel Resources

Accommodation:  For hotels we always use  Booking.com  and  Hostelworld  for hostels. We also book longer stays on Airbnb or  Vrbo.

Flights:  To find the best flight prices we always check  Skyscanner ,  Google Flights  or  WayAway.  Then we also check the airlines’ websites too for comparison.

Car Rentals:  We use  Discover Cars  when we want to rent a car as it compares local, national and international companies.

Activities:  If we book organised tours we always check either  GetYourGuide  or  Viator.

Foreign Currency:  Whenever we can we prefer to pay in local currency and for that we always use our  Wise card.   We can easily withdraw money from the ATM or pay by card at most shops and restaurants.

Travel Insurance: We never go anywhere without travel insurance. You never know what will happen on your trip, so good travel insurance like SafetyWing can protect you in case of injury, illness, theft and cancellations.

eSIM and VPN: To get data abroad we use  Airalo which is an app that allows you to download a prepaid eSIM to your phone in over 190 countries. Make sure to have a VPN to avoid hackers accessing your personal data when using public WIFI. We use  Surfshark  which is the only VPN that offers one account on unlimited devices. 

Remember…It all starts with a Pin…

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Salkantay Sky Camp has the most incredible exclusive campsites for hikers to relax after a long day of trekking.

On the Salkantay route, you’ll have the opportunity to spend a night under the stars in our Sky Camp located in Soraypampa, our Andean Huts in Chaullay, our exclusive Mountain Sky View in Collpapampa, and our Jungle Domes around the nature.

Explore Salkantay Trek with local TREKKING SPECIALISTS!

Salkantay Trek is one of Peru’s leading tour operators trusted for professional, efficient, and highly friendly services. We focus on Treks and Adventure tours to Machu Picchu only, which encourages us to polish our itinerary and improve our service continually. With a focus on discovery , cultural immersion and personal achievement , our adventure travel holidays will challenge and inspire you while you bond with other like-minded travelers who also share a love for exploring new places and cultures.

We are a passionate team of travel specialists with a reputation for delivering premium travel experiences to Salkantay , Inca Trail , Choquequirao , Huchuy Qosqo , Lares Trek and Rainbow Mountain . We know every individual is unique, which is why we take time to understand what you are looking for to ensure we deliver you the trip of a lifetime .

We keep our tours small and pay close attention to our service and quality. We believe in " Small Groups & Big Adventures. "

Why book trip with us?

• Local Tour Operator based in Cusco
• 100% Trekking & Expeditions Specialists
• Small Groups & Big Adventures
• Guaranteed fixed departures
• Safety is our #1 Priority
• Reliable, consistent and timely customer service
• Sustainable and responsible hiking
• Fantastic meals and top of the line hiking Gear

We are the operators! We are a licensed Tour Company. There is no middleman on a trip with us!

Chosen for great knowledge of their country, and a passion to make your trip extraordinary.

Our owner and all of our staff are local to Peru and care about its environment, people and culture.

Education and conservation are our passion. We aim to create lifelong ambassadors for the protection of all wilderness areas.

Average groups of 10; solos, couples and friends, united by a desire for authentic experiences.

Our Lodges in the trek

Located in Soraypampa, at 3,900 meters above sea level, our authentic camp is made up of glass domes that are located in front of the Apus or sacred mountains: Humantay and Salkantay, and allows the perfect union of heaven and earth. You will be able to recharge your energy in front of the protective gods and rest with an exceptional 360° view of the Andean sky.

Andean Huts

The Andean Huts are adapted to the natural environment without generating audiovisual impact. These huts are located in Chaullay (2,900 m) and are built from local resources: Peruvian grass (ichu) and wooden poles, which guarantee protection from cold nights and a pleasant rest.

Mountain Sky View

Discover our new exclusive camp, Mountain Sky View, located in Collpapampa (2,950 m / 9,680 ft). Here, you´ll have spectacular panoramic views of the landscape without the need to leave your lodge while enjoying the excellent comfort of glamping.

Jungle Domes

The Jungle Domes are a project that has grown since its inception, following sustainable principles to protect the planet. We are fully committed to the ecological care of the area; therefore, these charming and green structures are built in harmony with the natural environment.

The best campsites on the Salkantay route

Sky camp | mountain sky view | andean huts | jungle domes, exclusive & private campsites.

Salkantay Trekking has the most incredible exclusive campsites for hikers to relax after a long day of trekking. On the Salkantay route, you’ll have the opportunity to spend a night under the stars in our Sky Camp located in Soraypampa, our Andean Huts in Chaullay, our exclusive Mountain Sky View in Collpapampa, and our Jungle Domes around the nature.

On other routes, you’ll find that we have private campsites away from other groups and, in some cases, accommodation in the homes of local families for a truly unique experience.

You won't have to worry about being surrounded by other large groups, so you can enjoy the peace of our exclusive campsites.

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Soraypampa | salkantay pass | machu picchu.

If you have a love for adventure and enjoying some of the best hiking routes in the world, our Salkantay Premium Private Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days is for you. It combines the most exciting trekking trails with the most incredible scenery you can imagine. Join us on your own, in a couple, or as part of a group.

Salkantay Trek + Mountain Sky view

If you have a love for adventure and enjoying some of the best hiking routes in the world, our Salkantay Trek 5 Days is for you. It combines the most exciting trekking trails with the most incredible scenery you can imagine. Join us on your own, in a couple, or as part of a group.

The Greatest Hiking Trails in Cusco

Enjoy the best treks and hiking adventures to machu picchu, the lost city of the incas..

Each of our tours is operated by our certified and experienced guides who will take you along the world-famous Trek to Machu Picchu via the Salkantay Trail and Inca Trail. Whether you travel with a small group of like-minded adventurers, or an intimate party of family and friends, our full-time staff is on call around the clock, ready at any time to provide you with everything you need for the journey of a lifetime.

Classic Salkantay trek Machu Picchu

Soraypampa - Salkantay Pass - Chaullay - La Playa - Hidroelectrica - Machu Picchu

After spending some time in the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco, join us on the Classic Salkantay Trek to the World Wonder of Machu Picchu. The best alternative route to the Inca citadel will take you to the stunning Humantay Lake, the imposing Salkantay Mountain, through the fascinating cloud forest, and then to the edge of the Peruvian jungle.

• Max group size: 12
• 5 days trekking
• Max altitude: 4,630 m.
• For Adventure Seekers

Short Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu

After acclimating in the city of Cusco, capital of the majestic Inca Empire, join us on the express version of the ultimate trek to Machu Picchu, the 4 Days Salkantay Short Trek. This incredible route will take you to the glorious Humantay Lake, the savage Salkantay Mountain, down through the mysterious cloud forest, and to the brow of the Peruvian jungle.

• 4 days trekking

Salkantay & Rainbow Mountain Trek

Humantay Lake - Salkantay Pass - Cusco Rainforest - Machu Picchu - Rainbow Mountain

After spending some time in Cusco, the capital of the Inca Empire, join us on Salkantay and Rainbow Mountain trek, also known as Rainbow Mountain, Seven Colors Mountain, or Vinicunca.

• 6 days trekking
• Max altitude: 5,100 m.

The Imperial Salkantay Trek

City Tour - Sacred Valley - Humantay Lake - Salkantay Pass - Rainforest - Machu Picchu

Cusco is a beautiful city that was once the capital of the Inca empire, which means it has a lot of history and many interesting sites to visit to learn all about ancient cultures. The city boasts an eclectic mix of Inca and European architecture, and you’ll want to see as much as possible while you’re here. Most visitors come to Cusco to visit Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. If you have the time, an adventurous trek to the ancient citadel will make your trip to Peru one to remember for a lifetime.

• 8 days trekking

The Salkantay way

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Trekking type, salkantay trek peru – trail, salkantay pass, map - inca trail alternative, by sierd van der bij.

The Salkantay Trek is for the purists, for those who know that there is more than the Classic Inca Trail or the Short Inca Trail. If you are going Salkantay trekking then you know that the Incas created more beautiful trails and there are more ways to get to Machu Picchu. The Salkantay trail is not for the faint-hearted. You need to have some of that Salkantay courage flowing through your veins. Crossing the Salkantay Pass with its high altitude isn't that easy. Do you think you are Salkantay enough? In this blog post, we show you how to get to Machu Picchu via the coolest way. Let’s go!

You either came to read this blog post because you already know that the Salkantay Trek is the most beautiful trek in the Cusco region, or you are exploring options after you have found out that there are no more permits for the Classic Inca Trail . Either way, you have come to the right place.

What is the Salkantay Trek?

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The Salkantay Trek is one of the many treks that you can find in the Cusco Region of Peru. With roughly 75 km / 46 miles of distance and about 3000m / 10.000 ft of elevation, this trek is considered a tough one, when compared to the other trekking options in the area. A typical Salkantay Trek will start in Cusco, where you get fetched from your hotel and from where you will be taken to either Mollepata or Soraypampa.

The Salkantay trek is all about the Salkantay Pass. This 4.580 m is the highlight of the Salkantay Trek and it is one of the reasons why the Salkantay Trek is not an easy one. Altitude sickness can occur when you are doing this hike. Later on, we tell you what you can do to prevent this happening to you. The Salkantay Trek was named of the Salkantay Mountain, also known as Salcantay or Sallqantay, in Quechua. It is the highest peak of in the Vilcabamba mountain range and it is, freely translated, dubbed the Savage Mountain. This is because the word Sallqantay means something like savage, uncivilized, wild or invincible. Do you now see why we ask you if you are Sallqantay enough?

Classic Salkantay Trek

Ultimate Salkantay Trek

We hope haven’t scared you in our last paragraph. You might believe that the Salkantay Trek is extremely difficult. Don’t worry, it’s not. None of the itineraries for the treks to Machu Picchu are designed for mountaineers. They are designed with tourism in mind. This means that everyone with moderate fitness should be able to do these treks. The same applies to the Salkantay Trek. It’s not easy, but it’s definitely not too difficult for you to accomplish. When considering the Salkantay Trek, you just need to be aware of a few things. We will list them for you here.

- Spend at least one extra day in Cusco to help you get used to the altitude.

- The second day of the Salkantay Trek is the toughest.

- Don’t rush yourself. Enjoy.

- Once you’ve crossed the Salkantay Pass, it gets easier.

In order to get the most out of your trek, you should always take it as easy as possibly can. You are not doing a mountain race, so you might as well take the time to enjoy the scenery. You don’t get to spend every weekend in the Andes. Bring plenty of snacks and hydrate properly. On higher altitude, you need more water and one of the benefits of trekking is that you burn a lot of calories ;) If you are struggling on the first day of your Salkantay Trek, know that you can always rent a horse for the second day. This can help take the edge off when climbing up to Salkantay Pass. You won’t be needing any support for the rest of your trek. You will enjoy more descent and flatter trails.

If you are thinking of trekking the Salkantay, it is good to know what you are in for in terms of weather. The Cusco area of Peru knows two distinct seasons. There is the dry season and then there is the rainy season. The dry season lasts from April to October with the driest months being June, July, and August. This is also the busiest season. Don’t worry, you are not doing the Classic Inca Trail, so you don’t have to worry too much about permits

The rainy season is from November to March and the worst months to go trekking to Machu Picchu are December, January, and February. It is not impossible, but you should ask yourself if it’s worth it. Oh, you like rain? Then go ahead! At least the Salkantay Trail, unlike the Classic Inca Trail, isn’t closed in February.

This is not an unimportant question. If you want to make your Euros, Dollars or Sols go further, you should research your options carefully. Most people prefer to do the Salkantay Trek with a trekking company but you can of course also do it the vagabond way. Below we give you a rough estimate of the costs of your upcoming Salkantay Trek.

Guided Salkantay Trek

The cost of your guided Salkantay Trek depends much on the trekking company operating your trek. There are plenty of options and because of that, there is also a lot of competition. It does not only depend on competition though. Some trekking companies, for example, offer an extra night at Llaqtapata, where others just stop by and hike straight to Aguas Calientes. Expensive is also not always better. Some companies are for example more specialised in the Lares Trek or the Inca Jungle Trek, and that is why they have more costs when operating the Salkantay Trek. Costs for a guided Salkantay Trek vary between 310 EUR (350 USD) and 700 EUR (780 USD). That is a massive difference if you consider that every trek is pretty much doing the same route and concludes at Machu Picchu. Depending on which trekking company, a 5-day version can sometimes be even more affordable at the one company than a 4-day trek with the other company. Check our offers for the Salkantay Trek here and compare your options. The prices of your guided Salkantay Trek are always without accommodation in Cusco. You will have to add that your cost overview if the sole reason for traveling there is trekking and visiting Machu Picchu.

Solo Salkantay Trek

You don’t necessarily have to make use of a trekking company to get your Salkantay Trek going. Although you will not have the benefit of a guide, solid accommodation, cooked meals, and porters, you can definitely do it on your own. If you are thinking of crossing the Salkantay Pass on your own, the following costs may apply to you:

Transport: 40 EUR / 50 USD per person for the bus to Mollepata, bus from Hidroelectrica to Cusco and train from Aguas Calientes back to Cusco.

Accommodation during Trek: 58 EUR / 70 USD per person for shared accommodation during the trek.

Food: Expect to spend about 30 EUR / 35 USD on food during the trek.

Machu Picchu Tickets and Permits: About 68 EUR / 75 USD. You will have to organize this a few days in advance.

The Salkantay Pass is your biggest obstacle during the Salkantay Trek. The pass has an altitude of 4600m / 15100ft above sea level. On a typical Salkantay Trek, you are most likely to cross the Salkantay Pass on the second day. It is key to take it easy while crossing the pass. If you are prone to altitude sickness, then this is where it can happen. Fortunately, once you have crossed the Salkantay Pass, you will descend pretty quickly. This will aid your acclimatization and should settle the worst symptoms of altitude sickness

It's essential to understand that altitude sickness can affect anyone, regardless of age, fitness level, or previous high-altitude experience. These days there are several tools to monitor your health at altitude. A widely-used (analog) method is the Lake Louise score card. It ticks the altitude symptoms while keeping the severity in mind. It’s a common tool used by guides. Nowadays, most trekking and mountain guides bring a blood oxygen saturation meter, which also measures the heart rate. These are key indicators whether a person adapts to altitude well or not. AMS can occur when trekking the Salkantay Trek. Below you can find everything you need to know about altitude sickness.

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)

Altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a health condition that occurs when someone is exposed to low levels of oxygen at higher altitudes. AMS is a serious condition and as the name suggests acute. It needs to be dealt with immediately, as it is potentially life-threatening. Most people will experience some mild symptoms of altitude sickness. It’s important to be aware of these symptoms and act before symptoms become more severe. Below we break down the different forms of AMS and how you can reduce the risk of getting it.

AMS symptoms

It is key to know how to identify altitude illness. You may experience the following symptoms due to the jump in altitude: headache, lack of appetite, breathing difficulties, insomnia, nausea and vomiting. The intensity and severity of these symptoms may increase with altitude and an overall feeling of fatigue will take all your joy away. This may further deteriorate to one of these life-threatening conditions.

High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) : HAPE is a condition in which fluid accumulates in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, a persistent cough, chest tightness, and an increased heart rate. It can be a life-threatening condition and requires immediate descent to lower altitudes and, in severe cases, medical treatment.

High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) : HACE is a more serious condition in which fluid accumulates in the brain. Symptoms may include severe headaches, confusion, loss of coordination, and altered mental status. HACE is also a medical emergency and requires immediate descent and medical attention. Below 7 ways of minimizing the risk of AMS:

1. Gradual Ascent

One of the most effective ways to prevent AMS is to ascend gradually. When traveling to high altitudes, try to take several days to acclimatize before going higher. This allows your body to adapt to the reduced oxygen levels. All our treks in Nepal keep sufficient acclimatization into account.

2. Stay Hydrated

Dehydration can increase the risk of AMS, so drink plenty of fluids. Avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption, as they can contribute to dehydration.

Consume a balanced diet with adequate carbohydrates and avoid heavy, fatty meals. Carbohydrates can help your body utilize oxygen more efficiently at high altitudes.

4. Medication

Some individuals may consider taking medication, such as acetazolamide (Diamox), to help prevent AMS. Consult with a healthcare professional before using any medication, and be aware of potential side effects.

Ensure you get enough sleep and rest during your ascent. Fatigue can increase the risk of AMS.

6. Avoid Overexertion

Pace yourself and avoid overexertion. Listen to your body, and if you experience symptoms of AMS, rest or descend to a lower altitude.

7. Descend if Symptoms Persist

If you experience symptoms of AMS, such as headache, nausea, dizziness, or difficulty breathing, it's crucial to descend to a lower altitude. Symptoms should not be ignored or dismissed.

If you are looking for an itinerary which covers everything there is to see and has accommodation, guides and porters included, you can opt for the 5-day Salkantay Trek as offered by our partner Alpaca Expeditions.

Transfer to the Cabañas de Cristal

Cabañas de cristal.

Cabañas de Cristal - Humantay Lagoon - Salkantay Pass - Wayracmachay

Wayracmachay campsite.

Wayracmachay – Chaullay – Ccollpapampa Loreta (Hobbit House)

Hobbit house.

Ccollpapampa Loreta (Hobbit House) – La Playa Sahuayaku – Lucmabamba Coffee Farm – Llactapata (Camp in front of Machu Picchu)

Llactapata campsite.

llactapata Lookout – Waterfalls at Hydroelectrica – Mandor Hiram Bingham Farm – Aguas Calientes

Aguas calientes.

Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco

If you are looking for a Salkantay Trek map, it's best to focus on the following one as used by Alpaca Expeditions for their Salkantay Trek.

For your daypacks

Additional items for your duffel bag.

When you get the hang of it, after about three weeks, it’s time to beef up your intensity. Bring a pack of 10 to 15kg and add a longer hike of three hours to your week. If this lifestyle is new to you, you will soon reap the benefits of trekking . After a good few months of solid hiking, it is time to put your endurance to the test. Do back-to-back long hikes. You can simulate a few days of constant trekking by going hiking for a few days. Easy at that. Plan a smaller trekking holiday or keep it simple by hiking your favorite route on repeat. If you are comfortable hiking for 4 hours a day, 3 days in a row while carrying a 10kg to 15kg backpack, you will be fine.

Moderate Strength Exercise

You will need to get a bit stronger. One way to get stronger is to do some basic strength work. You don’t need a gym membership, as merely using your bodyweight can already give you the results you are looking for. Once or twice a week, depending on how you are feeling, you can do two sets of 10 lunges, 10 squats, and 10 step ups. If you want to push yourself a bit more, you can try to add some pull ups and push up to your routine. Going the extra mile in your strengthening is, however, really not necessary. You can already enjoy trekking when you just stick to the basics. This is not a fitness competition. That should get you fit!

At Bookatrekking.com you can book this trek and many others. Our guided options come with experts on the ground, and offer you a convenient, stress-free, safe, and educational way to explore the outdoors. Find our offers here . Our easy-to-use platform allows you to browse and compare different trekking options and find the perfect fit for your interests, abilities, and budget.

If you have any questions about a specific trek or need help choosing the right one for you, our team of trekking experts is here to assist you. Simply reach out to us and we will be happy to provide you with personalized recommendations and advice to help you plan the trekking adventure of a lifetime.

Is this not your cup of tea and are you looking for other epic adventures? Check out one of our blog posts:

Summit climbs

• Climbing Kilimanjaro
• Climbing Triglav
• Climbing Island Peak in Nepal
• Climbing Mount Kenya
• Climbing Mount Elbrus
• Climbing Mount Kinabalu
• Climbing Toubkal
• Climbing Rinjani
• Everest Base Camp Trek
• Annapurna Circuit Trek
• Nepal Travel Guide
• Salkantay Trek
• Peru Travel Guide

Kilimanjaro

• Machame Route
• Lemosho Route
• Kili Travel Guide

Self-guided treks

• Tour du Mont Blanc
• West Highland Way
• Camino de Santiago

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Kandoo's view, trip highlights.

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Experiences

ARRIVE IN CUZCO

All trekkers need to organise their own flights to Cuzco Airport (CUZ). From the airport we will arrange an airport transfer for you to our hotel in Cuzco

• Max. altitude: 3400 m
• Accomodation: Hotel

ACCLIMATISATION IN CUZCO

The city of Cuzco sits at an altitude of 3400m and is a great place to acclimatise before you start your Salkantay trek. You’ll have plenty of time to explore this charming city and soak up the local atmosphere. This evening you will meet your Kandoo guide and have a full pre-trek briefing.

• Meals included: Breakfast

CUZCO TO SORAYPAMPA TO SALKANTAYPAMPA

We will pick you up early from your hotel for a private transfer to the start of our trek, which will take around 4 hours. Along the way, we will pass through the picturesque towns of Pampa de Anta (Izcuchaca, Zurite, and Ancahuasi). Our journey will take us into the Limatambo Valley and then toward Soraypampa, where we will begin our expedition. At Soraypampa, we will complete the arrangements for our trek and meet our arrieros (horsemen). We begin by hiking up to Humantay Lake, the stunning turquoise lake at the base of the Humantay glacier. We then continue to ascend to our campsite at Salkantaypampa. From here we have great views of the peaks of Tucurway (5910m), Humantay (5917m) and Salkantay (6917m).

• Hiking time: 5 - 6 hours
• Ascent: 600 m
• Max. altitude: 4000 m
• Accomodation: Camping
• Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

SALKANTAYPAMPA TO COLLPAPAMPA VIA SALKANTAY PASS

At the start of the second day of trekking we ascend to the highest point of our trek, the Salkantay Pass (4600m) from where we can enjoy the views of Mount Salkantay, a stunning snow-capped mountain (6271m). A further 3 hours walking with spectacular views of the mountains Humantay and Huayanay will bring us to our lunch site, Huayraqmachay (3700m). We then descend for 3½ hrs until we reach our second campsite, Collpapampa.

• Hiking time: 8 - 9 hours
• Descent: 1700 m
• Max. altitude: 4600 m

COLLPAPAMPA TO LUCMABAMBA

On the third day of the trek, we will walk for 5-6 hrs downhill at a steady rate moving into the jungle zone at Ceja de Selva where coffee, coca and fruit plantations can be seen. If we have time you can stop to shower in a waterfall here and with luck can see the famous Peruvian National Bird "Gallito de las Rocas". We arrive at our third campsite, Lucmabamba, in time for lunch. This campsite is located in a coffee farm and in the afternoon we can watch a coffee demonstration and you will be able to taste the best coffee in Peru! There is also an option to visit the hot springs in Cocalmayo.

• Descent: 800 m
• Max. altitude: 2900 m

LUCMABAMBA TO AGUAS CALIENTES

After breakfast, we walk for about 4 hrs until we reach the archaeological site of Llactapata. From here we can see the Lost City of Machu Picchu in the distance. Then we walk for 2 hours downhill to the Hydro-Electric station where we will have our last camping lunch. We then continue walking for two and a half more hours following the railway to Agua Calientes where you stay in a hotel for the night

• Descent: 50 m
• Max. altitude: 2100 m

TOUR OF MACHU PICCHU. TRANSFER TO CUZCO

An early start to take the bus to the Citadel of Machu Picchu where you will have a guided tour for around 2½ to 3 hours. There is also the option of climbing Huayna Picchu, the iconic mountain behind Machu Picchu, but you will need to book s permit in advance. After the tour of the ruins we will take the bus down to Agua Calientes where you will catch the train to Ollantaytambo to be met by our driver who will take you back to your hotel in Cuzco.

ONWARD JOURNEY

After a much needed night’s rest, we will bid you goodbye. We will collect you from your hotel and transfer you to Cuzco Airport for your departing flight.

Trip information

Formalities & health, equipment & clothing.

In general, the Salkantay Trek is considered more difficult than the Inca Trail. You will be trekking at least 6 or 7 hours each day for four days, over mountain trails. Day 2 and Day 4 of the trek are the toughest days. On day 2 you will be climbing over the Salkantay Pass at 4,650 metres and will feel the effects of altitude. The hike from Lucmabamba to Aguas Calientes on Day 4 is hard, although relatively flat - it is a long day, taking around 8-9 hours. Due to the high altitude reached, and the long hours trekking each day, a good level of fitness is required.

Food & drink

Staying well-fed on your trek is absolutely vital, especially when conditions are such that you might not want to eat or drink as much as you should. Because so many trekkers experience a loss of appetite at altitude, our head chef has developed special menu plans that are appealing, healthy, and filled with all the energy you need to make it to Machu Picchu. By default, our meals include fresh fruit and vegetables every day, as well as fresh meat and fish.

Breakfast is usually fairly hearty. Of course, you’ll also have hot drinks, generally a choice of tea, coffee or hot chocolate. Let your guide know if you are still hungry, or even if you think you could ‘pack in a few more bites’. Our cooks always try to provide more food than necessary to ensure everyone gets a good meal.

Lunch is packed for you, to carry in your rucksack.

AFTERNOON TEA

Afternoon Tea is served at the end of the days walking, once you get to camp. In addition to tea and other hot drinks, there are plenty of snacks to help restore some of the energy you’ve just burned off.

Dinners are quite filling. They usually begin with a nice hearty soup, and then a main course with fresh vegetables, and plenty of rice, pasta or potatoes, followed by a yummy dessert.

DRINKING WATER

On the trek, we filter and boil all the water that we give to you for drinking. You may wish to bring purification tablets as an extra precaution but they are not essential. Every morning we will fill up your water bottles or hydration bladder with at least 2 litres of water.

Coca tea is thought to help relieve the symptoms of altitude sickness. In Cuzco, all the hotels have dried leaves and hot water available throughout the day so you can make your own tea whenever you wish. On the trek we will take coca leaf tea bags for you.

Accommodation

We use only the very best high altitude mountain tents, Eureka K-2 XT, to ensure you stay warm, dry and comfortable on your Choquequirao trek. Please bear in mind, these are proper mountain tents, designed to cope with extreme conditions so don’t expect to be able to stand up and walk around inside!

Bag Weight: 7kg

How do I get there?

Budget & change.

We realize that tipping may not be a common practice in all countries but for Peru it is a standard practice that all operators support. The decision on how much to tip should be determined by how well the team served you while you were on the trek. Tips are always discretionary and if you are not happy with the service you have received you do not have to pay tips. Tips can be made in US dollars or Peruvian Sols. It is very important that US bills be new (less than 10 years old), crisp and untorn.

• Your guide/s will be with you every day in Peru.
•  Your cook/s, porters, tent helpers and horsemen will be with you while you are on the trek itself (The number of porters, tent helpers and horsemen will differ depending on group size. You will be given this information three weeks before departure) 
• An assistant guide and cook will only be necessary for larger groups (You will be given this information three weeks before departure) 

Vaccinations

Equipment supplied by kandoo adventures.

• High quality mess and sleeping tents with a comfortable insulated sleeping mat

If you’ve decided to rent gear, then below is a list of equipment available. Just let our team know what you’d like to hire at your Pre-Trek Briefing. 

All payments are made locally in US Dollars (cash only):

North Face 0° Sleeping Bags $15 per trek

Trekking Poles $10 per trek

Duffle Bag $5 per trek

All items must be packed in your main equipment bag. They should not be attached to the outside, as we are not responsible if items fall off when the bags are being carried on the trek. The sleeping bags weigh approximately 2kg each

Clothing to bring

• Warm beanie style hat – knitted or fleece
• Neck gaiter or scarf -  comes in useful for keeping dust out and can double as a warm layer for your neck / face!
• Sun hat – preferably wide-brimmed for protection
• Sunglasses – high UV protection
• Headlamp (plus extra batteries)
• Thermal or fleece base layer (x1)
• Long sleeve shirt/tshirt – light or medium weight, moisture wicking (x 1)
• Short sleeved shirt/tshirt – lightweight, moisture wicking (x2)
• Fleece or soft shell jacket (x1)
• Insulated jacket – down or primaloft
• Lightweight water/windproof hard shell outer jacket
• Poncho – a cheap plastic poncho is the best way to cope with a sudden downpour
• Gloves – lightweight, fleece or quick drying fabric
• Trekking shorts (x1)
• Trekking trousers – light or medium weight (x1) – convertible trousers work well
• Waterproof hard shell trousers – ski pants work fine
• Trekking boots – mid weight with good ankle support
• Training shoe or similar – to wear around camp
• Mid-weight trekking socks (x3 pairs)
• Breathable, high-wicking liner socks (x2 pairs)

Equipment to bring

• Small Rucksack or Daypack (25-30 litres) to carry water and personal items
• Lightweight duffle bag (approx 50 litres) – max weight when full should be 10kg. This weight restriction includes your sleeping bag, whether you brought one with you or rented one from us. Your duffle will be carried by a mule
• Sleeping bag (3 season or 0 Deg C) and compression sack
• Trekking poles
• Water bottle or hydration bag – must be able to carry 1.5-2L of water

OTHER ACCESSORIES

• Sunscreen high SPF
• Toiletries, including toilet paper, wet wipes and hand sanitiser – please carry all rubbish back off the trek
• Camera and spare batteries
• Personal medication and first aid kit
• Insect repellent – ideally contains DEET
• Personal snacks and energy bars – dried fruit and nuts are also a good source of energy
• Isotonic drink powder / energy drink powder to mix in with your water. This improves flavour and helps replace electrolytes
• Microfibre towel for wiping hands and face each day
• Ear plugs, if you are a light sleeper
• Pee bottle, if you prefer not leaving the tent at night
• Dry bag (only required if your main duffle bag is not waterproof)

Dates & prices

Want to ask us a question or book a private trip? Don't hesitate to contact us!

Price includes

• Your hotel stay for the nights before and after the trek
• Airport transfers
• Transfer to and from the trek start point
• Machu Picchu entry and camping fees
• A fully supported trek
• All meals and drinking water on the trek
• A private portable toilet
• Access to emergency oxygen and first aid kit

Price does not include

• Airfares and visas
• Tips for your guides and crew
• Personal items
• Travel insurance (you must be insured, and specifically for treks up to 5000m)
• Your personal trekking gear
• Your personal medicines or prescriptions
• Snacks on the trek
• Meals and drinks not on the trek
• Additional hotel nights before or after your trek

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Salkantay Trek & Machu Picchu

5 days, cusco to cusco.

• Full itinerary
• Tour details

Salkantay has been dubbed the most spectacular peak in the Peruvian Andes. On this trip, you’ll trek in the shadows of this impressive mountain, interact with its inhabitants, and explore its forgotten ruins. Catch the train to Aguas Calientes for an early-morning visit to Machu Picchu.

Cusco to Cusco

Special offers, is this tour for me, travel style: active.

Hiking, trekking, biking, rafting, and kayaking adventures all over the world, made for outdoor types.

Service Level: Standard

Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.

Physical Rating: 4 - Demanding

Some high-altitude hikes or more strenuous activities, but accessible to most healthy travellers.

Trip Type: Small Group

Small group experience; Max 16, Avg 6

Age requirement: 12+

All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Check Your Visa Requirements

Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.

See how your trip uplifts communities

In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.

Help us spread love around the world — with trees! Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.

Trees planted for this trip: 5

Ripple Score

Want to create ripples that change lives? The higher the Ripple Score percentage, the more money stays in the local communities you visit.

Ripple Score for this trip: 100

More from Salkantay Trek & Machu Picchu

Places visited

• Machu Picchu

Day 1 Cusco

Arrive at any time.

Day 2 Cusco/Salkantay Trek

Depart Cusco and transfer to the start of the trail to begin the Salkantay Trek. Stunning views and Inca ruins fill the days as you hike with views of the striking snow-capped mountains of Vilcabamba mountain range. Traverse high passes the highest point reaching 4,600m (15,092 ft) before descending into valleys nestled in the mountains. Spend the nights camping under the stars. Enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery and breathtaking views as the trek descends from the heights of the Andes to the lush subtropics surrounding Machu Picchu.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Meals included:, day 3 salkantay trek.

Continue the trek downhill, passing through the town of Collpabamba on the way to Chaullay. Hike along the Sahuayaco River through lush cloud forest to your campsite for the evening, Playa Sahuayaco.

Day 4 Salkantay Trek

Hike to the Inca site Llactapata, where you can catch your first glimpse of Machu Picchu. Catch the train in the afternoon to Aguas Calientes.

Day 5 Machu Picchu/Cusco

Enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu then return to Cusco where the tour ends upon arrival.

What's Included

• Your G for Good Moment: Handmade Biodegradable Soap Products
• Trek on the Salkantay route to Machu Picchu with a local guide, cooks, and porters (3 days)
• Guided tour of Machu Picchu
• All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodations

Hotels (2 nts), camping (2 nts).

4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners Allow USD85-110 for meals not included.

Transportation

Private van, hiking, train.

Staff & experts

G Adventures Representative in Cusco, specialist Salkantay CEO on hike.

Extend your stay with these add-on tours

G lodge amazon - 4 day independent adventure - from $519.

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Make it a private tour

Book this tour as a private departure, with your own CEO and all the benefits of a G Adventures group tour.

• Travel Guide
• Inca Trail Permits
• +51 984315337
• +51 972390728

[email protected]

Salkantay Trek

• Classic Salkantay Trek 5 Days
• Short Salkantay Trek 4 Days
• Salkantay Trek Challenge 3 Days

Salkantay Trek 2 Days 1 Night

• Salkantay Humantay Lake 1 Day Trek

Throughout the trek, hikers encounter diverse ecosystems, including lush cloud forests, barren high-altitude plains, and subtropical valleys. The trail passes through remote Andean villages, providing opportunities to interact with local communities and learn about their traditional way of life. Many trekkers are captivated by the hospitality and warmth of the Peruvian people they meet along the way.

As the Salkantay Trek approaches its final stages, trekkers make their way to the village of Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo. From there, they have the option to visit the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu ruins, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It’s a truly magical experience to explore the ancient Inca citadel, marveling at its architectural brilliance and the incredible mountain backdrop.

Salkantay Trek Packages

• Peru Tour Package 8 Days (Sky Lodge Dome)
• Salkantay Trek 9 Days & Rainbow Mountain with Sky Lodge Dome
• Salkantay Trek 9 Days & Amazon Tambopata National Reserve
• Salkantay Trek & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 6 Days
• Salkantay Trek & Short Inca Trail 4 Days

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 3 Days (By Train)

Salkantay Trek is a renowned trekking route in the Cusco region of Peru, offering adventurers a thrilling and picturesque journey through the Andes Mountains. Named after the majestic Salkantay Mountain, which reaches an impressive height of 6,271 meters (20,574 feet), this trek has gained popularity as an alternative to the traditional Inca Trail leading to Machu Picchu.

The Salkantay Trek is known for its diverse landscapes, challenging terrain, and breathtaking scenery. It typically takes around five days to complete, covering a distance of approximately 74 kilometers (46 miles). The trek starts from the town of Mollepata, located at an elevation of 2,800 meters (9,186 feet), and concludes at the famous archaeological site of Machu Picchu.

• Salkantay FAQ´s
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SALKANTAY TREKS PERU

The Salkantay Trek is a popular alternative trekking route to Machu Picchu in Peru. It's named after the stunning Salkantay Mountain, which is one of the highest peaks in the Andes mountain range. This trek is known for its breathtaking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and challenging terrain. Here's some key information about the Salkantay Trek:

Salkantay Treks Peru

Our experienced team has been leading tours through this breathtaking landscape since 2006, and we’re committed to providing you with an unforgettable experience. From the rugged terrain to the diverse flora and fauna, our expert guides will help you navigate this incredible route, ensuring your safety and enjoyment every step of the way.

We offer a range of tour packages to suit any budget and preference, including both group and private tours, as well as a variety of trekking routes to choose from. And with our commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism, you can feel good knowing that you’re making a positive impact on the local community and environment.

So whether you’re an experienced trekker or a first-timer, join us on the adventure of a lifetime. Book your Salkantay Trek with Salkantay Trekking today and discover the beauty of Peru like never before.

Local Tour Operator

Salkantay Treks Peru  is a travel agency based in Cusco, Peru that specializes in organizing guided treks and tours to Machu Picchu and other popular destinations in the Andean region. Specifically, Salkantay Treks offers treks along the Salkantay route, which is an alternative to the classic Inca Trail trek.

The Salkantay trek is a challenging but rewarding 5-day trek that takes you through diverse landscapes, from high Andean mountains to lush cloud forests, before reaching the famous ruins of Machu Picchu. Salkantay Treks offers several variations of this trek, including the classic Salkantay trek, the Salkantay trek with a visit to Humantay Lake, and the Salkantay trek with a visit to Llaqtapata ruins.

In addition to the Salkantay trek, Salkantay Treks Peru also offers other tours and activities in and around Cusco, such as city tours, Sacred Valley tours, and visits to other Inca ruins like Pisac and Ollantaytambo.

OUR LOCAL GUIDES

Our guides are all local experts, born and raised in Cusco and well-versed in the area’s history and culture. They possess a wealth of knowledge on the city’s hidden treasures, the top spots to dine, shop, and discover. Their goal is to curate a customized, genuine experience that caters to your specific interests and desires, ensuring it’s unforgettable.

With the aid of our knowledgeable guides, you’ll be able to explore the historical Inca ruins of Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, as well as the vibrant markets and neighborhoods of Cusco. You’ll gain an in-depth appreciation of the city’s rich heritage and customs, departing with cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

OUR SPECIALIAZED CHEFS

Not only are our chefs skilled in culinary arts, but they are also proficient in catering to dietary restrictions and preferences. Whether you’re a vegan, vegetarian, or have other dietary requirements, our chefs strive to create mouth-watering meals that accommodate your needs.

When you’re miles away from civilization, having a specialized chef on your trek implies you can indulge in delicious, home-cooked meals. Our chefs will ensure you’re satisfied and energized throughout your journey with hot breakfasts and delectable dinners.

We believe that the appropriate food is crucial for a successful trek, and we take great pride in selecting and training our specialized chefs. So why settle for uninspiring and unappetizing meals on your trek when you can relish the culinary creations of our talented chefs? Reserve your trek with us today and experience the difference for yourself.

Salkantay Treks

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Pasaje Pumacchupan 196, Centro Historico Cuco

+51 953 486 045

Satisfied customers

We exceed our clients' expectations and guarantee the best experience in Peru.

Travel Experts

Our travel consultants have extensive knowledge of the best destinations.

Book with Confidence

We have experience in the tourism sector, plan your trip without risks.

Customer Support

Our 24/7 support means that we are here to assist you at any time.

Salkantay Treks to Machu Picchu

PRIVATE SALKANTAY & INCA TRAIL 7 DAYS

Private salkantay trek 5 days, salkantay trek to machu picchu 5 days, salkantay trek to machu picchu 4 days, salkantay trek to machu picchu 3 days.

• HUMANTAY LAKE PLUS SALKANTAY PASS 2 DAYS 1 NIGHT

INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 4 DAYS

Private inca trail 4 days, short inca trail to machu picchu 2 days.

• PRIVATE 3 DAYS HUCHUY QOSQO TREK TO MACHU PICCHU
• PRIVATE LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 4 DAYS
• PRIVATE CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK 4 DAYS
• PRIVATE CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK 5 DAYS
• PRIVATE AUSANGATE & RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TREK 4 DAYS
• PRIVATE INCA JUNGLE TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 4 DAYS

MACHU PICCHU BY TRAIN (FULL DAY)

Machu picchu by train 2 days, sacred valley tour to machu picchu 2 days.

• HUMANTAY LAKE FULL DAY HIKE
• RAINBOW MOUNTAIN FULL DAY HIKE
• PALCOYO RAINBOW MOUNTAIN DAY HIKE
• SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS FULL DAY
• 7 LAKES OF AUSANGATE FULL DAY HIKE
• MARAS MORAY HALF DAY TOUR
• PRIVATE Q’ESHUACHAKA BRIDGE & 4 LAGOONS FULL DAY
• PRIVATE WAQRAPUKARA TREK FULL DAY
• CUSCO CITY TOUR HALF DAY

Salkantay Treks Peru

SAFE TRAVEL CERTIFICATION In 2021, we received the international safety certification against COVID-19 . We have implemented health protocols that are aligned with WTTC’s Global Safe Travels Protocols , so that your trip with us is not only the best but the safest.

MIRADAS AWARD OF PERU K.B. Adventures received the Miradas Award in 2023, which is one of the highest international rewards the Latino Communications Corporation gives to tourism companies, which distinguish themselves in the development of their activities.

ABOUT K.B. ADVENTURES

OUR TREKKING EXPERIENCES

Do you want to visit the World Wonder of Machu Picchu ? Or hike along the high Andes Mountains? Then this is the right place for you!

Check out our uniqie trekking experiences: Salkantay Trek ,  Inca Trail , Choquequirao , Huchuy Qosqo , Lares Trek and Rainbow Mountain .

K.B. Adventures is a local tour operator specializing in adventure trekking in Peru. We have our roots in Cusco and deeply respect the beliefs of the Andean culture. Our Pachamama (Mother Earth) is considered as the protective Mother in our daily lives. This is why it is our mission to give something back , by respecting local communities and having a positive impact on a sustainable development.

SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU

The salkantay trek.

CAMINATA DE UN DIA A LA MONTAÑA DEL ARCO IRIS DE PALCOYO

INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU

The inca trail.

Why Booking With Us?

We have created comfortable campsites for you to guarantee a high standard experience during your trek. Besides, our highly professional guides will take good care of you while you have an unforgettable experience in the high Andes Mountains. We commit to a sustainable development and support our local communities. Be part of our K.B. Adventures family and join us on our next trekking adventure!

• Each place and activity is carefully picked by us
• Best price guarantee
• Certified Tour Operator
• Trusted by over hundreds of customers

MACHU PICCHU EXCURSIONS

Tours to machu picchu.

Travel Highlights

Explore the high andes mountains & have an unforgettable experience.

Customer Reviews

I did the Salkantay trek with K.B. Adventures. My local guide was Robin and he was so excellent! 😀 He has a great knowledge about the trek itself, the history of the Inca culture, etc. He was very helpful, funny and friendly. The food during this 5 days trek was beyond words – I didn’t eat that good anywhere else in Cusco. Our cook spoiled us and we always felt like having a special honeymoon dinner. The accommodation was so much better than expected, we even had cabins with glass roofs and could enjoy an incredible view of the sky. I can highly recommend this tour with KB Adventures! 🙂

Wow, I cannot have been happier with the Salkantay trek! 😮 It was easily one of the best experiences of my entire life. Our guide Robin was one of the best I’ve had, and he was very knowledgeable, funny and professional. I would happily recommend him to anyone. It was five days of trekking through the Andes Mountains and Peruvian jungle, ending up at Machu Picchu. Everything was well organized and we had amazing accommodations. 🙂 I made tons of new friends along the way and had a wonderful time. I would do it again, but my legs are too sore!

What an amazing experience! 🙂 The itinerary is very beautiful, the camping facilities well organized and the food of high quality and quantities. One of the main things that made this tour a great experience was to be guided by el Señor Vidal Ramírez, a really amazing person. I wish you’ll have him, too, during your tour!