The Salkantay Trek is a challenging and scenic alternative to the Inca Trail, taking you from the high mountains to the rainforest, ending at the archaeological wonder of Machu Picchu. Over the course of five days and four nights, participants travel through diverse landscapes that include glaciers, turquoise lakes, cloud forests, and small Andean villages.
- Day 1: The tour begins with a trip from Cusco to Soraypampa, where the trek begins. During this day, you will visit the Humantay Lagoon, an impressive glacial lake, and camp at the base of the imposing Nevado Salkantay.
- Day 2: This day is the most challenging, as you ascend to the highest point of the trek, the Abra Salkantay, at 4,630 meters above sea level. After enjoying the panoramic views, you will descend to the campsite in the village of Collpapampa, passing through landscapes that change rapidly from mountain to cloud forest.
- Day 3: The hike continues through the cloud forest to Llactapata, an archaeological site with spectacular views of Machu Picchu from a distance. Along the way, you will also experience visit coffee plantations.
- Day 4: The tour descends to the hydroelectric station and then follows the Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes.
This day includes the opportunity to explore the Mandor Botanical Gardens, an area rich in local flora and fauna. - Day 5: The day culminates with a guided visit to Machu Picchu, where you will explore the most important temples, plazas and structures of the citadel.After the visit, you will return to Cusco by train and private vehicle.This trek is ideal for those looking for an immersive experience in nature, combined with rich Andean history and culture, all while preparing for the ultimate awe of Machu Picchu.
Location
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco - Soraypampa - Humantay Lagoon - Salkantaypampa
Start your Salkantay Trek with an early pick up at your hotel at 4:30 am. Travel for 3 hours to the trailhead, arriving at approximately 7:30 am. Enjoy the first breakfast prepared by your chef, and then meet the team of porters and muleteers to begin the adventure.
The first part of the trek is a gentle 3-hour hike to Soraypampa (3,800 m / 12,467 ft), following an ancient aqueduct used since Inca times. Lunch will be served in Soraypampa, where the chef will prepare delicious meals using fresh local products.
After lunch, continue with a 2-hour hike to reach the impressive Humantay glacier lagoon (4,200 m / 13,779 ft). Once at the lagoon, you can explore and relax, enjoying the beautiful views of this spectacular turquoise lake. Then, continue 2 more hours to the first campsite at the base of Salkantay Mountain. Along the way, you will see diverse flora and fauna, such as Andean geese, deer and viscachas.
The camp is at Salkantaypampa (4,150 m / 13,615 ft). This camp offers an unobstructed view of Salkantay Mountain and an incredible night sky. Get ready for dinner, stargazing, and sleeping under a million stars.
- Hiking distance: 12 km / 7.5 mi
- Duration: 6 hours
- Altitude of the camp: 4,150 m / 13,615 ft.
- Maximum altitude: 4,200 m / 13,779 ft.
- Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea, dinner
- Lodging: Camping
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 2: Salkantaypampa - Wayracmachay - Collpapampa
Wake up early with a cup of coffee or hot coca tea in your tent, admiring the spectacular views of the snow-capped mountains. After breakfast, begin the 2-hour ascent to the highest point of the Salkantay Trek, at 4,630 m (15,190 ft). Once at the top, take some time to explore and enjoy the area, and even visit a beautiful lagoon at the foot of Salkantay Mountain. Then, descend for 3 hours to the lunch spot at Wayracmachay (3,800 m / 12,467 ft).
After a well-deserved lunch, prepare for the last stage of the day, three more hours of descent from the highland region, where the air is dry and cold, to the lush cloud forest, where the climate is warm and humid. The campsite is next to the village of Collpapampa.
- Hiking distance: 18 km / 11.8 mi
- Duration: 9 hours
- Camp altitude: 2,770 m / 9,087 ft.
- Maximum altitude: 4,630 m / 15,190 ft.
- Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea, dinner
- Lodging: Camping
- Difficulty: Challenging
Day 3: Collpapampa - Llucmabamba - Llactapata
Enjoy some quiet time in the village while admiring the view of the mountains you left behind. After breakfast, get ready for the most beautiful day of the trek to the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu, walking along narrow trails, following the river, crossing wooden bridges, waterfalls, and granadilla and banana plantations, until you reach Lucmabamba (2,000 m / 6,561 ft) for lunch.
Today's lunch is unique and one of the highlights of the Salkantay Trek. After hiking for about 3 hours and taking a vehicle for the last part, you will visit organic coffee farms and prepare your cup.
Once fed and re-energized, prepare for a 3-hour climb along the ancient Inca Trail to Llaqtapata, a small Inca citadel located on top of a mountain at 2,750 m (9,022 ft), where you will first see Machu Picchu from a distance. This site was discovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911 and lost again until recently. You will camp right in front of Machu Picchu; when you open your tent, you will be able to see the sunrise and sunset over Machu Picchu if the weather permits.
- Hiking distance: 16 km / 10 mi
- Duration: 6 hours
- Camp altitude: 2,750 m / 9,022 ft.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Lodging: Camping
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 4: Llactapata - Hydroelectric - Aguas Calientes
Open your tent, and the first thing you will see is Machu Picchu on another mountain in front of you while your trekking team offers you a cup of coffee or coca tea. After breakfast, it's an easy 2-hour descent to the hydroelectric station. You will have the last brunch with the trekking chef, say goodbye to them and hike the final stretch of the Salkantay Trek to Aguas Calientes.
The last part is a 3-hour hike along the train track, following the Urubamba River upstream. This section of the trek is full of history. You will stop at the Mandor Botanical Gardens, visited by Hiram Bingham, who found a farmer named Arteaga living in the area. He was the first to take Americans to Machu Picchu in 1911. You will visit Arteaga's farm, home to various endemic birds such as the Cock of the Rock, parrots, toucans, hummingbirds and orchids. Once in Aguas Calientes, your guide will take you to your hotel, where you can shower and visit the town or the hot springs. You will have dinner at a local restaurant while you plan the next day.
- Hiking Distance: 14 km / 8.7 mi
- Duration: 6 hours
- Altitude of Aguas Calientes: 2,000 m / 6,561 ft.
- Maximum altitude: 2,840 m / 9,318 ft.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Lodging: 3 star hotel
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 5: Explore Machu Picchu - Return to Cusco
Today is the most important day of the Salkantay Trek, the visit to one of the new seven wonders of the world, a city abandoned for unknown reasons during the 16th century by the great Inca Empire. Wake up early, have breakfast at the hotel and take the first buses to catch the sunrise at Machu Picchu. Your guide will take you to the most famous temples, palaces and plazas and explain the mysteries of this spectacular Inca city perched on this impossible mountain. The guided tour lasts approximately 3 hours, and you will have time to explore the magical citadel or climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
After finishing the citadel tour or your hike, you will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes, have lunch, pick up your belongings from the hotel, and take the exclusive panoramic train back to Ollantaytambo and then our private vehicle to Cusco. The Salkantay team will take you back to your hotel around 7:30 pm.
- Duration of tour: 3 hours in Machu Picchu
- Altitude of Machu Picchu: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft.
- Meals: Breakfast (hotel)
- Difficulty: Easy
Included
- Safety briefing the day before the tour
- Hotel pickup and drop off
- All transportation during the tour
- Professional mountain guide
- Return on the Expeditions or Voyager Train
- Round trip bus to Machu Picchu
- Entry tickets to the Salkantay Trek and Machu Picchu
- Porters to carry all camping equipment
- Experienced chef to prepare meals
- 3-night camping in comfortable tents
- 1 night 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
- All meals on the trail, except the last day lunch
- Water and daily snacks
- Duffle Bag for up to 8 kg (17 lb) of your stuff
- First-aid kit, oxygen supply
- All taxes and booking fees
Not Included
- Sleeping bag, air mattress, trekking poles
- Last day lunch
- Entry to Huayna Picchu
- Entry to Montaña Machu Picchu
- Travel Insurance
- Gratuities (Optional)
Before you
- Physical conditioning: The Salkantay Trek is demanding, so it is advisable to be in good physical condition. Training with long, uphill hikes before the trek can be helpful.
- Acclimatization: Spend at least two days in Cusco or another high altitude location to acclimatize before starting the trek, as the altitude can affect you significantly.
- Adequate Equipment: Wear layered clothing to cope with temperature variations, which can be extreme, from glacial cold to tropical heat. A good pair of hiking boots, waterproof, and a sleeping bag suitable for low temperatures are essential.
- Hydration and Food: Maintain a good level of hydration and consume energy foods during the hike. Bring snacks rich in carbohydrates and proteins.
- Sun Protection: Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun, which can be intense, especially at high altitude.
- Personal First Aid Kit: Carry a basic first aid kit with medications for altitude sickness, muscle pain, blisters, and any other personal needs.
- Documentation: Be sure to bring your passport, train tickets, entrance to Machu Picchu and any other relevant documents.
- Safety: Always follow the guide's instructions, especially in difficult or exposed terrain. Do not venture off the beaten path alone.
- Respect for the environment: Respect nature and local communities, do not leave trash and follow responsible trekking practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Salkantay Trek is a trekking route in Peru that offers a unique experience, crossing mountains, glacial lakes, and rainforests, culminating in Machu Picchu. It is a popular alternative to the Inca Trail, as it does not require special permits and offers equally spectacular scenery and a deep cultural immersion into Andean communities. This 5-day, 4-night trek is ideal for those seeking a physical challenge, contact with nature and Peruvian history.
The best time to do the Salkantay Trek is during the dry season, from May to September, when weather conditions are more stable and the views are clearer. During these months, you can expect cold temperatures in the higher areas and warmer and more humid weather in the lower parts of the trek. It is crucial to be prepared for sudden changes in temperature by wearing appropriate layered clothing, including protection from the cold, rain and sun.
The Salkantay Trek is considered of moderate to challenging difficulty due to the altitude and the long distances covered each day. It is suitable for people with good physical condition and some trekking experience, although it is not necessary to be an expert. Previous preparation with long walks and physical conditioning is recommended to fully enjoy the trek. The route includes an ascent to the highest point of the Abra Salkantay, at 4,630 meters above sea level, which adds an additional level of challenge.
It is essential to bring adequate equipment for the Salkantay Trek, including sturdy trekking boots, layered clothing to cope with climatic variations, a sleeping bag for low temperatures, and a poncho or waterproof jacket. Also, don’t forget sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat or cap, and a personal first aid kit with altitude sickness medicine and other essentials. Adequate preparation will ensure that you are comfortable and safe during the entire tour.
Although it is not mandatory, it is highly recommended to hire a guide for the Salkantay Trek, especially if you have no previous experience in high mountain trekking. An experienced guide will not only help you follow the route safely, but will also enrich the experience by sharing their knowledge of the culture, Inca history and biodiversity of the region. In addition, the guides are trained to handle emergency situations and can provide support in case of health problems or altitude sickness.
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