The Salkantay Trek is one of the most scenic and adventurous trekking routes in Peru and a top alternative to the Inca Trail to reach Machu Picchu. This high-altitude trek crosses breathtaking Andean landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, glaciers, turquoise lakes, and remote valleys, dominated by the impressive Salkantay Mountain (6,271 m).
Recognized as one of the best treks in South America, the Salkantay Trek offers an authentic experience away from crowds, combining adventure, nature, and Andean culture. It is ideal for travelers seeking a challenging yet rewarding trek, ending with the unforgettable visit to Machu Picchu.
Highlights
- Spectacular trekking route through the Peruvian Andes with views of Mount Salkantay (6,271 m).
- Diverse landscapes including glaciers, turquoise lakes, remote valleys, and snow-capped peaks.
- Best alternative to the Inca Trail, offering fewer crowds and a more authentic experience.
- Cultural immersion and encounters with local Andean communities along the route.
- Unforgettable arrival at Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
The adventure begins early with hotel pick-up in Cusco around 4:30 am. We travel by comfortable туристic transport, passing through the towns of Izcuchaca and Limatambo, arriving in Mollepata (2,900 m) around 7:30 am.
In Mollepata, we pay the Humantay Lake entrance fee (20 soles) and enjoy our first Andean breakfast. You may also leave up to 5 kg of luggage with the muleteers. We then continue by shuttle for about 1 hour to Challacancha (3,380 m), the official starting point of the trek.
From Challacancha, we begin a 3-hour hike through stunning Andean scenery until reaching Soraypampa (3,900 m) around 1:30 pm. Here, we enjoy our first lunch and set up our camp surrounded by mountains.
Humantay Lake
In the afternoon, we hike up to the breathtaking Humantay Lake (4,220 m). After approximately 1.5 hours of ascent, we reach this iconic turquoise lake, with spectacular views of the snow-capped Humantay Mountain.
We then descend back to the camp in about 40 minutes, enjoy afternoon tea around 6:00 pm, followed by a delicious dinner prepared by our chef.
Overnight in tents at Soraypampa, under the Andean sky.
Distance: 12 km | Hiking time: approx. 5 hours
The day starts early with a nutritious breakfast at 5:00 am, preparing us for the most challenging section of the Salkantay Trek. We then begin our hike from Soraypampa toward the highest point of the trek: Salkantay Pass (4,650 m).
After approximately 3 hours of ascent, we reach the pass, where breathtaking views open up over the snow-capped peaks of Salkantay, Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo. Along the way, we pass through Salkantaypampa and Soyrococha, home to a beautiful high-altitude lagoon.
We then start a 3-hour descent to Huayracmachay (3,800 m), where we enjoy a well-earned lunch break. As the trek continues, the landscape changes dramatically: we gradually descend in altitude, leaving the high Andes behind and entering the lush Andean cloud forest.
After about 3 additional hours of hiking, we arrive at Colpapampa (2,900 m), where we gather for afternoon tea and set up our second campsite.
Distance: 24 km | Hiking time: approx. 10 hours
After breakfast at 06:00 a.m., we begin a 5-hour trek (12 km) along the Ceja de Selva, a remarkable ecological transition zone between the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The trail includes a combination of gentle ascents, descents, and flat sections, ensuring a scenic and comfortable hike.
Along the way, we pass through coffee plantations, observe wild orchids, begonias, bromeliads, and discover a wide variety of medicinal plants traditionally used in natural medicine by local communities.
We arrive at Playa Sahuayaco, where a buffet lunch is served. After lunch, we take a vehicle to Lucmabamba, where our campsite is located.
Upon arrival, there is an optional visit to the Cocalmayo hot springs (Santa Teresa), well known for their natural thermal waters. This activity is not included in the tour.
We return to camp around 6:00 p.m. for afternoon tea and dinner, surrounded by lush nature.
Colpapampa – Playa Sahuayaco – Lucmabamba
12 km – 5 hours
Very early wake-up for this fourth day of trekking, followed by breakfast and the start of the hike at sunrise, creating a memorable beginning to the day.
We continue our journey with a 3-hour ascent to the archaeological site of Llactapata, an ancient Inca complex that offers a spectacular panoramic view of Machu Picchu, one of the most impressive viewpoints along alternative trekking routes.
After enjoying the site, we begin a 2-hour descent to the village of Hidroélectrica, where we stop for lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, we continue walking for approximately 3 hours, following the railway line through lush subtropical vegetation until reaching Aguas Calientes, the town located at the base of Machu Picchu.
Upon arrival, we check into the hotel and enjoy dinner at a restaurant.
Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes
26 km – 10 hours
We wake up very early to experience one of the highlights of the journey: the visit to Machu Picchu. From Aguas Calientes, we begin an approximately 1.5-hour hike to the entrance of the archaeological site at sunrise, enjoying a calm and magical atmosphere.
Inside the citadel, we enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu, exploring its sacred temples, agricultural terraces, Inca palaces, and ceremonial platforms, while learning about the history, architecture, and significance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After the visit, we return to Aguas Calientes, where we have free time before boarding the tourist train to Ollantaytambo.
Upon arrival, a tourist bus will take us from Ollantaytambo to Cusco, concluding this unforgettable adventure.
- Guide Official bilingual tour guide Spanish English specialized in trekking and Machu Picchu
- Entrance fees Machu Picchu entrance ticket Circuit 2 entry at 06h00
- Meals 4 breakfasts 4 lunches 4 dinners
- Accommodation 3 nights in cabins and domes and 1 night at a hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Logistics Mules and muleteers transporting camping equipment food and up to 5 kg of personal belongings per traveler
- Transportation included
- Tourist transport Cusco – Challacancha
- Return train Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo departure at 14h30
- Bus transport Ollantaytambo – Cusco
- Breakfast on the first day
- Entrance fee to Humantay Lake 20 soles
- Transport Lucmabamba Hidroelectrica optional day 4
- Entrance to the hot springs optional
- Sleeping bag rental 15 USD
- Trekking poles rental 15 USD
The Salkantay Trek is one of the most spectacular hikes in Peru. Located in the Cusco region, it connects the Andes to Machu Picchu, passing by the majestic Salkantay Mountain (6,271 m / 20,574 ft).
The Salkantay Trek lasts 4 or 5 days. The 5-day option is highly recommended for better acclimatization and a more complete trekking experience.
The Salkantay Trek is considered moderate to challenging. It requires good physical condition due to high altitude, but no technical mountaineering experience is necessary
Yes, at least 2 days of acclimatization in Cusco or the Sacred Valley are strongly recommended to help the body adapt to altitude and reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
Yes, a mandatory briefing takes place the day before departure. The guide explains the itinerary, weather conditions, required equipment, safety guidelines, and answers all questions.
The best season runs from April to October during the dry season. The months from May to September offer ideal hiking conditions.
The highest point is the Salkantay Pass at 4,650 meters (15,255 ft), offering breathtaking Andean landscapes.
Yes, most itineraries include a guided visit to Machu Picchu, with tourist train transportation to Aguas Calientes