Trip Info
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Van
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4600 m (15090ft)
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Camping lodge
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Moderate
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May-October
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Trekking
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English-Spanish
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All the meals
Overview
Embark on the Salkantay Trek, a 4-day adventure through Peru’s diverse landscapes, from snow-capped peaks to lush cloud forests, culminating in the majestic Machu Picchu. This trek offers a less crowded, yet equally captivating, alternative to the classic Inca Trail, allowing hikers to experience the raw beauty of the Andes and the rich cultural tapestry of the region.
The journey begins in Cusco, leading to the serene Humantay Lake, nestled at the base of the Salkantay Mountain. As you ascend to the Salkantay Pass at 4,650 meters, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. Descending into the cloud forest, the trail meanders through verdant valleys and traditional Andean villages, offering insights into local customs and lifestyles.
On the final day, arrive at Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu, where a guided tour of the ancient citadel awaits. This trek is ideal for those seeking a blend of adventure, natural beauty, and cultural immersion.
Itinerary
Your adventure begins early in the morning with a hotel pick-up from Cusco around 4:30 a.m., heading towards Mollepata (2,900 m / 9,514 ft) by private transport. After breakfast, the journey continues by car to Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), the trailhead of the Salkantay Trek.
The trek starts with a short acclimatization hike to the stunning Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,779 ft), a glacial lagoon reflecting snow-capped peaks. After returning to Soraypampa for lunch, the hike continues gradually uphill for about 1.5 hours to the first campsite at Salkantaypampa (4,100 m / 13,451 ft), nestled beneath the majestic Salkantay Mountain. You’ll camp here with breathtaking mountain views as the sun sets behind the Andes.
- Trekking distance: approx. 12 km / 7.5 mi
- Altitude gain: ~+500 m from Soraypampa to the campsite
- Overnight altitude: 4,100 m (13,451 ft)
Today is the most challenging yet rewarding part of the trek. After breakfast, the ascent begins towards the legendary Salkantay Pass (4,650 m / 15,255 ft), the highest point of the journey, surrounded by imposing glaciers and rugged landscapes.
After soaking in panoramic views, you’ll descend into dramatically changing scenery—from high-altitude terrain to lush cloud forest. Pass through Wayracmachay (3,850 m / 12,631 ft), where you'll enjoy lunch. The trek continues downhill for several more hours to Chaullay (2,900 m / 9,514 ft) or Collpapampa (2,870 m / 9,416 ft), where you’ll spend the night surrounded by waterfalls, orchids, and warm jungle air.
- Trekking distance: approx. 20 km / 12.4 mi
- Highest altitude: 4,650 m (15,255 ft)
- Overnight altitude: ~2,870 m (9,416 ft)
Start Time: Approximately 6:00 a.m.
End Time: Around 4:00 p.m.
After an early breakfast, you'll embark on a scenic trek descending through the lush cloud forest. The trail follows the Santa Teresa River valley, offering views of waterfalls, tropical fruit plantations, and coffee farms. After about 5 hours of hiking, you'll reach La Playa (2,060 m / 6,759 ft) for lunch.
In the afternoon, a short hike brings you to Lucmabamba (2,000 m / 6,562 ft), your campsite for the night. Here, you can visit an organic coffee farm to learn about traditional coffee cultivation and processing methods.
Optional Activity: In the late afternoon, you have the option to visit the Cocalmayo Hot Springs in Santa Teresa, located about 20 minutes away by car. These natural thermal baths offer pools with temperatures ranging from 38°C to 44°C, providing a perfect way to relax after a day of trekking. The entrance fee is S/.10 for foreigners and S/.5 for Peruvian nationals.
Trekking Distance: Approximately 15 km (9.3 miles)
Altitude Range: 2,900 m to 2,000 m (9,514 ft to 6,562 ft)
Overnight Altitude: 2,000 m (6,562 ft)
Start Time: Around 5:00 a.m.
End Time: Approximately 5:00 p.m.
The day begins with a hike along a segment of the original Inca Trail. After about 2 hours of ascent, you'll reach the Llactapata archaeological site (2,700 m / 8,858 ft), offering a unique perspective of Machu Picchu from the west. After exploring Llactapata, the trail descends for about 2 hours through the Aobamba Valley to Hidroelectrica (1,800 m / 5,906 ft), where you'll have lunch.
The final leg is a 3-hour walk along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes (2,040 m / 6,693 ft), the town at the base of Machu Picchu. Here, you'll check into a hotel and have dinner.
- Trekking Distance: Approximately 18 km (11.2 miles)
- Altitude Range: 2,000 m to 2,700 m to 1,800 m to 2,040 m (6,562 ft to 8,858 ft to 5,906 ft to 6,693 ft)
- Overnight Altitude: 2,040 m (6,693 ft)
Start Time: Around 4:30 a.m.
End Time: Approximately 9:00 p.m.
Early in the morning, you'll take a bus or hike up to Machu Picchu (2,430 m / 7,972 ft) to witness the sunrise over the ancient Inca citadel. A guided tour of approximately 2 hours will introduce you to the site's history and key structures. After the tour, you'll return to Aguas Calientes to catch the train to Ollantaytambo, followed by a bus transfer back to Cusco, arriving in the evening.
- Total Distance: Approximately 75 km (46.6 miles) over 5 days
- Highest Altitude: 4,650 m (15,255 ft) at Salkantay Pass
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Professional English-speaking guide and support staff (cook, muleteers).
- Hotel pickup in Cusco and transportation to the trailhead.
- Camping equipment: tents, sleeping mats, dining tent with tables and chairs.
- Meals: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners, daily snacks, and afternoon tea.
- Dinner on Day 4.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner on Day 5.
- Filtered boiled water provided from the second day onwards.
- Pack animals to carry group gear and up to 5–7 kg of personal belongings per person.
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen bottle.
- Entrance fee to Machu Picchu.
- Entrance fee to Humantay Lagoon
- Bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu (optional; can be purchased separately).
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (optional; requires advance booking).
- Entrance to Cocalmayo Hot Springs
- Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and bus transfer back to Cusco.
- Accommodation: 3 nights camping and 1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
- Sleeping bag (available for rent).
- Trekking poles (available for rent).
Cost Excludes
- Personal expenses
- Drinks and personal snacks
- Tips for guide and driver (optional but appreciated)
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic beverages
- Additional meals or services not listed
- Any extra activities or excursions not specified in the itinerary
Frequently Asked Questions
The Salkantay Trek is rated moderate to challenging, with long daily hikes and high altitude. The highest point is Salkantay Pass at 4,650 meters (15,255 ft) above sea level. Good physical fitness and prior acclimatization in Cusco (2–3 days) are highly recommended.
While experience helps, it’s not required. Many first-time trekkers complete the route successfully. However, training with cardio and hill walks before the trip is advised to better handle the altitude and long distances.
The best season is during the dry months from April to October, with the clearest skies and best trail conditions. Avoid November to March due to heavy rainfall, muddy paths, and reduced visibility.
Daily hikes range from 10 km to 22 km (6 to 13 miles), taking 6 to 9 hours depending on the terrain and altitude. Day 2 is typically the toughest, with the steep ascent to the Salkantay Pass.
Accommodation varies by operator, from camping tents to more comfortable eco-domes or mountain lodges. The final night is usually spent at a hotel in Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu.
The Salkantay Trek does not require a government permit, unlike the Inca Trail. Still, it’s best to book 2–4 weeks in advance, especially in high season (June–August) to secure availability.
All guides are trained in first aid and altitude management and carry oxygen and basic medical kits. You’ll also be monitored regularly. To prevent altitude sickness, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and acclimatize in Cusco.
Yes, on Day 3 you can optionally visit the Cocalmayo Hot Springs near Santa Teresa. These natural thermal baths are a great way to relax after days of hiking. Entrance fee and transport may not be included in some packages.
Yes. Each hiker is typically allowed 5 to 7 kg (11–15 lbs) of personal gear, which is carried by mules. A duffle bag is provided for this purpose. You only carry your daypack with essentials like water, sunscreen, snacks, and layers.
The trek is not recommended for children under 12 or people with health conditions. However, fit older adults and teens can enjoy it. Horses can be rented for sections of the trail for those who need assistance.
