The Salkantay Trek will take you on an unforgettable journey along the ancient Andean paths once traveled by the Incas, weaving through the breathtaking Vilcabamba range. Along the way, take in the awe-inspiring sight of the majestic Salkantay Mountain, a stunning backdrop as you make your way to the legendary Machu Picchu.
Winding through the heart of the Vilcabamba range, the trek unveils a diverse landscape shaped by rugged mountains, mighty rivers, and traditional villages steeped in Andean culture. The journey culminates at the magnificent mountaintop citadel of Machu Picchu, a fitting reward for those who take on the challenge.
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Embarking on the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu offers adventurers a journey through diverse terrains and breathtaking landmarks. Highlights of this remarkable trek include the stunning Humantay Mountain, offering serene and picturesque views. Trekkers will also traverse the challenging Salkantay Pass, the trek’s highest point at approximately 4,650 meters (15,255 feet), providing panoramic vistas of the surrounding Andean peaks. The descent into the lush Cloud Forest introduces a rich biodiversity, including diverse flora and fauna. A relaxing respite awaits at the natural thermal baths of Cocalmayo Hot Springs near Santa Teresa. The journey culminates with a visit to the Llactapata Ruins, an archaeological site offering a unique vantage point of Machu Picchu from a distance, enriching the historical context of the adventure.
Embarking on the Salkantay Trek, we’ll depart Cusco at 5:30 a.m., journeying through the quaint village of Mollepata (9,515 feet / 2,900 meters) en route to Marcoccasa (11,154 feet / 3,400 meters). Here, we’ll rendezvous with our horsemen and fellow trekkers to commence our hike. Our path winds through a magnificent valley, flanked by the towering snow-capped peaks of Humantay (17,116 feet / 5,217 meters) and Salkantay (20,551 feet / 6,264 meters). After covering approximately 4.97 miles (8 kilometers) over 4 to 5 hours of moderate trekking, we’ll reach our campsite at Soraypampa (12,139 feet / 3,700 meters).
CUSCO – MOLLEPATA (MARCOCCASA) – SORAYPAMPA
After a hearty breakfast, we will embark on a challenging ascent toward the Salkantay Pass, reaching an impressive 15,092 feet (4,600 meters) above sea level. From this vantage point, we will take in breathtaking panoramic views of the snow-capped Salkantay Mountain, towering at 20,551 feet (6,264 meters). As we begin our descent, the scenery gradually shifts, revealing lush vegetation and a diverse ecosystem. The journey continues through an ever-changing landscape, leading us to our campsite at Challway (9,842 feet / 3,000 meters), nestled in the tropical forest.
SORAYPAMPA – SALKANTAY PASS – CHALLWAY
This day is one of the most demanding but rewarding, offering some of the most stunning views on the Salkantay Trek.
On the third day of our journey, we’ll immerse ourselves in the region’s rich biodiversity and agricultural heritage. Descending into a shaded forest, we’ll encounter a vibrant array of orchids, bromeliads, and numerous other plant species. As we continue, the trail will lead us through flourishing coffee, cacao, and various fruit plantations. Along the way, we’ll have the opportunity to engage with local families in the communities of Wiñaypoco ( 8,694 feet / 2650 meters) and La Playa ( 6,890 feet / 2,100 meters ), gaining insights into their daily lives and traditions. Our day concludes with an overnight stay at the La Playa campsite.
CHALLWAY – WIÑAYPOCO – LA PLAYA
Early in the morning, we will set out on our trail toward the Llactapata archaeological complex, situated at 8,694 feet (2,650 meters) above sea level. This remarkable site is surrounded by diverse vegetation and offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Machu Picchu from a unique perspective. After taking in the stunning scenery, we will descend toward the hydroelectric station at 6,398 feet (1,950 meters). From here, we will board the train for a scenic ride to Aguas Calientes (6,726 feet / 2,050 meters), where we will spend the night in a comfortable hotel, preparing for our visit to Machu Picchu the following day.
LA PLAYA – LLACTAPATA – AGUAS CALIENTES
This day combines history, nature, and adventure, making it one of the most rewarding sections of the Salkantay Trek.
After an early breakfast, we’ll depart from our hotel at 5:30 a.m., boarding a tourist bus to Machu Picchu, situated at an elevation of 7,972 feet (2,430 meters) above sea level.
The bus journey is approximately 5.6 miles (9 kilometers) and takes about 30 minutes. We arrive at the citadel around 6:00 a.m.
Upon arrival, we’ll embark on a guided tour of the archaeological site, delving into the life and culture of the Incas. Following the tour, you’ll have ample time to explore Machu Picchu and, if desired, hike Huayna Picchu, which stands 8,835 feet (2,693 meters) above sea level.
In the afternoon, we’ll depart Aguas Calientes by train at either 3:45 p.m. or 6:45 p.m., providing flexibility for your return to Cusco. Before departure, you can enjoy lunch at one of the local restaurants or visit the hot springs in Aguas Calientes for relaxation.
AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO:
| 3 Stars ★★★ |
4 Stars ★★★★ |
5 Stars ★★★★★ |
|---|---|---|
| $739 | $839 | $1039 |
Salkantay Trek Map with campsites
The Salkantay Trek is generally considered more difficult than the Inca Trail. It is longer (approx. 74km or 46 miles) and reaches a higher maximum altitude at the Salkantay Pass (4,630 meters / 15,190 feet). The terrain is more rugged, and the weather can be more extreme. We recommend being in good physical condition and spending at least 2–3 days in Cusco to acclimatize before starting.
Unlike the Classic Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek does not currently require a limited government permit. This makes it a fantastic last-minute option for travelers. However, you still need entrance tickets for Machu Picchu and train reservations, which can sell out. Journey Machu Picchu handles all these bookings for you so you don’t have to worry about the logistics.
The accommodation varies depending on the itinerary you choose. Most standard treks involve high-quality camping in mountain-grade tents. On the final night before visiting Machu Picchu, you will stay in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes to freshen up for your tour.
We were bummed when the Inca Trail permits were sold out, but the agency recommended the Salkantay Trek instead, and I’m so glad they did! The views of the Salkantay mountain are absolutely breathtaking, and we didn’t feel crowded at all. If you want a real mountain adventure, go with this team.
I was a bit worried about the difficulty, but the agency made the whole experience feel very secure. Our guide checked our oxygen levels and made sure we were acclimatizing well. The lodges and campsites they picked were great
We chose Salkantay because we wanted something a bit more wild than the traditional trail, and man, it delivered. The agency was top-notch; our guide, Jorge, knew everything about the local plants and kept us laughing even when the uphill got tough. A massive thank you to the whole team for an epic Peru trip.
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