The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is one of the best hikes to Machu Picchu, offering an unforgettable adventure through the stunning landscapes of the Peruvian Andes. As an alternative to the Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek takes you on a journey through diverse terrains, from subtropical forests to high-altitude alpine landscapes. It culminates in the iconic Machu Picchu, making it one of the top trekking tours to Machu Picchu.
This trek is famous for its dramatic scenery, diverse environments, and quieter paths compared to the classic Inca Trail, offering a more serene experience. Whether you choose the 4-day or 5-day itinerary, or add a trip to Humantay Lake, the Salkantay Trek provides an incredible opportunity to explore the beauty of the Andes while visiting the ancient wonder of Machu Picchu.
Overview of the Salkantay Trek
Duration: 4 to 5 days, depending on the route
Distance: 70-75 km (43-47 miles), based on the selected itinerary
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging due to high altitudes (up to 4,650 meters / 15,255 feet)
Start & End: Begins in Mollepata and ends in Aguas Calientes (the gateway town to Machu Picchu)
Salkantay Trek Options
1. Salkantay Trek 5 Days (Classic Version)
The 5-day Salkantay Trek is the most popular choice, allowing for better acclimatization and more time to explore the breathtaking ecosystems along the route.
Day 1: Mollepata to Soraypampa – A relatively easy trek to begin adjusting to the altitude.
Day 2: Soraypampa to Salkantay Pass to Chaullay – The most challenging day, crossing the 4,650-meter Salkantay Pass.
Day 3: Chaullay to La Playa – A descent into the cloud forest, experiencing tropical wildlife and lush vegetation.
Day 4: La Playa to Aguas Calientes – A combination of hiking and transport to Aguas Calientes.
Day 5: Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu – Visit the Machu Picchu ruins, with the option to climb Huayna Picchu (advance booking required).
2. Salkantay Trek 4 Days (Express Version)
For trekkers on a time crunch, the 4-day Salkantay Trek is an expedited version with longer hiking days.
Day 1: Mollepata to Soraypampa – Similar to the 5-day trek.
Day 2: Soraypampa to Salkantay Pass to La Playa – A longer day, trekking all the way to La Playa.
Day 3: La Playa to Aguas Calientes – A shorter hike to Aguas Calientes.
Day 4: Machu Picchu – A visit to Machu Picchu, followed by return to Cusco.
3. Humantay Lake Day Trip
Humantay Lake, located near the Salkantay Trek, offers stunning turquoise waters at the base of Mount Humantay. Many trekkers add this as a pre-trek experience.
Duration: 1 day
Difficulty: Moderate (altitude of 4,200 meters / 13,780 feet)
Itinerary: A scenic drive to Soraypampa, followed by a 1.5 to 2-hour hike to the lake.
Why the Salkantay Trek is One of the Best Trekking Tours to Machu Picchu
Scenic Variety: The trek offers a diverse range of ecosystems, from snow-capped peaks to tropical rainforests.
Altitude: The highest point is the Salkantay Pass at 4,650 meters (15,255 feet), so acclimatization is essential.
Wildlife: Trek through habitats where you can spot Andean condors, spectacled bears, and colorful birds.
Cultural Experience: Pass through remote villages and interact with local communities living in the Andes.
Best Time to Hike the Salkantay Trek
The ideal time to trek the Salkantay Trek is during the dry season, from May to September. This period offers the best weather for trekking with sunny days and clear skies. However, the Salkantay Trek remains open year-round, even during the rainy season (November to March), though conditions are more challenging during this time.
Dry Season (May to September): The best time to do the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, with dry weather, clear skies, and pleasant trekking conditions.
Shoulder Season (April and October): A great alternative, offering fewer crowds and relatively stable weather.
Rainy Season (November to March): Fewer crowds but expect rain and muddy trails. If you seek solitude, this is a quieter time to trek.
What to Expect Along the Salkantay Trek
Weather by Elevation: The trek spans a variety of altitudes. At La Playa (lowlands), expect warm temperatures (18-25°C), while at the Salkantay Pass (highlands), temperatures can drop below freezing at night.
Camping and Comfort: Most treks include camping, but luxury options are available, such as “glamping” with more comfortable tents and better meals.
Acclimatization: Spend a couple of days in Cusco before your trek to properly adjust to the altitude.
What to Bring on the Salkantay Trek
Clothing: Layered clothing for varying weather conditions. Include waterproofs, warm layers, and a sunhat.
Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support are a must.
Sleeping Bag: A high-quality sleeping bag for cold nights at higher altitudes.
Water: A water purification system (e.g., tablets or filter) is essential.
Snacks: High-energy snacks like nuts and bars for long trekking days.
Key Benefits of the Salkantay Trek
Less Crowded: Unlike the Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek offers a quieter experience with fewer tourists.
Varied Landscapes: From glaciers to cloud forests, the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu provides an ever-changing backdrop of natural beauty.
Unique Adventure: The trek offers an alternative route to Machu Picchu, with the option to visit Humantay Lake, adding a unique aspect to the journey.
Final Thoughts on the Best Trek to Machu Picchu
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is one of the best hikes to Machu Picchu, offering an immersive, unforgettable experience in the Peruvian Andes. Whether you opt for the 4-day or 5-day version, or add a trip to Humantay Lake, this trek is ideal for those looking to explore the diverse landscapes of Peru while reaching the iconic Machu Picchu.
IMPORTANT FAQ ABOUT SALKANTAY TREK
What is Salkantay trek?
Salkantay is a second highest peak in Cusco región, located in the west of Cusco city, it was and is an important sacred mountain for andean local people, nowadays it becomes a second best trekking option to Machu Picchu, the path starts from Mollepata and ends in Aguas Calientes – Machu picchu, takes approximately 75 km, this path is walk in 4d and the last day you Will visit the sacred city of the Incas, Machu picchu . if you are looking for challengin adventure, this is the hike for you.
How long is the trekking?
Salkantay Trek isa bout 75km, during the 5d4n expeditions, the first 4 days, we walk about 16km per day, it combines different microclimates along the way, the fisrt and second day we are in the highest point of the path (4600m) highlands, it gives us chance to enjoy the best views to glacier peak, then from day 3 on is clound forest área and its warm, humid, there are mosquitoes.
How can I get the permits for this trek?
For Salkantay Trek we pay the entry fee at Mollepata village which the town at the beggining of the path, it never sold out, the most impornat booking this hike is we verify the Machu picchu entry fee at booking time, on the last day we Will visit Machu Picchu citadel for that day we need a entry fee, as many people are traveling the new wonder of the world we highly suggest you may book it in advance that way we can get and guarantee your Machu picchu entry with circuit 1 or 2 which are consider the best option to enjoy the best views and walking tour.
I am begginer hiker, is this hike for me?
If this hike Will be your first experience, we highly suggest you may practice before you come, you may go to gym, some walking at home, that way you body Will be ready for the hike, there are many begginer hikers going and they complete the hike without a problem, it Will be challenging but not imposible,specially the fisrt and second day when we Will be by the highest part of the trek, we Will have an emergency horse in case you Will be tired and sometimes altitude, you can ride the horse, once we are after the pass , then is mostly down way, you Will not have any problema.
How many people Will be in the group?
Our Salkantay trek groups are small, we mostly take 2 people as minimun and 12 people as top. Very few times we have until 16 people, from 10 people on we have 2 tour guides , they Will make your experience unique. There are backpaker group going this hike with around 50 to 60 people in the group and definetly the experience is not same tan us, traveling in small group you Will have better experience and your guide Will be mostly available with any questions and information about the beauty of the Salkantay trek to Machu picchu.
Is ingles speaking group?
Yes, our group are 95% english speaking groups, very few time we have spanish speaker hikers in the group, our guides are fluent en inglish and for sure being a Peruvians we speak spanish and we do our native language as well, el runasimi o el quechua.
How is the camping sites?
During this Salkantay trek we Will spent 3 nights in Camping the fisrt night is in 4100m that is going to be the highest campsite but it offer the best views to Salkantay glacier, then second is already in the beggining of cloud forest área at 2800m, the 3rd night is in jungle área with 2400m, then the 4th night is in a hotel in Aguas Calientes village, w ego the trek with fully camping option, we want to feel the real camping option.
Which tour operator should I book this trek?
There are many tour companies in Cusco, is bery important you choose a local company that support local economy, Qoricancha Expeditions is one of the leader trekking companies in Cusco and our team are made with 100% local staff – from Cusco and its comunities, our guides, chefs, porters, drivers , the owner are al lof us from Cusco and the villages around Sacred Valley, al lof us Will be greatefully for choosing us.
It includes Machu picchu entry fee?
Yes, your tour to Salkantay Trek, it includes all entry fees for the hike and Machu picchu citadel, once you complete your booking our sales team Will send you an email in which you Will verify if all info you send us is correct, after we receive your confirmation we Will inmediately purchased your entry fees, then al lis confirmed, make sure your travel dates are correct, Machu picchu entry fees are not refundable or tranferable after they are paid.
How is the meals on the Trail?
For the hike, you Will have an experienced chef, who Will prepare all meals along the hike, breakfast, lunch, happy hour and dinner, we have very talent chef, the meals are gourmet and peruvian dishes, you Will have the better and taste meals while you in Peru, that is the opinión of many of our hikers, if you have any food restrictions, we Will be happy to take care, you only need tol et us know all details at booking time.
Is the porter included in the package.
Yes we include a personal porter for your belonging, for that we Will give you a duffle bag at briefing time, its for 8k per hikers, in that dufle bag you Will pack all cloth you Will take for the hike and we Will take it for you, you still need a small day pack, mostly suggested is the one of $25 or 30 L in which you Will take some personal ítems like wáter, snack, cámara, wallet, sun glasses, things you Will need during the day time or hike. Once you get the campsite your duffle bag Will be ready at your tent.
Do i need extra money on the top or tour package?
Mostly everything is cover in the package, howver you still need some extra money for the hike, in some places local people charge a sol for toilet, maybe you want to buy some drinks like, Gatorade, beer , and last lunch after Machu picchu is not include, regular menú there is by 60 soles, and tipping option, groups usually do a small tipping for the horseman, chef , porters and your guide, after many years its being as customary, you can give them as personal appreciation and the amount you consider are ok and welcome, they have already great salary from the company, its just an extra motiviation for them, for sure they do an amazing job on the hike.
is there shower on the Trail?
We Will have option to take shower on the 2nd, 3rd campsite a regular warm shower, and for sure in hotel in Aguas Calientes, you can take a towel. Its just a basic shower who offer local families,
Is there bathrooms on the Trail?
Yes there is, at the fisrt campsite its just basic, from the second on is better toilets, your tour guide Will let you know the places you Will have acces to the toilet, and is imporant to take at least a roll of toilet paper in your day pack,
Can I charge by batery on the Trail?
Yes, from the second campsite we have option to recharge the bateries, local families have electricity, they usually charge 5 soles for it, another option is you bring a solar recharger which work perfect as well.
What size of day pack i need to take?
We recommend you to bring a daypack of 25 or 30L ones, they are Good size, if you have bigger is absolutely ok as well. For the hike there is no restriction but there is for Machu picchu citadel. If you take bigger you can leave in your hotel in Aguas Calientes or at the storage at main gate of Machu picchu, they keep it for you for 5 soles, and once you complete all guided tour you can pick it up.
How is the tipping option for the crew?
How is the tipping option for the crew?
On your hike, you Will be support by a tour guide, chef, some porters and horseman, they Will be with you creating a memorable experience, groups usually give them a tipping once they say you Good bye, for that you have to take some extra cash, we recomment around 80 – 100 soles for each porter and horse an like double for your chef, and personal appreciation for the guide. That is from al lof the hiker, no each of you. If you take around 400 peruvian soles each that Will be enough for tipping, last lunch and some extra drinks you may have on the hike.
What happens if I have altitude porblems on the Trail?
We usually do not have but it may happen, salkantay pass is at 4600m, we highly recommend you to be in Cusco at least 2 days prior the hike, so you can adjust to the altitude, in case you Will have this problema once we are on the hike, we Will take you back to Cusco, or we can ride a horse as wel just to pass the highest point, if you have the problema after the pass is better to continue, mostly Will bepends on which part of the hike you Will have the problem. We Will help you as much as we can to take you back in Cusco or continue to the hike, in case you Will back in Cusco, we Will take you by train to Aguas Calientes where you Will meet with your group and visit Machu Picchu as Schedule on the last day.
Is hotel included for the night in Aguas Calientes?
Yes, the package include a 3*** hotel in Aguas Calientes for the 4th night of the hike, it has hot shower, wifi and private romos, we include Matrimonial room for couple and double room from Friends, In case you are solo traveler and do not want to share the room, you may upgrade to single room, it has an extra cost of $40.
What time we Will be in Machu picchu inca site?
Hikking Salkantay we overnight in Aguas Calientes and the last day we Will have chance to take one of the first busses to Machu Picchu, that means we can be one of the first one visiting the New wonder of the world Machu picchu, its opens from 6am on, and in each hour there are around 200 people getting the citadel, you can take the best pictures without people, sunrise happens by 6,30 – to 7am
Should I hike Huayna picchu mountain?
Yes, after Machu picchu guided tour you may hike this famous mountain, only 200 tcikets are available per day, we highly recommend you book it in advance, at least 3 months before to travel date. its almost 2h up and down.
What is the difference between Huayna Picchu and Machu picchu mountain?
Machu picchu citade lis betwenn both mountains. Huayna picchu is the small one which is in the backgroung of the citadel, it takes almost 2h up and down and its steep and Machu Picchu mountain takes almost 3h up and down, its higher tan huayna picchu.
If I decide to cancel my hike, its posible?
Yes is posible, however the Machu picchu entry fee is not posible to change for another day or cancel, basically we Will lose the permits, that means the amount of money we paid for the fee Will not be able to refund, As a company we Will do the best for you and maybe chance to another tour or short hike which allow you to visit Machu picchu on the same day for which we had your ticket, that way we can use the same ticket. to coordinate it let us know by email or whatsap, we Will assist you ASAP and créate a new travel plan to Visit Machu picchu.
Can I rent a horse on the Trail?
On Salkantay trek we use horse to take the camping equipment, so we include 1 emergency horse for day 1 and day 2, horses can go only until day 2, then is national park and is not allow to use horse, according our experience, we can ride horse on the 1 or morning of day 2 to get the highest point of the hike, Salkantay Pass (4600m), after the Summit all is down way which is easier tan way up. Our tour guide and porters Will help you to coordinate in case you need it.
What Equipment do I need to take for the hike?
For this hike, you Will need Good trekking cloth, you can review our Packing list. The most important is your Original Passport, small day pack, trekking pant, long sleev t-shirts, trekking boat, socks, sun glasses, sun hat, rain gear (specially in wet season), cámara. Everything else we Will take for you and créate the lifetime experience.