Salkantay Trek Peru 2025

The Salkantay Trek is a 5-day trekking route that ends in Machu Picchu. During the day, tourists hike through mountainous sections (70 kilometers). At night, they rest in campsites with incredible views of the stars. What can you do on the route without a tour? However, it is best to do it with a tourist agency. Learn all the details of this hike, day by day.

The Salkantay Trek is a trekking route that ends in Machu Picchu after five days of walking and four nights of camping. Its name is due to the mountainous landscapes near the snowy Salkantay, the second-highest in Cusco.

The Salkantay Trek tour also offers versions lasting only 4 days. However, the classic route lasts 05 days.

This route covers 70 kilometers in total.
This trek reaches its highest point at the Salkantay Pass (4,650 meters).
The lowest point is in Aguas Calientes (2,040 meters).

During the hike, in addition to the Salkantay Pass, Kondor Path Tours passengers will appreciate the famous Humantay Lagoon. On the penultimate day, you will enjoy the jungle landscapes of Cusco. On the last day, enjoy Machu Picchu and return by train to Cusco.

The best way to do this hike is in the company of a tourist agency. However, it is also possible to go on your own. For this, you should organize an excellent backpack, with warm clothes and thermal tents (it is frigid during the first two nights). If you do not have the necessary experience, you should go on an all-inclusive tour.

Salkantay Trekking Prices

The 5-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu costs approximately $500 per person.

If you travel alone, you must buy entrance to Machu Picchu, train tickets, bus tickets, and lodging in Aguas Calientes. In addition, you should carefully organize your backpack, including a thermal tent, sleeping bag, adequate food, toiletries, and more.

More information about the route

Unlike the famous Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek can be purchased online or in the city of Cusco with an anticipation of days or weeks. To be sure you are traveling with a specialized agency and with good reviews, you can see our TripAdvisor profile (such as TripAdvisor, for example).

Are you planning to do the Salkantay Trek? Spending one or two days in Cusco before starting the trek is best. The reason? So, the tourists will adapt better to the mountainous geography of the Andes Mountains. Remember that you may suffer the symptoms of altitude sickness, such as nausea, fatigue, and headache. Do not drink alcoholic beverages before the expected hike.

During the route, you can appreciate different flowers, trees, and plants: the eucalyptus, Molles, the ichu (Paja brava of the Andes), and the beautiful orchids. You can see the types of birds and mammals: the llama, alpaca, Andean condor, cock of the rock, vizcacha, Andean deer, and even the spectacled bear.

What is Salkantay trekking?

The Salkantay Trek is 75 km (46 miles) long and about 3000 m (10,000 feet) high, so it is considered a challenging physical-grade trek compared to the other trekking options in Cusco.

Our Salkantay trek starts when we pick you up from your hotel and take you to Mollepata or Soraypampa. A great attraction of the Salkantay Trek is that not only can you see Machu Picchu, but you can also see Llactapata. “Yakuta-Pata,” Llactapata is an archaeological site about 5 kilometers from Machu Picchu. It is believed that, in Inca times, it was a resting place on the way to Machu Picchu. Still today, on some treks, Llactapata is used as a resting place. Choose a suitable itinerary if you wish to spend the night here.

The Salkantay to Machu Picchu trek is popular because you will reach the iconic city of Machu Picchu, an alternative to the classic and very crowded Inca Trail. It offers adventure, mountains, scenery, and various landscapes, from rainforests to snow-capped peaks. Since the Salkantay trek has fewer restrictions than the classic Inca Trail, it can provide a “back door” trek to Machu Picchu when tickets for the classic Inca Trail sell out.

What to take on the Salkantay Trek

Original Passport and original Green ISIC international student cards, if they are
Water-resistant trekking shoes and
Warm clothing (thermal underwear, polar fleece, hat, gloves, socks)
Waterproof clothing (Poncho).
Synthetic or cotton clothing (socks, pants, shorts, T-shirts)
Sun hat and
Sunscreen and insect
Water bottles such as
Basic
Walking
Bathing suit and
Personal
Personal

Some tips for Salkantay trekking

If you are renewing your passport, your identification number has been changed. Therefore, you will need to provide the new one. What must you do before the trip? As soon as you have your new Passport, inform Kondor Path Tours of this change. Otherwise, this update or modification will have an additional charge of USD 12.00 and create a great inconvenience to update it at the last minute.

Without a passport, you will not be able to enter Machu Picchu. Also, if you brought your new Passport and did not inform us or update this information, you will not be able to enter Machu Picchu.

If you are a student, you must provide your VALID student ID (not a copy and not expired).

If you have any medical restrictions, please consult us before trekking. This includes food restrictions, allergies, special diets, current medication, health problems, and anything else we should consider to make your trip enjoyable and worry-free.

Our Salkantay Trek (5 days) is a personalized alternative to the usual Inca Trail. On this tour, you will be in touch with the beauty of the Peruvian landscapes. With more breathtaking views, the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu gives you the privacy and peaceful reflection that such a sacred trail deserves.

National Geographic Adventure Travel magazine has considered the Salkantay Trek one of the 25 best treks in the world. It is easily accessible to all, with no limitations or permits required (at least for the moment). The Salkantay Trek (5 days or 4 nights) is an ancient and secluded trail in the same area as the Inca Trail, where huge icy mountains infringe on the abundant rainforest.

Salkantay Trekking Information

The Nevado Salkantay is the highest point of the Cordillera Vilcabamba in the Department of Cusco, Peru. It is the highest mountain in the Machu Picchu area and is the most sacred mountain in the land of the Incas.

The best season to do the Salkantay trek is from May to September. What should you try at different times in those months, depending on the route? Since the first ascent in 1952, Nevado Salkantay has climbed on the south, east, and north sides.

The Salkantay Tour is the perfect alternative to the Inca Trail.

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is one of the most exciting and essential alternatives to the Inca Trail. You will find vast flora, various ecosystems, remote Andean villages, a view of the snow-capped mountain of Salkantay, and the site of Llactapata, located on top of a mountain just behind the Machu Picchu mountain.

The tour will take you to Machu Picchu, located at the foot of the historical and archaeological site. From there, we will walk early in the morning to the lost city of the Incas to see the sunrise over it.

This version of the Salkantay Trek 5 Days through Spectacular Corners says it is the perfect alternative to the well-known Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, but this one is a little more “adventurous.”

One of the critical features of the Salkantay trek is the mountain that gives the trail its name.

Mount Salkantay (or Nevada Salkantay / Salkantay) is one of the most emblematic mountains of the Cusco region and the highest mountain of the Willkapampa range.

The Inca Trail route is challenging for expert travelers. The name Salkantay means ‘wild’ or ‘savage.’ However, a French-American expedition successfully climbed it for the first time in 1952.

The lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu, is directly north of Salkantay. Although not now visible in Machu Picchu, the Southern Cross star formation, when viewed from the Machu Picchu sundial, appears instantly over the top of Salkantay during the rainy season.

In Inca times, Salkantay was considered one of the principal deities that controlled the climate in the region. Even today, Peruvians consider Salkantay to have mystical significance.

Where is Nevado Salkantay located?

Located 60 km northwest of Cusco, Salkantay, at 6,271 m, is the 12th-highest mountain in Peru and the 38th-highest in the Andes.

The summit of Salkantay Mountain

Salkantay Mountain has two peaks located to the east and west. In the past, the western summit was thinner and more attractive than the eastern one. However, after many years, both peaks are now the same size.

The Salkantay Trek is an alternative trek that reaches Machu Picchu. If you did not get spaces for the Inca Trail, this is your best alternative to enjoy the diversity of fauna and flora along this route, where you can find beautiful orchids, which will fascinate you with colorful flowers.

La Flora in the Salkantay trek:

Erodium cicutarium
Orchid
Ichu (Andean grass)
Salicornia ramosissima Fauna on the Salkantay Trek
Alpaca
Condor
Vizcacha
The cock of the rock (Peruvian national bird)
Call

Details about the Salkantay Hike

Type of trip: Hiking, camping, adventure, history,
Suitable for: people in good physical condition
Difficulty:
Considerations: Check availability for entrance to Machupicchu Mountain and Huaynapicchu
Starting altitude: 3200m / 9515ft.
Highest Altitude: 4650 m / 15,200 ft.
Walking distance: 72
Longest day: Day 2, approximately 22 km / 11
Coldest night: Day 1, around 0º
Acclimatization is
Helpful information about the Salkantay Trek:
Walking distance: 40 miles / 64 Km

Details about Salkantay Trail

Starting altitude: 2850 m / 9650
Highest altitude: 4552 m
Final altitude: 2300 m/t (Machu Picchu altitude)
Starting point: Cusco. We will pick you up from your
Departure time: 05:30 am
Information point: our guide will visit your hotel 2 or 1 day before the
Information hours: between 17:00 and 18:00
Return point: our driver will drop you off at your hotel or Airbnb
Time of return: from Aguas Calientes to Cusco: 14:30 (Incarrail) or 18:30 (Perurail)
Best alternative trek: if you wish to make the Inca Trail, we can recommend a 5-day excursion to Salkantay to the Inca. Our departure is 100% guaranteed.
Service level: superior service, includes all personal equipment, additional horses for your team, and private.
Physical Rating: 3: Demanding, some high-altitude hiking or more strenuous activities, but accessible to most healthy
Age requirement: 12+ / All travelers under 18 must be accompanied by an
Salkantay Tour Operator: Cusco Tu destino Travel
Crew: a professional tour guide, cook, and horseman during the
Meals: 4 breakfasts, 04 lunches, 04 dinners, 03 evenings
Transportation: one private transport, one return train EXPEDITION (18:20 or 14:30)
Lodging: camping 3 (camping equipment), 1 hotel (these following hotels are used to accommodate you during your Salkantay Trek). Once booked, our reservation department will confirm your wish to upgrade your hotel.

What is the highlight of the Salkantay Trek? How is the hike to Salkantay?

It’s a new adventure, unveiling an incredible view or resting your muscles in the magnificent hot springs. While some experiences stand out above the rest, here are some not-to-be-missed stops along the Salkantay trek.

Humantay Lake:

The incredible turquoise water lagoon surrounded by the impressive peaks of Humantay and Salkantay offers one of the most beautiful views in Peru.

Abra Salkantay Pass:

You can directly contact the Salkantay snow-capped mountain in this area, arriving at 4630 meters or 15190 feet above sea level. An impressive view of Salkantay at an altitude of 6271 meters, or 20574 feet, above sea level

Inca ruins of Llactapata:

On the Salkantay route, Hiram Bingham discovered some archaeological remains. From this point, you can enjoy an incredible view of Machu Picchu.

Medicinal Hot Springs in Cocalmayo:

With important healing properties and reaching up to 45°C, these natural thermal baths are ideal for relaxing and recovering sore muscles after a long day of hiking.

The lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu:

A visit to the city of the Incas will be the perfect end to your journey. Our Salkantay trekking tour includes a 1-day tour to Machu Picchu at the end of the route, where you will have a free day to visit this enigmatic city.

What do you do on the Salkantay Trek?

The route to Salkantay includes a series of fun tourist activities that include:

Camping
Excursions
First opportunities for photography and film
Walks
Impressive landscapes

How to get to Nevado Salkantay?

We hiked along the Mollepata route, a small town 100 km from Cusco. Tip: You can take the bus to Mollepata on Arco Pata Street. It is 10 minutes from the main square and easy to get there.

On the Salkantay trek, we will hike from 3,900 m (12,800 ft) to 2,100 m (6,900 ft), passing magnificent mountain passes near massive, majestic snow-capped peaks. In five days, we will immerse ourselves in nature in its purest form and explore more than 15 different ecosystems.

On the Salkantay trek, we will contact local populations willing to share their culture and customs and the cultural heritage they practice to this day.

The price of the tour includes the entrance fee to Machu Picchu. Salkantay Trekking

If you love nature, this route is recommended for you. If you do not have space for the Classic Inca Trail, this opportunity is for you. The Salkantay Trek, which lasted five days and four nights, was recently named by National Geographic Adventure Travel magazine among the 25 best hikes in the world. You can see beautiful places like the Salkantay Lagoon along the route, with flora and fauna of ecological diversity.

Why is the Salkantay trek popular?

This route takes you directly to Machu Picchu since, unlike the Classic Inca Trail, there are no daily limits on the number of hikers allowed.

Is the Salkantay Trek route challenging?

This route has always been known as “indomitable” for its unpredictable avalanches and dangerous snowy crossings. Kondor Path Tours’ route is entirely safe, and you do not have to fear these inclement weather conditions, where you will reach a maximum altitude of 4,549 m. Even so, it is best to acclimatize at least two days before the hike and, of course, arrive in good physical condition.

Recommendations for the Salkantay Trek:

What is the best time to do the Salkantay Trek?

The climate in Cusco is marked by two seasons: rainy and dry. Therefore, May to October are the best dates for this excursion, as the rain stops and the road is firm.

Although this Salkantay trek can be done all year round, except for the month considered the rainiest of the year (February), we suggest you think about it very well. And take other tours that we have on our web page.

What can we find on the Salkantay Trail route?

During the hike, we will have impressive views of the Humantay and Salkantay lagoons since, with the thaw of these two, there are lake formations, which are the most important and most visited by travelers.

In recent years, travelers worldwide have visited Humantay Lake to enjoy its beauty and leave offerings to the Pachamama, the deity representing Mother Earth in the Inca culture.

On the Salkantay trek, we will be able to find a wide variety of flora and fauna in the jungle region since we are surrounded by the green and warm landscape that allows us to breathe pure air that is good for our organisms.

In addition, we will be able to marvel at the Inca constructions that they left us as a legacy. Enjoy magical nights with a starry sky, making you think it was worth all the effort.

Is the hike to Salkantay strenuous?

The difficulty of the Salkantay trek will depend on your physical condition, whether you have experience with other outings and your state of health. Many travelers consider this route a more significant effort since the degree of difficulty is “high.” This is regarded as a tremendous challenge for those who do it.

What physical preparation should I have to do for the Salkantay trek?

As we said, preparation in advance for this trek is fundamental since, in this way, the body’s muscles are strengthened and gain resistance, which will yield better results when the day comes to do the Salkantay trek.

Will I suffer from altitude sickness on Salkantay Mountain?

It is also known as mountain sickness, soroche, or altitude sickness. This physical discomfort is caused by the difficulty of adapting to the low atmospheric pressure, which generates headaches, nausea, and difficulty breathing due to a lack of oxygen in the blood.

It generally affects travelers from countries closer to sea level, as the oxygen in the air becomes thinner, causing altitude sickness.

How can I avoid altitude sickness?

To prevent or make it more bearable, it is recommended to acclimate, rest, or avoid making physical efforts that can shake; this is especially advisable for the first few days upon arrival in Cusco.

It is advisable to drink coca tea on the day of your arrival as a first natural remedy.

Consider inhaling air, gradual ascents, continuous hydration, avoiding smoking, choosing easily digestible food, keeping warm, and avoiding tranquilizers.

What should I bring for the Salkantay Trail?

A backpack of at least 30 kg is recommended.
It is indispensable to wear a hot jacket, as it is freezing at night.
It is essential to have an extra change of clothes if a change is required.
It is good to have removable hiking pants since we can use them twice: shorts during the day and pants at night, thus reducing the weight and space in our backpacks.
Trekking shoes are essential, have grip capacity, are suitable for rough terrain, and are water-resistant.
Other accessories include water bottles, gloves, walking sticks, flashlights, and binoculars for observing wildlife.
Personal hygiene items: toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and other necessary items.
Bring extra batteries and an extra memory card, as you can photograph various scenery.
Have your original passport or identity document on hand, allowing you to identify yourself at the checkpoints.
Additional medical items, such as personal medication in case of treatment, insect repellent, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, tissues, and other things you may need
Some cash

Questions about the Salkantay trek:

Why book the Salkantay Trek in advance?

The Salkantay trek itself has no limitations, but what is limited are the entrances to Machu Picchu and the train tickets. This trek has 100% guaranteed departures, but the train tickets and the entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu are subject to availability. For that reason, Kondor Path Tours recommends you book in advance. Finding available spaces for train tickets and the lost city entrance is challenging in the high season.

Why choose the Salkantay trek?

This trip is for you if you also desire privacy, authenticity, and beautiful scenery. Although this hike is challenging, anyone with a reasonable fitness level can do it.

The total hiking distance is 40 miles from the start to the end point, allowing you to see more of this fantastic region than you would on the Inca Trail.

How long is the Salkantay Trek?

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is approximately 72 kilometers long and should be completed in 5 days and 4 nights.

Also, the Slaknatya hikes for four days and three nights. The last day corresponds to a visit to Machu Picchu. What is the weather like on the Salkantay Trek?

The weather is pleasant, although hot and cold at night. Temperatures can drop below 0°C, especially on the first night. Traveling at the best time of the year, from May to September, is recommended, as it is more relaxed but less rainy. The rainy season is from December to March.

Is the Salkantay Trek difficult?

No, it is not difficult since even the path has signposts, and all kinds of people do it. But it is hard; you must walk a lot and be relatively high.

Is it possible to do the Salkantay Trek on your own?

Although they will tell you that it is impossible to do this trek without the company of a travel agency, be careful. You must ensure your physical integrity since no one can monitor your walking pace. You can take the wrong paths, plus you will not enjoy our chefs’ explanations or the tasty food, which is why we recommend traveling with a travel agency. Do not save a few soles for your integrity. You can review our entire catalog of tours for the Salkantay trek.

Is the Salkantay Trek dangerous?

It is not dangerous; you will not be robbed or assaulted, but if you do not watch your pace and do not know the route, the experience can be unpleasant.

Is there lodging on the Salkantay Trek?

Yes, accommodation at each stage is possible, but it is challenging to find spaces, and they are usually already bought in advance.

Booking with Kondor Path Tours also helps us to help people with limited financial resources.|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||