SALKANTAY TREK · 5 DAYS
Description.
A high-mountain alternative to the Inca Trail beneath the glaciers of Salkantay. The route descends from alpine passes into cloud forest and coffee country before reaching Machu Picchu.
At a glance
- Duration: 5 days / 4 nights, about 70 km on foot, ending at Machu Picchu.
- Difficulty: Challenging. Long walking days and a high mountain pass.
- Highest point: Salkantay Pass, about 4,600 m.
- Best time: April to October. Possible most of the year.
- Permits: No trail permits needed, so it's a great alternative when the Inca Trail is sold out.
Highlights
- Humantay Lake and the glaciers of Salkantay
- Crossing from the high Andes into the cloud forest in just a few days
- A visit to a local coffee farm
- The Inca site of Llactapata, with a distant view of Machu Picchu
- A guided tour of Machu Picchu on the last day
Itinerary
Day 1 – Cusco to Soraypampa and Humantay Lake: Early pick-up and drive via Mollepata to Soraypampa. Hike up to Humantay Lake and return to camp at the foot of Salkantay.
Day 2 – Salkantay Pass: The hardest day. A steady climb to Salkantay Pass, surrounded by glaciers, then a long descent into the valley to the second camp.
Day 3 – Into the cloud forest: A gentler walk through the cloud forest, with waterfalls, orchids and fruit trees, to the area of La Playa. Visit a coffee farm in the afternoon.
Day 4 – Llactapata to Aguas Calientes: Climb to the Inca site of Llactapata for a first view of Machu Picchu, then descend to Hidroeléctrica and walk along the railway to Aguas Calientes. Night in a hotel.
Day 5 – Machu Picchu: Early bus up to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of the citadel. Afternoon train back towards Cusco and transfer to your hotel.
Included
- Hotel pick-up in Cusco and transport to the trailhead
- Professional bilingual guide, cook and support team
- Horses or mules to carry the camping gear
- Tents and camping equipment
- Meals as per itinerary
- 1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Machu Picchu entrance, bus up to the site and train back
Not included
- Sleeping bag and trekking poles (available for rent)
- Extra horse for personal luggage or riding
- Breakfast on day 1 and dinner on day 5
- Travel insurance and tips for the trek team
Good to know
- Spend at least 2 days in Cusco before the trek to acclimatize.
- Temperatures range from below zero at the pass to warm and humid in the cloud forest; pack layers.
- Ask us about upgrading to lodges instead of camping.
Plan this trip with us
Tell us your dates and group size on WhatsApp and we'll send you a tailored quote.