This guide is continuously maintained and verified by our resident Andean mountain leaders, ensuring accurate permit guidance, altitude protocols, and route recommendations for travelers in Peru.
Table of Contents (2 Sections)
Undecided if The classic Salkantay 7 day is right for you. Check out the similarities and differences between the 7 day and modified 5 day option. Use our handy tick sheet.
Salkantay Trek 5 vs 7 days#
Salkantay Trek 5 Vs 7 days Clasic Inca Trail : Both these treks boast close encounters with the Apu Salkantay mountain and visit the glacial Humantay Lake. During the 5 Day Trek you will hike up the mountain and cross its pass to continue along the trek onto Huayracmachay. The 7 Day route diverts off narrowly before Salkantay to instead cross Incachiriaska Pass (Frozen Inca Pass). This will descend to Wayllabamba, where you will eventually link up with the Inca trail.
It is a trek that consists of hiking, progressively getting more challenging. The heavy stoned pathways and iconic Incan steps make up this historic route. You will literally be following in the footsteps of an ancient civilization. This gives purpose and pride to the trek; however, this kind of route is demanding and at least a moderate level of fitness will be needed to undertake it.
Trek Options#
Southern Peru Explorers also provides variations of The Classic Inca trail, so we suit everyone. We have options to; either shorten the trek to accommodate for time restrictions or fitness level; lengthen it to include other historical or natural sites; or to swap from camping to hotels to provide a more comfortable luxurious experience. Options include:
- Classic Inca Trail 4D/3N
- Shortened Trail – Hotel 2D/1N
- Shortened Trail – Camping 2D/1N
- Inca Trail + Sacred Valley 5D/4N
- Inca Trail – Experience 5D/4N
- Inca Trail + Salkantay 7D/6N
Written by Joel Cárdenas Gonzales
Founder & CEOFounder and CEO of Southern Peru Explorers since 2009. Born in Cusco and trained as an official tour guide at Instituto Khipu. About the author
