Salkantay Trek Information

Salkantay Trekking: A Guide to the Salkantay Route to Machu Picchu#

What is Salkantay Trekking?#

Salkantay Trekking is one of the most spectacular hiking experiences in Peru and the most popular alternative route to Machu Picchu after the Classic Inca Trail. The route crosses very different landscapes in a few days: snow-capped mountains, the turquoise Humantay Lake, cloud forest and warm valleys with coffee farms.

The trek is named after the impressive Salkantay Mountain, a sacred mountain that rises to 6,271 meters (20,574 feet) above sea level. Revered by local Andean communities for centuries, Salkantay is considered an “Apu,” or mountain spirit, believed to protect the surrounding lands and people.

Unlike the Classic Inca Trail, Salkantay Trekking does not require a government-issued trekking permit, making it an excellent option for travelers looking for flexibility while still enjoying a world-class trekking experience that culminates at the legendary Machu Picchu.

From our experience on the Salkantay#

We have run the Salkantay Trek since 2009, with about 100 departures a year. On our 5-day route we camp at Soraypampa the first night, Collpapampa the second and Lucmabamba or Santa Teresa the third, and spend the fourth night in Aguas Calientes before visiting Machu Picchu.

The hardest part for most travelers is the climb to the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m). We take it at a slow pace and always have an emergency horse with the group. The best months are May to September, the dry season. See our Salkantay Trek 5 Days.

Why Choose Salkantay Trekking?#

Thousands of hikers choose the Salkantay route every year for its mountain scenery and because it needs no Inca Trail permit. The trail traverses several ecological zones, offering a constantly changing landscape that few treks in the world can match.

Main Advantages of Salkantay Trekking

Feature	Salkantay Trek	Classic Inca Trail
Permit Required	No	Yes
Difficulty	Moderate to Challenging	Moderate
Maximum Altitude	4,630 m	4,215 m
Mountain Scenery	Excellent	Good
Crowds	Moderate	High
Flexibility	High	Limited
Access to Machu Picchu	Yes	Yes

The combination of remote mountain landscapes and fewer restrictions makes Salkantay Trekking one of South America’s most rewarding hiking adventures.

The Route and Terrain#

One of the highlights of Salkantay Trekking is the incredible variety of terrain encountered throughout the journey.

The adventure begins in the high Andes, where rugged peaks dominate the landscape. As hikers gain altitude, they reach the famous Salkantay Pass at 4,630 meters (15,190 feet), the highest point of the trek.

After crossing the pass, the scenery dramatically changes. The route descends into cloud forests and eventually reaches subtropical valleys filled with orchids, hummingbirds, coffee plantations, and lush vegetation.

Landscapes You Will Experience

• Snow-capped mountains
• High-altitude grasslands
• Glacial lakes
• Deep Andean valleys
• Cloud forests
• Tropical jungle
• Ancient Inca archaeological sites

Few trekking routes in Peru offer such a dramatic transition between ecosystems in just a few days.

Salkantay Trekking Options#

Southern Peru Explorers offers several trekking alternatives designed to fit different travel styles and fitness levels.

Salkantay Trek 5 Days

The classic itinerary is ideal for travelers who want the complete Salkantay experience.

Details	Information
Duration	5 Days / 4 Nights
Hiking Distance	74 km
Maximum Altitude	4,630 m
Camping Nights	3
Hotel Nights	1
Difficulty	Challenging

Highlights

• Humantay Lake
• Salkantay Pass
• Cloud Forest
• Coffee Plantations
• Llactapata Ruins
• Machu Picchu

Tailor-Made Trekking Options

For travelers seeking a personalized experience, customized itineraries can include:

• Salkantay Trek + Sacred Valley
• Salkantay Trek + Inca Trail
• Luxury Lodge-to-Lodge Trek
• Private Guided Treks
• Family-Friendly Adventures

Best Time for Salkantay Trekking#

Weather plays a significant role in planning your trek.

Dry Season (May to October)

The dry season is considered the best time for Salkantay Trekking.

Advantage	Description
Clear Skies	Better mountain views
Less Rain	More comfortable hiking
Better Photography	Excellent visibility
Stable Conditions	Predictable weather

However, nighttime temperatures can fall below freezing at higher elevations.

Wet Season (November to March)

The rainy season brings greener landscapes and fewer tourists.

Advantage	Description
Lush Vegetation	Beautiful scenery
Fewer Crowds	More peaceful experience
Warmer Temperatures	Especially at night

Rainfall is common, especially from January through March, so proper waterproof equipment is essential.

How Difficult is Salkantay Trekking?#

Salkantay Trekking is considered a moderate to challenging trek due to its altitude and long hiking distances.

Physical Requirements

You should consider this trek if you:

✅ Enjoy long-distance hiking

✅ Have good cardiovascular fitness

✅ Can walk 6–9 hours per day

✅ Have previous experience at altitude (recommended)

Main Challenges

• High altitude
• Steep ascents and descents
• Variable weather conditions
• Consecutive days of hiking

Despite these challenges, most active travelers successfully complete the trek with proper preparation and acclimatization.

What Makes Salkantay Trekking Unique?#

Many travel magazines and adventure organizations rank the Salkantay Trek among the world’s best hikes. What sets it apart is the extraordinary diversity encountered along the route.

Within just a few days, hikers can stand beside glacial lakes, cross high mountain passes, walk through cloud forests, and finish their adventure at one of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites: Machu Picchu.

Additionally, because no permit is required months in advance, Salkantay Trekking offers greater flexibility for travelers planning their Peru itinerary.

Salkantay Trek in 5 or 7 days?#

Our 5-day Salkantay Trek visits Humantay Lake, crosses the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m) and goes down through cloud forest and coffee farms to Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu. It does not need an Inca Trail permit.

Our 7-day route spends four days in the Salkantay area and then joins the Classic Inca Trail for three days, so you arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. It needs an Inca Trail permit and suits trekkers in good physical condition.

Salkantay Trek FAQ#

Do I need to speak Spanish?

No. Our team and guides speak English and Spanish, and your guide translates when needed.

Will I get altitude sickness?

It can affect anyone. Spend at least two days in Cusco before the trek. Our guides carry oxygen and a first-aid kit.

What if I have a medical condition?

Tell us when you book, especially if you carry medication, and check with your doctor before booking any high-altitude trek.

Can you cater for dietary needs?

Yes. Vegetarian meals are always available; for vegan or gluten-free meals, tell us when you book. There is no extra charge.

What should I bring?

A daypack with about 3 litres of water, a waterproof jacket and trousers, warm layers, a sun hat and a beanie, sunscreen, insect repellent, extra socks and your medication. Trekking poles, sunglasses and lip balm are useful too. The route goes from snow to warm valleys, so pack for both.

Is Salkantay Trekking Worth It?#

Absolutely.

If you want a demanding trek with fewer people than the Inca Trail, Salkantay is one of the best routes to Machu Picchu.

You can do it on our 5-day tour, combine it with the Inca Trail over 7 days, or ask us for a custom itinerary. The highlights are Humantay Lake, the pass below Salkantay mountain and the arrival at Machu Picchu.