Duration 5 days and 4 nights
Difficulty demanding hike at high altitude
Max altitude 4,600 m a.s.l. (Apacheta Pass 4,590 m)
Distance approx. 74 km over 5 days
Best time to go May to October
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is one of the best hikes in South America and the best alternative route to the Inca citadel, taking you through different environments and landscapes during the 5 days of adventure.
During this experience we will take you to some of the most incredible places in the surroundings, such as Humantay Lake, Salkantay Pass at more than 4,600 m of altitude (15,000 ft), the fascinating cloud forest, and the edge of the Peruvian jungle.
The highlight comes on the 5th day, when we head to Machu Picchu after spending a well-deserved night in comfortable lodging in the charming town of Aguas Calientes, following the first 4 days of adventure. During the 5 days our team of experts made up of guides, chefs, and porter or muleteer and horses will provide everything you need for comfortable nights at the camps, delicious meals, and will take care of carrying all the equipment and backpacks so you can enjoy each day to the fullest without worrying about anything else.
Hotel pickup between 4:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. Departure by tourist transport to Mollepata (2,900 m a.s.l.). This day features a scenic journey toward Limatambo, with panoramic views of Apu Salkantay, until reaching the start of the trek at Cruspata. After walking around 3 hours we arrive at Challacancha, the lunch stop; in the afternoon we continue to Soraypampa. From Soraypampa we have an optional hike with the guide to Humantay Lake; after enjoying the lake for a while we return to Soraypampa (3,850 m a.s.l.), where we spend the first night. On this day the change of three different ecological zones is observed.
After breakfast, early start of the hike: about 3 hours approx. until reaching Apacheta Pass (4,590 m a.s.l.). From this point there are views of Salkantay snow peak (6,264 m a.s.l.), known as the second-highest peak in the Cusco region, as well as Humantay and Huayanay mountains seen along the way. Lunch is planned at Huayracpunku; then a hike of 2–3 hours to Chaullay camp (2,920 m a.s.l.), where we spend the second night.
Start of the hike at 7:00 a.m. toward Uscamayoc, at cloud-forest fringe level, with various kinds of plants, fruits, flowers, coca, and birds, etc. Lunch will be at Playa Sahuayaco; free time then to descend to Lucmabamba or Santa Teresa camp. On arriving at camp we leave the backpacks and go to the Santa Teresa hot springs (optional). On return we have dinner and overnight for the third night.
After breakfast, start of the hike toward the Hydroelectric, where we have lunch, and we continue our hike toward Machu Picchu Town (Aguas Calientes). Optional: hot springs in the town. Hotel accommodation.
After breakfast we ascend to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu; the visit lasts approximately 2 and a half hours with the guide and then you will have free time for your own visit to Machu Picchu, mountains, or a visit to the Temple of the Moon or the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). We then descend to return to the city of Cusco by train, arriving approximately at 7:30 p.m.
To protect your travel investment, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance.
The total distance covered over the 5 days is approximately 74 km and the highest point reached during this hike is 4,600 m a.s.l.
As this is a demanding hike at high altitude, we recommend that you have good physical condition and experience with long hikes before taking on this challenge. For those who do not have experience or are not in good physical condition, we recommend the Short Inca Trail of 2 days.
Both the Salkantay hike and the Inca Trail present challenges, but their difficulty level may vary according to personal preferences. The Salkantay hike may be more demanding in terms of terrain and altitude, while the Inca Trail may be difficult due to its length and steep steps. The choice between the two will depend on your physical condition, although many hikers agree that the Inca Trail is slightly more difficult.
The best months to do the Salkantay Trail are between May and October, thus avoiding the rainy season in Cusco, which runs from November to April.
The use of trekking poles is optional and depends on your personal preferences. However, we recommend bringing a pair for greater stability and to reduce impact on the knees when ascending and descending irregular terrain.
There are bathrooms available at all camps, but on the first night there are only cold showers. On the third and fourth nights hot showers are available (10 soles per person) and on the fourth night it will be in a hotel with a private bathroom. As many of the bathrooms during the first 3 days are provided by the communities we pass through, a contribution is always requested for the use of bathrooms and showers.
Yes. You should make sure to have enough water for the first morning, but afterward we will provide boiled water at each breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The water is clean and drinkable. You should bring your own water bottle or CamelBak to refill it. We do not recommend using plastic bottles. If at any time you need additional water or another drink, you will find a store or kiosk along the way.
If you wish to communicate with friends and family, hourly Wi-Fi is available at our Salkantay Trail camps. On the fourth night you will stay at a hotel in Aguas Calientes, where you will also have Wi-Fi access.
If you are concerned about the difficulty of the hike or the impact of altitude, we offer the option of renting a horse for an additional cost. If you wish to rent a horse on the first day (from Humantay Lake of Soraypampa), the approximate cost is 80 soles. If you wish to rent a horse on the second day (from Soraypampa to Salkantay Pass), the approximate cost is 120 soles. It is not necessary to reserve the additional horse in advance; you can do so on the spot.
