Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

The Salkantay Trek is one of the most popular multi-day hiking routes in Peru and one of the best alternative ways to reach Machu Picchu. The route crosses the Andes beneath Mount Salkantay, one of the most sacred peaks of the Inca world, and takes you through an extraordinary variety of landscapes in just a few days: glaciers and high mountain passes, cloud forest, tropical valleys, and glacial lakes such as Humantay.

It is widely considered a more adventurous and far less crowded alternative to the Classic Inca Trail, which makes it an excellent choice for travelers who want a real trekking experience before arriving at the citadel.

The most common version is 5 days and 4 nights, although shorter versions of 4 days and 3 days are also available, as well as a 2-day Humantay & Salkantay trek. The route usually begins near Mollepata, a few hours from Cusco, and ends in Aguas Calientes, with the visit to Machu Picchu on the final day.

The 5-day version is the most complete, as it allows you to experience the full range of landscapes without rushing. The shorter versions cover the same highlights at a faster pace and suit travelers with limited time or previous trekking experience.

The Salkantay trek price starts at US$ 160 per person. For Salkantay Trek 2027, our Salkantay trek tours are priced as follows:

• Humantay & Salkantay 2 Days: from US$ 160
• Salkantay Trek Only (4 or 5 days): from US$ 260
• Llactapata Trek to Machu Picchu 3 Days: from US$ 270
• Salkantay Trek 4 Days: from US$ 300
• Salkantay Trek 5 Days: from US$ 310
• Salkantay Express 3 Days: from US$ 340

Our Salkantay treks to Machu Picchu include your Machu Picchu entrance ticket and a guided tour of the citadel. The Salkantay Trek Only does not include Machu Picchu. See each trek for full details of what is included.

The trek is considered challenging, mainly because of the altitude, the long daily distances, and the significant elevation gain and loss on certain days. Some days cover up to 20 to 25 kilometers, so a good level of physical fitness is strongly recommended.

That said, the trek is not technical. No climbing equipment or mountaineering skills are required, and the trail is well defined throughout. Most travelers in reasonable physical condition complete it successfully with proper preparation, a steady pace, and good acclimatization in Cusco beforehand.

The highest point is the Salkantay Pass, at approximately 4,630 meters (15,190 feet) above sea level. Standing beneath the glaciers of Mount Salkantay is the most memorable moment of the route for most hikers, and also the most demanding.

At this elevation, altitude sickness is a real concern, particularly for travelers who have just arrived in the region. Symptoms can include headache, shortness of breath, nausea, and difficulty sleeping.

The single most effective preparation is time. We strongly recommend spending at least two or three days in Cusco before starting the trek, ideally doing gentle activities such as a city tour or a visit to the Sacred Valley. Drinking plenty of water, eating light meals, walking at a steady pace, resting when you need to, and drinking coca tea all help. If you have a history of altitude problems or any relevant medical condition, consult your doctor before traveling.

The dry season, from April to October, offers the best conditions. May, June, September, and October are usually the most recommended months, with clearer skies, lower rainfall, and more stable trail conditions.

June to August is the busiest period, when demand is at its highest. If you prefer fewer people on the trail while still enjoying good weather, the shoulder months of April, May, September, and October are an excellent compromise. The trek also operates during the rainy season from November to March, when the landscape is at its greenest, though rain and mud should be expected.

No. Unlike the Classic Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek does not require a government permit and has no strict daily entry limits, which makes it a far more flexible option that can often be booked at shorter notice.

Your Machu Picchu entrance ticket is a separate matter. Machu Picchu does have a limited daily capacity and tickets are issued for a specific circuit and time slot, so booking in advance is still important, especially during the high season. Reserving early also secures the best departure dates and accommodation along the route.

On our Salkantay treks you sleep in our exclusive Sky Star Domes, transparent 360-degree domes set in the mountains, where you can fall asleep beneath the stars. The number of nights in the domes depends on the trek you choose. The other nights are spent in comfortable accommodation along the route, including a hotel in Aguas Calientes before your visit to Machu Picchu on the treks that include it.

No. Pack mules carry the heavy gear, so you only need to walk with a daypack containing water, snacks, a rain jacket, and anything you want during the day. This makes a significant difference on the longer days and at altitude.

Warm layers and a good jacket for the high passes, a waterproof jacket, broken-in hiking boots, a hat, sunglasses, high-factor sunscreen, a headlamp, a reusable water bottle, and a small daypack. Nights at altitude are cold, while the lower sections of the route are warm and humid, so packing for both is essential.