5 Days 4 Nights
Medium
Min: 2 Max: 8 people
Cusco -Salkantay
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is one of the most spectacular alternative routes to the Inca citadel. It crosses the foot of Salkantay, one of the tallest peaks in the Peruvian Andes at 6,271 m (20,574 ft), and a sacred mountain for the Incas. This trek is regularly named among the best hikes in the world by international travel media, and its views are hard to match: glaciers, turquoise lakes, high mountain passes and lush cloud forest, all in one route.
The trail is popular and shared with other agencies, but we do our best to make it a unique and unforgettable experience for you, with small groups, expert guides and quality camping.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 5 days / 4 nights |
| Starts from | Cusco (trek starts in Soraypampa) |
| Ends in | Machu Picchu |
| Max altitude | Salkantay Pass – 4600m / ft |
| Total distance | Approx. 62 km |
| Accommodation | Camping + hotel in Aguas Calientes |
| Difficulty | Challenging |
| Group size | Small groups ( Min: 2 – Max. 8) |
| Price | $675 USD per person |
Our Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu starts in Soraypampa, at 3,900 m (12,795 ft), after a scenic drive from Cusco through the town of Mollepata. From Soraypampa, we hike uphill toward the majestic Salkantay mountain. Near this peak, we set up camp, with unforgettable views of the glacier by day and a sky full of stars at night.
[Si su ruta pasa por Humantay:] One of the highlights of the trek is Humantay Lake, a glacial lake of intense turquoise color at 4,200 m (13,780 ft), at the foot of the Humantay mountain. If you only have one day, you can also visit it on our Humantay Lake tour.
The Salkantay route relies on horse support to carry the camping equipment, food and your personal belongings. We work with local horsemen from the Mollepata area, who know these mountains better than anyone. By traveling with us, you also support the local communities along the trail.
This is a challenging trek. The hardest part is crossing the Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the route. Acclimatize in Cusco for at least 2 to 3 days before starting (learn more about altitude sickness), walk at your own pace and drink plenty of water. An emergency horse is available if you need help.
One or two days before the trek, you’ll have a briefing with our professional guide. They’ll give you detailed information about the route, the equipment and each day’s schedule, and help you with anything you need.
Looking for other routes? Try the Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu, a 7-day adventure to the lost Inca city, the Inca Quarry Trail Trek or the 5-Day Inca Trail. If you prefer to visit Machu Picchu without trekking, see our Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu tour.
05:00 am – Pickup in Cusco. We pick you up at your hotel and drive to the village of Mollepata, where we stop for 30 minutes to rest. Then we continue by bus for about one more hour to Soraypampa, at the foot of Salkantay mountain.
Hike to Humantay Lake. At Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), we get ready for the adventure. Our first hike takes us uphill to Humantay Lake, a stunning turquoise lagoon at the foot of a snow-capped mountain, at 4,200 m (13,780 ft). You’ll have time to explore and take photos before heading back down to Soraypampa.
Lunch in Soraypampa. Our chef prepares a delicious Andean lunch, and we rest for about 30 minutes.
Hike to Soyrococha. Full of energy, we continue walking for about 4 hours on the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, passing high mountains, grazing donkeys and cows, and local families who live above 4,000 meters. Little by little, we reach our campsite at Soyrococha, surrounded by spectacular mountain views.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | Camping at Soyrococha |
| Min altitude | Soraypampa – 3,900 m / 12,795 ft |
| Max altitude | 4,650 m / 15,256 ft |
| Walking distance | 9 km / mi |
| Walking time | Approx. [X] hours |
| Weather | Mild during the day; cold at night |
| Meals | Lunch, dinner |
| Difficulty | 2 – Moderate |
| Start time | 05:00 am |
| End time | Approx. 04:30 pm |
| Total time | 11.5 hours |
Transportation
Entrance tickets
Accommodation
Meals
Camping equipment
Staff and support
