Salkantay Trek
to Machu Picchu

What is the Salkantay Trek?

The Salkantay Trek is a high-altitude route linking Mollepata/Soraypampa with Machu Picchu around Mount Salkantay (6,271 m), the highest sacred peak of the Vilcabamba range. In a few days you go from glacial lakes and the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m) down to the high jungle, among orchids, waterfalls and coffee farms.

Unlike the Inca Trail, it does not require limited permits: you can book it a few days ahead and it runs all year, even in February when the Inca Trail closes for maintenance.

Why trek Salkantay with Salkantay Go?

• We are a local agency based in Cusco, with guides who grew up in these mountains.
• Small groups (8–12 travelers max) and a smart pace for acclimatization.
• Hand-picked campsites facing the glacier, expedition cooks and an oxygen kit.
• Return by train (Expedition or Vistadome) or by car via Hidroeléctrica.

The route day by day (classic 5-day version)

On day 1 we drive to Soraypampa (3,900 m) and hike to Humantay Lake (4,200 m). Day 2 is the big one: we cross the Salkantay Pass and descend towards Chaullay or Colpapampa. Day 3 follows the Santa Teresa river valley to La Playa and Lucmabamba, coffee country. On day 4 we hike an original Inca path to Llactapata, with a first distant view of Machu Picchu, and continue to Aguas Calientes. Day 5 is a guided tour of Machu Picchu and the return to Cusco.

How hard is it?

It is a challenging trek, mainly because of altitude. The toughest day is the pass: 20–22 km and around 9 hours of walking. No technical experience is required, but you need good fitness and, above all, two acclimatization days in Cusco before starting.

Best time to hike Salkantay

The dry season (April to October) brings clear skies and firm trails; nights at the high camp can drop to −5 °C. From November to March rain is frequent, crowds are smaller and the landscape is lush. We operate all year with the right gear for every season.