Salkantay Trek Peru: A Sacred and Natural Route to Machu Picchu

The Salkantay Trek has become the most chosen alternative for those looking to reach Machu Picchu through a different route than the classic Inca Trail, and with good reason. The expedition usually takes 5 days and 4 nights, starting from Mollepata or Soraypampa and ending at the Inca citadel. Unlike the Inca Trail, this one does not require special permits nor are there limited spots, but that does not mean it is easy: the most demanding point of the route is the Salkantay Pass, at 4,630 meters above sea level, and getting there requires a real physical condition.

The name of the route comes from the massif that dominates it: the Salkantay, a 6,271-meter mountain in the Vilcabamba Mountain Range, within the department of Cusco. It is not just a geographical reference: the Salkantay is the great Apu of the region, the guardian mountain that the Andean people consider the protector of all the Cusco territory.

The tour goes through landscapes that change shape as you go down in altitude. In the high sections, you find puna trails with condors gliding over the peaks and herds of alpacas moving through the moorland. Further down, there are the natural hot springs where you take a break to recover your legs after the hardest days, finally, we pass through fruit plantations and a vegetation that becomes thicker and more tropical until reaching the edge of the jungle.

It is a route that goes through everything: high altitude cold, jungle heat, mountain silence, and a variety of landscapes that few hikes in the Andes can match. Without crowds, without complicated paperwork, and with a level of authenticity that is noticed in every stage of the way.

Salkantay Trek Peru

The Salkantay trek has several options, depending on the time you have available. There is a longer version, of seven nights, that connects with the traditional Inca Trail in the Huayllabamba sector to continue to Machu Picchu. This route passes through Paucarcancha, an Inca archaeological site that also works as a camping area during the descent from Pampacahuana, near some quite restorative hot springs after several days of walking.

But the most popular and well-known version is the 5 day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. Here we tell you what it is like, day by day:

• Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa

  The trip begins leaving Cusco in transport to Mollepata. From there, you continue to Challacancha, where the first walk of the trek begins, until reaching the Soraypampa camp, at 3,900 meters high. If time allows, many groups take advantage of that same day to climb up to the beautiful Humantay Lagoon, at 4,200 meters, before spending the night with the glaciers as a background.
  
  

• Day 2: Salkantay Pass and descent to Chaullay

  This is, without a doubt, the most demanding day of the whole tour. You have to climb up to the Salkantay Pass, at 4,630 meters high, with the imposing snow-capped mountain watching from above. Once at the top, a long descent begins that passes through Wayracpunku until reaching the Chaullay camp, already at a much lower height, of 2,900 meters.
  
  

• Day 3: Towards La Playa or Santa Teresa

  The walk on this day is of moderate difficulty, and the landscape changes completely: you enter the jungle, with rivers and coffee and fruit plantations on the way, until reaching La Playa. Depending on the operator you travel with, it is possible to continue to Santa Teresa, known for its hot springs, perfect to rest after two intense days of walking.
  
  

• Day 4: Llactapata and arrival in Aguas Calientes

  This day you climb up to the archaeological site of Llactapata, from where you can see, for the first time, Machu Picchu in the distance. After enjoying that view, you go down towards the Hidroelectrica station, and from there you walk for about 3 hours on a flat trail next to the train track until reaching the town of Aguas Calientes, where you spend the last night before Machu Picchu.
  
  

• Day 5: Machu Picchu and return to Cusco

  The last day begins very early, still at night, to arrive at Machu Picchu just when the sun begins to rise. After a guided tour of the citadel, the group returns by train to Ollantaytambo, and from there you take road transport back to Cusco, thus closing one of the most complete experiences you can live in this region.

About the Salkantay Mountain

The name of this Salkantay mountain has a very special meaning in Quechua: "Salkantay" comes from the union of "Sallqa" (wild or untamed) and "Antiy" (the east or the jungle), which translates roughly as "the wild mountain". It is the highest peak of the Vilcabamba mountain range, located about 60 kilometers west of Cusco. With its 6,271 meters of height, it ranks 38th among the highest mountains in the Andes, and number 12 in all of Peru. Furthermore, due to its topographic prominence, it is considered the second most imposing summit in the country.

However, the Salkantay was always much more than a mountain for the Incas. So much so that they built citadels as important as Choquequirao and Machu Picchu under its gaze, aligned directly with this mountain. Therefore, until today, local communities keep this worship alive through their traditions and beliefs.

A bit of history: the legacy of the Apu

Long before the Incas arrived in these lands, the Salkantay was already worshiped by other groups, such as the "Rimactampus". Later, when the Inca empire expanded in the 13th century under Manco Capac, these communities were included, but the Incas did not remove this devotion: they adopted it and elevated it, calling the mountain "Apu", that is to say, a protector spirit of the heights. Likewise, as part of this cult, offerings were made to the earth with corn, coca leaves, and, sometimes, blood from llamas or alpacas.

During the colonial period, the Spaniards tried to erase these practices, considering them idolatry. Nevertheless, the tradition survived, and today the Salkantay is still considered one of the most important sacred mountains in the Cusco region.

Ultimately, this history comes to life when you reach the highest point of the route: the Salkantay Pass. Right there, in the middle of the intense cold, many travelers follow an ancient tradition: stacking stones to form an apacheta, a small mound that is left as an offering to the mountain, asking for permission and good luck to continue the downward journey toward the jungle.

What to see during the Salkantay walk?

The Salkantay tour has several memorable moments, each with its own charm. Here are, in order, the most outstanding ones.

• The flora and fauna on the way
  During the first days, while walking through the cold puna and the high mountain, the landscape is dominated by the ichu, the typical grass of the Andean heights. In this area it is common to see vizcachas, herds of llamas and alpacas, and with some luck, even an Andean condor flying in the heights.
  
  Later, when the descent to the jungle begins, the landscape completely changes. The vegetation becomes thicker, orchids appear, and with a little patience it is possible to see animals like the torrent duck, the spectacled bear (also called Andean bear), or the colorful cock-of-the-rock.
  
  
• Humantay Lagoon
  The first great moment of the route is the Humantay Lagoon, a lake of a deep turquoise color, surrounded by glaciers. It is one of the most photographed places of the tour, and getting there already represents a good physical effort, a perfect way to acclimatize before facing the highest parts of the road.
  
  
• The Salkantay Pass
  This is, without a doubt, the most challenging moment of the whole walk: crossing the Salkantay Pass, at 4,630 meters high. Getting here feels like a great personal victory, and the reward is seeing the imposing snow-capped mountain up close, along with some of the most impressive views of all the Peruvian Andes.
  
  
• The Santa Teresa hot springs
  After the long descent to the tropical valley, it is time to rest in the Cocalmayo hot springs, in Santa Teresa. Immersing yourself in these natural hot water pools helps a lot to recover the body after two intense days of walking, before continuing to the Hydroelectric area.
  
  
• Machu Picchu
  The great end of this adventure is, of course, the arrival at Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes. It is worth keeping in mind that you need to book your ticket well in advance, especially if you also want to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. The standard visit includes a half-day tour of the citadel before taking the train back. And before you leave, it is worth passing by the Intipunku to look back one last time and say goodbye, from a distance, to the imposing Apu Salkantay that accompanied you all the way.

What is the weather like in Salkantay Trek?

The weather on the Salkantay route changes a lot throughout the tour, so it is a good idea to be prepared for several different scenarios. Upon leaving Cusco (3,400 meters), the first strong temperature change arrives when settling in Soraypampa (3,900 meters), where the cold of the high mountain is felt immediately. During the day, temperatures barely reach 8°C, and at night they can drop down to -10°C.

As for the seasons, the region has two well-marked seasons: a dry and cold one, from May to October, and a rainy one, between November and April. It is worth being especially careful with February, which is the most difficult month of the year in terms of weather. Intense rains can make the roads become unstable and increase the risk of landslides, which is why it is not recommended to do this route on those dates.

Something important to understand is that during the trekking you are going to pass through three completely different climates in a few days. Here is a quick summary:

For this reason, the best thing is to dress in layers: thermal clothes for the intense cold of the puna, a warm middle layer (like a fleece) that is easy to take off, and a waterproof and windbreaker jacket on the outside. This way you can adjust your clothes as you move forward, without getting cold in the heights or suffocating from the heat when you reach the jungle.

Inca Trail vs. Salkantay Trek: Which one to choose?

Deciding between the Inca Trail and the Salkantay Trek is one of the most important decisions if you plan to reach Machu Picchu walking. Both routes offer very different experiences: the Inca Trail is known for its great historical and archaeological value, while the Salkantay takes you through wilder and more spectacular natural landscapes, typical of the high Andean mountains.

Furthermore, it is worth keeping in mind that the alternative to Inca Trail is, in general, a more physically demanding route, since it reaches higher altitudes and crosses steeper terrain. Even so, with a little previous training, it is perfectly achievable for most people with good physical condition. An important advantage of the Salkantay is that, unlike the Inca Trail, it does not require special government permits, which makes planning much easier, since you do not need to Inca Trail book 2026 months in advance.

Therefore, to help you decide which one best fits what you are looking for, here is a quick comparison:

Acclimatization: the first step before leaving

Climbing from the 3,400 meters of Cusco to the 4,630 meters of the Salkantay Pass is a strong change for the body, so it is a good idea to prepare before starting. Ideally, you should arrive in Cusco at least two days before the start of the trekking. Consequently, that extra time helps your body adapt to the altitude, greatly reducing the risk of suffering altitude sickness when you reach the highest point of the route.

What to bring to the Salkantay Trek?

Likewise, a good preparation also depends on bringing the right equipment, capable of working both in the freezing cold of the puna and in the humidity of the jungle. This is what should not be missing in your backpack for the adventure:

• Clothing: Dress in layers, a thermal base layer, a fleece for the cold, and a waterproof and windbreaker jacket on top. Add to this quick-drying trekking pants and good quality socks, ideally synthetic.
• Footwear: High-top trekking boots, already used before so they are comfortable, and with a good sole to grip well to the ice, rocks, or mud.
• Health: A basic first aid kit with pills for altitude sickness, painkillers, high-protection sunscreen, insect repellent, and some system to purify water.
• Documents and money: Your original passport (it is mandatory to enter Machu Picchu) and some cash in soles for expenses on the way.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Salkantay Trek

• Is the Salkantay Trek difficult?
  It is considered of moderate to high difficulty. Therefore, you need a good physical condition, especially for the second day, when there is a lot of climbing and the lack of oxygen is strongly felt.
  
  
• Do I need a special permit to do this route?
  No. Unlike the Inca Trail, this route does not require booking a special spot with the government, so it is more flexible to organize.
  
  
• How long does the tour take?
  The classic version, and the most recommended one, takes 5 days and 4 nights.
  
  
• What is the highest point of the tour?
  The Salkantay Pass, which is at 4,630 meters above sea level.
  
  
• Can people without previous trekking experience do it?
  Yes, as long as they have a good physical condition, the desire to complete the challenge, and have taken the necessary time to get used to the altitude in Cusco before starting.
  
  
• What does an organized tour usually include?
  Usually, it includes transport from Cusco, a guide during the whole tour, the camps already set up, mules or horses to carry the heavy gear, all the meals, and the entrance to Machu Picchu.

Most Popular Routes

If you are already ready to plan your trip, here are the most recommended options for the 2026 season:

• Classic Salkantay Trek (5 days): The most complete and popular route: it includes the Humantay Lake, the crossing of the Salkantay Pass, and the descent through the jungle before reaching Machu Picchu.
• Short Salkantay Trek (4 days): A shorter version, ideal for those who have little time and already have a good physical condition to walk at a more intense pace.
• Salkantay + Inca Trail (7 days): For those who want the best of both worlds: it combines the high mountain landscapes of the Salkantay with the historical trails of the Inca Trail.
• Ausangate + Rainbow Mountain: An excellent alternative if what you are looking for are amazing colorful landscapes along with the imposing snowy mountains of the south of Cusco.