Salkantay Trek, Peru – Travel Guide

Hikers on the Salkantay Trek

The Salkantay Trek is one of the most popular ways to reach Machu Picchu. A long-time budget-backpacker favourite, it is increasingly the preferred option for trekkers of all ages, ability levels and wallet sizes. 

Named after the Salkantay Mountain (which means Savage Mountain in Quechua), the trek is an alternative to the more famous Inca Trail and offers hikers a thrilling adventure and spectacular mountain scenery. It was the absolute highlight of my time in Peru! From the frosty heights of the Salkantay Pass through to hot and humid jungle, it’s a breathtaking journey that’s earned it a place as one of the best hikes in the country.

If you’re considering tackling the Salkantay Trek, read on to find out all you need to know about this Andean adventure.


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A Guide to the Salkantay Trek, Peru 🥾

When To Do the Salkantay Trek 🌦️

The dry season is the best time to hike the Salkantay Trek, which runs from April to October. April-May and September-October are considered optimal as these months see fewer crowds as well as dry weather. June-August are peak months.

It is possible to hike the trail during the rainy season (November-March), although some companies choose not to run tours during January and February, which are the wettest months. The weather can be unpredictable and it can rain at any time of year, so always be prepared with a rain jacket or poncho.

The temperatures remain fairly consistent throughout the year but vary quite widely along the trek as you pass through different microclimates. Even at altitude, it can get very warm during the day and evenings are cold in the mountains. Layers are the best option at any time of year so you can add or remove clothes as the temperature changes.

Do the Salkantay trail. It’ll change your life.

Aaron Massey, South America Backpacker Community Member.
Lagoon backed by snowy mountain and sunrise
The dry season offers the best weather on the Salkantay Trek.

Trekking With a Company Versus Independently 🚶‍♀️‍➡️

It is possible to do the Salkantay Trek without a guide. Aside from the cost, there are a few things to consider when deciding whether to hike with a tour company or independently. 

Convenience

Firstly, of course, there is the convenience. When hiking with a company all the organisation will be done for you. Your food, accommodation and Machu Picchu tickets are all arranged on your behalf and you’ll be guided on the trail so you don’t need to worry about navigating.

Ease

When you trek as part of a tour your luggage will be transported by porters and horses. You will be allowed to bring 7 kg in a duffel bag that is carried from camp to camp for you, meaning that all you need to carry is your day pack with essentials like extra layers and water. When trekking independently you will need to bear this burden yourself. If you’re planning to camp, extra equipment can soon add up to a lot of kilos. Hiking at altitude is tough; you will need to be confident that you are fit enough to trek with your pack.

Safety

The Salkantay Trek is generally safe and the trail is fairly easy to navigate. However, things can and sometimes do go wrong. Altitude sickness and accidents happen. With a tour group, you can relax knowing that the guides are prepared to deal with illness, accidents or emergencies. If you hike independently, it’s advised that you don’t trek alone and always make sure that someone knows where you are and where you are due to stay overnight.

Travel Buddies

Trekking in a group is a great way to meet new people and can be a particularly good option for solo travellers. Not only can you make new travel buddies but it’s great having the support of others on the trail when you’re flagging.

Our Top Pick!
Salkantay Trek by Alpaca Expeditions
  • World Travel Awards for Leading Tour Operator in South America in 2023!
  • Trek through the Andes on one of Peru's best hikes
  • Discover lagoons, gleaming glaciers and lush jungle
  • Your trek with Alpaca Expeditions helps to support local communities
Group of hikers at Humantay Lagoon
A group trek is a great way to meet travel buddies!

How Much Does the Salkantay Trek Cost? 💰

The cost of your Salkantay Trek will depend on a few factors. The main one is whether you decide to hike independently or with a company, and then (if you go with a tour) which company you choose.

If booking a guided trek, you will be spoiled for choice and the bewildering difference in costs may seem overwhelming. Prices range from around $250USD for budget options to $1,000+USD for premium or luxury tours. You can likely find tours for even less if you scout around on the ground in Cusco.

The difference in prices comes down to a few things:

  • Type of accommodation

Accommodation can range from basic tents to luxury glass domes with real beds and hot showers. 

  • Quality of food

The more you pay for a tour, the better quality and variety of food you’re likely to enjoy. Some treks also include daily snacks and supply drinking water.

  • Method of transport 

The most basic tours will provide transfer back to Cusco by bus rather than by train. Mid-range tours may offer the choice, and to upgrade from a car to train transfer will cost around $70USD. More comprehensive tours will include the return to Cusco by train as standard.

Choosing Between the Train and Bus 🚂

There are two ways to return to Cusco from Aguas Calientes (the town closest to Machu Picchu): by train or bus. The train is by far the more popular option and provides glorious mountain views. Note that the train usually only goes as far as Ollantaytambo (2 hours), from where you’ll be transported by car for the remainder of the journey to Cusco (2 hours). 

The second option is to take a car transfer. While this is a cheaper option, it is significantly longer and less comfortable. To pick up the transfer you will need to hike back to Hydroelectrica along the train tracks. This will take around 3 hours and means retracting your steps from the day before. The car journey takes around 6 hours, making the total journey time around 9 hours, compared with the 4 hours by train/car.

Consider carefully whether the extra hike and journey time is worth the cost saving. You will also need to leave Machu Picchu around 11 am at the latest if taking the bus, which could mean your visit feels a little rushed, depending on your entry time.

  • Group size

Some companies will take groups of up to around 20 people. The smaller the group size on your trek, the more you will pay. If you would prefer to trek with a private guide you will pay a premium.

  • Inclusions

When choosing a tour company, always make sure you know what is included. Providing all meals is usually standard, but extras such as snacks or drinking water likely won’t be included on budget treks. Cheaper options also won’t include the cost of equipment hire, such as a warm sleeping bag (an essential!) and trekking poles (optional). If they are not included, it will usually be cheaper to hire these things from a store in Cusco than directly from the trekking company.

  • Quality of care for staff

Cheaper tours are likely to have fewer staff and horses carrying more equipment. Check the ethical policies of the tour company and ensure they pay their staff a fair wage and are well cared for.

People riding horses on a mountain
Make sure you choose a company that takes care of its staff and horses.
  • Adding a mountain onto your Machu Picchu ticket

Organised treks will include entrance to Machu Picchu, but if you want to trek up one of the mountains in the complex, this will incur an additional cost. Adding either Machu Picchu Mountain or Wayna Picchu Mountain to your entry ticket will cost around $60USD extra.

Money-saving tip! 💵

Machu Picchu tickets including Machu Picchu Mountain or Wayna Picchu Mountain access cost 200PEN (approx. $53USD) when bought through the official ticket site. If you know you want to climb one of these and know the dates of your trek, you could purchase your ticket yourself rather than through the trekking company. You could then ask the company to remove the cost of your entry ticket from the trek price. There is no guarantee that they could do this, but it’s worth asking and at the very least you’d be saving $7USD.

If you decide to hike independently, you can reduce your overall expenses, but there are some unavoidable costs, including:

  • Machu Picchu ticket: approx. $40-$53USD
  • Travel to the trailhead and back to Cusco: approx. $30USD (by collectivo and taxi; add approx. $70USD if taking the train)
  • Entry fee to trail : 20PEN (approx. $5USD)
  • Accommodation and food on the trail: approx. $100-$200USD

The Salkantay Trek Terrain and Difficulty 💪

The Salkantay Trek is a moderately challenging hike. Much of the way involves trekking over rough, stony paths and some sections become very rocky. Good hiking boots are essential. There are also temperature extremes as the trail includes walking over mountain passes and descending through humid jungle. 

As with many treks in South America, it’s the altitude that poses the most difficulty. The highest point of the trek is Salkantay Pass, which is 4,620 metres above sea level.

Expect some rugged terrain on the Salkantay Trek.

As you might expect on a mountain trail, there is a lot of ascending and descending, sometimes on the same day. The most challenging part is on the morning of Day 2, on a section affectionately named The Gringo Killer, which involves a steep uphill climb and a series of switchbacks to reach the Salkantay Pass.

I’ve hiked at altitude before and while I found the Salkantay Trek challenging it wasn’t as tough as I expected. Don’t be put off by terms like ‘Gringo Killer’. The guides sometimes make it sound worse than it is!

Lisa Barham, Writer at South America Backpacker

Beware Altitude Sickness 🤢

Symptoms of altitude sickness include headache, nausea, tiredness, dizziness, loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping. All of which can make trekking very challenging! 

The best defence is to acclimatise slowly. It’s highly recommended to spend at least two days in Cusco before beginning any trek, especially if you are arriving from sea level. When hiking, go at your own pace and make sure to drink plenty of water. Hydration is essential to defeating altitude sickness. You could also try chewing coca leaves or drinking coca tea.

If you are feeling unwell, tell your guide so that they can monitor you. If you develop severe symptoms you may need to descend.


The Salkantay Trek Itinerary ➡️

The Salkantay Trek is hiked over four or five days. Each tour company has their preferred campsites and some will offer a slight variation on the classic itinerary, but in general the itinerary is roughly as follows.

4-Day Salkantay Trek

Day 1

  • Depart Cusco around 5 am
  • Stop en route at Mollepata for breakfast
  • Arrive at the trailhead at Soraypampa around 9.30-10 am
  • Hike 2 hours to Humantay Lagoon
  • Enjoy free time exploring the lagoon and the views
  • Hike another 2 hours to campsite
  • Rest and enjoy the mountain scenery

Day 2

  • Early start to begin ascent to Salkantay pass
  • Trek for around 3 hours, including steep inclines
  • Arrive Salkantay Pass, the highest point on the trail, and enjoy free time to take in the scenery
  • Begin descent following a rocky pathway for around 2 hours
  • Break for lunch
  • Continue descent and enter jungle climate, hiking for 3 hours on a gradual decline towards camp

Day 3

  • Another early start to begin a 3-hour undulating jungle hike
  • Arrive at Lucmabamba and enjoy a tour of a local coffee plantation
  • Break for lunch
  • Take a 1.5-hour car journey from Lucmabamba to Hydroelectrica
  • Hike 3 hours along the train tracks from Hydroelectrica to Aguas Calientes
  • Overnight in hostel or hotel in Aguas Calientes town

Day 4

  • Hike 1.5 hours or take a 30-minute bus to Machu Picchu
  • Enjoy a tour of Machu Picchu citadel and free time to explore
  • Time to climb Machu Picchu or Wayna Picchu Mountain (only if included in your entry ticket; tickets with mountain access must be purchased in advance)
  • Descend by bus or foot to Aguas Calientes
  • Return to Cusco by train
The Salkantay Trek is a diverse trail.

5-Day Salkantay Trek

Day 1

  • Depart Cusco around 5 am
  • Stop en route at Mollepata for breakfast
  • Arrive at the trailhead at Soraypampa around 9.30-10 am
  • Hike 2 hours to Humantay Lake
  • Enjoy free time exploring the lagoon and the views
  • Hike another 2 hours to campsite
  • Rest and enjoy the mountain scenery

Day 2

  • Early start to begin ascent to Salkantay pass
  • Trek for around 3 hours, including steep inclines
  • Arrive Salkantay Pass, the highest point on the trail
  • Enjoy free time to take in the scenery
  • Begin descent following a rocky pathway for around 2 hours
  • Break for lunch
  • Continue descent and enter jungle climate, hiking for 3 hours on a gradual decline towards camp

Day 3

  • Another early start to begin the 3-hour undulating jungle hike
  • Arrive at Lucmabamba and enjoy a tour of a local coffee plantation
  • Lunch
  • Afternoon may include free time or an optional visit to Santa Teresa hot springs

Day 4

  • Rise early to begin the hike to Hydroelectrica
  • Trek for 3 hours on an incline to the small archaeological site of Llactapata
  • Time to explore the ruins of Llactapata from where you can enjoy your first view of Machu Picchu
  • Hike the 2-hour descent from Llactapata to Hydroelectrica
  • Break for lunch
  • Hike 3 hours along the train tracks from Hydroelectrica to Aguas Calientes
  • Overnight in hostel or hotel in Aguas Calientes town

Day 5

  • Hike 1.5 hours or take a 30-minute bus to Machu Picchu
  • Enjoy a tour of Machu Picchu citadel and free time to explore
  • Time to climb Machu Picchu or Wayna Picchu Mountain (only if included in your entry tickets; tickets with mountain access must be purchased in advance)
  • Descend by bus or foot to Aguas Calientes
  • Return to Cusco by train

What impressed me the most about the Salkantay Trek is the diversity of scenery and microclimates. One minute you’re hiking mountainous terrain in thick snow freezing your butt off and the next minute you’re walking through tropical jungle peeling off the layers! And of course, you have the spectacular reward of Machu Picchu at the end – there’s no other trek like it in the world!

Nikki Scott, Founder and Editor South America Backpacker

How and When To Book the Salkantay Trek 🗓️

The Salkantay Trek can be booked online in advance or at local offices in Cusco. Unlike the Inca Trail, which can sometimes be fully booked six months in advance, the Salkantay Trek can be booked closer to your preferred departure date. However, the most popular tour companies are often booked up around 2 months in advance, particularly in peak season, so if you have a particular company in mind it’s worth booking ahead.

Campsites are available for independent trekkers.

If you don’t book before you arrive in Cusco, you will likely be able to find something last minute by asking around. The only problem you may incur with this option is the availability of Machu Picchu tickets. However, it’s possible to book a trek without tickets and then purchase your entry ticket in person at Aguas Calientes.

See our Machu Picchu guide for more information on how and where to buy Machu Picchu tickets.


Accommodation on the Salkantay Trek ⛺

Accommodation on the Salkantay Trek can vary quite widely and where you sleep will depend on your budget and the company that you choose to trek with. The options range from basic tents for budget tours to luxury cabins and glass domes for the high-end tours.

For the mid-range options, the accommodation is likely to include small huts that fit 2-3 people and shared bathrooms. The huts will include mattresses and, if you’re very lucky, a pillow. They are basic but comfortable enough after a long day on the trail. Not all campsites provide showers and those that do charge for hot water. (Cold water showers are usually free if you’re feeling brave!)

Toilets are Western style but may need to be manually flushed (using a bucket of water). It’s advisable to carry a small soap for hand washing.

If you’re hiking independently, you’ll have the option of camping (if you fancy carrying your own tent) or staying at some of the hostels and lodges available along the trail.

I was pleasantly surprised by the accommodation along the trail. While some of the huts are basic, they are comfortable enough and have amazing views!

Lisa Barham, Writer at South America Backpacker
The accommodation might be basic but the views can’t be beaten!

Food and Drink on the Salkantay Trek 🍲

As with accommodation, the standard of food is likely to differ depending on how much you pay for the trek. Generally speaking, all meals are included and usually served buffet-style for the group to enjoy together. Meals will typically be local Peruvian food and include things such as soup (to start), chicken, salad, quinoa, rice and plenty of beans and vegetables. 

Dietary requirements can often be catered for if you advise the company before the start of your trek. 

The villages and campsites along the route will have food options for independent hikers.

Meals are a family affair on the Salkantay Trek.

Packing List for the Salkantay Trek 👕

Essentials:

  • Passport
  • Student ID (if booked as a student)
  • Daypack (the smaller, the better)
  • Water and refillable bottle
  • Hiking poles (optional but recommended)
  • Hiking boots
  • Headlamp

For your daypack (note that bags over 25 litres are not permitted inside Machu Picchu):

  • Rain jacket/poncho
  • Waterproof trousers
  • Sunhat
  • Sunglasses
  • Fleece
  • Warm jacket
  • Warm hat
  • Waterproof gloves 
  • Sunscreen
  • Camera
  • Small soap
  • Hand sanitiser
  • Insect repellent
  • Toilet paper
  • Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips 

For your duffel bag:

  • Comfortable shoes for camp
  • 2-3 wicking t-shirts
  • Hiking trousers
  • Underwear
  • Hiking socks x 4 pairs
  • Quickdry towel
  • Sleeping bag (down bags for at least -10ºC are recommended)
  • Wet wipes
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Personal medication and first aid kit
  • Power bank (there is nowhere to charge devices on the trail)
  • Plastic bags (for wet clothes and dirty laundry)

The Salkantay Trek Versus the Inca Trail 🆚

Many people who want to hike to Machu Picchu find themselves torn between the Salkantay Trek and the Inca Trail. To help you decide which is right for you, here are a few of the key differences:

Cost

The Inca Trail is more expensive than the Salkantay Trek. This is largely due to the fact that more staff and porters are required on the Inca Trail to carry camping equipment. Permits are also required for the Inca Trail, which adds to the cost.

The price difference can sometimes be the deciding factor for hikers and the affordability of the Salkantay Trek has made it the most popular backpacker option. 

Route and Landscape

The Classic Inca Trail follows the path that the Incas used to reach Machu Picchu and it passes a number of archaeological sites en route. The trail leads directly to the citadel and trekkers will enter the site through the Sun Gate, which is only accessible via the Inca Trail. 

In contrast, the Salkantay Trek takes an alternative route that passes through spectacular mountain scenery, with stunning vistas all the way. Unlike the Inca Trail, it doesn’t pass archaeological sites (with the exception of Llactapata on the 5-day trek) and the trail ends in the town of Aguas Calientes. The benefit of this is that trekkers can have a comfortable and restful night at the end of the trek before exploring Machu Picchu the following day.

Trail Distance and Duration

The 5-day Salkantay Trek covers 74 km. The Classic Inca Trail is a total of 44 km hiked over four days.

Difficulty and Altitude

Both treks are at altitude, which can make trekking challenging. The highest point on the Inca Trail is Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,200 m.a.s.l., whereas the Salkantay Trek reaches an altitude of 4,620 m at Salkantay Pass.

The terrain along the Salkantay Trek is generally considered more challenging but the Inca Trail has its own difficulties and features lots of steep steps.

Feeling on top of the world at the Salkantay Pass!

Availability and Crowds

Hiking the Inca Trail requires a permit. There are 500 permits available for each day, however around 300 of these are taken up by staff, trekking guides and porters. That means there are only around 200 permits available for trekkers every day. Owing to this limitation and the trek’s popularity, the Inca Trail is fully booked months in advance, sometimes up to six months in high season. Even with this cap on numbers the trail can feel crowded.

In contrast, the Salkantay Trek sees around half the number of trekkers each day and annually receives around 30,000 hikers compared with the 66,000 that will hike the Inca Trail. The Salkantay Trek therefore is much less crowded and does not need to be booked so far in advance. There are no number limits or permits required on the Salkantay Trek.

Accommodation and Facilities

On the Inca Trail, hikers camp in tents and the only toilets available are the portable variety. (Sometimes a nature wee is the way to go!) There is no other accommodation option on the trail and there are no showers available.

The accommodation on the Salkantay Trek is much more comfortable. Unless you opt for a budget trek that only includes tents or you decide to camp yourself, you can usually expect to stay in small huts along the trail. The more expensive the tour, the more comfortable you can expect the accommodation to be. There are also guesthouses and hostels along the route. Western-style toilets are found along the length of the trail and some accommodation options have showers (hot water showers, where available, are usually charged for).

Hiking Independently 

The Inca Trail can only be hiked with an official guide and the trail permits can only be purchased by tour companies. It is not possible to hike the Inca Trail independently. The Salkantay Trek however can be hiked independently and does not require a permit. (Although there is a small 20 PEN fee to enter the trail.)

Guides are optional on the Salkantay Trek.

The Salkantay Trek FAQs ❓

What is the best month to do the Salkantay Trek?

For a combination of the best weather and fewer crowds, April-May and September-October are the best months to hike the Salkantay Trek.

How long is the Salkantay Trek?

The Salkantay Trek is around 74 km and can be hiked over four or five days.

Do I need to be fit?

The Salkantay Trek is a challenging route that involves hiking at altitude on tough terrain for around 6-7 hours each day. A good general level of fitness is required.

Be prepared for lots of ascents!

Do I need to acclimatise before the Salkantay Trek? 

It is advised to spend 2-3 days in Cusco before beginning any trek in the region to acclimatise to the altitude. This is especially important if you are arriving from sea level or low altitude.

Are there showers?

There are showers available at some, but not all, campsites and accommodation along the trail. Cold water showers are usually free but hot water will usually be charged around 10 PEN (approx. $2.70USD) per person per shower.

What are the toilets like?

Toilets along the route are Western-style. Bring your own toilet paper and soap as they aren’t always available.

Can I trek independently?

Yes, independent hikers are welcome on the Salkantay Trek.

How far in advance should I book?

During high season it’s advisable to book a couple of months in advance, but you will usually be able to find something last-minute on the ground if you can be flexible with dates.

Does the trek include my ticket to Machu Picchu?

Yes, organised Salkantay Treks will include entry tickets to Machu Picchu. Independent hikers will need to buy their own ticket in advance online or in person at Aguas Calientes.

View over city of Machu Picchu and surrounding mountains
Machu Picchu is your reward at the end of the Salkantay Trek!

The Salkantay Trek: Is It Worth It? 😀

Yes, absolutely! The Salkantay Trek is one of the best hikes in Peru and an increasingly popular way to reach Machu Picchu. The scenery is nothing short of spectacular and it is easily one of the most beautiful trails I have completed in all my travels across South America and Southeast Asia.

The route is fairly difficult but the rewards are huge, and with decent accommodation and facilities along the way, the trail is challenging but comfortable. When anyone asks me if the Salkantay Trek is worth it, I say: absolutely! It’s an epic journey and a thrilling adventure you’ll never forget.

Have you hiked the Salkantay Trek? Let us know how you found it in the comments!

Lisa-Barham-author-pic
Lisa Barham

Lisa is a writer and traveller who left her nine-to-five in London for life on the road. Today, she spends her time solo backpacking, navigating through life and unfamiliar streets. After eating, hiking and surfing her way through Southeast Asia, she headed for a new adventure in South America, to travel through the continent learning Spanish, and a few other valuable lessons along the way!

Follow her on: Instagram

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