The Salkantay Trek is an alternative Machu Picchu trek vs the traditional Inca Trail. The trek crosses the Salkantay Pass at 4600m, descends into the cloud forest and passes the Inca ruins Llactapata, with a view of Machu Picchu. The Salkantay Trek was named among the 25 best Treks in the World, by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine. The part around Mount Salkantay has some outstanding views and the descent later down to 1,000 m above sea level is quite gorgeous and not too steep.

Salkantay Trek vs Inca Trail

The Salkantay Trek is famous for its scenery, which most guides attest surpasses that of the Inca Trail. You have a better chance of seeing larger mammals such as foxes, deer, and chinchilla. The plant life is varied as well. It’s a hike through the picturesque Andes which takes you up to imposing glaciers and then has you descend through lush valleys with coffee plantations and then back up into the high jungle. There’s also about 72% less traffic on the Salkantay trek, 50 person daily average compared to a 180 person daily average on the Inca Trail. This means that you’ll have much of the trek to yourself, and the campsites en route aren’t crowded, letting you immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the wilderness and camp in a truer sense.

Salkantay Trek Difficulty

The Salkantay trek is almost twice as long as the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (51mi compared to 26mi) and reaches a higher altitude (15,215 ft rather than 13,800 ft). This does mean it’s more physically challenging than the Inca Trail. It’s generally colder as well.

Days: 5
Difficulty: Moderate
Activity: Hiking/Trekking
Highest Altitude: 15,215 ft
When to hike Machu Picchu: March to December
Closest airport to Machu Picchu: Cusco airport (CUZ)
Cusco Altitude: 11,200 ft.

Salkantay Trek Itinerary:

Day 1 Cusco to Salcantaypampa
We pick you up early from your hotel and drive for 4 hours to the start of the trail at Mollepata. At the trailhead we load our luggage onto horses before ascending gently to Soraypampa where we stop for lunch. From here it is a 2 hour ascent to our camp at Salcantaypampa(4000masl), just next to the impressive glacier of Salkantay . This will be a cold night so very warm clothes are essential. (Meals: L, D) Total distance: 12 km (6miles)
Estimated walking time: 6 hours
Maximum altitude point: 4,000 m (12,860 ft)
Campsite altitude: 4,000 m (12,860 ft)

Day 2 Salcantaypampa to Collpapampa
We depart early after breakfast and start a 2.5 hour ascent which brings us up to the Salkantay Mountain Pass (4525m/14842ft) where, besides enjoying stunning views of the surrounding glaciers, we may also observe chinchillas and condors in their natural habitat. From this point, we start descending towards a more tropical climate and into the so-called cloud forest. A long though easy descent brings us late afternoon to our camp at Collpapampa (2890m/9479ft).(Meals: B, L, D) Total distance: 18 km (10 miles)
Estimated walking time: 8 hours
Maximum altitude point: 4,525m / 14,842 ft
Campsite altitude: 2,890m / 9,479 ft

Day 3 Collpapampa to La Playa
Today we continue our hike with an easy walk along the Salkamayo River, enjoying the increasingly lush vegetation, passing waterfalls, passion fruit and coffee plantations. In the afternoon we arrive at our camp at the village of La Playa (2155m/7068ft), where we can refresh in the river before dinner. (Meals: B, L, D) Total distance: 15 km (9 miles)
Estimated walking time: 5 hours
Maximum altitude point: 2,890m / 9,479 ft
Campsite altitude: 2155m / 7068ft

Day 4: La Playa /Aguas Calientes
After breakfast, we cross the river and start climbing through coffee and fruit plantations to reach El Mirador (2860m/9381ft) from where we have an exceptional view of Machu Picchu. We enjoy a last lunch at the recently restored Inca site of Llaqtapata (2650m/8692ft) with views of both Machu Picchu and Salkantay before a 2-hour descent brings us to the small train station of Hydro- Electrica. A short train ride will take us to Aguas Calientes and our hostel for the night.( Meals: B, L) Total distance: 15 km (9miles)
Estimated walking time: 5 hours
Maximum altitude point: 2,700 m (8,860 ft)
Aguas calientes altitude: 2,000 m (6,400 ft)

Day 5: Aguas Calientes / Machu Picchu / Cusco
After an early breakfast, we take the bus up to Machu Picchu, arriving well before the majority of tourists. You will have a guided tour of the site for two hours before having a bit of free time and making your way back on the bus to Aguas Calientes in time for some lunch before boarding the afternoon train back to Cusco. Estimated walking time: 2 hours
Maximum altitude point: 2,400 m (7,870 ft ) Machupicchu

Salkantay Trek Guide:

With hundreds to choose from, choosing a guide for your Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu can be difficult. PAP Adventures stands apart from the rest. Their chefs have attended culinary training, and will amaze you with their artful presentation of food in the remotest of places. You will not find a more delicious meal on the trail. PAP is a locally owned and managed tour operator.

BOOK SALKANTAY TREK TRIP

Pre- trek briefing with guide on eve of departure
Professional bilingual tour guide
Assistant guide for more than 9 people
Entrance fees for Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
Transportation from hotel to start of trail and from Machu Picchu back to Cusco
Cook, dining tent, table, chairs and latrine tent
Horses and wranglers to carry supplies camping equipment and clients duffel bags
Drinking water on trail
4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 afternoon teas 3 dinners and trail snacks
Good quality two man tents
Hostel in Aguas Calientes Day 4
First aid kit and emergency oxygen
Foam sleeping mat ( more comfortable inflatable ones can be hired for U$20)
Duffle bag of 7 kg (15 pounds) per person (includes bag rental)

Flight
Tip for guide(s), cook(s) and porters: A good rule of thumb is approximately $10 - 15 dollars per day per hiker for the porters.
Breakfast on Day 1, lunch Day 5 and dinner 4 Day
Sleeping Bag Hire: $20 per hiker to be paid on-site
More comfortable inflatable mattress hire: $15 per hiker to be paid on-site
Travel Insurance
Emergency evacuation to local hospital if needed
In case of emergencies: bring an extra $200 and a credit card

It is suggested that you arrive in Cusco at least two or three days before your trek to allow yourself time to acclimatize. The more acclimatized you are, the more you will enjoy the trek.

Salkantay Trek Packing List

Special dietary restrictions
Reservations for on-site sleeping bag and/or inflatable mattress pad rental

Cusco Hotel Address and Phone Number for pickup and drop-off
Personal global phone number (if available)
Emergency contact Info
Final/full payment is due 30 days before trip

Passport valid 6 months after trip date.
Copy of traveler's insurance to provide to the guides for their records.
Failure to provide either one of these, can, and has, resulted in travellers being unable to continue on tour, so don't leave home without it.

Travel Guard offers competitive plans. Insurance items to include: emergency evacation, medical, trip interruption, baggage delay, and adventure sports waiver. The adventure sports waiver insurance covers high-alitude hiking.

Getting to Machu Picchu: For the airport closest to Machu Picchu, airlines, hotels, and other info related to Machu Picchu Peru: View the Peru destination guide.