This Salkantay Trek is an alternative route to the Classic Inca Trail, considered among the 25 best in the world according to the National Geographic magazine.
With high snow-capped mountains, lush rainforests and a variety of flora and fauna, this hike offers a perfect blend of hiking, culture and nature. Far from the crowds, this is a cutting-edge experience for adventure travelers looking for a bit more privacy and authenticity, since for now it is not an agglomerated route like the Inca Trail. The Quechua and pre-Inca peoples named this mountain Apu Salkantay (God protector). The snow is located in the Vilcabamba mountain range and is at 6 271 m.s. or 20 574 feet. Next to this mountain is also the Humantay mountain which is at 5 917 m.s.n.m. or 19 412 feet.
Salkantay mountain, the tallest mountain in the Cordillera Vilcabamba at 6,272 m/20,569 feet and the second highest in the Cusco area. The Salkantay trek offers more natural beauty, as opposed to ancient ruins. You pass high mountains and sweltering jungle, all in very desolate areas.
Salkantay trek itinerary
Day 1: Cusco - Mollepata - Soraypampa Salkantay trek - Soraypampa
At 04:30 a.m. We will pick you up from your hotel to leave towards the town of Mollepata at 2 800 m.s.n.m. (9 116 feet). This is a beautiful scenic trip through the valley of Limatambo where you can take pictures of the Apurimac valley. When we get to Mollepata we will have breakfast, it is in this place where we will meet the muleteers and animals to start our hike to Salkantay and we will start walking towards Soraypampa (3 825 m.s. or 12,371 ft.). After 4 hours of walking we will have lunch in the town of Sayllapata, and then we will continue to our first camp in Soraypampa. Dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Soraypampa - Wayracpampa - Colpapampa open salkantay
This day we woke up very early 5:00 am and we will walk approximately 2 hours to reach the Salkantay pass (4,650 meters above sea level or 15 091 feet), where we will appreciate the Salkantay snow capped mountains, such as the Humantay mountain on the right and Tucarhuay to the left side. Once here, we will observe the snowy Salkantay (6 271 masl or 20 574 feet) and the magnificent view of snow avalanches, then we will pass through spectacular places of the vast Andean territory that lead to the gradual descent of our walk through the cloud forest , where vegetation and wildlife will become abundant. Camp in Colpapampa (2,900m or 9,514ft). Dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Colpapampa - Sawayaco Beach - Santa Teresa
After breakfast, we will start our walk at approximately 06:30 am through the high forest and we will cross the Lluskamayo river and different streams and waterfalls, we will go through different valleys, and we will be able to observe the endemic flora and fauna of the region, more the amazing view of waterfalls. After 6 hours of walking we will arrive at Playa - Sahuayaco (2 250 m.s. or 7,381 ft.) For lunch; Then we will take the bus that will take us to Santa Teresa (1 900 m or 6 233 ft). Place where we will camp and then relax in the thermal baths of Cocalmayo (optional).
Day 4: Santa Teresa - Hidroelectrica - Aguas Calientes
After breakfast we will begin the hike through the Santa Teresa Valley to Hidroeléctrica, where we will have lunch and continue our walk with a majestic view of Machu Picchu and the main sacred mountains of the Incas such as: Huayna Picchu, Putucusi After 6 hours of walking, we will arrive at the town of Aguas Calientes (1 900 m.s. or 6 233 feet), where we will spend the night.
Day 5: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco
We will have our breakfast at 4:00 am; then we will start our walk towards the citadel of Machu Picchu. After registering your ticket we will start the tour of the Inca citadel for about two hours. After that, you will have free time to climb the Huayna Picchu (optional) and visit the different sites recommended by our guide, such as: the Inti Punku and the mountain of Machu Picchu. Finally, we will return by train to the city of Ollantaytambo, and then by car to Cusco.
Salkantay Trail Google Maps
When is the best time to hike to Machu Picchu?
The best season is during the dry season, which covers the months April to the end of September. In October the rains begin and you can find Machu Picchu covered by clouds. If you travel in June, we recommend you to book the Inti Raymi 2020 Tour that takes place in June 24th, and also hike the Palcoyo Mountain Tour, which is an incredible Rainbow Mountain located in the Andes.
Alternative Treks to Salkantay Trek
Many are the routes that take you to Machu Picchu, but none is like the Inca Trail Tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Perú, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views.
- Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 days
- Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 days
- Inca Quarry Trail 4 Days
- Choquequirao Trek 4 Days
- Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days
- 2 Day Inca Trail Tour
- 2 Day Inca Trail with Camping
- 3 Day Inca Trail
- Vilcabamba Hike to Machu Picchu 6 days
- Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu 9 days
- Ausangate trek 7 days
If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu Ticket in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.