The Salkantay Trek offers a fascinating alternative to the traditional Inca Trail, combining breathtaking alpine landscapes, lush cloud forests and the majesty of the Machu Picchu citadel in a 4-day/3-night experience that will change the way you see the world.
This journey will take you from the snowy heights of the majestic Salkantay (6,264 m), considered a sacred mountain or “Apu” in the Andean cosmovision, to the tropical forests surrounding the legendary Inca city. A journey that crosses diverse ecosystems and connects you deeply with the essence of the Peruvian Andes.
overview
Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Challacancha – Soraypampa
- Departure: 5:00 am from Cusco
- Altitude: Challacancha (3,400 masl) → Soraypampa (3,700 masl)
- Visible snow-capped peaks: Humantay (5,217 masl) and Salkantay (6,264 masl).
- Optional activity: Hike to Humantay Lake (4,220 masl) – 3 hours
- Weather: Cold
- Total time: 4 hours of transportation + 2-3 hours of base hike
Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Collpapampa
- Main challenge: Ascent to Salkantay Pass (4,600 masl)
- Highlight: Panoramic views of the Salkantay snow-capped mountain.
- Ecosystem transition: High mountains → Tropical climate
- Campsite: Collpapampa (3,000 masl)
- Recommendation: Bring repellent (area with mosquitoes).
- Total time: 10-11 hours of trekking
Day 3: Collpapampa – Wiñaypoco – Granadilla – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes
- Biodiversity: Lush forest with orchids, bromeliads and bomareas.
- Local villages: Wiñaypoco (2,650 masl) and Granadilla (2,100 masl)
- Transportation options: Hike or train (optional) from Hidroeléctrica
- Lodging: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Time: 5-6 hours of walking + 1h30min of transportation.
- Weather: Warm with presence of mosquitoes.
Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
- Departure: 5:30 am from hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Unique experience: Sunrise in the Inca citadel
- Guided exploration: Temples, ceremonial altars, residential areas
- Return: Train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco in the afternoon.
- Free time: For lunch and shopping in Aguas Calientes.
Note: This trek combines high mountain scenery, Andean biodiversity, and culminates with the archaeological wonder of Machu Picchu.
itinerary
Day 01: Cusco – Mollepata – Challacancha – Soraypampa
We start our Andean adventure leaving Cusco at 5:00 am towards Challacancha (3400 m.a.s.l.), crossing the picturesque village of Mollepata (3000 m.a.s.l.). In Challacancha we will meet our experienced muleteers to begin the most spectacular trekking in Peru. The route takes us through a majestic valley guarded by the imposing Humantay (5217 m a.s.l.) and Salkantay (6264 m a.s.l.). Our first mountain camp is established in Soraypampa (3700 m a.s.l.).
Optional activity: After lunch, we recommend an additional hike to the spectacular Humantay Lagoon, a must-see photographic destination with its glacial turquoise waters and panoramic views of the snow-capped mountain. This hike from Soraypampa (3900 m a.s.l.) to the lagoon (4220 m a.s.l.) takes approximately 3 hours round trip.
Climate: Andean cold
Transportation time: 4 hours
Base trekking time: 2-3 hours
Extra hike to the lagoon: 3 hours
Difficulty: moderate
Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Collpapampa
After an energetic breakfast, we will face the biggest challenge of the trek: the ascent to the Salkantay Pass (4600 m.a.s.l.), a point that offers impressive views of the majestic snow-capped Salkantay. This culminating point of the trek rewards us with unforgettable panoramas of the Peruvian Andes. We then begin our descent, experiencing a fascinating ecosystem transition where we will appreciate how the landscape gradually changes. We will camp in Collpapampa (3000 m a.s.l.), located in a tropical microclimate with lush vegetation.
Hiking time: 10-11 hours
Difficulty: high
Special recommendation: carry mosquito repellent.
Day 3: Collpapampa – Wiñaypoco – Granadilla – Hydroelectric power plant – Aguas Calientes
At dawn, after breakfast, we will descend through a cloud forest full of Andean biodiversity, where you can admire colorful wild orchids, exotic bromeliads and endemic bomareas. We will visit local communities in Wiñaypoco (2650 m a.s.l.) and Granadilla (2100 m a.s.l.), where we will have an authentic cultural experience with Andean families. From Granadilla we will take transportation to Hidroeléctrica, where we will have lunch. To get to Aguas Calientes, we can choose to continue walking or take the panoramic train (optional service). We will spend the night in a comfortable tourist lodge in preparation for the visit to Machu Picchu.
Hiking time: 5-6 hours
Transportation time: 1h 30min (La Playa – Hidroeléctrica)
Weather: warm with presence of mosquitoes.
Lodging: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Day 04: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
The Long-Awaited Day Has Arrived!
After our effort on the Salkantay trek, we will receive our well-deserved reward: a visit to the world wonder of Machu Picchu. We will depart from the hotel at 5:30 AM to take the bus that will bring us to the Inca citadel just at the break of the Andean dawn, a magical moment when the first rays of sunlight illuminate the ancient stones.
Accompanied by our specialized guide, we will explore the secrets of the Inca civilization as we walk through its impressive sacred constructions: astronomical temples, ceremonial altars, royal residences, and agricultural terraces. This immersive experience will allow us to deeply understand the ancestral history and cultural legacy of the Incas.
At the end of the visit, we will descend to Aguas Calientes to have lunch and relax for a bit.
Finally, in the afternoon, we will board the train back to Ollantaytambo. From there, we will continue the journey by land to the city of Cusco, thus concluding this unforgettable experience through the majestic Peruvian Andes.
Includes: Professional guide, entrance to Machu Picchu, uphill bus
Not included: Downhill bus (optional), meals in Aguas Calientes
Included
Services Included
Complete Transportation
- Private transfer from your hotel to the town of Mollepata (Challacancha), the starting point of the trek
- Ground transportation from Granadilla to the hydroelectric station
- Tourist bus for the round trip between Aguas Calientes and the Machu Picchu citadel
- Panoramic train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and bus connection to Cusco
Premium Accommodation
- High-quality private camping domes for the first night
- Comfortable domes for the second night of camping
- Tourist-category hotel in Aguas Calientes for the third night, prior to the Machu Picchu visit
Entrance Fees & Guided Tour
- Official entry ticket to Salkantay National Park
- Entrance to the Machu Picchu citadel
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish & English), specialized in Andean culture and Inca history
Equipment & Logistics
- High-quality camping gear with modern technology
- Complete meals during the excursion:
- Nutritious breakfasts
- Energy-packed lunches
- Comforting dinners
- Trail snacks
- Vegetarian option available (must request in advance)
- Professional cook and assistant to prepare fresh meals
- Local muleteers and mules for luggage and equipment transport
- Emergency horse available if needed
- Fully equipped first aid kit and oxygen bottle for high-altitude emergencies
Services Not Included
- Breakfast on the first day (we recommend having breakfast at your hotel)
- Final lunch in Aguas Calientes on the fourth day
- Second bus ride down from Machu Picchu (optional for those staying longer)
- Sleeping bag (available for rent if you don’t have one)
- Trekking poles (recommended for the trek, available for rent)
- Optional train ride from the hydroelectric station to Aguas Calientes (third day)
What Do I Need to Bring?
- Basic gear: waterproof backpack, sleeping bag
- Clothing suitable for different climates (important for mountainous areas where the weather can change rapidly)
- Proper footwear for various terrains
- Personal protection items (sunscreen, insect repellent)
- Essentials to document your experience (camera)
- Important documents (passport, ISIC student card)
- Extra clothing for changing is highly recommended, especially in humid environments where clothes may not dry overnight.
Contact Us
More Information
What is the level of difficulty of the Salkantay Trek?
The Salkantay Trek is moderate to challenging. It involves long hikes through mountainous terrain and high altitude. It is recommended to be in good physical shape and acclimatize to the altitude before trekking.
What are the main attractions of the Salkantay Trek?
The trek offers incredible views of the Salkantay glaciers, the Humantay Lagoon, cloud forests, impressive waterfalls, and the arrival at the majestic Machu Picchu, one of the most emblematic places in the world.
Is it necessary to be in good physical condition to do the trek?
Yes, although it is not necessary to be an athlete, it is advisable to be in good physical shape, as the trek involves long walks and high altitudes. It is recommended to do preparatory exercises such as walking or climbing stairs before the trip.
How high is the highest point of the Salkantay Trek?
The highest point is the Salkantay pass (4,600 meters above sea level). It is important to acclimatize properly to avoid altitude problems.
What equipment should I bring for the Salkantay Trek?
It is essential to bring warm clothing, light walking clothes, comfortable hiking boots, a small backpack, headlamp, sunscreen, hat, insect repellent and a bottle of water.
How safe is the trek?
The Salkantay Trek is generally safe, but as with any high mountain trek, it is always important to follow the instructions of the guides, be aware of the weather and altitude, and be prepared for changes in the terrain.
Is it possible to do the trek without a guide?
No, the Salkantay Trek requires professional guides to ensure safety, compliance with local regulations and a complete cultural experience. The guides are also knowledgeable about alternative routes and can assist in cases of emergency.
Is it possible to do the trek all year round?
Yes, the Salkantay Trek can be done all year round. However, the high season is from May to October, when weather conditions are more stable. From November to April, it is rainy season, which can affect the trekking.
Altitude map
Price
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
We have alternative prices to suit all budgets, prices per person, expressed in US Dollars.
Make your quotes and reservations to [email protected], you can also contact one of our sales executives at the following phone numbers, we will gladly assist you.
- Phone – WhatsApp: +51 969 787 221
- Phone – WhatsApp: +51 986 994 218
HOW TO BOOK THE TOUR?
To start the booking process, send us the following information:
- Name and surname:
- Passport number:
- Nationality:
- Date of birth:
- Telephone:
Very important – We need the address and information of the hotel where you are staying, in the city of Cusco, in order to pick you up at the tour start time.
To confirm reservations we require 50% payment in advance and the other 50% can be paid upon arrival at your destination.
PAYMENT METHODS
- IZIPAY
- PAYPAL
- WESTER UNION
- MONEYGRAM
- TRANSFER TO OUR PERUVIAN BANK ACCOUNT
