Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – 4 Days

Yes, you need a guide for the Salkantay Trek. It is mandatory to do the trek with an agency that includes a bilingual guide. The guide helps you with acclimatization, tells you the history of the place, organizes meals, and takes care of you if you feel unwell. Furthermore, they coordinate the passage through communal lands and guarantee your safety throughout the entire trek.

The difficulty of the Salkantay Trek is high, especially on the second day when you ascend to the Salkantay Pass (4,600 meters / 15,092 ft). There are sections with extreme cold, wind, and long hiking days (7-8 hours). However, with good acclimatization in Cusco, proper hydration, and a personal pace, many people complete it. You don’t need to be an athlete, but you should have good physical condition.

The best time for the Salkantay Trek is from May to October, during the dry season. In those months there is less rain, clear days, and better conditions for hiking. This is when the most tourists go, so you need to book in advance. From November to April there is more precipitation, especially in the jungle, but the landscape is greener.

The Salkantay Machu Picchu trail is another way to refer to the complete Salkantay Trek route that ends at Machu Picchu. Although it’s not the official Inca Trail, many people call it that because of its final destination. It’s an adventure route that combines mountains, jungle, and archaeology, ideal for those looking for something different.

Salkantay trekking is the generic name for any hike through the Salkantay region. It can be 4, 5, or 6 days, with different difficulty levels. They all include extreme landscapes, contact with nature, and final access to Machu Picchu. It’s one of the best ways to get to know southern Peru from an adventure perspective.

The Salkantay Trek from Cusco starts in Soraypampa, about 3-4 hours from Cusco by transport. From there, the hike towards the Salkantay Pass begins. Some variations start in Mollepata or Challabamba, but they all follow a similar route through the Vilcabamba mountain range until reaching the jungle and then Machu Picchu.

The Salkantay alternative to the Inca Trail is ideal if you didn’t get a permit for the Inca Trail or are looking for a wilder experience. It doesn’t require an official permit, has fewer tourists, and offers more varied landscapes: snow, lagoons, jungle. Although you don’t walk on Inca stones, you end up at Machu Picchu and experience a unique adventure.

The Salkantay Pass is the highest point of the trek, at 4,600 meters (15,092 ft) above sea level. It’s the most demanding part of the journey, with cold, wind, and a long ascent. But it’s also the most rewarding: from there you see the Salkantay snow-capped mountain face-to-face and the landscape opens up towards the jungle. Many consider it the heart of the trek.

Soraypampa is the most common starting point for the Salkantay Trek. It’s located at 3,900 meters (12,795 ft), surrounded by mountains and grasslands. From here, the hike to the Salkantay Pass begins. It’s a peaceful place with few services but a special energy. Many travelers rest here before starting the climb.

Chaullay is a common stop on the second day of the Salkantay Trek. It’s a campsite at 3,600 meters (11,811 ft), located in a green valley with rivers and grasslands. You spend the night here after crossing the Salkantay Pass. It’s a tranquil place, ideal for resting and enjoying the view of the mountains at sunset.

Hidroeléctrica Machu Picchu is a small town at the end of the trek, where the hiking finishes. From there, you can walk 2 hours to Aguas Calientes or take a short train ride. It’s the last leg before visiting Machu Picchu. Many tours include the transfer from here by train, with entry to the citadel the next day.

In Aguas Calientes, Peru, you can rest, have dinner, take a bath in the hot springs (for a fee), or walk around the picturesque town. It’s the starting point for visiting Machu Picchu. There are ATMs, shops, restaurants, and the train station. It’s advisable to arrive early to have some free time before the visit.

Mollepata is a town that some tours pass through at the beginning of the Salkantay Trek. It’s at 3,100 meters (10,170 ft), between Cusco and Soraypampa. It’s a place you pass through, but some guides mention it for its historical importance as a connection point between valleys. It’s not a tourist destination, but it’s part of the journey.

An economical Salkantay Trek is a more affordable version of the journey, with basic services but equally safe. It includes a guide, food, camping, and transport, but may have larger groups or fewer comforts. It’s ideal for travelers on a limited budget who don’t want to miss the experience.

Bring layered clothing: t-shirt, fleece, waterproof jacket, and thermal pants. At night and at the pass, it is very cold, so wear warm clothes. In the jungle, it will be hot, so you also need light clothing. Well-broken-in hiking boots are essential. The weather changes quickly, so be prepared for everything.