Duration:
Price:
Maximum Altitude
6,271 m.s.n.m.
Difficulty
Moderate
Group Size
02 and 08 people
Type of Service
Group
The classic Inca Trail is famed for the diversity of its topography and ecosystems; the Salcantay Route’s smorgasbord is even more impressive. The 20,500-feet-high Mount Salcantay was one of the holiest Apus, or sacred peaks, in the Inca religious pantheon. It’s still revered today in traditional Andean religion. This mule-assisted hike cuts through the beautiful Mollepata Valley and traverses past Salcantay at an altitude above 15,000 feet. From those chilly heights, the trail descends into subtropical cloud forest, where it meets up with an ancient Inca highway (part of the original Capac Ñan network that connected the far ends of the empire) that leads to the recently rediscovered ruins of Llactapata. From there, one can gaze a few miles across the valley to take in a rare sidelong view of the full Machu Picchu complex. A downhill walk ends at the small train station, where a frequent shuttle runs along the Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu.
Day 1: training.
Pick up from the hotel in Cusco in Our private transport that will take us to Challacancha, where we will begin our unique adventure we will pass through these unique places. Hike Challacancha – Humantay lake and Soroypampa.
Hiking 08 hours approximately distance (14 km – 8.75 miles).
Day 2: challenge.
Start our intensive but not impossible hike from Soraypampa to the top of Salcantay Pass from where you can enjoy the beautiful views of the mountains and glaciers being there is the only experience. Hike Soraypampa – Salcantay Pass – Huayracpampa and Collpa Pampa.
Hiking 10 hours approximately distance (18 km – 11.25 miles).
Day 3: Hihg Jumgle.
impressive day and humid. In this route we will observe a great variety of flora and fauna including beautiful orchids. Hike Collpa Pampa – Sawayaco y Lucmabamba.
Hiking 5 hours approximately distance (15 km – 9.5 miles).
Day 4: llactapata.
Coffee tour in the area and a nice hike to the top from there we will enjoy one of the most spectacular views of Machupicchu. Hike Lucmabamba – llactapata – hidroelectrica and Aguas Calientes.
Hiking 10 hours approximately distance (20 km – 13 miles).
Day 5: Machupicchu.
or our last day we will have to catch a early bus to reach the Machu Picchu. The site opens at 6:00 am and we will head towards the “guardian house” which is the perfect spot for “postcard” pictures and some of the best views.
Bus 30 minutes approximately distance (10 km – 6.5 miles).
HIGHLIGTS:
- The best local professional tour guides.
- The best hikes, campsites and tours in the world.
- Discover the incas land along the way to Machupicchu.
- Explore the best tourist destination, Machu Picchu
- Travel with the best local agency travel. Tour operator
Incluided
✓ PRE – DEPARTURE BRIEFING:
We offer a tourist orientation to our visitors before doing the excursion to Machu Picchu. The briefing starts at 6:00 p.m. We understand you may be nervous or have any questions about the excursion. This is the opportunity to meet with your tour guide and travel companions.
✓ EXPERIENCED TOUR GUIDES:
We have local professional tour guides who know a lot about their history and customs. They know the Inca trails very well and speak fluent English. You will feel safe in their hands.
✓ TRANSPORTATION:
Transportation is included in your tour package, from pick-up at your hotel until the conclusion of your tour in Cusco.
✓ TICKETS ADMISSION:
All tickets of admission to the different tourist sites are included, including Machu Picchu and Salkantay route checkpoints.
✓ MEDICAL KIT:
All our tour guides have received training in first aid and high mountain rescue. In the event that a tourist requires medical attention during the trek, our staff will be able to assist you. We carry a first aid kit. In an extreme emergency, evacuation to the nearest medical center will be arranged.
✓ FOOD:
We offer natural and organic food. We buy all ingredients directly from farmers; they work their products naturally and without chemicals. We have professional chefs from the Inca Trail.
Note: Clients must inform us at the time of booking if they have any allergies or dietary restrictions to ensure proper food preparation.
✓ SUPPORT STAFF:
All travel agencies need support staff, including chefs and assistants. We offer jobs to both men and women with fair wages.
Our staff are humble people from the mountains who love sharing their culture and history.
No Included
× Tips for the driver and guide.
× Travel insurance: Highly recommended for all hikers.
× Sleeping bags, trekking poles, or personal hiking gear (available for rent).
× Lunch and dinner on the last day in Aguas Calientes.
× Entrance to the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (optional – subject to availability).
× Extra snacks, bottled water, or drinks not mentioned in the itinerary.
× Additional hotel nights before or after the tour.
× Emergency horse (available at extra cost if required).
MORE IMPORTANT:
- Original valid passport (a copy will not be accepted).
- Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru).
- Valid student card (if booked as a student).
PERSONAL BELONGINGS:
- Trekking boots (essential for rocky and possibly muddy terrain).
- Trekking backpack (20 or 25 liters).
- Water bottle or camel bag (2 liters capacity).
- Hat and sunglasses.
- Rain clothes (especially during rainy season).
- Sun cream and insect repellent.
- Hand sanitizer.
- Toilet paper.
- Personal medication (especially for altitude).
- Camera and extra batteries.
- Snacks, chocolates, energy bars or dried fruits.
- 3 absorbent shirts (quick-dry recommended).
- 2 hiking pants.
- 3 sets of underwear.
- 4 pairs of socks.
- 1 warm jacket for colder mornings and nights.
- Gloves and wool hat (especially in the dry season).
- Toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Wet wipes.
- Facial moisturizer (optional).
- Power bank / battery charger.
- 2 plastic bags to separate wet or muddy clothes.
Extra money in Peruvian soles for snacks, entrance fees, or tips.
- We recommend our visitors to arrive in Cusco at least 2 or 3 days before the Salkantay Trek. This helps your body to acclimate to the high altitude, reducing the chances of altitude sickness during the hike.
- Cusco has only one main airport, Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, and most flights arrive from Lima. This route is the fastest and most convenient way for tourists to reach the city.
- Traveling by bus from Lima to Cusco takes approximately 22 hours and can be quite exhausting. If you decide to travel overland, we suggest breaking the journey into sections such as Lima – Nazca – Arequipa – Puno – Cusco to make it more manageable.
- There are many hotels across Cusco city to suit all budgets and preferences. If you’d like help choosing or booking accommodation, we’ll be happy to recommend and assist.
- If you have extra time before or after the Salkantay Trek, we’d be glad to help you plan other incredible excursions around Cusco, such as Rainbow Mountain, Sacred Valley, or Humantay Lake.
- We offer a free airport pickup and hotel transfer service in Cusco for your comfort and peace of mind. Just let us know your airline, flight number, and arrival time in advance so we can coordinate your reception.
As for the weather, Salkantay Trek reaches altitudes over 4,600 m (15,091 ft), and Cusco sits at 3,350 m (11,050 ft). The weather in the Andes is highly variable. The best time to visit is during the dry season from April to October, as the trails are more stable and the views clearer. However, tours are available year-round, depending on weather conditions and your travel dates. - Salkantay is one of the most scenic and physically demanding treks in the region, so it’s essential to take altitude seriously. We strongly recommend arriving early to acclimatize before your tour.
WE RECOMMEND TO OUR VISITORS:
- Drink plenty of water
- Coca tea (mate de coca)
- Deep breathing exercises
- Light walking before your trek
- Diamox or acetazolamide (consult a doctor before use; widely available in Cusco pharmacies)
Itinerary
After picking up guests from their hotels in Cusco (3,300 m/10,890 ft.) at 5 am with our private bus, we will head towards the village of Mollepata where we will have a small breakfast before continuing our journey towards Challacancha (3,600 m or 11,880 ft.). Here we will start our walk whilst enjoying beautiful views of the surrounding valleys and Andes mountain range. After a hill we will walk along a trail which will lead us to our first campsite called Soraypampa (3,800 m/12,540 ft.) where we will have lunch. After 1 hour walk we will reach one of the most beautiful lake in the area Humantay. Finally, we will come back to the campsite to spend the night.
DETAILS:
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Min Altitude: 3,600 m (11,880 ft.)
- Max Altitude: 4,200 m (13,860 ft.)
- Distance Traveled: 14 km (9.5 miles)
- Walking Time: 8 hours approximately
- Base camp attitude: 3,800 m (12,540 ft.)
- Climate: dry – cold
At 5:00 we will have our first wake up” tea (Inca’s mate tea) which is a very tasty coca leaf tea. After breakfast we will start our walk towards a sacred place called “cove of Salkantay and Humantay”. Throughout this walk we will be able to observe spectacular glaciers. After the cove we will walk down for 2 hours until reaching Huayrac Machay where we will have a typical Andean lunch. After lunch we will head towards our second campsite. During this section of the walk the landscape begins to change from the typical Andean landscape to the “High Forest”, and we will be able to admire the spectacular local flora and fauna. Our second camp Collpapampa, where we will spend the night.
DETAILS:
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Min Altitude: 3,800 m (12,540 ft.)
- Max Altitude: 4,600 m (15,180 ft.)
- Distance Traveled: 18 km (11.25 miles)
- Walking Time: 10 hours approximately
- Base camp attitude: 2,900 m (9,570ft.)
- Climate: dry – cold – warm.
At 5:30 we will have our usual wake up mate tea before having breakfast and starting an easy walk towards our third campsite called Sawayaco (also known as La Playa) where we will have lunch. Throughout this route we will observe a great variety of flora and fauna including beautiful orchids.
In the afternoon you have the option to visit the local thermal and medicinal baths (not included). For this tour you need to seek private transportation (the journey takes 1 hour each way). Once there you will decide how long to enjoy the lovely baths before returning to the camp site.
DETAILS:
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Min Altitude: 2,000 m (3,960 ft.)
- Max Altitude: 2,900 m (9,570ft.)
- Distance Traveled: 10 km (6.25 miles)
- Walking Time: 4 hours approximately
- Base camp attitude: 2,000 m (3,960 ft.)
- Climate: warm – humid
At 5:00 am we will have our last wake up tea and at 5:30 our last breakfast. We will then walk for 10 minutes along a road before joining another beautiful section of an Inca trail, which will lead us to the Llactapata archeological site. Here we will enjoy one of the most spectacular views of Machupicchu. This section of the trail lasts about 3 hours after which we will walk a further 2:30 hours until the Aobamba valley and finally Hidroelectrica where is the lunch. From there we will to hike until Aguas Calientes village. Here we will stay in a hotel and we will have our last dinner.
DETAILS:
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, dinner.
- Min Altitude: 2,000 m (6,600 ft.)
- Max Altitude: 2,800 m (9,240ft.)
- Distance Traveled: 20 km (13 miles)
- Walking Time: 10 hours approximately
- Base camp attitude: 2,000 m (6,600 ft.)
- Climate: warm – humid
For our last day we will have to catch a early bus to reach the Machupicchu archeological site (it takes 30 minutes by bus). The site opens at 6:00 am and we will head towards the “guardian house” which is the perfect spot for “postcard” pictures and some of the best views. We will then start our guided tour, which will last approximately 2 hours, where we will visit the most important sites. After the tour you will have time to visit Machu Picchu on your own. You also have the option to climb the Huaynapicchu or Montaña Machupicchu mountains (these have to be reserved in advance). In the afternoon we will get on the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and from there we will provide you with private transport to your hotel in Cusco.
DETAILS:
- Meals: Breakfast
- Min Altitude: 2,000 m (6,600 ft.)
- Machupicchu: 2,400 m (8,000ft.)
- Distance Traveled: 10 km (6.25 miles)
- Bus Time: 30 minutes approximately.
- Climate: humid.
Faq's
The trek is considered moderate to challenging due to its altitude and length. Physical preparation is recommended.
Yes, but good physical condition and a positive attitude are important. Acclimatization in Cusco is highly recommended.
From April to October, during the dry season. However, tours are available all year, depending on weather conditions.
It’s possible. We recommend spending a few days in Cusco beforehand and drinking plenty of water and coca tea.
There is no strict age limit, but participants should be in good health. Children under 12 and adults over 60 should consult a doctor.
We provide nutritious meals with local, organic ingredients. Vegetarian and special diets are available if requested in advance.
Signal is very limited or non-existent on most of the trail. You will be disconnected from technology for a few days.