A narrow valley with a winding stream, grazing animals, and rocky hillsides, leading to a snow-capped mountain partially covered by clouds under a dramatic sky.

Roam. Rest. Repeat.

Peru

Salkantay: The Trek Less Traveled

Details on what to expect from this multiday trek to Machu Picchu

The Salkantay Trek is a once in a lifetime experience that will stick with you forever. Imagine retracing the steps of ancient Incas and old explorers, wandering through the Andes and discovering the marvel of Machu Picchu. All the while learning the history of the Incan Empire and making new friends along the way. Spend your days surrounded by natural beauty and your nights sleeping on the mountainside. Adventure awaits on the Salkantay Trek!

A turquoise mountain lake sits at the base of steep rocky slopes with patches of grass, below snow-capped peaks and cloudy skies.

Overview

One of the oldest bookmarked items on my Instagram is a picture of a vibrant, aqua blue alpine lake beneath a snowcapped mountain. A striking image of natural beauty in raw form. I remember seeing it and wondering “Where is that???” Turns out it’s one of the many awe-inspiring stops along the Salkantay Trek. A multiday hiking route through the Andes leading to Machu Picchu. It immediately became a bucket list item for me and nearly ten years later, I crossed it off the list.

This is my experience on the Salkantay Trek. My hope is that sharing it with you will inspire you to embark on the adventure yourself. And to provide some insight as to what you might expect from your own journey. You may have already read my Guide to Salkantay where I provide logistical information about the trek. But here I’ll go into a bit more detail of what I encountered on my tour with Alpaca Expeditions. A preview of what hopefully lies ahead for you!

Trek Details

The Salkantay Trek is nearly twice as long as the Inca Trail so you will need to be physically fit to take it on. But it’s worth the extra challenge. This route covers more terrain and offers a variety of landscapes. It feels very much like good ol fashioned exploration.

  • Duration: 4-6 Days
  • Distance: 74 Kilometers / 46 Miles
  • Difficulty: Strenuous
  • Season: March through January
  • Elevation: Gain and loss vary by day and itinerary…but there is a LOT.
  • Starting Elevation: 3900 m / 12795 ft
  • Highest Point: 4620 m / 15157 ft
  • Lowest Point: 1820 m / 5971 ft
  • Machu Picchu: 2430 m / 7972 ft

Pre-Trip Prep

There are a few things you need to do to get yourself ready to take on Salkantay…

Coordinate with your outfitter: Check to see if there’s anything that needs to be done prior to the trek such as an orientation meeting. I had to meet mine the day before for a quick introduction. They gave us a brief rundown of what to expect for departure and answered any questions we had. Especially with regard to packing.

Pack carefully: Porters will do most of the heavy lifting for you, but you’ll still need to be as lightweight and minimal as possible. Here’s a full breakdown on what to pack for the Salkantay Trek.

Get in shape: You do not need to be in peak physical condition or a professional mountaineer to survive this trek. But each day will be demanding. Long distances, steep inclines, thin air, stifling heat, etc. So make sure your legs and endurance are up for the challenge. Get yourself in shape well before visiting Cusco and then make sure you’re well rested before starting Salkantay.

Warning!

A quick note on altitude in case you haven’t read my Salkantay Trek Guide post. This is a high elevation trek. You will start at a high altitude, climb up and down at a high altitude and end at a high altitude. It is CRUCIAL that you arrive in Cusco at least a couple of days beforehand to let your body adjust to the elevation. Trust me on this. One of the hikers in our group did not follow these directions and arrived in Cusco the day before we started. He dealt with extreme migraines and dizziness the entire first day of the hike (which is arguably the most beautiful) and had to hire a mule to get him to our first camp.

The Trek

Transfer to Soraypampa

Today is by far the easiest because there’s no hiking involved. You’ll be taken by your outfitter to the starting location at Soraypampa. It’s an easy 3-4 hour drive so you’ll have plenty of time to listen to music, do some reading or more likely, get to know your fellow hikers.

Upon arrival, you’ll settle into your small cabin and enjoy your first meal together. It’s a great moment to chat with the group and share the excitement of the journey ahead. Be sure to keep your warm clothing accessible because it’s quite cold here.

A weathered sign covered in stickers reads SORAYPAMPA, set against a backdrop of green hills and a towering mountain peak under a cloudy sky. Rocky terrain and grassy fields surround the scene.
A small, simple bedroom with a wooden bed and green bedding. A blue backpack sits on the bed, and the room has a wooden door, two nightstands, wall lamps, and tiled flooring. The lighting is dim.
Five people sit around a table with a green striped tablecloth, eating and talking by flashlight in a dimly lit room. Cups, plates, and a thermos are on the table. The mood is casual and relaxed.
Two people stand outdoors at night near a stone house, looking toward snowy mountains under a starry sky. White daisies fill the foreground, with trees and a palm frond visible to the sides.

Soraypampa is just the start, but the beauty of what lies ahead is already on full display. Frozen peaks in the distance illuminated by the bright light of the moon and a canvas of twinkling stars. Don’t gaze for too long…It will be an extremely early start tomorrow so I recommend getting to bed ASAP!

Personally, I was feeling a bit anxious. I always get this way before a trek no matter how well-prepared I am. It’s a mixture of anticipation and excitement I can’t help but feel sometimes. I don’t do well with early wakeups so I was nervous about not getting enough sleep. Or oversleeping and feeling rushed the next morning. Luckily, the beauty of the night sky helped put my mind at ease as we tucked in for the night.

Day 1 – Pristine Alpine Lakes & Conquering the Pass

Hope you got some good rest because Day 1 is when the real fun (aka work) begins. You’ll be woken before dawn by your guide and it’s a bit of a scramble to get dressed, packed and eat breakfast before starting the day’s hike.

Today will not be easy. But it will also be incredible! I found some comfort in the local dog who wished us good luck before departing. Today’s challenge will be climbing the Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the entire journey. It will be cold, strenuous, steep, and in our case, rainy at the top. But there will be incredible rewards along the way.

A large, shaggy black dog extends its paw towards the camera outdoors, with people and greenery visible in the background.
A shaggy black dog sits in the foreground on a dirt yard. Behind the dog, smoke rises near tan buildings and there are people, plants, and scattered gear. The sky is gray and overcast.

We set off from Soraypampa, bundled up against the cold, passing farms and meeting some local alpacas. The emergency vehicle perched at the start was a bit foreboding. But we were soon distracted by the beauty around us. Towering mountains capped in pure white snow leading down to brown and green hillsides with small streams flowing through. It felt like being in Middle-Earth.

Three hikers walk along a rocky mountain trail surrounded by greenery, heading towards snow-capped peaks under a partly cloudy sky.
A white and brown llama stands on rocky ground near a rustic building, with tall mountains and cloudy skies in the background.
A white ambulance with red and blue markings is parked on a dirt road in a mountainous, rural landscape. Snow-capped peaks and rugged hills are visible in the background under a clear sky.
A winding river flows through a dry, grassy mountain valley under a partly cloudy sky, with rugged peaks partially obscured by low-hanging clouds in the background.
Two people stand on a rocky hilltop, looking at a rugged mountain landscape with steep, craggy peaks and scattered clouds partially covering the summit under a blue sky.
Two people stand on a rocky hilltop overlooking a vast, dry mountain valley with rugged peaks and scattered clouds beneath a blue sky. The landscape is golden brown with sparse vegetation.
Two people stand on a rocky hilltop overlooking a vast, mountainous valley under a partly cloudy sky, with rugged peaks and patches of grass and rocks visible in the distance.

Our first stop was Laguna Humantay…the place in the picture that had captured my imagination nearly a decade before. It’s a beautiful blue-green lake nestled beneath layers of mountainside. It’s a steep climb to get there and is actually out of the way, but don’t be discouraged by the additional mileage. The view is worth it.

A person stands on rocky terrain overlooking a turquoise lake, with steep cliffs and a snow-capped mountain in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
Steep, grassy mountain slopes with rugged terrain under a partly cloudy sky. Mist and clouds partially cover distant peaks, creating a dramatic and serene landscape scene.
A winding rocky trail leads up a steep, rugged mountain with sparse yellow grass. Two people and a horse are on the path, and more horses are grazing nearby under a cloudy sky.

We then retraced our steps to get back on trail and made our way towards Salkantay Pass. This portion of the trail is absolutely stunning. Mountains like I’d never seen before. Horses grazing on the flat, grass-covered valley. Small rivers and streams snaking their way through it all. We happily hiked this portion before starting the demanding climb to the pass.

Hikers walk down a rocky mountain trail toward a valley, surrounded by steep hills and partially cloud-covered peaks under a partly cloudy sky.
A group of horses walk in a line across a rocky, dry valley with grassy hills and tall mountains in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
A scenic mountain valley with a small stream winding through grassy plains, grazing animals, and snow-covered peaks in the distance under a partly cloudy sky.
A winding stream with mossy grassy banks flows through a wide, dry valley surrounded by brown hills. Horses graze in the distance under a cloudy sky.
A person stands on a rocky mountain trail behind two cows, one black and one black-and-white, with stone walls and mountains in the background.

This is that portion of the hike where some mental fortitude comes into play. The elevation will be challenging. The air will be thin. The trail will be incredibly steep. Just stay positive and literally take it one step at a time. Before you know it, you’ll reach the top and be as happy as we were.

Snow-capped mountain partially covered by clouds, rocky terrain in the foreground with scattered boulders, and a dry grassy field under a partly cloudy blue sky.
Two hikers with backpacks walk up a rocky mountain trail surrounded by grass and bushes, with a snow-capped peak and dramatic clouds in the background.
Rocky and grassy terrain in the foreground leads to misty snow-covered mountains partially obscured by clouds under an overcast sky.
Five hikers in outdoor gear stand together on rocky terrain, smiling in front of a colorful sign that reads “Abra Salkantay,” with a cloudy mountain backdrop.

From here, the scenery continues to amaze and as a bonus, it’s mostly downhill to camp. I loved the landscape of this area. When I first imagined hiking to Machu Picchu, I pictured overgrown jungle and smooth mountains. But this was different. We descended into a long valley, surrounded by mountains and billowing clouds. It didn’t feel jungle at all. That’s one of the best parts of Salkantay…watching the landscape transform the further you go!

Hikers wearing bright green rain ponchos walk along a rocky trail through a misty mountain valley, surrounded by rugged slopes and cloudy skies.
Two hikers with bright green backpacks walk along a rocky mountain trail, surrounded by steep slopes and a dramatic cloudy sky in a remote, rugged landscape.
A rocky mountain path winds between steep slopes under a partly cloudy sky, with rugged terrain and scattered stones lining the trail.
Snow-capped mountains rise above rocky slopes and green grass in the foreground under a cloudy sky.
A narrow stream flows through a rocky valley surrounded by mountains under a partly cloudy sky, with sunlight breaking through the clouds and illuminating parts of the landscape.

We made it to our first night’s camp which was already set up for us. You’ll come to appreciate just how much your guides and porters are doing for you to provide a wonderful experience (more on them later). The location was surreal. Simple tents pitched against a towering mountain peak. Small tubs of hot water were provided for a little camp bath. We all rejoiced in having completed Day 1 over dinner. Then it was time for bed. What more can you ask for from a day on trail?

Snow-capped mountain peak under a blue sky with scattered clouds, rocky stone wall and green shrubs in the foreground, rugged slopes and a glacier visible in the background.
A group of people stands beside green tents with hiking gear on the ground, preparing for a trek. Snow-capped mountains rise in the background under a mostly clear sky.
A green tent is set up on grassy ground with a blue sleeping bag inside, against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains and clear sky in the distance.
People sit around a table with food, some wearing headlamps, in a dimly lit room with green tarp covering one wall and a single bright light in the background. The atmosphere appears informal and cozy.
Snow-capped mountains under a partly cloudy sky, with rugged brown terrain in the foreground and scattered stars visible above the peaks.

Day 2 – Changing Landscape & the Hobbit House

Day 2 offers a reprieve from the intense inclines and declines experienced yesterday. Even though it’s one of the longer days, you’ll be happy to find yourself on a more gentle, undulating trail as you slowly descend into the fertile valley below. Having gotten a very good night’s sleep you should be able to take in your surroundings at a much more leisurely pace today.

We woke up feeling refreshed from a longer night of sleep and with the knowledge that Salkantay Pass was behind us. After breakfast, we packed up and dressed for the morning chill. We were quickly peeling off layers however, as the trail gradually led us downhill into a warmer climate zone. It was fascinating to watch the landscape change around us. We started in the same grassy mountain terrain as the day before, but soon the vegetation was thickening around us and the river growing wider and stronger below us. The valley walls were now covered in green.

A group of hikers with backpacks walk along a rocky trail surrounded by lush green mountains under a clear blue sky.
Dense green forest covering a steep mountain slope under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. Some sunlight illuminates the trees and shrubs in the foreground.
A narrow, rocky river winds through a lush, green mountain valley under a partly cloudy sky. The valley is steep, with vibrant vegetation on the hills and power lines running overhead.
A rocky river winds through a steep, lush green valley with misty mountains rising on both sides under a cloudy sky.
A narrow mountain road winds above a rocky river gorge, surrounded by lush green vegetation and steep, forested hillsides under a partly cloudy sky.

We hiked along the river for most of the day, sometimes viewing it far below and other times right next to it. There were a few crossings involving mostly secure looking bridges. The scenery will not be as spectacular compared to the day before, but the trade off is a much easier day on the legs and lungs. Plus, you may get to meet some amazing local pups along the way like I did!

A brown dog with white paws and chest lies on the ground in the shade beside a wooden structure, with green grass and trees in the background.
A black puppy walks on green grass in a sunny mountain landscape, with a small house and trees in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
A dog lies on green grass in a garden, with a rustic wooden cabin, plants, and mountains in the background under a cloudy sky.

Our guide had been telling us we’d be spending the night at the Hobbit house, but I didn’t quite know what that meant. Being the fan I am, I tried to manage my expectations. I assumed a shabby, gimmicky little setup. But then we turned off the trail and made our way through the brush to find our home for the night. It turned out to be a lovely little brick cottage perfectly suitable for a Hobbit. We’d gotten there with some daylight left so I helped myself to a jungle jacuzzi session above the river.

Two charming brick cottages with round, green doors and roofs covered in grass sit beside a stone path, surrounded by lush plants and mountains under a partly cloudy sky.
A round doorway with open green shutters frames a lush garden with stone path, leafy plants, and distant hills, viewed from inside a building.
A person relaxes with their feet in a small outdoor pool, surrounded by lush green plants and trees, under a cloudy sky.

Day 3 – Lucmabamba Coffee & Eyes on the Prize

Day 3 starts easy enough with a visit to a local coffee farm, but turns into an uphill battle in the blaring sun with minimal shade. This will be challenging for some as it’s mostly an incline all the way until camp. Another one of those mental strength challenges. Make sure you’ve got plenty of water and prepare yourself for lots of sweating.

It was an easy walk to the nearby coffee farm. A small shack on the hillside run by a lovely family who showed us their coffee fields and production process. It was a great experience offering the chance to relax, roast beans, sample the coffee and learn from locals. It’s these extra experiences that make the Salkantay Trek so special…something more than just the end result of Machu Picchu.

A wooden sign for Café Viamonte at Lucmabamba, advertising camping, hot showers, and “the exact place to taste the best coffee,” with an illustration of a coffee cup, hanging under a thatched roof surrounded by trees.
A woven basket shaped like a swan is filled with red and dark berries, sitting on a red-patterned tablecloth outdoors, with plates, utensils, and greenery in the background.
A woven basket filled with raw coffee beans sits on a vibrant multicolored textile with striped patterns.
A woman pours a white powder, possibly sugar, into a white container on a table with a colorful red cloth. There are two metal bowls and a sugar jar on the table, and greenery is visible in the background.
A maroon ceramic cup filled with black coffee sits on a patterned red and gold tablecloth, with a metal plate and cutlery in the background.

After 2 or 3 cups of coffee, we began climbing out of Lucmabamba valley. It’s a steep, hot climb. We were all so thankful to reach the shade of a rest stop where a local savior…I mean vendor had snacks and drinks for sale. I cracked and fell to temptation as I bought the most expensive Snickers bar of my life. Totally worth it. And it paired well with my Gatorade.

A man stands on a mountain trail, facing left, drinking from a bottle. He wears a blue long-sleeve shirt, khaki shorts, and hiking boots. Lush green hills and a cloudy sky fill the background.
People sit under a rustic wooden shelter with a metal roof on a hillside, overlooking green mountains and valleys beneath a partly cloudy sky.
Panoramic view of lush green mountains under a partly cloudy blue sky, with sunlight illuminating the hills and dense forests in the foreground.

Not long before it was time to hit the trail again and resume our ascent. The path was taxing, but worthwhile. Upon reaching the top, we found our first set of ruins. Stone remnants from the past glory of the Incan empire. We stopped here for a very insightful history lesson from our guide. Again, little things adding to the overall experience of this adventure.

Two hikers with backpacks stand on a grassy hilltop, overlooking a vast mountain range under a blue sky with scattered clouds. Wooden stumps are nearby, and lush green peaks stretch into the distance.
A person with a backpack walks through a narrow stone passageway toward a small doorway, with mountains and blue sky visible in the distance.

Our camp for the night was one of the more spectacular views. You’ll find yourself perched right across from the ultimate goal, Machu Picchu. The entire valley is laid out beneath you from here making the ancient city look tiny in the distance. And to be honest, it still looks very far away at this point…but the finish line was in sight!

A person stands near a wooden fence on a grassy hilltop, overlooking mountain peaks at sunset. A rustic sign with a thatched roof is on the left, with dramatic clouds and colorful sky in the background.
A person in a blue jacket stands near three green tents on grassy ground, overlooking a valley surrounded by steep, rugged mountains under a cloudy sky at sunset.
View of mountains and cloudy sky at sunrise, seen from inside a tent with the tent flaps open, framing the scenic landscape outside.

Day 4 – The Final Leg & Aguas Calientes

Having fallen asleep across from your end goal, you’ll be feeling ready to tackle the last day of this trek! As you open your tent flap, you’ll be greeted by the sight of Machu Picchu and hot tea from your guide. Today will be one of the more entertaining legs of the trip as you descend from your mountaintop camp, cross rivers, hike along the railway and emerge into Aguas Calientes.

We woke up just before sunrise to get an early start to the day. It was a very steep descent down the mountainside. For those of you with knee problems, this is where the trekking poles come in handy. The trail was shaded, but the dense jungle made it stifling hot anyways. We were in the depths of the Andes now.

A clear stream flows through a lush green valley with steep hillsides, leading toward a tall, cloud-capped mountain under a bright blue sky.
Two people walk across a suspension bridge surrounded by lush green jungle and rugged mountains, with dense foliage and steep rocky slopes in the background.
A person with a backpack and sleeping mat walks across a narrow suspension bridge over a lush, green valley with dense vegetation and hills in the background.

Despite the decline and the heat, the journey was incredibly scenic. Soon we were crossing the river via giant hanging bridges and taking in some wonderful views. We stopped at Hidroeletrica for a break and sampled the famous Inca Kola. It wasn’t my favorite, but it wasn’t my least favorite.

From here, the trail is basically flat the rest of the way. You’ll be hiking alongside the railway that connects Aguas Calientes to the outside world. Having read the history of this railway, it was crazy to see the reality of it and imagine how difficult it must’ve been to build in such dense jungle.

We hiked along the tracks and river as trains came and went. A couple of us snuck off at one point for a refreshing dip in the river which I’m not sure is allowed, but I can’t not jump in a river like that when I see one.

A yellow Cusqueña beer sign hangs outdoors near green buildings, with lush mountains and a blue sky with clouds in the background.
A person with a backpack walks along train tracks beside small shops, surrounded by lush mountains under a partly cloudy sky.
A person sits on rocks in a shallow, clear river surrounded by large boulders and lush green trees, with forested mountains rising in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

This part of the trail seemed to go on forever. It’s not terribly difficult…it just felt long. Maybe because of the anticipation of the end? Or the amount of hiking just to get to that point? Whatever the reason, you won’t be alone on this portion as this is the trail most visitors use to get to Agua Calientes.

Finally, we strolled into Aguas Calientes. It felt a bit weird to be thrust back into the civilized world, especially such a popular tourist destination. Three days on the trail almost made me forget we were at one of the wonders of the world! Now we were back amongst buildings, tourists, restaurants, etc…It felt like mission accomplished. We walked tired and dirty, but proud as our guide led us through town to our hotel. Yes, you’re in a real hotel tonight! Hot showers and a real bed please.

A narrow river flows through a small town with colorful buildings on either side, surrounded by lush green mountains partially covered in clouds.

We all agreed to meet for dinner and celebratory drinks. It was a wonderful night as we already began to reminisce about the last few days. I wound up having quite a few and staying out a bit later with my new, younger friends. I do not recommend this…It became a lesson about traveling in your 30s that has stuck with me ever since.

Three people are gathered around a pool table indoors at night; one is taking a shot, another stands holding a cue, and the third sits in the background. Warm lights and reflections create a cozy atmosphere.

The great thing about reaching Aguas Calientes via the Salkantay Trek is that the trek is just the beginning. The buildup to something more amazing and awe-inspiring than anything you’ve seen on the journey so far. Don’t be like me…go get some sleep because tomorrow you visit the crown jewel of Peru.

Day 5 – The Ancient City of Machu Picchu & Train Ride Home

Where do I even begin? What really needs to be said about a place like Machu Picchu? I could get into all of its history, its majesty, its aurora…but you already know about that. You didn’t seek out the Salkantay Trek without first setting your sights on reaching Machu Picchu. I will say this…no matter what you’ve seen or read, nothing compares to witnessing this incredible feat of Incan construction firsthand.

You’ll have another early wakeup call and make your way to the shuttle station, hoping to beat the worst of the crowds and tourist buses that arrive throughout the day. It’s a windy road to the top and to the entrance of Machu Picchu. Your guide will help you find your way and soon you’ll be wandering amongst the ruins. You will not be disappointed!

My jaw dropped immediately upon entering the historical site. It’s a bit of a madhouse at the visitor center, but much of that disappears once you enter the ancient city. That’s the benefit of having spent the night in Aguas Calientes and getting up early. My hangover quickly gave way to elation. Pictures don’t do this place justice. They just can’t capture the scale of this city, the heights of its location, the precision of its construction or the beauty of its ruin. The light stones set amongst the green lawns with mountains and bright blue skies in the background. It’s simply amazing. And the cascading terraces clinging to the mountainside are unbelievably impressive. How??? How did the Incas dream up such a place, let alone build it?

Ancient stone ruins of Machu Picchu sit atop a lush mountain ridge, with terraced fields and steep green mountains rising behind under a partly cloudy blue sky.
Stone ruins of Machu Picchu sit atop green terraces with towering mountains and dramatic clouds in the background, bathed in sunlight.
A small brown rodent, possibly a viscacha, sits upright on a sunlit stone ledge in front of a stone wall, appearing relaxed with its eyes half closed.
Ancient stone ruins with stairways and walls under a bright blue sky, surrounded by large rocks and partially collapsed structures.
View of Machu Picchu’s ancient stone ruins surrounded by green terraces and steep mountains under a partly cloudy sky in Peru.
Stone terraces of Machu Picchu rise toward a partly cloudy blue sky, with a small building at the top right and lush green mountains in the background.
Ancient stone ruins of Machu Picchu sit on terraced green hills, with a tall mountain and clouds in the background under a partly sunny blue sky.

We spent the next few hours walking amongst this marvel, snapping as many photos as we could. It’s a bit overwhelming to be honest, so I recommend trying to stay present and really take it all in. Personally, I took the essential photos (including the one you’ve likely seen plastered all over the internet), but mostly kept the phone in the pocket. Before you know it, it’s time to depart.

We retreated back to Aguas Calientes to gather our stuff and catch a train to Ollantaytambo. I’d been so excited for this part of the journey and sure enough, it was one of my favorite parts of this whole experience. The train follows the winding river through mountain canyons and fertile valleys. Just a bit more beautiful landscape to take in before the end.

Passengers sit in brown leather seats inside a train with large panoramic windows and a glass ceiling. Some people are chatting, reading, or looking out the window; many wear green shirts. Daylight streams in from above.
A fast-flowing river winds through a rocky landscape with hills and scattered trees under a clear blue sky, bathed in warm sunlight.
A clear river flows through a rocky valley surrounded by steep, green mountains under a blue sky with scattered clouds. Sunlight highlights parts of the landscape, creating a serene and natural scene.
A river with white water flows over rocks in the foreground, bordered by a dense forest of tall trees. In the background, sunlight illuminates the slopes of a high mountain under a partly cloudy sky.
A river with white water flows through a rocky, mountainous landscape under a blue sky with clouds. Bushes and vegetation line the riverbank, and power lines are visible on the hillside in the background.

You’ll disembark at Ollantaytambo and be directed to your bus depending on your next destination. For me, it was back to Cusco where I checked into one of my favorite guest houses ever: Hostal Madre Tierra. Here I reflected on the journey I’d just completed. An incredible trek through the heart of Peru to the world famous Machu Picchu. It exceeded all of my expectations and I’m sure you’ll find it equally satisfying. If you decide to take this route and embark on the Salkantay Trek, you’ll be rewarded with one of the best experiences of your life!

Outfitter – Alpaca Expeditions

There are SO MANY companies to choose from for the Salkantay Trek. They’ll all get you to Machu Picchu in mostly the same way, but not all operate ethically or provide the same level of care to their workers or you, their customers. Do your research to find which seems the most fitting for your needs.

A group of hikers in bright green outfits climbs a rocky mountain trail, surrounded by tall grassy hills and cloudy skies. One hiker in front carries a large green backpack with a small Peruvian flag attached.
A man in a bright yellow jacket and green hat stands outdoors with a cloudy mountain landscape in the background. The jacket has a small Peruvian flag patch on the chest.

Photos courtesy of: Alpaca Expeditions

I went with Alpaca Expeditions and cannot recommend them highly enough. I chose them and stand by them for a variety of reasons:

  • Itinerary: They had exactly the route and accommodation types I was looking for. Several of the tours house you in fancy cabins along the way, but I prefer a more rugged experience. I liked the fact that Alpaca offered camping for a couple of nights on trail.
  • Smaller group size: The last thing you want on an adventure like this is a large group. #1 it can ruin the ambiance and #2 you’ll be hiking as a group so more people means more waiting for everyone to catch up.
  • Organized: I reached out to a few operators and Alpaca was one of the most responsive. They provided clear communication throughout and answered all of my questions along the way.
  • Responsible: Alpaca clearly takes care of their employees. And that kind of care trickled down as they took care of us. I’ve been on treks where the company and guides don’t care much about you once they’ve got your money in their pocket. This was not the case with Alpaca. Every step felt very reassuring and comfortable knowing they were trying to provide the best experience possible for us.

If you want to book with Alpaca Expeditions, take a look at their options here. They offer so much more than the Salkantay Trek, but if you’re sticking with that then see if Faustino (aka Tino) is available to be your guide…Best man for the job!

Book Alpaca Expeditions

A note on your porters & cook:

Trekking through the Andes like this would not be possible without the crew that makes it happen. Your porters and cook carry nearly all the gear and food required for your journey to each stop along the way. They make camp. They break camp. They purify water. They feed you. They allow you to experience this adventure in the easiest way possible. They’re the last ones to leave camp as they do all the cleanup, but the first ones to make the next camp to set up before you arrive. That means they pass you on the trail. Every single day, these guys loaded down with packs at least 3x the size of yours catch up to and leave you in the dust on the trail. And they do this every week. They’re absolutely incredible. I encourage you to show your appreciation as much as you possibly can. Whether that be tipping or simply treating them with respect. We tried to get to know our crew as much as possible on our trek. And we were sure to tip each of them as well.

Hiking Without a Guide

It is possible to hike the Salkantay Trek without a guide. I even met someone on the trail who was running various routes on his way to Machu Picchu. I hope to do something similar in the future and give you all the tips from that experience. But for now, if you’re looking into that be sure to do your research and remember…no porters for you!

Final Thoughts – Salkantay Trek

I’m incredibly thankful for everyone that was a part of my journey on this trek. To my fellow hikers who will always be friends, bonded together by this special experience. To the crew and local hosts who made this journey possible with their tireless work and generous hospitality. To all the dogs I met along the way who made each day that much better. And of course, to the Incas..who build such an incredible world around them that we’re still marveling at centuries later. Khali kaq kachun!

A group of nine people in outdoor clothing poses for a photo in a grassy area with mountains and blue sky in the background. Some are standing, others kneeling, and snow-capped peaks rise behind them.
Two men smiling and posing with alpaca hand signs in front of the ancient Inca site Machu Picchu, surrounded by green mountains under a partly cloudy sky.
A man wearing sunglasses and a backpack stands smiling in front of the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, with green mountains and a cloudy blue sky in the background. Salkantay Trek completed.

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