Turquoise lake surrounded by rocky cliffs and grassy slopes, with snow-capped mountains rising in the background and clouds partially covering the peaks.

Roam. Rest. Repeat.

Peru

The Ultimate Salkantay Trek Guide

Essential information to prepare for your adventure

The Salkantay Trek is a once in a lifetime experience that will stick with you forever. Imagine retracing the steps of ancient Incans 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!

Overview

You know the name. It’s likely your main reason for visiting Peru. It was definitely mine. Machu Picchu is one of the most alluring destinations in the entire world. And I can truthfully say that it lives up to all the hype. That’s rare these days. The most popular way to reach Machu Picchu is by taking on the Incan Trail. But it gets very crowded and often requires a reservation several months in advance. The other option is the lesser known, and possibly even more impressive, Salkantay Trek.

Aerial view of Machu Picchu’s ancient stone ruins surrounded by lush green mountains, with sunlight casting shadows across the site and misty peaks in the background.

Trek Details

  • 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

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. The route covers more terrain and offers a variety of landscapes. It feels very much like good ol fashioned exploration.

Infographic map of the Classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, showing a 5-day route, key stops, elevation changes, transport methods, hiking times, mountains, and notable sites along the trek, with icons and brief descriptions.

Map courtesy of: Alpaca Expeditions

Weather

Although tours run mostly during the dry season, weather can be unpredictable in this region. For instance, my group was treated to clear blue sunny skies, but the group before us had nothing but rain and gloom. This trek through the Andes involves a few different microclimates. You can expect some very cold temperatures early on as you’ll be climbing high through the Salkantay Pass. Then you’ll likely watch the temperature rise as you descend into the jungle-covered valleys below. Prepare for both rain and a lot of sunshine. Some groups encounter storms and even snow along the trail. So it’s best to be prepared and pack appropriately!

Guided vs Non-Guided

The most traditional and easiest way to conquer Salkantay is to hire a guide. There are several tour companies that offer both group and private treks. But unlike the more popular Inca Trail, it is possible to hike Salkantay without a guide. Here are the differences.

Guided: Tours usually come fully organized and include several luxuries such as guides, equipment and porters. This means you don’t have to worry about navigation, food, water, lodging or even carrying anything beyond a small daypack. All you have to do is prepare your body and enjoy the journey. But you will be tied to the outfitter’s specific itinerary and most likely, dependent on the pace of your group.

Non-Guided: Choosing to make the trek on your own offers considerable freedom and an opportunity to truly explore this incredible place. But in order to safely enjoy that freedom and survive this incredible place, you will need to be sufficiently prepared. That means being responsible for all camping gear, food, water, emergency preparedness and potential accommodation. If you’re an experienced backpacker or thruhiker then do your research and see if you can take on the adventure of a lifetime yourself!

DISCLOSURE: This Salkantay Trek Guide is for the guided tour. At the time, I was not nearly experienced enough to tackle this trek on my own. I went with Alpaca Expeditions who I cannot recommend enough (Read more about my experience with them here). However, I did meet a traveler who was making the journey on his own and I plan to follow in his footsteps. Hoping to provide a full breakdown of that adventure soon!

Equipment & Packing

The equipment you need will depend on your outfitter or how much of your own gear you want to use. One of the best aspects of going with a guide is that they will likely provide you with the most essential gear such as a tent, sleeping bag and trekking poles (some items may require an additional fee). However, you can also choose to use your own equipment. Either way, the porters will carry it for you. They’ll also provide a small duffel in which you can put clothes and any other items not needed on the trail so all you have to hike with is a small daypack. If you are planning to hike without a guide, you’ll need to pack and carry all the camping essentials for your journey.

Here’s a basic breakdown of the essential gear needed for this Salkantay Trek Guide.

Outfitter provides:

Tent
Food
Water
First aid
Duffel bag
Sleeping bag*
Trekking poles*

*For an additional fee

For your duffel:

Sleeping bag
Clothes
Toiletries
Non-essential items

For your daypack:

Water
Sun hat
Rain jacket
Fleece
Camera/phone
Hand sanitizer
Cash
Electrolytes

I provide a more detailed Salkantay Trek packing list here…

Read more:

Salkantay Trek Packing List

Pre-Trip Prep

There are a few things you need to do to get yourself ready to take on Salkantay. Here are some checklist items to help you prepare for departure.

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. Also, confirm that they will store any bags that you don’t need for the hike. Otherwise you’ll need to make sure your hotel or guesthouse can securely store them.

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.

To better understand how to prepare for this adventure, check out my detailed Salkantay experience here…

Read more:

Salkantay Trek Experience

WARNING!

A quick note on altitude in case you haven’t read my Peru Itinerary 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.

Itinerary

There are a couple of different options for completing the Salkantay Trek, but the most common route is the 5 day, 5 night tour. This includes Humantay Lake, Salkantay Pass, Llactapata, Aguas Calientes and of course, Machu Picchu. Here’s a short breakdown of that itinerary, but if you want to get a sense of the full experience, check out my post here.

TRANSFER DAY: CUSCO – SORAYPAMPA

NO HIKING TODAY. Instead, you’ll be picked up in Cusco and transferred via shuttle to the start of the trek. Soraypampa is nestled amongst the Andes offering beautiful views of the mountains and night sky. You’ll spend the night in a basic cabin before starting the hike in the morning.

Weather: Cold + potentially rainy in the wet season

Photo courtesy of: Alpaca Expeditions

Aerial view of several small glass-roofed cabins arranged in rows on green grass with stone paths, surrounded by trees and hills under a blue sky.
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.
A stone cabin sits in a valley under a starry night sky, with snow-covered mountains in the background and a patch of white daisies in the foreground.

DAY 1: SORAYPAMPA – HUMANTAY LAGOON – SALKANTAY PASS – WAYRACMACHAY 

Today will be both challenging and rewarding. Prepare to wake up before dawn to get an early start on what will be a long, but amazing day. You’ll visit the incredible Humantay Lake, traverse the majestic Salkantay Pass, and make camp in a beautiful mountain setting.

Walking Distance: 22 km / 13.5 mi
Weather: Still cold + rainy in the wet season

Five hikers walk along a rocky trail towards snow-capped mountains under a clear blue sky, with grassy slopes and a few horses visible on the right side of the path.
A white and brown llama stands on rocky ground near a rustic building, with tall mountains and cloudy skies in the background.
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.
A turquoise lake surrounded by rocky hills and sparse vegetation, with snow-capped mountains and clouds in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
A turquoise mountain lake sits at the base of steep rocky slopes with patches of grass, below snow-capped peaks and cloudy skies.
A clear mountain lake reflects rocky slopes and a snow-capped peak under a partly cloudy blue sky, with the water showing stones beneath the surface.
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.
A turquoise mountain lake sits below steep rocky slopes and snow-covered peaks, partly shrouded by clouds, creating a dramatic contrast between the water, rugged terrain, and the icy summit above.
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.
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.
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.
Snow-capped mountains rise above rocky slopes and green grass in the foreground under a cloudy 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.
Snow-capped mountains under a partly cloudy sky, with rugged brown terrain in the foreground and scattered stars visible above the peaks.

DAY 2: WAYRACMACHAY – CHAULLAY – LORETA

Today will be a bit easier on your mind and body. You’ll still wake up early, but there will be no mountain to climb today. Instead, you’ll descend into the valley and watch as the landscape changes around you. Depending on the weather, you’ll also start to shed some layers as the temperature rises. You’ll enjoy lots of natural beauty before reaching your cabin for the night and potentially a hot shower!

Walking Distance: 22 km / 13.5 mi
Weather: Warm + hot at lower elevations

A rocky mountain path winds between steep slopes under a partly cloudy sky, with rugged terrain and scattered stones lining the trail.
Two horses stand on a grassy, rocky mountain path with a partially cloudy sky above. Snowcapped peaks rise in the distance, framed by brown and green hillsides.
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.
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.
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.

DAY 3: LORETA – LUCMABAMBA COFFEE FARM – LLACTAPATA

Get ready for an amazing day! There will be more beautiful scenery plus a visit to a local coffee farm. From there you’ll continue on to discover some ancient Incan ruins before settling into camp. You’ll be situated right across from Machu Picchu itself…the end goal is in sight!

Walking Distance: 12 km / 7.5 mi
Weather: Hot + humid during the day, chilly at night

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 filled with raw coffee beans sits on a vibrant multicolored textile with striped patterns.
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 person prepares coffee using a metal pot with coffee grounds on top, next to a cup, on a red patterned tablecloth. Only their hands and torso are visible.
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.
A person with a backpack walks through a narrow stone passageway toward a small doorway, with mountains and blue sky visible in the distance.
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 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.

DAY 4: LLACTAPATA – HIDROELECTRICA – AGUAS CALIENTES

Your legs may be tired at this point, but congratulations because it’s your last day of hiking! You’ll descend deep into the valley beneath Machu Picchu, cross a beautiful river and hike along the train tracks to your final stop in Aguas Calientes. Enjoy the comfort of your hotel room and your success in reaching this point. Tomorrow you explore Machu Picchu!

Walking Distance: 14 km / 8.5 mi
Weather: Hot

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.
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 clear stream flows through a lush green valley with steep hillsides, leading toward a tall, cloud-capped mountain under a bright blue sky.
A person with a backpack walks along train tracks beside small shops, surrounded by lush mountains under a partly cloudy sky.
A narrow river flows through a small town with colorful buildings on either side, surrounded by lush green mountains partially covered in clouds.

DAY 5: MACHU PICCHU – RETURN TO CUSCO

It’ll be another early wakeup, but it’ll be so worth it. You’ll board a bus to Machu Picchu, beating most of the crowds that don’t arrive until later in the day. Your guide will walk you through this incredible site, teaching you its history and significance along the way. Once you’ve had your fill of marvelling at this ancient Inca city, you’ll hop on a train out of Aguas Calientes en route to Cusco or your next destination. Mission accomplished!

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.
Ancient stone ruins of Machu Picchu sit atop green terraces, surrounded by lush mountains under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.
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.
View of Machu Picchu’s ancient stone ruins surrounded by green terraces and steep mountains under a partly cloudy sky in Peru.
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 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.

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 man in a bright yellow jacket and green hat stands outdoors with a cloudy mountain landscape in the background. Your Salkantay Trek guide.

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.
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.

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 with Alpaca Expeditions

Tipping

Trekking through the Andes like this would not be possible without the crew that makes it so. Some tour companies take good care of their employees. Some don’t. No matter what, you can bet that any additional help goes a long way for these people that work so hard to keep you happy and alive. I highly recommend tipping something. Whatever you’re comfortable with or can afford.

Final Thoughts – Salkantay Trek Guide

No matter how you choose to visit Machu Picchu, you won’t be disappointed with the ancient city. But in my opinion, nothing compares to trekking through the Andes mountain range and following Inca trails through the jungle to reach it. The entire experience feels so much more special and rewarding. It is a challenging endeavor, but most things worth doing are. If you’re concerned or curious as to what that challenge actually looks like, here’s my detailed experience on the Salkantay Trek…

Read more:

Salkantay Trek Experience

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.

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