Machu Picchu was always on my backpacking bucket list. But I assumed the only way to hike there was by doing the Inca Trail.
I was very wrong!
The 5 day Salkantay Trek is one of the best alternative trails to Machu Picchu in Peru.
It takes you to stunning glacier lakes and across snow-capped mountain passes.
I did the Salkantay Trek in July and was blown away by its beauty.
Yes, it’s a challenging hike. But it’s also incredibly rewarding.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Salkantay Trek, including what to expect along the way and how hard it is. I also share why I chose the Salkantay Trek vs Inca Trail and whether it was really worth it.
Quick Navigation
Salkantay Trek overview
- Total distance: 74 km
- Time needed: 5 days (the 5th day is at Machu Picchu)
- Highest point: 4,630 m at the Salkantay Pass
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Starting point: Cusco
What is the Salkantay Trek
The classic Salkantay Trek is a 5 day hike to Machu Picchu.
It’s named after the Salkantay Mountain and is one of the most scenic trails through the Peruvian Andes.
It’s easily accessible from Cusco (I recommend staying here in Cusco before the trek), but the trailhead officially starts in Soraypampa, a 3-hour drive away.
The Salkantay Trek lies in the shadow of the more famous Inca Trail. But the two offer a very different experience.
Best time to hike the Salkantay Trek
April to September | Peru’s hiking season runs from April to September. This is the best time to hike the Salkantay Trek. July and August are high season and the busiest time to plan your Peru trip. However, don’t be put off by this. I did the Salkantay Trek in July and had a great time.
December to March | The wet season is from December to March. The weather can be unpredictable during this time, with snow and rain. This makes the Salkantay Trek more dangerous, and there’s also a greater chance of last-minute cancellations due to weather.
Can you do the Salkantay trek independently
One of the perks of the Salkantay Trek is that you can do it independently, meaning you do not need a guide.
This gives you a lot more freedom on the trail and is a more affordable option.
I did the Salkantay Trek with my mom, and we chose to do it with a tour operator.
It’s the more convenient option as all logistics are taken care of. We also wanted to learn about the area, the people, and the Peruvian culture – having a local guide is the best way to do this.
How long is the Salkantay Trek
There are two options for doing the Salkantay Trek: a 5 day tour or a 4 day tour. With the 4 day tour, you skip a section of the trail and take a van instead.
With both of these, you’ll spend the last day exploring Machu Picchu.
Here’s a brief overview.
5 day Salkantay Trek
The most popular Salkantay Trek itinerary is a 5 day, 4 night hike. I chose this option and recommend you do the same.
This classic route takes you to all the iconic locations, including Humantay Lake, Salkantay Pass, and Llactapata Ruins.
During the 5 day Salkantay Trek, you walk the entire journey from the starting point in Soraypampa to Aguas Calientes town.
Top tip: From my experience, day 4 of the 5 day trek was extremely difficult but 100% worth it. This is the section you’ll miss if you do the 4 day tour. It’s the only day you actually walk parts of the Inca Trail, and the views from Llactapata are incredible.
4 day Salkantay Trek
If you’re short on time, you can opt for the 4 day tour instead.
This is not the ideal option, but it’s still a fantastic tour if you don’t have much time in Peru.
Like the 5 day Salkantay Trek, the 4 day tour starts in Soraypampa and ends at Aguas Calientes.
So what’s the difference?
On day 3, you’ll separate from the 5 day tour and take a bus to Hidroelectrica Train Station. From here, you’ll walk to Aguas Calientes.
This means you skip the Cocalmayo Hot Springs as well as the hike to Llactapata Ruins.
Salkantay trek difficulty
The Salkantay trail is a difficult hike, but it’s achievable for most people.
So, what makes it difficult?
Firstly, the high altitude at the Salkantay Pass, which sits at 4,630 m.
The ascent up the pass is the hardest part of the trek. This is because there’s less oxygen in the air, and it’s a struggle to breathe.
As a result, you’ll walk very slowly, and you may experience symptoms of altitude sickness. The freezing cold temperatures don’t make it any easier.
Secondly, it’s a long distance to walk.
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is a 74 km trail, and you’re averaging 19 km per day over 4 days (because the last day is at Machu Picchu).
This, combined with the hilly terrain, only adds to its difficulty.
Here’s my post on how difficult the Salkantay Trek really is. It covers everything you need to know to get through the 5 day trek.
Salkantay Trek itinerary
Below is an outline of the itinerary we followed for our 5-day trek.
Day 1 | We departed early from Cusco and arrived at the trailhead in Soraypampa. From there, we hiked to Humantay Lake before continuing on the trail to Soyroccocha.
Day 2 | On day 2, we hiked to the Salkantay Pass, the highest (and most difficult) section of the trail. From there, it was all downhill to Wayraqmachay and then on to Chaullay.
Day 3 | On day 3, we hiked to Lucmabamba, arriving in the afternoon. You have the option to spend the rest of the day at Cocalmayo Hot Springs or to do a coffee tasting tour. We chose the hot springs and loved them!
Day 4 | I completely underestimated just how difficult day 4 would be. We hiked uphill to Llactapata, an ancient ruins site, and then down to Hidroelectrica and Aguas Calientes.
Day 5 | After spending the night in a hotel, we visited Machu Picchu early on day 5. We had lunch in Aguas Calientes and then took the scenic train to Ollantaytambo. A bus was waiting here to take us back to Cusco.
Things to know about the Salkantay Trek
Here are a few things to consider if you’re planning on doing the Salkantay Trek.
What to pack
Passport | This is the most important thing to pack, as you need it to enter Machu Picchu.
7 kg weight limit | There’s a 7kg weight limit, which includes you’re sleeping bag. This is not a lot, so you need to pack lightly and smartly.
You can read my comprehensive packing guide here.
Lodging along the Salkantay Trek
The accommodation along the Salkantay Trek differs between tour operators.
This ranges from basic and luxury camping to glass domes and cabins. Your last night is spent at a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
For most tours, there are no showers on the first night. But from night two onwards, you can treat yourself to magnificent hot showers.
My mom and I did the Salkantay Trek with Inkayni Peru Tours, and I highly recommend them.
We camped for the first three nights, but it was more like a glamping experience, and we were extremely comfortable.
Each day, we arrived at our campsite with our tents already set up and offered snacks and hot chocolate as a reward for getting through the day.
One positive about camping is that you have the option of staying higher up the Salkantay Pass on night one. This was a huge advantage as we got a head start to the day and had the Salkantay Pass all to ourselves for sunrise the next morning.
Salkantay trekking tours
I booked my Salkantay Trek tour through Inkayni Peru Tours after reading all these positive reviews, and they were fantastic.
Inkayni is a local tour operator specializing in smaller group tours and personalized services. And that’s exactly what I got.
I did the Salkantay Trek with my mom, who is in her 60s. It was a tough hike for both of us, but we made it to the end – and I have no doubt that you will too.
Our guide was patient and kind and offered all the support and encouragement we needed.
This was a special mother/daughter trip that was made extra special thanks to the team at Inkayni Peru Tours.
Other Salkantay Trek tours
Unlike the Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek doesn’t need to be booked months in advance.
You can arrive in Cusco and book a tour for the next day. That’s how easy it is.
But I do not recommend this.
Every tour offers a different experience and itinerary. So don’t book with the first operator you come across.
If you’re worried about your fitness levels and the high altitude. Or if you’re questioning whether you will be able to finish the hike, I recommend opting for a smaller group tour like the one I did with Inkayni.
You’ll enjoy the experience a lot more as you won’t feel rushed or pressured to walk faster.
Some Salkantay tours cater specifically to backpackers. This means you’ll be one of eighteen people in your group, the food won’t be anything to write home about, and you will have less one-on-one time with your guide.
If you’re doing the Salkantay Trek on a budget, this might be your best option.
Do your research
But I cannot stress the importance of researching before booking your tour.
I met a few travelers along the route who complained nonstop about the quality of their food and camping gear provided by their tour company. They also moaned that their guide’s English was not perfect.
I soon realized that they had paid next to nothing for their tour. I’m surprised they were even given food!
I don’t know how their guides and porters are expected to live off that measly amount, and I felt sorry for their trekking team.
If you’re paying for the cheapest tour, you cannot expect a five-star experience. I understand that not everyone has the budget, but you need to be realistic about what you’ll get from a cheaper operator.
Salkantay Trek highlights
If I haven’t convinced you to do the Salkantay Trek, this next part will!
Here are some of the highlights – most of which you won’t experience on the Inca Trail.
Humantay Lake
The first day of the Salkantay Trek starts with a bang!
After driving a few hours from Cusco, you’ll be dropped off at the trailhead in Soraypampa. Shortly after, the uphill hike to Humantay Lake begins.
Humantay Lake is a stunning turquoise glacier lake that sits at 4,200 m.
It’s a popular day trip from Cusco, so this part of the trek will be busy. But after returning from the lake, you’ll have the trail to yourself.
Salkantay Pass
With an elevation of 4,630 m, the Salkantay Pass is the highest point of the Salkantay Trek.
Getting to the pass takes a lot of mental and physical energy. But standing at the top and looking on to Salkantay Mountain is a feeling you’ll never forget.
From here, the trek only gets easier (well, until day 4).
Cocalmayo Hot Springs
On the third day, you’ll reach your campsite at lunchtime. This gives you a free afternoon to explore the nearby attractions.
You can either visit the Cocalmayo Hot Springs or do a coffee tour. There’s even zip-lining!
I visited the Cocalmayo Hot Springs, and it’s just what my body needed.
There are four natural pools here with water of varying temperatures. We spent an hour relaxing in them, and it was a great break from the long trekking days.
Outside the hot springs, you’ll find kiosks selling refreshments and snacks.
Most people doing the Salkantay Trek congregate here, and it’s a great place to enjoy a few beers and meet other hikers.
I nearly didn’t visit these hot springs because of what other people said.
Yes, the water isn’t boiling hot.
Yes, it can get crowded on weekends.
But after three days of hiking the Salkantay Trek, your body will not care!
You’ll love the warm waters and will want to sit back and relax.
Llactapata archeological site
Llactapata is an important archaeological site near Machu Picchu. It’s less explored than other Inca sites and offers unspoiled views of Huayna Picchu Mountain.
To get to Llactapata, you follow the same trail the Incas did. This is the only part of the Salkantay Trek that includes the Inca route.
It’s a strenuous uphill hike from Lucmabamba to Llactapata. After exploring the site, you’ll descend the other side of the mountain, which is equally as challenging.
If you do the 4 day Salkantay Trek, you will skip this section of the trail.
Machu Picchu
And finally, the most iconic site on the 5 day Salkantay Trek: Machu Picchu.
This wonder of the world completely blew me away. I had heard so much about Machu Picchu and thought it might be overrated.
But I can confirm that it is not!
Machu Picchu is a fascinating place, and our exceptional guide, Percy, played a big part in my experience of visiting it.
Over the past 5 days on the Salkantay Trek, Percy had taken us on this incredible journey through time and nature that culminated with the history of Machu Picchu.
He shared stories of Pachamama (mother nature), the Incas, their mystery, and Peruvian culture.
His passion for his country and its people was one of the most beautiful things, and I learned so much from him.
You can visit Machu Picchu without a guide, but you’ll be missing out on so much.
Tips for the 5 day Salkantay Trek
- Check whether your tour includes Machu Picchu entrance tickets. If not, book this in advance and choose Circuit 2.
- Spend at least two nights in Cusco to acclimatize to the higher altitude.
- Rent hiking poles, as there are a lot of uphill and downhill sections.
- Tip your trekking team at least 10% of your total tour cost. While tipping is not mandatory, it is expected and means the world to the team.
Salkantay Trek vs Inca Trail
The Salkantay Trek is a popular alternative hike to Machu Picchu.
Below are a few differences and why I chose to hike the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu (instead of the Inca Trail).
1. The scenery & archaeology
The Salkantay Trek is said to be the most beautiful of the two hikes. It takes you over the mountains and crosses diverse landscapes.
It’s also a higher altitude trek that reaches 4,630 m above sea level.
However, you only see ruins and authentic Inca pathways on day 4 of the Salkantay Trek.
2. Tour costs & availability
There are no restrictions to the number of hikers on the Salkantay Trek. This makes it a great option for travelers who don’t have fixed dates yet or who missed out on the Inca Trail.
3. Difficulty
The Salkantay Trek is known to be harder than the Inca Trail.
This is due to the higher elevation, the challenging mountain terrain, and the total walking distance, which is 74 km on the Salkantay Trail vs 42 km on the Inca Trail.
4. Arrival at Machu Picchu
The Salkantay Trek does not actually end at Machu Picchu. Instead, you finish in Aguas Calientes, the closest town to Machu Picchu.
Your last night is at a hotel in this town, and you’ll visit Machu Picchu the next day. You can either take a bus or walk to the main entrance. But regardless, you’ll be joined by every tourist going to the famous site.
With the Inca Trail, you follow the Inca’s route to the iconic Sun Gate before hiking down to the lost city of Machu Picchu.
But there’s a lot more to consider when deciding which to choose. I recommend reading my blog post comparing the Inca Trail to the Salkantay trek.
How long does it take to hike the Salkantay Trek?
The classic Salkantay Trek is 5 days and covers a distance of 74 km. Trekking time is 6 to 7 hours per day, except on the last day when you’re exploring Machu Picchu.
Is the Salkantay Trek worth it?
Yes! The Salkantay Trek is a magnificent trek through the Peruvian Andes to Machu Picchu.
Is the Salkantay Trek harder than the Inca Trail?
The Salkantay Trek is harder than the Inca Trail as it is a much further hike and reaches a high altitude on day two.
Is the Salkantay Trek dangerous?
No, the Salkantay Trek isn’t dangerous. But you need to acclimatize properly to ensure you don’t get altitude sickness as you ascend the Salkantay Pass.
My Salkantay Trek review
I loved the 5 day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu as it has everything you want from a multiday trek.
Beautiful scenery where you’re immersed in nature.
Challenging sections that will push you to your limits.
Incredible archaeological sites that take you back in time.
The Salkantay Trek was one of the best things I did in Peru, and I highly recommend adding it to your itinerary.
Like it? Pin it!
Do you have any questions about the 5 day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu? Drop me a message in the comments section below!
Looking for more Peru travel inspiration? Check out my other posts!
Hi Carryn,
Thank you for so much information about the Salkantay Trek! I also poured over your packing list and it was so helpful. You’ve changed my mind about footwear – I’m going to hike in a pair of HOKA trail shoes! I’m quite nervous and I don’t feel like I have gotten into good enough shape, but we plan to walk slow and steady!
As well, you’ve convinced me that I need to go to the Cocalmayo Hot Springs, however, it doesn’t look like it’s planned part of our tour. If we wanted to go on our own, what’s the best way to get there from Aguas Calientes?
Finally, I have a specific question about using the ‘bathroom’ – are there lots of places to go that are somewhat private? Do we bring biodegradable toilet paper so it can be buried in a small hole? Any other tips would be much appreciated! I’m just hoping that I don’t have my period during that time.
Thanks so much!
Take care,
Jocelyn
Hey Jocelyn,
I’m glad I’ve convinced you about trail shoes – they’re far better for this type of hike in my opinion!
Regarding the hot springs, are you doing the 5 day Salkantay trek? If so, you will most likely spend the night in a small town near the hot springs on day 3 of your trek. Your tour company will certainly have something planned for this afternoon as you’ll finish the days hike at lunch time. This activity could be a coffee tour or the hot springs. I suggest reaching out to your tour operator and asking them. We had to pay an additional cost to get to and access the hot springs, but it was worth it!
Regarding the bathroom, you’ll pass by a number of small villages during the day and there are flushable toilets here that can be used. Our tour operator provided toilet paper for us to use – check if yours will too. I suggest bringing your own biodegradable toilet paper. If I needed the toilet along the route, I hid behind a big rock and drip dried instead of using toilet paper. The route was surprisingly clean with no trash or toilet paper which was great to see.
Enjoy the hike!
Carryn