The Salkantay Trek

• Discover the turquoise waters of Lake Humantay, surrounded by glaciers and towering Andean mountains.
• Hike in the presence of the Apus Salkantay and Humantay, amid some of the most breathtaking high-mountain scenery along the route.
• Reach the 15,190 ft (4,630 m) summit of Abra Salkantay after navigating the curves of the Trail of the 7 Serpents, and take in the vastness of the Andes from one of the most anticipated viewpoints along the way.
• Travel through completely different ecosystems: from glacial cold and snow-capped mountains to cloud forests, warm valleys, and the lush jungle fringe.
• Disconnect to reconnect with nature, surrounded by fresh air, mountains, rivers, flowers, birds, and the sounds that accompany the journey.
• Gaze upon Machu Picchu from afar at Llactapata, your first glimpse of the citadel after days of hiking through the Andes.
• Arrive at Machu Picchu after conquering the mountains, bringing to a close a journey in which the path itself becomes just as important a part of the experience as the destination.

The Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu is considered moderate to challenging. The most demanding section of the route takes place on the second day, when you ascend the imposing Salkantay Pass, located at 4,600 meters above sea level (15,092 feet). This three-hour climb is a real challenge for travelers due to the high altitude and the physical demands of the terrain.

The first afternoon also requires significant effort as you hike up to the beautiful Humantay Lake, although it is a shorter walk. In contrast, days 3 and 4 are more relaxed, featuring long and gradual descents.

Keep in mind that, due to the altitude and Andean terrain, most visitors consider any hike in Cusco to be challenging.

The answer to this question varies according to your preferences. If you want to visit Cusco during the dry season, then it is best to arrive between May and October. The rest of the year it rains most days and we can never be sure of a rain-free trip. June and July are the busiest months, so you should book well in advance. Also, at this time of year it gets cold at night.

On the other hand, you might not be too worried about the weather and would prefer to enjoy the trek without many other visitors. In this case, traveling during the wet season means there aren’t many people on the trail. Do keep in mind, though, that it’s closed during February.

Overall, the best time of year to come is in May or October. The crowds aren’t too big, and the weather is generally lovely. This way, you enjoy the best of both worlds.

Salkantay is located in the southern Peruvian Andes, in the Cusco region. It’s about a 3-hour drive from the city of Cusco, on the way to Machu Picchu. It is one of the highest and most sacred mountains in the area, situated in the Vilcabamba mountain range.

Except for the Salkantay routes that are combined with the Inca Trail, the Salkantay treks do not require a special permit. Generally, there is an entrance fee of 20 soles at the start of the trek, but if you book with us, this fee is already included in your package.

The Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu is relatively challenging, especially on the second day. The main difficulty is the altitude, as the route climbs up to 4,600 meters above sea level (15,092 feet). On some days, the hike can last up to 10 hours, covering distances of up to 15 kilometers (9.3 miles), which can present some challenges along the way.

To enjoy the experience more comfortably and without setbacks, it’s recommended to have proper physical preparation before beginning the adventure:

• Before departure, do cardiovascular exercises such as regular walking. If possible, climb stairs or walk uphill.
• Do strength training to build your muscles, especially in the legs and back.
• Make sure to arrive in Cusco 2 or 3 days before starting the excursion to acclimatize properly. Please do so to avoid increasing the risk of experiencing altitude sickness during the route which may require you to return to Cusco.
• Use well-worn hiking boots. New footwear on the trail can cause unwanted pain.

The highest point on the Salkantay Trek is Abra Salkantay, at 4,630 m (15,190 ft) above sea level. Reaching it is one of the greatest challenges of the trek and also one of its most anticipated moments, surrounded by towering mountains and high-mountain landscapes.

The 5-day Classic Salkantay Trek is ideal for taking your time to enjoy the route and experience its diverse landscapes. If you have less time or are looking for a greater challenge, you’ll also find shorter, more intense options to experience Salkantay your way.

The weather in Cusco and its surrounding areas can be unpredictable, making it difficult to know exactly what kind of weather you’ll encounter during the trek. You’ll start in the high Andes and gradually descend into the cloud forest, passing through various microclimates along the way.

However, we can assure you that the first night will be very cold, with temperatures potentially dropping to 0°C (32°F), so it's essential to bring warm clothing suitable for low nighttime temperatures. As you descend to lower altitudes and enter the Peruvian jungle, the climate becomes considerably warmer and more humid, with pleasant daytime temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). In these areas, you’ll be surrounded by tropical vegetation, and the weather tends to feel milder—but also more prone to rain.

The rainy season in Peru generally lasts from late October to April, though rain is always a possibility. Therefore, we recommend bringing a rain jacket or poncho for protection.

You’ll walk for around 7 hours per day, but the second day is longer and the most challenging. You can find the exact hiking times per day in our different itineraries, which vary depending on the trek’s duration. Still, here’s a brief summary of the distances you'll cover each morning on the classic 5-day Salkantay trek:

• DAY 1 — 10 km / 6.21 miles
• DAY 2 — 23.5 km / 14.6 miles
• DAY 3 — 17 km / 10.56 miles
• DAY 4 — 25 km / 15.53 miles
• DAY 5 — 3 km / 1.86 miles

We recommend arriving in Cusco 2 or 3 days before the trek begins to acclimate. During those days, keep these recommendations in mind:

• Stick to light activities and rest well before you head out on the trail.
• Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water and herbal infusions like coca tea.
• Avoid heavy meals and alcohol, as altitude can amplify their effects.
• Give your body time to adjust naturally before ascending to higher elevations.

Be prepared for different weather conditions along the route. Key items to bring include:

• Versatile clothing for both freezing cold nights and warmer jungle climates.
• Waterproof gear and rain protection (jacket or rain poncho) for unpredictable showers.
• Trekking poles to support your joints and improve stability along the trail.
• Essential gear packed efficiently within the established luggage weight limit (5 kg / 11 lb for your duffel bag).

Check out our Salkantay Trek Packing List to find out everything you’ll need.

They are not required, but they are highly recommended. Trekking poles help improve stability and reduce the impact on your knees and joints, especially during the ascents and long descents along the route.