Salkantay Trek, Peru: The more Challenging Alternative to the Inca Trail

The Salkantay trail is a historic route in the Peruvian Andes leading to Machu Picchu. Named after Mount Salkantay, this trek takes you through high mountain passes, glacial lakes, and cloud forests, showcasing the Andes' diverse landscapes.

Starting near Mollepata, about three hours from Cusco, the trail passes key points like Soraypampa and ascends to Salkantay Pass at 4,600 meters. From there, it descends into the Sacred Valley’s lush areas, ending at Machu Picchu. The trek is challenging but offers a rewarding mix of nature, Andean culture, and history.

At Bookatrekking.com, we handle every detail of your Salkantay Trek from start to finish. Our local guides are experts on the region, making each day on the trail engaging and informative. We secure your Machu Picchu permits, arrange transport from your hotel to the trailhead, and ensure a smooth return to Cusco. Our porters, who are fairly paid and well-equipped, carry your gear so you can trek freely. Our chefs prepare fresh, local meals each day. With us, you can focus on enjoying the trek—we’ll take care of the rest.

The Salkantay Trek is full of adventure and unforgettable stops that give each day that little bit extra. The route takes you through diverse landscapes and passes spots that bring the story of the Andes to life. A few examples include:

Unlike the Inca Trail, the Salkantay route doesn’t require a permit. All Salkantay treks, however, include a visit to Machu Picchu, for which a permit is indeed required. These tend to sell out quickly, so we check availability in advance as part of your booking confirmation process to ensure that everything is in place for your trip.

As a less travelled route, the Salkantay Trek offers trekkers more flexibility. However, we recommend booking well in advance to ensure a smooth experience, especially if you are planning to go during high season (May to September). To ensure that you have all the necessary permits for Machu Picchu, we make all the arrangements for you. We take care of the details so you can concentrate on enjoying these iconic experiences without any extra hassle.

Yes, the Salkantay Trek includes Machu Picchu! When you book a guided Salkantay Trek, the permit and entry ticket for Machu Picchu are typically included in your package. This means that after several days of trekking through breathtaking landscapes, you’ll finish your journey with a guided tour of Machu Picchu itself. Experienced guides will lead you through the ancient citadel, sharing insights into its history, architecture, and the mysteries that make it one of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites.

The Salkantay Trek is a rewarding yet challenging journey that requires a good level of fitness and some preparation for high-altitude trekking. With daily distances ranging between 12 to 20 kilometers (7 to 12 miles), and trekking hours that can span 5 to 7 hours per day, this route is best suited for those in solid physical condition. Along the way, you’ll encounter significant elevation changes, reaching altitudes of up to 4,650 meters (15,255 feet) at the Salkantay Pass. Acclimatization is key to handling the high-altitude conditions comfortably, so consider spending a couple of days in Cusco or another high-altitude location before starting the trek. If you are planning on tackling the Salkantay trek, these are a few important points we think you should keep in mind:

• Spend at least one extra day in Cusco to help you get used to the altitude.
• The second day of the Salkantay Trek is the toughest.
• Don’t rush yourself. Enjoy.
• Once you’ve crossed the Salkantay Pass, it gets easier.

The best time to trek to Machu Picchu is generally during the dry season, from April to October. This season offers stable weather, with sunny days and clear skies, ideal for trekking. But beware, this is also the busiest period, especially from June to August, so early booking is recommended. It is also important to remember that the region’s weather is always unpredictable, so you should be prepared for sudden changes and possible rain, regardless of the season.

The rainy season runs from November to March and brings regular rain, making the trails muddy and more challenging. For those who want to avoid the crowds, this can be an option, but be prepared for rain and possibly lower visibility.

Machu Picchu itself is open year-round. The Inca Trail, however, is closed in February for maintenance. While the Salkantay Trail is technically open all year, it is important to note that weather conditions during the wet season can affect trekking, and some operators choose not to offer the Salkantay Trek between January and March. Check with our trekking experts before booking if you are planning your Salkantay adventure during the rainy season.

The Salkantay Trek offers a number of options, typically lasting either 4 or 5 days. For those who want to acclimatise gradually and enjoy a more relaxed pace, the 5-day trek offers an extra day and some extra time at scenic stops. Most treks also include a short section of the classic Inca Trail towards the end, giving you a taste of the classic route to Machu Picchu. Here are some of our options for the Salkantay Trek:

You can choose between group or private tours, depending on your preference for company and flexibility. Group tours are often more budget friendly and ideal for those who enjoy meeting other trekkers along the way, while private tours offer a more personalised experience and pace. Both options are usually guided by locals who will enhance your experience with insights into the culture, history and landscape. Self-guided options are also available for the more adventurous, although the trek's terrain and high altitudes mean it's best suited to those with experience and comfortable hiking alone.

Once in Machu Picchu, you will have the opportunity to explore the mystical citadel on a guided tour with a local guide who will explain the history and architecture of this wonder of the world. Want to make your experience even more special? Then choose to climb either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu before returning to Cusco.

Huayna Picchu is the most popular choice, a steep and exciting climb that will take you to spectacular views of the citadel in 1-2 hours. This mountain is perfect for those who like a challenge and are not afraid of heights! Machu Picchu Mountain is slightly less steep and quieter, but offers a wider view of the entire ruins and surrounding valley. This climb takes about 2-3 hours and gives you plenty of time to take in the views. Both options require a special permit, so booking early is fundamental to secure your place. Also, keep in mind that this additional permit is typically not included in the trek price and costs extra. If one of these mountains is in your bucket list, let us know and we can secure the permits to make sure your Machu Picchu adventure includes everything you hoped for!

After your guided group visit to Machu Picchu, you'll enjoy a wonderful return journey, starting with a bus back to Aguas Calientes and then a 2 hour train ride to Ollantaytambo. For those who want to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Andes with a touch of luxury, the Vistadome or 360º panoramic train offers breathtaking views of the landscapes through its large windows. This experience invites you to connect with the wonders of this sacred land through local music, traditional dances and even an onboard alpaca fashion show.

Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, our team will be waiting for you to ensure a smooth 2-hour transfer back to your accommodation in Cusco around 7-8pm.

The Salkantay Trek is one of the toughest routes to Machu Picchu, with steep climbs and high altitudes. If you think the Salkantay may be too much for you, there are alternatives that offer less intensity while still reaching incredible destinations. Here are the best options:

• Inca Trail (4 or 5 Days): This is the classic trek along ancient Inca paths, taking you through cloud forests, mountain passes, and sites like Wiñay Wayna. Options range from a shorter trek for those on a time limit to a slower pace for families or beginners, and even a jungle route for those seeking a challenge. All routes need to be booked in advance since permits to Machu Picchu are limited.
• Short Inca Trail (2 Days): This option covers the final stretch of the classic Inca Trail, with one day of hiking and an overnight stay before visiting Machu Picchu. Ideal for those with limited time, it’s still packed with incredible scenery and archaeological sites, including the Wiñay Wayna ruins.
• Lares Trek (4 or 5 Days): A less-traveled route, it takes you through traditional Andean villages where you can experience local culture and see daily life up close. This trek combines scenic mountain views with cultural immersion and is an excellent option for those looking to avoid crowds.
• Choquequirao Trek (4 days): For an authentic experience, consider the Choquequirao Trek. This multi-day trek leads to the ancient ruins of Choquequirao, often referred to as the 'sister city' of Machu Picchu, offering remote landscapes and a rewarding glimpse into Peru's past without the crowds. While this trek does not include Machu Picchu, it features a traditional Pachamanca barbecue, a true cultural experience.

When trekking high into Peru’s stunning mountains, altitude becomes part of the adventure. Altitude Mountain Sickness (AMS) can affect anyone and happens when your body needs time to adjust to lower oxygen levels at high elevations. Symptoms like headaches, nausea, and fatigue can set in quickly but are manageable with the right care.

With our experienced guides and porters, you're in safe hands. They’re fully trained in first aid and mountain safety, carrying oxygen, first aid kits, and satellite phones to keep you comfortable and help you acclimatize smoothly. That way, you can stay focused on enjoying the journey. Here are some tips to help you stay comfortable and reduce your risk of AMS:

• Take it slow and steady
• Stay hydrated
• Eat a balanced diet
• Talk to your doctor if you're considering medication
• Get as much rest as you need
• Don't overdo it - listen to your body
• Move to lower altitudes if symptoms persist

Always follow the advice of your local team and let them know if you experience any symptoms - they're there to help you focus on what's important: enjoying your adventure! To learn more about preventing AMS, check out this helpful blog post.