salkantay trek shoes

Salkantay Trek: Footwear

Footwear is one of your most important things you need to consider in preparation for the Salkantay Trek Trail. Good footwear will make the whole trek enjoyable, bad footwear will make it memorable for all the wrong reasons.

The Salkantay Trek is largely made up of a combination of stone pathways and wide dirt tracks. For most of the year the Inca Trail is dry and the ground that you are walking on is firm and solid. Therefore walking conditions are actually very good. In the rainy season from November though until Mid April, the ground can be very different and consideration needs to be taken to accommodate this.

The Salkantay Trek also has several high altitude passes, and therefore there is a considerable amount climbing and descending along the trail. Your shoes should be supportive, yet at the same time lightweight as lifting your legs in heavy boots will fatigue your body quicker. Although descents may be considered easier than ascents, you are more likely to miss place your footing or slip on a descending path, and therefore you may wish to consider boots that include ankle support.

Open toed walking sandals are not recommended for the Salkantay Trek, as it is quite common to get a bloody toe when you accidentally kick a large step or the ground. Good quality training shoes or sneakers could also be considered, providing that the ground is dry.

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The Salkantay Trek: How to Hike to Machu Picchu

By Author Steph Dyson

Posted on Last updated: 20th February 2024

Hiking to Machu Picchu is a bucket-list destination for many. But what many visitors to Peru don’t realize is that there are far more options than just the Inca trail for reaching this world-famous Inca city tucked high into the Andes – such as my new favorite, the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu. 

The Inca trail is the most famous of all the hikes to Machu Picchu and follows the route of the Qhapaq Ñan or Royal Road. This Inca stone pathway weaves through valleys and across mountains to arrive at the Sun Gate, a doorway into Machu Picchu that sits high above the city.

But, for me, a fan of beyond-the-beaten-path destinations , it is the Salkantay trek that I’ve been long waiting to experience. 

I’d been bewitched by the idea of hiking to Machu Picchu via this alternative route ever since I first lived in Cusco back in 2015. However, life got in the way and I never stepped foot on the path. 

But this year, when Alpaca Expeditions asked me to join them on the Salkantay trail, I jumped at the chance. With the country now fully open to tourists (albeit numbers down to 30% of pre-pandemic levels), there has probably never been a better time to go to Machu Picchu, particularly as there are far fewer hikers on the trails than you would traditionally find. 

Whether you’ve been dreaming about reaching Machu Picchu via this lesser-known route or have had to switch up your plans because the Inca trail is fully booked, here’s everything you need to know about hiking the Salkantay trek. 

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Key facts about the Salkantay trek

How many miles is the salkantay trek.

The Salkantay is a roughly 66-kilometer (41-mile) hike that starts in the sleepy hamlet of Soraypampa and ends at Aguas Calientes, the town below Machu Picchu. There are various different routes that you can take, depending on how many days you want to walk and which company you’re hiking with.  The most common route is the five-day, four-night route, whereby you leave Cusco around 4 am and start on the trail around 8 am, scaling the Salkantay Pass on day one and arrive in Aguas Calientes on the evening of day four to spend the final day at Machu Picchu.  Alpaca Expeditions, like a handful of other companies, have their own glass-roofed huts at Soraypampa, where the trek begins. This means that they take their groups to the trailhead the day before (departing at 3 pm from Cusco) to allow you to start early and beat the other hikers to the trailhead. As a result, they advertise their trek as a five-day/five-night Salkantay hike.  Their hikes also include the route up to Lago Humantay, which adds an extra three hundred meters of ascent and descent to the first day’s hike, plus the incredible scenery of this turquoise lake. 

What is the elevation of the Salkantay trek?

The Salkantay trek starts at Soraypampa at an elevation of 3,900 meters above sea level. The elevation profile for the rest of the hike is as follows: Day One: Soraypampa (3,900 meters) – Humantay Lake (4,200 meters) – Soraypampa (3,900 meters) – Salkantay Pass (4,620 meters) – Wayramachay (3,800 meters)  Distance covered: 20 kilometers (12.5 miles) Total elevation gain: 1,020 metres Total elevation loss: 1,120 metres Day Two: Wayramachay (3,800 metres) – Loreta (2,200 metres) Distance covered: 20 kilometers (12.5 miles) Total elevation gain: 200 metres Total elevation loss: 1,600 metres Day Three: Loreta (2,200 meters) – Llactapata (2,700 meters) Distance covered: 12 kilometers (8.7 miles) Total elevation gain: 600 meters Total elevation loss: 400 meters Day Four: Llactapata (2,700 meters) – Hidroelectrica (1,820 meters) – Aguas Calientes (2,000 meters) Distance covered: 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) Total elevation gain: 180 meters Total elevation loss: 880 metres The first night sleeping at altitude you’re inside a cabin, with a sleeping bag (either your own or rented) and it’s pretty cozy. The second night was also at altitude and despite the sleeping bag, extra blankets, two sleeping mats, and hot water bottle that Alpaca provided, I was still a bit cold and ended up sleeping in my down jacket.  I highly recommend bringing a down jacket (mine is this one from Jack Wolfskin but you can find plenty of down jackets at REI ) plus a waterproof coat (mine is this one from Patagonia ; for men from Patagonia | REI | Backcountry ). They did give us rain ponchos but frankly, any sort of plastic coat is a recipe for sweaty hiking, so I much prefer to have a breathable, lightweight coat that’s great as a windproof layer at high elevations and also as protection against any downpours. 

How fit do I need to be to hike the Salkantay trek?

The Salkantay trek is a moderate hike. The challenge comes from the amount of ascent and distance you’re required to cover on day one, as well as the altitude at which you’re hiking.  The toughest day by far is day one. Not only do you gain 300 metres to reach the dazzling waters of Lago Humantay, but you lose them again as you drop back off the mountain and then climb a further 720 metres to reach the Salkantay Pass. Because you’re hiking at altitude, it won’t be long until you realise how thin the air feels (and how little of it seems to be going into your lungs). If you’re relatively fit and can cope with covering 20 kilometres (12.5 miles) in a day, you shouldn’t have any issues.  Many of my group who had flown straight from home to Peru and hadn’t had time to acclimate beforehand in Cusco for a couple of days really struggled with the first day of the trek.  Therefore I strongly recommend spending at least two days in Cusco before the hike for acclimatisation purposes and also speaking to your doctor to get a prescription for Diamox – tablets that help your body cope at high altitudes. You’ll want to take the tablets once per day, starting 24 hours before you start the trek and continuing until day three when you won’t need them anymore. 

How can you prepare for the high-altitude Salkantay trek?

While being moderately fit and physically able to walk at least 20 kilometers (12.5 miles) at lower elevations is essential, preparing for high-altitude trekking is challenging. This is because you can’t predict how your body will react when it’s faced with these conditions – particularly as it’s not impacted by how fit, young, or healthy you are. In fact, even the fittest people can suffer horrible altitude sickness. As a result, the best preparation for hiking the Salkantay trek is to arrive in Cusco at least two days before the trek begins to give your body time to acclimate. Get plenty of sleep, stay hydrated, and be sure to get some Diamox to help your body adjust. 

Do I need to book the Salkantay trek months in advance like the Inca trail?

Unlike the Inca trail, where there is a limit of 400 trekkers per day and so tickets can be sold out up to six months in advance, there are no limits for the Salkantay trek. This makes it an excellent alternative if you’ve been hoping to hike the Inca trail but have found that there isn’t any space.  The only restriction you’ll face is on the availability of entry tickets to Machu Picchu, so it’s still worth trying to book at least a few weeks in advance, particularly if you’re traveling between June and August. As a result, you’ll find it a good idea to book your trek in advance before you arrive in Peru; you can also check out what we think are the best times to visit Machu Picchu  before deciding when to travel. Better still, while an unlimited number of hikers allowed on the trailhead doesn’t sound fun, if you trek with Alpaca Expeditions, you’ll likely not see anyone else. This is because they schedule the trek to avoid all of the other tours leaving from Soraypampa. Through this wizardry, during the entirety of the five-day trek, we met only six other hikers.

The five-day Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu

The Inca trail is famous for taking you along a stretch of the Qhapaq Ñan or Royal Road, a path used by Inca royalty as well as pilgrims and other administrators to travel between Cusco and Machu Picchu. 

However, what you probably didn’t know is that the Salkantay actually travels along a stretch of Inca road on day three, allowing you to have a little bit of the same experience, just without sharing it with anyone else.

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The scenery is also spectacular and involves a little bit of each of the microclimates that are found surrounding Cusco, and which pay host to everything from spectacled bears (the inspiration for Paddington!) to llamas, alpacas, condors and vizcachas (chinchilla-like rodents).

You travel from high mountain passes to lush cloud forest in just over a day, while you’re always far enough away from towns and villages to have gorgeous starry skies at night. 

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Alpaca Expeditions  are not only one of the most sustainable companies offering Salkantay and Inca trail treks to Machu Picchu, but their guides, porters and chefs are the ultimate hosts.

They’re now offering Worldly Adventurer readers a 5% discount on all of their hikes – use discount code WorldlyAdventurer when you enquire!

Best of all, unlike on the Inca trail, you don’t share campgrounds with other groups. In fact, we saw only six other hikers from when we started the hike to when we reached Hidroelectrica and began the final trek along the railway line. Therefore, if you’re like me and prefer hiking in destinations where you aren’t surrounded by others, this is the perfect route for you. 

But what’s the hike like day by day? Here’s an itinerary of what you can expect on the Salkantay trek. 

Day Minus One: Pre-trek information session

• Distance hiked: 0
• Total elevation gain: 0
• Total elevation loss: 0
• Time on the trail: 0

I started my Salkantay trek experience two days before we actually started hiking. This is because Alpaca Expeditions invited all of my group to their office in Cusco for a short information session to go over everything we needed to know before we started the hike. 

It was a quick, 15-minute meeting with our guide, Isao, where we were given our lime green duffel bags (for up to seven kilograms of clothes and other items for the hike that would be taken on mules), bright green rain ponchos and rucksack rain covers.

We were also able to reserve a sleeping bag, sleeping mat and trekking poles at this stage, while they made recommendations for essentials we needed to bring (bug spray – bring plenty!).

If I’d been sensible and brought some with me, I would have started taking Diamox this evening or on day zero to help prepare my body for the altitude. Don’t be like me: I highly recommend discussing Diamox or similar with your doctor if you’re planning a short trip to Peru to hike the Salkantay. This is because going directly from sea level to an altitude of up to 4,620 metres (15,157 ft) can be extremely dangerous – trust me: you don’t want to feel as shit as those people in my group who did this.

Day Zero: Cusco to Soyrapampa

On day zero you’ll have time for a relaxed morning and lunch in Cusco, before you’re picked up at your hotel by the Alpaca Expeditions team around 3pm. The minibus will head directly out of Cusco for the spectacular drive through the Andes to the first night’s accommodation.

It’s three and a half hours of serpentine roads with sheer, vertiginous roadsides and lush valleys lined with avocado plants. Keep your eyes peeled for the first glimpses of Nevada Salkantay; we saw it sink into darkness as the sun set behind its snow-laden peak before our van began gaining altitude quickly.

After about two and a half hours you’ll stop in Mollepata, a tiny town en route, to use the toilets and then stock up on any remaining items you might have forgotten, before an hour later reaching the first night’s accommodation: Soraypampa and its glass-roofed cabins. 

If luck’s on your side, the stars should be bright and your chef, sous chef and their merry band of porters will quickly rustle up a delicious two-course meal, giving you plenty of time to head to bed and sleep beneath the stars before an early wake-up call the next morning. 

Day One: Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Salkantay Pass – Wayracmachay

• Distance hiked: 20 kilometers (12.5 miles)
• Total elevation gain: 1,020 meters (3,346 feet)
• Total elevation loss: 1,120 meters (3,674 feet)
• Time on the trail: Around six hours, plus lunch and breaks 

Day one starts early. At 4.30 am, you’ll be woken up by a knock at the door. For us, it was by Juan Carlos, our second guide, bearing coca tea (coca leaves infused in water) to help settle heads and stomachs from any potential altitude sickness. 

While there are flushing toilets at this accommodation, showers there are not, but your guides will ensure you have hot water for washing hands and faces at every mealtime along the trek.

There will be time for a filling breakfast – omelets, pancakes, cereal, and bread – and to pick up snacks and water ready for the day. Today will be the hardest of the entire trek – there’s no gentle first day to ease you into it – so eat plenty and stay hydrated. You’ll need all the energy you can get. 

At this stage, your body, with the help of Diamox, should be starting to acclimatize to the altitude and be ready for the two-hour climb up to Lago Humantay. Mine felt ok, but as we began the trek, climbing a gentle gravel road that became a steep trail as it emerged out of the valley and up to the shores of Lago Humantay, my lungs were burning and the effort of hiking was already beginning to feel like a challenge. 

At the top, there’s time to relax, take copious photos, and dive into your snacks, before you head back down the way you came, joining the main Salkantay trail back at the bottom of the valley.

For us, we began the ascent to the Salkantay Pass around 10 am, relieved to discover that the other groups of hikers for that day’s walk were long gone, leaving us the trail to ourselves as we passed meadows filled with llamas and then the barren slopes of Nevada Salkantay. 

Keep your eyes peeled for stone-colored vizcachas hiding in the rocks alongside the trail; these chinchilla-like rodents live in this otherwise empty landscape. 

After a further 4.5 hours, and about an hour from the top, you should arrive at your first lunch: prepare to be amazed by what your chef and porters can put together, despite being miles from civilization. 

Our chef, Sergio, his sous chef, and porters had prepared us an extensive lunch of roast chicken, salads, rice, and plenty of vegetables to help give us enough energy to get over the pass. If you’re lucky and well acclimatized, you’ll be feeling extremely hungry right now, so fill your boots and also have a good few cups of coca tea – they’ll help stave off any incoming headache. 

From lunch, it’s a thankfully short final hour to reach the Salkantay Pass. At 4,620 metres above sea level (15,157 feet) and in the shadows of snow-capped Salkantay,  it’s the highest point on the trek and you deserve to celebrate here.

We followed Quechua traditions and made an offering to the Apus (the Gods of the mountains) of some coca leaves given to us by our guide, Isao, while making three wishes. I’m fairly certain at least a few members of the group were wishing to get out of there quickly!

After the pass, it’s a long, two-hour hike down the camp, through the quickly changing scenery that passes from barren rock to become a verdant river valley flushed with powder blue lupins. It’s a dramatic contrast between the hike up and the scenery as you come down. 

When you arrive, finally, at Wayracmachay, your first camp on the trek, your camp fairies (aka the porters, chef, and sous chef) will have been busy preparing the camp. Our tents had been filled with our mats and sleeping bags, plus the welcome addition of fluffy alpaca blankets and, when it was finally time for bed, some extremely welcome hot water bottles. You’ll find flushing toilets, but no showers, here, too. 

Dinner will be another feast of hearty, filling Peruvian food that’ll put you to sleep early, ready for another pre-dawn start.

Day Two: Wayracmachay – Colpapampa – Loreta 

• Total elevation gain: 200 meters (656 feet)
• Total elevation loss: 1,600 meters (5,249 feet)
• Time on the trail: Around seven hours, plus lunch and breaks 

Today, you’ll rise before dawn again, ready for a big breakfast of pancakes, omelet, bread, and the obligatory coca tea to help you start the day. 

While day two of the Salkantay trek is as long as day one, the vast majority of the trail is downhill, so you’ll find it much less taxing. 

From Wayracmachay, it’s a gentle downhill hike along a gravel path. As a group, we had decided that downhill sounded too boring for the day (!) so Isao and Juan Carlos took us off-piste to climb another hill (just 100 meters of ascent this time).

By this stage, the scenery had changed dramatically, and we’d dropped far enough down to find ourselves in thick, lush cloud forest, filled with butterflies and bromeliads suspended from the trees. 

If your guides offer you this detour, I strongly suggest taking it. The payoff for climbing this extra hill is some seriously incredible views back across the valley towards Salkantay and then down into the next valley, where lunch and your accommodation for the night are located.

The views change by the second; the clouds move rapidly as the valley and the mountains beyond appear and disappear in turn. 

From this incredible vantage point, it’s a steep downhill – through cloud forest thick with orchids and hummingbirds to finally hit the road beneath and lunch at Colpapampa. For us, it was mango ceviche followed by mountains of lomo saltado , vegetables, salads and rice.

The final few hours to reach your accommodation are along a flat gravel road that follows the Rio Salkantay as it weaves through the valley.

Finally, you’ll descend down an incredibly steep path to reach your home for the night: Alpaca Expeditions’ very own hobbit holes, complete with lime green, round front doors, and comfy beds. There are even hot showers available and, the pièce de résistance : jacuzzis. 

We saluted a long but incredible day with some cervezas (beers) and even a small pisco sour prepared unexpectedly for us by our chef, Sergio. It’s fair to say we slept like babies – you will too. 

Day Three: Loreta – Lucmabamba – Llactapata

• Distance hiked: 14 kilometers (8.7 miles)
• Total elevation gain: 600 meters (1,968 feet)
• Total elevation loss: 400 meters (1,312 feet)
• Time on the trail: Around five and a half hours, plus lunch and breaks 

Day three starts with a gentle walk through a clutch of villages tucked into the cloud forest, where you’ll meet the resident dogs, chickens, and any other livestock that’s wandering around.

Today will be a fairly relaxed day and give you the opportunity to hike a stretch of the Inca trail that clambers up through lush forest and coffee plantations and, for some parts, still consists of worn stone steps. 

As you climb this five-hundred-year-old stone staircase into the mountains, you’ll realize quite how relieved you are that you didn’t do the Inca trail. It’s tough going on your thighs (perhaps even more so than the climb up to the Salkantay Pass), but a fairly gentle incline up to lunch at a coffee farm, where you’ll also have the chance to pick, toast, and grind your own steaming cup of Joe alongside the owner, Paulina.

Support sustainable tourism, porters’ rights and female empowerment by booking the Salkantay trek with Alpaca Expeditions and get a 5% discount on the cost of the hike by using discount code WorldlyAdventurer!

Your chef will also give a demonstration about cooking a traditional Peruvian dish (in our case lomo saltado , with fake meat for the vegetarians), before you dine again like kings, with incredible views across the valley. 

In the afternoon, it’s a tough, sweaty climb up, up and up, although you’ll take plenty of breaks and have the chance to enjoy the pretty flowers and picturesque valley views that characterise this part of the hike.

After around three and a half hours of walking, you’ll finally reach the brow of the hill, from where it’s a short hike down to Llactapata.

An Inca site, it sits across the valley from Machu Picchu – the Inca liked to be able to see this city from other parts of their Empire – which you can see in the distance. It’s here that you’ll suddenly realize just how far you’ve come and how close you are to the end of the hike. 

After half an hour learning a little about this site, which would have acted as a waystation for the chaskis (the messengers of the Inca, who ran along the Inca roads delivering messages across the Empire), it’s a 20-minute hike down the mountain to reach perhaps the most surreal of you campsites.

Offering even closer views of Machu Picchu from its lofty position, the campground below Llactapata is the most remarkable of the whole trip. It’s possible to spend hours here, watching as the sun slips away past the mountains in the west and bathes the Cordillera de Vilcabamba in which Machu Picchu lies in gentle evening light. 

If you can tear yourself away from the view, you’ll be delighted to learn that after a sweaty day’s hike there are hot showers at this campsite (costing around S/10), and mountains of food to help you sleep soundly. 

Because you’re still far away from any towns, there’s very little light pollution, so if the skies are clear, you can expect a sensational view of the Milky Way and the night sky. 

Day Four: Llactapata – Hidroeléctrica  – Aguas Calientes

• Distance covered: 15 kilometers (9.3 miles)
• Total elevation gain: 180 meters (590 feet)
• Total elevation loss: 880 meters (2,887 feet)

You’ll wake early again today in time to eat breakfast as the sun’s rays climb above Machu Picchu and bathe you in their glorious light.

There will be time to enjoy the views while your team packs up camp and you should be on the trail by about 7 am, for a snaking, tough-on-the-knees, steep climb down the mountain and along the Río Ahobamba to reach Hidraelectrica, the hydropower station that produces electricity for Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu itself. 

Here you stop for a final leisurely lunch with your porters and cooking team, before it’s time to bid them farewell and continue along the side of the railway line that connects Hidroeléctrica with Aguas Calientes and beyond, Ollantaytambo. 

While the hike itself is hot and sweaty and feels like you’re starring in the film Stand By Me (yes, you do need to keep an eye out for trains as it’s a functioning railway line – although they do tend to make an awful lot of noise on the approach to allow you to get out of the way), it takes you through the deep mountain canyon that is the Urubamba Valley, with the dramatic steep valley sides rising high above you. 

Along the way, you’ll find the occasional shops operated by those who live in houses dotted along the railway line, where you can pick up snacks of fresh watermelon or ice-cold drinks. 

It’s around 10 kilometers (six miles) along the railway line and a three-hour hike. Finally, you’ll reach the edges of Aguas Calientes, the small but picturesque town that sits beneath the Inca city.

Here, you’ll be checked into your hotel and have some downtime to explore the town or just take a long, hot shower, before heading out for dinner with your group. 

Day Five: Machu Picchu

• Distance hiked: Depends; the path around Machu Picchu is a couple of miles 
• Total elevation gain: Roughly 10-20 meters (32-65 feet)
• Total elevation loss: Roughly 10-20 meters (32-65 feet)
• Time on the trail: Depends; around three hours if just exploring the site. Add a further two hours if hiking to Huyana Picchu. 

Today’s the day you’ve been waiting for: Machu Picchu. To get on the first bus up to Machu Picchu, you’ll wake around 4.30 am and aim to be at the bus stop by 5.30 am, read when it leaves.

It’s a 30-minute drive up to the entrance and definitely worth taking the bus (the tickets are included in the cost of your tour): the walk looked exhausting and takes at least two hours. 

At the top, your guide will show your tickets and you’ll climb the final few steps of Inca stone up into Machu Picchu, a former summer retreat for the Inca emperor and a remarkable example of Inca architecture.

At the viewpoint at the top of the site, if the weather’s clear, you can watch as the sun rises over the mountains, showering the stone buildings and Huayna Picchu, the mountain that sits behind, with morning light.

If it’s not clear, don’t worry: when we arrived, it was cloudy, but the weather came and went quickly, giving us good opportunities for capturing photographs and absorbing the surreal feeling of standing above Machu Picchu. 

In total, you will have around three or four hours in Machu Picchu, which will involve a guided tour by your guide to learn more about life in Machu Picchu, the architecture and the key buildings dotted around.

Since the pandemic, they’ve introduced a very strict route around the site, so you don’t have as much opportunity to explore as you once had. However, it definitely felt like plenty of time for visiting and learning more about the Inca Empire. 

If you want to hike up Huayna Picchu, this will take around two hours and you can expect an alternative view of the site from the top. As my tour was booked quite last-minute, I didn’t manage to get these tickets (it’s recommended to buy them at least a couple of months in advance as they sell out; book them here selecting “Circuito 4 + Waynapicchu”), but other members of my group highly recommended it. The path up is very steep, so definitely not for the faint of heart. 

Around noon, you’ll catch the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for a final lunch. This wasn’t included in our tour, but there are plenty of restaurants within the town. I recommend Chullos Craft Beer & Homemade Food for great local food and beautiful views of the river. 

Early afternoon, you’ll board the train to Ollantaytambo, a stunning, two-hour journey that takes you along the Urubamba Valley and, thanks to the train’s large windows, gives you dazzling views of the surroundings. 

At the station in Ollantaytambo, a bus will be waiting to take you back to Cusco, a final two-hour journey through the mountains. Be sure to have your accommodation booked ready for you when you in the town. You’ll be exhausted but still reeling from an incredible six days!

Preparing for the Salkantay trek

When to travel to cusco and machu picchu.

Unlike the Inca trail, which needs to be booked at least six months in advance, the Salkantay is a trek that can be organised with a lot less advance notice. This is because permits are not required to hike along this trail; instead, you’ll just need to make sure you’ve got a ticket for Machu Picchu.

That said, if you’re planning on visiting between the peak months of May and September, you’ll likely need to reserve this trek at least a few weeks in advance to ensure that there’s time for the company to book Machu Picchu tickets for your dates. 

It’s possible to hike the Salkantay trek all year round, but for the best conditions (and to get those iconic views at Machu Picchu on the final day), try to avoid the rainy season, which is between November and February. 

Alpaca Expeditions do run this trek from the start of March through the middle of January, but as someone who has lived in Cusco and knows how hard it can rain here, I imagine trekking during the rainy months would be a very soggy experience. 

Choosing a sustainable and ethical tour company

One of the main reasons I chose to hike with Alpaca Expeditions is because of their attitude towards their staff. They pay some of the highest wages for porters and guides; the minimum wage for porters by law is S/44 per day, while Alpaca pays them S/180 per day.

As many of their staff come from indigenous and often poor Andean villages scattered across the region, Alpaca Expeditions have also built a house in Ollantaytambo where their staff can stay the night before or after a trek, with its own resident doctor offering them healthcare. 

What’s more, due to limits on entering Machu Picchu, porters who accompany groups of hikers aren’t allowed to enter the site, and many can’t afford the expense of visiting Machu Picchu on their own dime. This means many have spent years hiking to Machu Picchu but have never actually gone in.

To address this injustice, Alpaca Expeditions take groups of their porters, chefs, guides and their families to Machu Picchu twice a year, ensuring that all of their staff can experience the culture of their ancestors and learn about their own history. 

Alpaca Expeditions are also leading the way when it comes to female employment. They were the first tour company to introduce female guides (2017) and then porters (2018) onto the Inca trail and now have women working in every role on the trek and in their office, with an aim to employ an equal number of men and women in the future. 

They’re also doing some amazing work to allow local communities to visit sites such as Machu Picchu, as well as the archaeological sites of Pisac, Ollantaytambo and others in the Sacred Valley .

To achieve this, every Sunday they pay to take a group of 15-17 local children from Cusco or surrounding villages to visit some of these sites and learn more about their heritage, ensuring that they have the same access to their history as the thousands of tourists who explore the region each day.

I followed along for one of these days and it was wonderful to see the kids soaking everything in and even getting to experience the incredible Alpaca Expeditions outdoors lunch, too!

All in all, I found the experience on the trail with Alpaca Expeditions to be even better than I had expected. Their staff are absolute heroes: our guides were good-humoured and extremely supportive when the going got tough on the first day and the rest of our team of chefs and porters ensured that every single meal and camp felt like we’d stepped into our own private resort, no matter how remote the location. 

The cost of hiking the Salkantay trek

The cost of the trek varies depending on the company with whom you go. Alpaca Expeditions isn’t the cheapest and nor is it the most expensive. They offer the five-day/five-night tour that I did at a cost of just $650 USD per person and you can potentially have a group size of up to 16 people. We had nine in ours and it felt like a really comfortable size.

They also commit to running a hike even if they just have two people signed up, which means you’re less likely to get your tour cancelled if they don’t manage to sell other tickets. 

To secure your place on the trek, you will need to make a deposit of $400 USD per person either through PayPal (who’ll charge a 5.5% PayPal fee) or by wire to Bank of America or Citibank (free if you bank with either of these companies). Therefore, it’s worth being aware that the trek may well cost a little more when you’ve factored in the transfer cost. 

Alcohol isn’t included in the cost of the hike but there are places en route where you can buy beers, ranging from a cheap S/5 to a more eye-watering S/20. If you think you’ll want a cold cerveza to celebrate a long day’s hiking, then bring extra soles (small notes preferably as change can be an issue) with you.

Tipping on the Salkantay trek

Before departing for the trek, it’s important to budget into your trip the cost of tipping. While it’s certainly not obligatory, tipping was brought up quite a few times during the hike and our guide made recommendations for the amount of money we should consider tipping per person.

This worked out around S/50 soles per porter (we had four for a group of nine people), $20 USD for both the chef and sous chef, and $40 USD each for our guides. 

It’s worth bearing in mind that there’s often a limit of around S/750 soles (around $200 USD) per day that you can withdraw from ATMs in Cusco, so it might be sensible to bring dollars with you for tipping purposes if you also need to withdraw cash to pay for your tour when you arrive.

Another area to consider when it comes to hiking costs is whether your travel insurance covers hiking up to 4,600 metres.

My travel insurance with World Nomads * required me to pay for additional coverage up to their level three (camping up to 4,500 metres and hiking up to 6,000 metres), which cost an additional $75.33 for my two-week trip to Peru. 

Packing for the Salkantay trek 

If you book before you arrive in Cusco, you should get sent a packing list covering what they recommend you bring. In short, it includes:

• Your passport. You will need to show the original document to get into Machu Picchu. Don’t forget it, otherwise the hiking will have been in vain!
• A day pack. I brought my Osprey 40-litre pack ( REI | Amazon | Osprey ), which comfortably fitted my camera, down jacket, waterproof coat and a couple of other bits and pieces for the day. You could comfortably get away with carrying a 25-litre or 30-litre pack, as the majority of your belongings go into your duffel bag that’s carried by mule. 
• A cosy sleeping bag. You can actually hire one of these for $25 USD for the duration of the trek, so unless you’re particularly attached to your own, then it’s probably easier to just pay this cost. I found the one I rented to be warm and comfortable. I generally recommend the Nemo Disco 15 for women ( REI ) and men ( REI ) if you want to buy one.
• Air mattress. Again, this can be rented for $25 USD. If you want to buy your own, I recommend this one from Therm-a-Rest ( REI | Amazon | Backcountry )
• Trekking poles. I made the mistake of turning these down when I was offered to rent them. Don’t be like me. They’re really helpful for the first day in getting you up the Salkantay Pass and absolutely ESSENTIAL in helping you get back down. Rent them for $25 USD or buy these lightweight ones ( REI | Amazon | Backcountry ). 
• Well-broken-in hiking boots. I can’t stress enough how important it is that you wear hiking shoes that you’ve used before on this trek. Days are long and there’s absolutely nothing worse than getting a bad blister on the first day. All of the downhill can also wreak havoc with your toenails, so they need to be comfortable. I’m a convert of Salomon (women’s: REI | Amazon | Backcountry ; men’s: REI | Amazon | Backcountry )
• Five pairs of walking socks. Seriously, you need a clean pair for each day. I recommend Darn Tough socks (women’s: REI | Amazon | Darn Tough ; men’s: REI | Amazon | Darn Tough )
• Sandals. These are for the evenings when you’ll want to allow your feet to breathe. I love my Teva sandals (women’s: REI | Amazon | Backcountry ; men’s: REI | Amazon | Backcountry )
• Warm clothing. A down jacket (I wear this one from Jack Wolfskin; you can find plenty of others at REI ) and a lightweight waterproof coat (mine is this one from Patagonia ; for men from Patagonia | REI | Backcountry ) are essentials for this trek. I also had a midweight walking jumper and a fleece jumper (women’s: REI | Amazon | Backcountry ; men’s: REI | Amazon | Backcountry ). 
• Two or three pairs of hiking trousers. You want lightweight trousers that won’t be too hot for the warmer days. I like these ones from prAna ( REI | Amazon | Backcountry )
• Long-sleeved hiking tops. I didn’t bring any of these and it was a mistake. Not only do they protect you from the sun (which is fierce at this altitude) but they can protect you from the mosquitos, too. We only really encountered these a little bit in the evening at Loreta (day three) and during the hike through the cloud forest on day four. 
• Headlamp. This is essential for the camps, as many of them don’t have electricity. You don’t want to trip over and injure yourself when going to the bathroom in the middle of the night. I recommend this one .
• Camera. This hike is incredibly photogenic, so make sure you’ve got a couple of spare batteries for your camera. I travel with the Sony A7iii , an 18-135 lens and a spare battery. 
• Phone charger and adapter plug. There is electricity on days zero, three and five. I use this universal adapter plug .
• A sunhat and sunglasses. Don’t burn your head or hurt your eyes. 
• Mosquito repellent. You will want this for evenings on days three onwards and at Machu Picchu. I use Sawyer insect repellent ( REI | Amazon )
• Dry sacks. While Alpaca did give us plastic bags that we could put our clothes into to protect them from the rain in transit, I prefer to travel with a couple of dry sacks ( REI | Amazon ), as they’re reusable and more environmentally friendly!

Other options for hiking to Machu Picchu

Still not sure which is the right hike for you? Here’s a round-up of the other treks that can get you to Machu Picchu. 

The Inca trail

• Length: 48 kilometers (29.8 miles) 
• Hiking time: Four days/three nights
• Cost: From $695 USD

The best-known trek of all, the classic Inca trail is a four-day, three-night trek up and down the stone pathway of the Inca, stopping at a handful of other Inca sites before arriving at Machu Picchu at dawn on the fourth and final day through the Sun Gate.

This is the only trek that allows you to approach the site through this entrance and have the first dawn views of Machu Picchu.

Read all about the Inca trail to Machu Picchu for more information about this trek and this comparison of the Inca Trail and the Salkantay to learn the key differences. 

It’s also possible to extend this trip to five days/four nights to allow you to take a slower approach to the hike (perfect if you’re traveling with your kids), or do a shortened version of the Inca trail if you’ve got less time but still want to hike this fabled road.

You can even combine a bit of Salkantay with the Inca trail for a seven-day/six-night adventure . 

The Inca Jungle trek

• Length: 89 kilometers (55.30 miles) 
• Cost: From $450 USD

Keen to visit Machu Picchu but want to get your adrenaline pumping even more? The Inca Jungle trek is a route that combines mountain biking, rafting, hiking along sections of the Inca trail, and even ziplining.

It’s not a trip organised by Alpaca Expeditions but there are other companies based out of Cusco who do. 

The Lares trek

• Length: 33 kilometers (20.5 miles) 
• Cost: From $600 USD

Perhaps the least-known of the three main treks to Machu Picchu, the Lares is another alternative route that takes you through Andean villages around the Sacred Valley, where you’ll soak in natural hot springs and climb up into the mountains to a 4,680-metre (15,354-foot) pass.

Considered a little easier, slower-paced, and much shorter than the Salkantay and the Inca trail, it’s a good option for families, as well as those who aren’t sure about their fitness levels! Alpaca Expeditions have a four-day/three-night itinerary . 

The Choquequirao trek 

• Length: 100 kilometers (62 miles) 
• Hiking time: Nine days/eight nights
• Cost: From $1,250 USD

For the really adventurous, the trek to Machu Picchu via Choquequirao is a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. Taking you first to the archeological site of Choquequirao, a mountaintop series of Inca buildings that is only visited by a handful of tourists and where you can camp just beneath, you then continue to Machu Picchu, combining two of the region’s finest Inca cities. 

The hike has plenty of uphill to reach Choquequirao and is a long slog: 100 kilometres (62 miles) in total.

We’ve got information about hiking it independently in this guide to hiking to Choquequirao , while Alpaca Expeditions offer a shortened six days/five nights version of the trek .

I was a guest of Alpaca Expeditions  on this tour, but the experiences, opinions and unfettered enjoyment of the trip are my very own. I don’t promote tours or experiences that I don’t believe to be 100% sustainable, ethical or high-quality.  

* World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Wednesday 4th of October 2023

Thanks for the article Steph! I would like to give a tip to your readers. If you buy the 5-day Salkantay trek online you pay anywhere between $500 - $700. On the other hand, if you simply walk in to the many tour agencies around Cuzco's Central Plaza (Plaza de Armas), you can get the same trek for between $250 - $300. Everything included. I walked into a few agencies and they were all around the same price. Seriously. I'm not trying to be an A-hole, just trying to save your readers some money. And you don't even need to wait for a spot. I walked into the tour agency and I was on the trail two days later. So my advice is...don't buy it online. Wait until you get to Cuzco and buy it in the agency. Just saying :)

Steph Dyson

Thursday 23rd of November 2023

Hi Gabriel, yes that definitely is an option. However, there's no guarantee the quality of the company you're travelling with and there are some pretty rubbish companies in Cusco who go for low prices and high tourist numbers without any consideration towards quality. Steph

Taylor Nelson

Saturday 3rd of June 2023

Great article Steph! Stoked we were part of your group and you captured the experience magnificently. Arriba, abajo, al centro, sexy movimiento, ADENTRO!

Monday 5th of June 2023

Thanks so much Taylor! I think I captured a lot of photos of the pair of you in the distance as you marched on at incredible speed😉It was great to share the experience with you! Steph

Salkantay Trek Packing List: 60+ Things you need to pack

Are you looking for the best Salkantay Trek packing list? You’ve come to the right place.

Before my trip to Peru, I spent hours researching what to pack for the Salkantay Trek. That’s when I discovered there’s a weight limit of 7 kgs per bag.

This left me with more questions than answers.

It’s a 5-day trek, after all. And 7 kgs is not exactly ideal, especially when packing for all kinds of weather.

But I managed just fine, and if you follow my tips, you’ll be as prepared as I was.

In this comprehensive packing list for the Salkantay Trek, you’ll find what you need to pack (and what you can leave behind). I’ve also included insider tips and things to consider in preparation for the trek.

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Considerations for your Salkantay trek packing list

There are a few things to consider when packing for the Salkantay Trek.

The first is the weight of your pack. And the second is what to wear on the last evening and day in Aguas Calientes.

1. 7 kg weight limit

You need to pack light!

Most tour companies have a weight limit of 7 kg per duffel bag. This bag will be carried by either porters or donkeys.

You’ll store all your clothing and personal items in these bags. You also need to squeeze your sleeping bag in. If your sleeping bag weighs 2 kg (which mine did), then this leaves you with a 5 kg weight limit for your other items.

2. The last night in Machu Picchu

The 5 day Salkantay Trek involves three nights along the trail and one night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes (which is the gateway to Machu Picchu).

You’ll want to treat yourself to a well-deserved dinner for your last night in Aguas Calientes. You’ll also visit Machu Picchu the next day, and it would be nice to have a clean set of clothes for this.

But you only have 7 kg, so how will that work?

That’s why you need to pack smartly! I go through all this in the clothing sections of my packing list.

Tips and tricks

Day 2 is the coldest. The Salkantay Pass lies 4,630 m above sea level. The first night of your trek and the ascent up the pass will be freezing cold. But the rest of the route is at a lower elevation and gets pretty hot.

Go to the hot springs. On day 3 of the Salkantay Trek, you have the option of visiting the Colcalmayo Hot Springs. Pack your swimsuit and get in those baths as they are just what your body is going to need!

Pack a set of non-trekking clothing to wear at the campsites. There’s nothing better than putting on something clean and comfy after a long day of hiking.

You can shower. There are showers at most stops along the route. We chose to camp closer to the Salkantay Pass on day 1, so no hot shower was available. But from day 2, we had magnificent hot water showers.

Don’t forget your passport. You need your passport to enter Machu Picchu. If there’s one thing you must remember to pack for the Salkantay Trek, it’s this!

Salkantay Trek packing list: Your bags

Most companies, including Inkayni Peru Tours who I went with, will provide you with a duffel bag for your clothes, sleeping bag, and essential items. This cannot weigh more than 7 kg.

You’ll leave your duffle bag with the team before you depart for the day’s hike and will only get it back again when you reach your campsite that evening.

You’ll carry a daypack with you during the day. This should be a 20 to 30-liter pack that can fit the things you need while walking, including water, snacks, sunscreen, and a warm top.

I used this 30L North Face Recon backpack , and my mom carried her trusted Osprey backpack.

Bum Bag or foldable bag

On the last day of your Salkantay Trek, you’ll visit Machu Picchu. There are strict restrictions as to the size of backpacks allowed.

The current limit is 40 × 35 × 20 centimeters or 20 liters.

Because of this, you’ll need to leave all your bags at your hotel in Aguas Calientes.

But you’ll want to take some water, sunscreen, and your camera with so I suggest bringing a small foldable bag or bum bag.

I bought this foldable backpack for my trip, and it’s one of the best purchases I’ve ever made. It’s lightweight and can fit all the essentials for your Machu Picchu visit.

Packing for the Salkantay Trek: Footwear

Trail shoes.

I was once an avid hiking boot supporter. But I’ve since converted to the dark side: Trail shoes!

Before packing for the Salkantay Trek, I purchased a pair of these Hoka trail shoes , and they were the best buy for my trip.

You’ll walk for over 6 hours daily, and your shoes can make or break your hike. The trail is rocky and dusty in some areas, and I found that trail shoes offered all the support I needed.

Hiking boots

Proper hiking boots may be your preferred option for additional ankle support. My mom used these Merrel hiking boots as she prefers walking in boots over trail shoes.

But this is unnecessary, and I was very happy with my decision to use trail shoes instead of hiking boots.

Make sure you include a second pair of lightweight shoes in your Salkantay Trek packing list. Your feet will thank you!

I packed my Teva sandals (which I absolutely love).

They were great for the evenings, and I popped on a pair of socks if my feet got cold. I also wore them to the hot springs and while walking around Aguas Calientes.

Tevas are heavier than most sandals, but surprisingly, I was still within the weight limit. I recommend any lightweight slip-on shoes (like Havaianas) instead of trainers as they take up less space.

Salkantay Trek packing list: Clothing

To save space in your backpack, you’ll re-wear your clothes from day one to day 4. Everyone does!

But you need to pack the right clothing.

Salkantay Trek Packing List: Upper Body

Base layer: thermal top.

Thermals (like this) are an essential base layer that you will need to include in your Salkantay Trek packing list for the evenings.

I didn’t hike with a base layer as it was not necessary. Instead, I used mine every night as a long-sleeved pajama top (because it gets chilly after sunset).

Top tip: You don’t need to wear a thermal top when you cross the Salkantay Pass. Keep this base layer clean for the evenings. Instead, layer up with the below items while hiking.

3 x Short Sleeve hiking tops

Pack three lightweight, breathable exercise tops that will dry quickly. Cotton is not your friend!

I alternated between 2 tops over the 4-day hike to Aguas Calientes. And kept a third top for Machu Picchu.

1 x long, lightweight hiking top

Layering is essential when packing for Salkantay Trek, and this lightweight, long-sleeve top is necessary. I hiked in it for the first few hours of each day.

The long sleeves are a great sun protector as well.

1 x fleece top

A warm fleece top will come in handy as the sun starts to set and the temperature gets colder.

I wore my fleece at camp and on my last night in Aguas Calientes.

Lightweight Down Jacket

This was the best investment, not only for your Salkantay Trek packing list but for life in general.

You don’t need a thick down jacket. Instead, pack a thin, lightweight one like this.

I wore mine over my fleece at night or under my windproof jacket when going over the Salkantay Pass.

Windproof Rain Jacket

You can have perfect weather and sunny skies every day. But you may also get rainy days with gusts of wind, so this windproof outer shell is a must.

Salkantay Trek Packing List: Lower Body

1 x long yoga pants.

Yoga pants like these ones are a great alternative to hiking pants as they are stretchy and more comfortable.

I alternated between a pair of yoga and hiking pants. When it got colder, I hiked with my yoga pants under my proper hiking ones.

1 x long hiking pants

These lightweight, thin hiking pants are great to hike in. I fitted on a million pairs and eventually went with the Kathmandu option.

Some hiking pants have a zip, which allows them to convert into shorts. But the material is super breathable anyway, so the shorts feature isn’t necessary.

These pants won’t provide much warmth on colder days, so you can wear your yoga pants underneath if the temperature drops.

1 x hiking shorts

It can get hot from day three, so bring a pair of short pants like these.

I only wore mine on day 3 to the hot springs. But they’re small enough and won’t take up much space in your bag.

1 Pair of track pants or leggings

You’ll want to bring a pair of long pants for the evenings. But the secret is to pack something you can also wear to Machu Picchu (as you’ll return to Cusco afterward).

While baggy, oversized pants are super comfortable, they will take up a lot of space in your bag. And they’re not practical for Machu Picchu.

I packed in an extra pair of comfy yoga pants, which I used as pajama pants every night. I then wore these on the last day to Machu Picchu.

Salkantay Trek packing list: Headgear

Even if it’s cold, the sun is still harsh, and you’ll need a hat to hike in.

Beanie or warm hat

You’re packing for four seasons, so bring a beanie or warm hat.

It gets pretty cold at night, and you’ll wear it going up the Salkantay Pass.

A thin, light buff (like this one) protects your skin from the sun, keeps your neck warm, and acts as a mask, preventing fine dust and other particles from entering your mouth and nose.

The thinner, breathable fabric of the light buffs means you can wear them every day, even in the heat.

Salkantay Trek packing list: Underwear

• 5 x underwear
• 2 x sports bras
• 2 x thick trekking socks
• 2 x normal socks for the evenings
• Swimming gear for the hot springs

Salkantay Trek packing list: Accessories

• Headlamp (and spare batteries)
• Trekking poles (I rented from my tour operator)
• 1L water bottle
• Packing cubes: These packing cubes are a lifesaver when organizing your Salkantay trek packing list. They make finding what you need from your duffel bag much easier.
• 1 Plastic bags: It’s always a good idea to carry a plastic bag that you can use for trash or wet clothes.
• Laundry bag: I used a packing cube as my laundry bag. You can also use a plastic bag instead.

Salkantay Trek packing list: Toiletries

• A small pack of wet wipes
• A small bottle of hand sanitizer
• Small shower gel
• Face moisturizer
• 1 roll of toilet paper
• 2 packs of travel tissues
• Microfiber towel: I travel with a Turkish Towel
• Lip balm (with sunscreen)
• Hair ties and clips
• Insect repellant (definitely need this)

Salkantay Trek packing list: Electronics

20 000 mah powerbank.

There might not be a power supply at your campsites (depending on where you’re staying.) And if there is, the plug points will most likely be taken.

This 20 000 mAh Powerbank was enough to keep my phone, GoPro, and camera fully charged during the 5-day trek.

A GoPro was the best thing on my packing list for Salkantay Trek, especially for those wide-angle shots and selfies.

Salkantay Trek Packing List: Documents

You’ll need to scan your passport to access Machu Picchu. If you left it in Cusco, you won’t be allowed in!

Throughout the Salkantay Trek, there are vendors selling snacks, water, and fresh juices. So bring cash (Peruvian Soles) as no ATMs are along the route.

Credit card

You can use your card to pay for dinner and memorabilia in Aguas Calientes. There are also ATM’s in Aguas Calientes.

Travel Insurance documents

Always, always have your travel insurance details handy. If anything happens to you, it is easier for other trekkers to assist, as they can contact your insurers.

Salkantay Trek packing list: First Aid Kit

I bought a first aid kit for my trip. It’s small enough and includes only the necessities needed if I get in trouble. I then added the below items to the bag.

• Headache tablets (paracetamol/ibuprofen)
• Throat lozenges
• Anti-inflammatories

Nonessential items

Each person is different! Here are nonessential items you can leave out of your Salkantay Trek packing list. But they’re nice to have.

Diamox (Altitude Sickness medication)

On day two of the trek, you’ll reach the Salkantay Pass. It sits at an altitude of 4,630 m, meaning there’s less oxygen in the air.

Your body will feel the effects of the higher altitude – which is completely normal. This is the section that contributes most to the difficulty of the Salkantay Trek.

But if you become nauseous, dizzy, and start vomiting, it can be extremely dangerous.

Diamox, and other altitude sickness medications, help you acclimatize to the higher altitude. But this medication has other side effects that you need to consider.

I didn’t take any altitude sickness meds. You are only at this high altitude for one day and immediately go to a lower altitude after reaching the pass.

But there are numerous factors to consider, and you should consult your GP before deciding.

Also, do not underestimate the importance of a good trekking company. Your guide should walk at a pace that will allow your body to acclimatize naturally.

Our team from Inkayni also carried an oxygen tank with them if needed.

Hydration pack

Some people prefer to hike with a hydration pack. If I had one at home, I would have added this to my Salkantay Trek packing list.

But I didn’t and was reluctant to spend any more money when I already had a water bottle.

We were given plenty of food and snacks from Inkayni Peru Tours. But other tour operators may be less generous, so check with them first.

Waterproof hiking pants

Again, another item I didn’t pack for the Salkantay Trek. And I don’t regret it!

You can bring a small blow-up pillow. But I used my packing cubes instead. Put a few of your clothes in there, and it makes for a great pillow!

I downloaded a few podcasts and brought my AirPods, thinking I would have plenty of free time in the evenings. But I didn’t end up using them at all.

When you’re not hiking, you’ll be meeting people and socializing. Plus, by 8 pm, you’ll be exhausted and ready for bed!

Playing cards

I always bring a set of playing cards with me on my travels. But this is the one time I never used them (for the same reason I didn’t use my headphones).

Don’t bring your entire makeup bag (unless you’re willing to trade space with your sleeping bag).

But you’ll want some mascara and foundation for the last night in Aguas Calientes and your visit to Machu Picchu.

Final thoughts on packing for the Salkantay Trek

The Salkantay Trek is one of the most incredible multi-day hikes I have ever done! But you need to be prepared with the right gear for long trekking days.

Like it? Pin it!

Do you have any questions about packing for the Salkantay Trek? Drop me a message in the comments section below.

Looking for more Peru travel inspiration? Check out my other posts!

• Salkantay Trek or Inca Trail: Which Is Better For You
• How to Visit the Amazon in Peru
• Ultimate Guide to Laguna 69 in Huaraz
• How to Get to Laguna Paron in Huaraz
• Laguna Llaca: The Most Underrated Lake in Huaraz

Hi, I'm Carryn. I’m an adventure travel blogger trying to figure out my way through life by traveling and exploring. Join me as I share my travel guides and tips for life abroad. Find out more about me here .

8 + Best Hikes in El Chalten [Trekking Guide]

Ultimate guide to the salkantay trek to machu picchu, 4 thoughts on “salkantay trek packing list: 60+ things you need to pack”.

Super helpful blog ! How did you prepare physically for the trek ? I’m doing it in a month and a half. I love hiking but this will be my first trek, eeeek !!!

I’m so excited for your trip to Peru! I didn’t do any specific training for the Salkantay Trek as I was traveling long term. But, in the weeks/months leading up to the trek, I did numerous multi day hikes in South America. I also spent a week in Huaraz (Peru) where I did a few challenging day hikes.

You’ll be hiking 8+ hours every day, for 4 days. So the best way to prepare is to do a few day hikes in your area while carrying a daypack with 5 kg inside. Try find hikes that have varying terrain with some uphill sections. And keep them at 15 km or longer so you’re on your feet for over 5 hours.

Also, the best way to prepare for the altitude is to spend a few days in Cusco to help your body acclimatize. Cusco is an amazing city with such an awesome vibe and you can easily spend 3 days there.

Good luck for your trek!

I appreciate the really thorough list and some great tips – sleeping pants that can double as Machu Picchu day pants was something I hadn’t thought about! What time of year did you do the trek? We are going in a month (mid May). Also did you find that you needed to use bug repellent in Cusco and on the entire trek or more just on certain days (like the day that’s more in the jungle and the day in Machu Picchu – I’ve read about biting flies there). I’m the mosquito magnet so want to be prepared! We’re getting super excited!

Glad you found the post helpful. I did the Salkantay Trek in July. I had bug spray and only used it on days 3 and 4 of the trek when we were at a lower altitude and walking through the forest section. But the mosquitos weren’t as bad as I was expecting – there were no biting flies. Perhaps this is more common after rain? And I didn’t need bug spray in Cusco or during my day trips to the Sacred Valley.

Enjoy your time in Peru!

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What To Pack For The Salkantay Trek: A Complete Guide

• Last updated Dec 03, 2023
• Difficulty Beginner

• Category United States

Are you planning on embarking on the Salkantay Trek, one of the most breathtaking treks in Peru? If so, you'll want to make sure you're well-prepared with all the necessary gear and equipment to ensure a successful and enjoyable journey. In this complete guide to packing for the Salkantay Trek, we'll cover everything from essential clothing and footwear to camping gear and personal items. So grab your backpack and let's get packing for an adventure of a lifetime!

What You'll Learn

What essential items should i pack for the salkantay trek, are there any specific clothing items or gear that i should bring for the salkantay trek, what kind of hiking shoes or boots are recommended for the salkantay trek, is it necessary to bring trekking poles for the salkantay trek, are there any specific items or gear that i should consider bringing for the high altitude conditions of the salkantay trek.

Heading: What essential items should I pack for the Salkantay trek?

Introduction:

The Salkantay trek is a renowned trekking route that takes you through the stunning landscapes of the Peruvian Andes, ultimately leading to the iconic Machu Picchu. As you embark on this challenging adventure, it is crucial to pack wisely and ensure you have all the essential items needed to make your trek safe and enjoyable. In this article, we will outline the must-have items you should pack for the Salkantay trek, based on scientific research, experienced trekker recommendations, and practical examples.

Quality hiking boots:

Your feet will be your best friends on the Salkantay trek, so investing in a pair of sturdy, waterproof hiking boots is crucial. Scientific studies have shown that proper footwear can significantly reduce the risk of foot injuries and discomfort during long hikes. Look for boots with ankle support, durable soles, and sufficient traction to navigate various terrains.

Layered clothing:

The weather in the Peruvian Andes can vary from hot and sunny to cold and rainy. Therefore, packing layered clothing is essential to adapt to changing temperatures and conditions. Scientists recommend a three-layer clothing system: a moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating mid-layer, and a waterproof outer layer. This combination allows you to regulate your body temperature effectively and stay dry in case of rain.

Warm sleeping bag:

During the Salkantay trek, you will spend nights in campsites along the trail. To ensure a comfortable sleep, it is vital to have a warm sleeping bag that can withstand the chilly temperatures of the Andes. Experienced trekkers suggest choosing a sleeping bag rated for temperatures below freezing, as nighttime temperatures can drop significantly at higher altitudes.

High-quality backpack:

Your backpack will carry all essential items throughout the trek, so investing in a high-quality, comfortable backpack is crucial. Look for a backpack with adjustable straps, a padded waist belt, and multiple compartments to distribute the weight evenly and prevent strain on your shoulders and back. Additionally, choose a waterproof backpack or consider carrying a rain cover to protect your belongings in case of rain.

Water purification system:

Access to clean drinking water is vital during the Salkantay trek. While bottled water can be purchased at certain points, it is more sustainable and cost-effective to carry a water purification system. There are various options available, including portable filters and water treatment tablets. These methods have been scientifically proven to effectively eliminate harmful bacteria and parasites from untreated water.

Sun protection:

The Peruvian sun can be intense, even at high altitudes. To protect your skin and eyes from harmful UV rays, it is essential to pack sun protection items. Use a high SPF sunscreen, preferably waterproof, to protect your skin from sunburn. Wear a wide-brimmed hat to shield your face and neck, and don't forget to pack a pair of sunglasses with UV protection to safeguard your eyes from damage caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight.

As you prepare for the Salkantay trek, it is vital to pack the right items to ensure your safety, comfort, and enjoyment throughout the journey. Scientific recommendations, experienced trekkers' insights, and practical examples emphasize the importance of investing in high-quality hiking boots, layered clothing, a warm sleeping bag, a high-quality backpack, a water purification system, and sun protection. By equipping yourself with these essential items, you will be well-prepared to conquer the Salkantay trek and create unforgettable memories in the stunning Peruvian Andes.

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When preparing for the Salkantay trek, it is important to consider the specific clothing items and gear that you should bring. The Salkantay trek is a challenging and exciting adventure that takes you through diverse terrains, including high altitudes and unpredictable weather conditions. To ensure a comfortable and safe journey, here are some essential items that you should pack.

• Hiking Boots: Invest in a good pair of hiking boots that provide proper ankle support and have a sturdy sole. These will be crucial for navigating the uneven and rocky trails of the Salkantay trek.
• Waterproof Jacket: The weather in the Andes can be quite unpredictable, with sudden rain showers or even snowfall. A waterproof jacket with a hood will protect you from getting wet and keep you warm.
• Layered Clothing: The temperature can vary significantly throughout the trek, especially as you gain altitude. It is important to wear multiple layers of clothing that can be easily added or removed as needed. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, followed by a warm mid-layer, and finish with a wind-resistant outer layer.
• Thermal Underwear: During the colder nights, thermal underwear will provide additional warmth and insulation. Look for lightweight and breathable options that are easy to pack.
• Hiking Pants: Opt for comfortable and durable hiking pants that are moisture-wicking and quick-drying. Convertible pants that can be transformed into shorts are a great option for varying weather conditions.
• Trekking Poles: Trekking poles can help reduce the strain on your legs and provide stability on the steep and uneven terrain. They are especially useful during descents and for crossing streams.
• Sun Protection: The high altitude and strong UV rays in the Andes make sun protection essential. Pack a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses with UV protection, and a high SPF sunscreen.
• Sleeping Bag: The nights on the Salkantay trek can get chilly, especially at higher altitudes. A lightweight, compact, and warm sleeping bag will ensure a comfortable night's sleep.
• Backpack: Choose a backpack that is large enough to carry your essentials, but not too bulky or heavy. Look for a pack with padded shoulder straps and a waist belt for added comfort.
• Snacks and Water: It is important to stay hydrated and energized throughout the trek. Pack plenty of water and high-energy snacks such as energy bars, nuts, and dried fruits.

Remember to pack light and only bring the essentials. You will be responsible for carrying your own backpack, so it is important to prioritize comfort and function over fashion. Additionally, it is advisable to check with your tour operator or guide for any specific gear or clothing recommendations they may have. Following these tips will ensure that you are well-prepared for the Salkantay trek and can fully enjoy this amazing adventure.

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The Salkantay trek is a popular hiking route in Peru that takes you through stunning landscapes and ends at the famous Machu Picchu. The trek is challenging and requires proper footwear to ensure comfort and safety.

When choosing hiking shoes or boots for the Salkantay trek, there are several factors to consider:

• Comfort: The most important aspect of hiking footwear is comfort. You'll be walking for long hours each day, so it's crucial to find shoes or boots that fit well and provide adequate support. Look for shoes with cushioning, arch support, and a contoured footbed.
• Durability: The Salkantay trek involves walking on various terrains, including rocky paths and muddy trails. It's important to choose footwear that can withstand these conditions. Look for shoes or boots made from durable materials, such as leather or synthetic options like Gore-Tex, which are known for their water resistance.
• Traction: In order to navigate the diverse terrain of the Salkantay trek, it's important to have hiking shoes or boots with good traction. Look for shoes with a sturdy outsole and deep lugs that will provide grip on wet or slippery surfaces.
• Ankle support: Since the Salkantay trek involves hiking over uneven terrain, ankle support is essential to prevent injuries. Choose shoes or boots that provide good ankle support, such as mid-cut or high-cut boots. This will help stabilize your ankles and protect them from twists or sprains.
• Weight: While it's important to have sturdy footwear, you also don't want something too heavy that will weigh you down during the trek. Look for lightweight options that strike a balance between durability and weight.

Examples of hiking shoes or boots that are commonly recommended for the Salkantay trek are:

• Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX: This mid-cut boot offers a great combination of comfort, durability, and protection. It has a waterproof Gore-Tex membrane and a Contagrip outsole for excellent traction.
• Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof: This mid-cut boot is known for its comfort and versatility. It has a waterproof membrane and a Vibram outsole for superior traction.
• Vasque Breeze III Mid GTX: This mid-cut boot is highly rated for its comfort and support. It features a Gore-Tex membrane and a Vibram outsole for traction on various terrains.

Remember, it's important to break in your hiking shoes or boots before embarking on the Salkantay trek. Wear them on shorter hikes or walks to ensure they are comfortable and to minimize the risk of blisters or discomfort during the trek.

In conclusion, when choosing hiking shoes or boots for the Salkantay trek, prioritize comfort, durability, traction, ankle support, and weight. Consider popular options such as the Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX, Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof, or Vasque Breeze III Mid GTX. Break them in before the trek to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable hiking experience.

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Trekking poles are a common accessory among hikers and trekkers, providing stability and support during challenging terrain and long hours of walking. The Salkantay trek in Peru is no exception, with its rugged trails and varying elevations. Whether or not to bring trekking poles for the Salkantay trek is a common question among prospective hikers. In this article, we will explore the benefits of using trekking poles during the Salkantay trek, and provide guidance on their usage.

One of the primary reasons to consider bringing trekking poles for the Salkantay trek is the terrain. The trail consists of steep ascents and descents, rocky paths, and potentially slippery sections. Trekking poles can provide added stability and balance, especially when crossing rivers or traversing loose gravel. They help distribute the weight from your legs to your upper body, reducing the strain on your knees and ankles.

Scientific studies have shown that trekking poles can significantly reduce the impact on joints and muscles while hiking. In a study published in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, researchers found that trekking poles reduced the load on the knee joints by up to 25%. This reduction in stress can alleviate knee pain and potentially prevent injuries, making trekking poles especially beneficial for individuals with existing knee issues.

Furthermore, trekking poles can help maintain a proper posture while trekking. They encourage an upright position and engage the upper body muscles, providing a full-body workout during the trek. This can help improve endurance and reduce fatigue, allowing you to hike longer distances without feeling as tired.

Experienced hikers often recommend using trekking poles for the Salkantay trek due to the high altitude and potential for altitude sickness. The trek reaches altitudes above 4,600 meters (15,100 feet), and the thin air can make breathing challenging. Trekking poles can help you maintain a steady rhythm and control your breathing, allowing you to adapt to the altitude more easily.

In terms of practicality, trekking poles can be used for more than just hiking. They can be used to set up a makeshift tent, fend off wildlife or snakes, and provide an extra point of contact while crossing challenging terrains. They also act as extensions of your arms, allowing you to reach out and test the stability of surfaces before stepping on them.

When choosing trekking poles, it's essential to find ones that are adjustable to your height and have comfortable grips. Most trekking poles have adjustable lengths to accommodate different heights and terrains. Make sure to adjust them according to the terrain and your comfort level.

In conclusion, while trekking poles are not a necessity for the Salkantay trek, they can greatly enhance your hiking experience. They provide stability, reduce joint stress, improve posture, aid in acclimatization, and offer versatility in various situations. Ultimately, the decision to bring trekking poles should be based on your personal preferences, fitness level, and any existing knee or joint issues. Whether you choose to bring trekking poles or not, it's always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or experienced trekker before embarking on any strenuous hiking adventure.

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When embarking on the Salkantay trek, it is important to be prepared for the high altitude conditions you will encounter. Here are some specific items and gear that you should consider bringing to ensure a safe and comfortable journey:

• Lightweight, breathable clothing: Due to the high altitude, it is important to dress in layers to help regulate your body temperature. Opt for lightweight and breathable materials such as merino wool or synthetic fabrics that can wick away moisture and dry quickly. Avoid cotton as it retains moisture and can make you feel cold and damp.
• Warm layers: Even though the Salkantay trek is located in Peru, which is near the equator, the temperatures can drop significantly at high altitudes, especially during the nighttime. Be sure to pack warm layers including a down jacket, fleece sweater, and thermal base layers to keep you warm during the cold nights.
• Waterproof and windproof outer layer: The weather in the mountains can be unpredictable, and it is not uncommon to experience rain or strong winds. Pack a waterproof and windproof jacket and pants to protect yourself from the elements. Look for gear that is lightweight, breathable, and has sealed seams to ensure maximum protection.
• Sturdy hiking boots: The Salkantay trek involves walking on various terrains, including rocky paths and steep inclines. Invest in a good pair of hiking boots that provide ankle support, traction, and are comfortable for long hours of walking. Make sure to break them in before the trek to prevent blisters and discomfort.
• Trekking poles: Trekking poles can provide stability and support when walking on uneven terrain or uphill sections. They help to distribute the weight and relieve pressure on your knees. Look for adjustable poles that can be customized to your height and collapsible for easy packing.
• High altitude medication: If you are not accustomed to high-altitude conditions, it may be advisable to consult with a doctor and consider taking high-altitude medication. These medications can help prevent altitude sickness symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and nausea, and improve your overall acclimatization process.
• Sun protection: The sun's rays are stronger at higher altitudes due to thinner air and increased exposure. Protect yourself from sunburn and potential sun damage by packing sunscreen with a high SPF, sunglasses to protect your eyes, and a wide-brimmed hat or a cap to shade your face.
• Hydration system: Staying hydrated is crucial at high altitudes where the air is dry and you may not realize how much you are sweating. Bring a hydration system, such as a water bladder or water bottles, to ensure you have access to clean drinking water throughout the trek. Consider using water purification tablets or a water filtration system if you are unsure about the quality of the water along the trail.
• A good quality backpack: A well-fitting and comfortable backpack is essential for carrying all your gear and essentials during the trek. Look for a backpack that has adjustable straps, padded hip belts, and plenty of compartments to keep your belongings organized. Opt for a pack with a capacity of around 50-60 liters, which should be sufficient for a multi-day trek.
• Snacks and energy bars: The Salkantay trek can be physically demanding, and you will need enough energy to keep you going. Pack lightweight and nutritious snacks such as dried fruits, trail mix, energy bars, and protein bars to keep your energy levels up. These snacks are also convenient to have during rest breaks or when you need a quick boost of energy.

Remember to pack all your essentials in a way that minimizes weight and maximizes functionality. It is crucial to strike a balance between being well-prepared and keeping your backpack as lightweight as possible.

In conclusion, the Salkantay trek offers breathtaking scenery and an unforgettable experience, but it is important to be well-prepared for the high altitude conditions. By bringing the right clothing, gear, and essentials, you can ensure a safe and comfortable trekking adventure. Remember to consult with your tour operator or experienced trekkers for any additional recommendations based on the specific conditions and time of year you plan to do the trek.

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Frequently asked questions.

When packing for the Salkantay Trek, it's important to pack layers for varying weather conditions. Make sure to include a waterproof jacket and pants, as rain can be expected in the region. Additionally, pack breathable, moisture-wicking clothing for hiking, such as hiking pants and shirts. Don't forget to bring warm layers for cold nights, including a fleece jacket and thermal underwear.

The Salkantay Trek involves long hours of hiking on varied terrain, so it's crucial to have comfortable and sturdy hiking boots. Make sure that your boots are well broken-in before the trek to avoid blisters. It is also recommended to bring a pair of lightweight shoes or sandals for wearing around the campsite in the evenings.

Most tour companies provide the necessary camping equipment, but it's always a good idea to double-check. Typically, you will need a tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. Some companies may provide sleeping bags and pads, but make sure to confirm this beforehand. Additionally, you may want to bring a headlamp, camping pillow, and a small camping stove for hot beverages.

Alongside clothing and camping gear, there are a few other essentials to consider. It's important to bring a refillable water bottle or hydration system, as you'll need to stay properly hydrated throughout the trek. Sun protection is also crucial, so bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen with a high SPF. Lastly, don't forget to pack toiletries, a first aid kit, snacks, and any necessary medication.

• Elani Piper Author Editor Reviewer

• Duke Trotter Author Editor Reviewer Traveller

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Salkantay Trek Advices and Tips

Many are the routes that take you to Machu Picchu, but none is like the Salkantay Trek, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the  capital of Perú , Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for five days along a path through forests and dense fog, and all the time enjoying majestic views. 

The Salkantay Trek is an old alternative trail to the Inca Trail, along the route you can see beautiful places with ecological diversity of flora and fauna, an excellent trekking route for travelers who love adventure. Also this excursion is called as one of the alternate routes to reach the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

The excursion to Salkantay was recently named by the National Geographic Adventure Travel magazine among the best 25 excursions in the world.

This hike takes the name of the magnificent Salkantay Snowy, natural work belonging to the Vilcabamba mountain range, located in the province of the Convention, district of Santa Teresa and is also one of the highest mountains in the Cusco region.

Are you worried about the degree of difficulty of the walk? Feel the effects of altitude during the trip? The view is spectacular and with these more than 10 Recommendations to survive the Salkantay Trek in Peru, you don't have to worry at all!

10 Salkantay Trek Recommendations

As we said before this trek is really challenging so you need to be prepared for it. Here we give you 10 Salkantay Trek Recommendations for it: 

• Your drink should be always on hand.

Yes, we know it, sounds like a joke, “how will I not take my drink by hand?”, but you will be surprised to know the number of people that needs to take a break and remove the backpack to hydrate.

Never go out on the mountain to hike without a minimum of a liter and a half of water. When it comes to hydrate ourselves, choose water or isotonic drinks (never carbonated soft drinks).

In order to hydrate constantly, we will have to choose wisely our container of water in order to transport it within reach of the hand at all times to be able to take small drinks from time to time. There are multiple solutions for that, from the most sophisticated camel bag to the simplest canteen in an accessible backpack pocket. We recommend you always carry a half-filter tank on hand, and the rest of the bag inside.

• Small steps on the climbs.

There is always an old proverb (which of course, are attributed to the Chinese as all the old proverbs) that says: “Walk like an old man to come as a young man.” This does not mean that we have to be especially slow, what we must do is to keep a constant rhythm and when we reach an ascending slope area we should maintain the rhythm as much as possible, because if we do not know exactly how much of ascension is left, it is possible that we get exhaust early.

• Use walking sticks.

They help to unload some of the weight of our joints, in addition they offer us extra stability and help us to remove any branch or plant that has grown up cutting our way in some path with lacking maintenance. In the descents you will have to lengthen them, and in the climbs, shorten them. The walking sticks are cheap, they are light and they help a lot in the mountain.

• Use trekking shoes.

Yeah… we all know that, but we still insist, it is much safer to walk with a hiking boot than to do it with other type of footwear. But, what shoes should I pack for Salkantay Trek? A comfortable boot with waterproof membrane (for example goretex) will not only prevent kinking and humidity, it will prevent loose stones from hitting our ankles.

Of course, the use of the boot will remove some mobility, but that will be solved with a correct lacing of the laces. For the descents we will tie the boot firmly, trying to keep the heel of the foot close to the back of the boot and in that way there will be a free space between the toe of the boot and the toes. With that, we will prevent the foot from slipping toward the front of the boot and as a result our fingers are crushed in the descent. For the ascensions we will release the pressure of the loop in the upper part of the boot and we will make sure to keep the instep tight and firm. If you do this, you will restore mobility in the ankle, and this will allow us to have more movement freedom on the ascent.

• Change the support position on the climbs.

It is quite common that after a long time of ascent, our muscles begin to show the effort. A very simply and effective trick to give these muscles a breath is to slightly change the position in which we support the foot. If we tilt it a little, we will work a different muscle group. We will distribute the load of the effort and we will notice an immediate relief in the overloaded muscles.

• Dress in layers.

Just like the onions. That is the first thing that the most experienced mountain people will advise you.

Always use clothes as thin as possible to avoid looking like the Michelin doll, imagine not fitting on the jacket. Avoid fabrics like cotton, and always try to use technical fabrics. In case they get wet (rain, fall to a river or simply sweat), they dry quickly… and never, ever take your jeans to the mountain. If they get wet you could not even walk with them. Always wear clothes that do not come too loose, it is better to go relatively tight but without losing mobility. Clothes that are too wide have a bad habit of getting caught in all the branches and protrusions we find on the path.

• Your backpack should have lumbar support.

Okay, this is another thing that we all have clear, but if we were given a dollar for every time I have crossed with someone on the mountain with a backpack that only supports the shoulders, I would be millionaire.

Use a backpack that not only has shoulder straps, but also supports your lower back and hips. If you choose your backpack properly and tighten it correctly you may even forget that you wear it. Distribute the load inside the backpack properly and just walk, enjoy.

• Protect yourself from the sun and the cold.

Have you ever heard of the chimney effect? The human body generates a great amount of heat when it is active, releasing calories, that although we are interested in losing them in summer and times of heat, it does not happen in winter. In this way our body becomes a real stove.

As I tell you, in the mountain we lose most of the body head by the feet and by the head. If we wear suitable socks and a correct boot we will have half solved, expect for some case of a minimalist athlete who is going to go barefoot, all the others wear shoes. But instead, there are many people who do not know that the other important part where we lose the body heat is the head, which without a cap or hat is exposed to the elements. The solution is simple, a hat.

Wear a hat or cap with protection at the nape of the neck, in both cases ensure that it has an ultraviolet filter. In that way you will avoid not only burn, but also suffering from heat stroke. In both cases, as with dehydration, the consequences can be very serious. Always use sunscreen, the ultraviolet radiation is more incisive in the mountain, and carrying a hydrated skin will prevent you from cutting and cracking with the wind and the cold winter, you will also delay the aging of it.

• Instant energy always at hand.

“Okay, I have had tried everything, the climb is endless. I carry walking sticks, I have hydrated, I am taking short steps and changing the support in each of them, I wear the top of the loose boot, my hat protect me from the sun, I like a mime with all the white face by the protective creak and my backpack is fastened, balanced and firm, but I cannot keep going…” That had happened to us too, it is time to put an extra dose of energy, always carry nuts, energy bars or add one of my friends, dried figs (I am particularly not in favor of the gels for the trekking practice, we are not mountain runners). An extra contribution of glucose of fast assimilation will allow you to endure that “little bit more”, which we have been told is missing. Of course, that means by hand, in a pocket or where ever you want, but as with hydration, do not put it somewhere where you need to remove all the backpack to achieve you extra contribution of energy.

• Avoid eternal stops and heavy meals.

If you stop, enjoy the view, the landscape, breathe deeply, but do not stop constantly and when you do it for lunch or to eat, avoid that these stops go beyond 15 or 20 minutes. Try not to overeat, you better taker the right amount, try to bring fruit and not just sandwiches. The fruit will give us a contribution of sugar and hydration that will help a lot. If we eat a lot of food, very heavy food and also stay on a place for a long time, when we are going to resume our trek it will cost a lot of effort and instead of enjoying the mountain we will suffer.

We hope all this 10 Salkantay Trek Recommendations helps you with your trip to Salkantay, enjoy!

Salkantay Trek When To Go

There are two main seasons in the sub-tropical Peruvian Andes – a dry season that runs from late April through to early October, and a wet season that starts mid to late October and draws to a close in April. But, when to go to the Salkantay Trek?

The Salkantay trek can technically be completed all year round, the peak trekking season to Machu Picchu occurs during the dry season and is busiest between May and September.

So, answering the question when to go to the Salkantay Trek? The best trekking months run from the shoulder wet months March / April all the way through to the shoulder dry months October / November.

If you travel in June, we recommend you to book the   Inti Raymi 2024  Tour that takes place in June 24th, and also hike the  Palcoyo Mountain Tour , which is an incredible Rainbow Mountain located in the Andes. 

Best Time to do Salkantay Trek

We advise that the best time to do Salkantay Trek is between May and October. It should be noted that the Salkantay trek is possible to do so throughout the year, but has to take into account that the months of rain are a problem in this trek which occur from December through March, so this is not the best time to do Salkantay Trek .

Salkantay Trek Weather

The weather during the Salkantay trek is very varied, because it winds through very different terrain at different altitudes. The only place where weather is a serious concern is the Salkantay Pass and the affected areas. Temperatures here and at the nearby Soraypampa camp may fall below the freezing point. The other camps are much warmer, due to its proximity to the cloud forest.

Salkantay Trek Weather Month by Month

Salkantay Trek from October to March: The rainy season is presented during those months. The days are sunny (19 ℃) and the nights are not so cold (4 ℃) but the frequency of rains increases considerably.

Salkantay Trek from April to September: During those months is the dry season. The days in Salkantay have a stable climate (18 ℃), but the nights have their lowest temperatures in the year (-10 ℃).

Changes in the Salkantay Trek Weather:

• The passage of ‘Abra Salkantay’ is the section where the cold is much more intense at night; the climate in the Abra can reach -10 ℃.
• In the rest of the sections of the walk, the climate changes to a tropical environment; as for example in the section towards the town of Aguas Calientes the temperature of the day reaches 26 ℃ and at night 12 ℃.

How Cold is the Salkantay Trek?

Temperatures throughout the year follow a very consistent pattern. But, how Cold is the Salkantay Trek? Days are warm, in the high twenties Celsius (70/80 Fahrenheit), and cold at night and in the early mornings (single digits Celsius and sometimes below zero degrees).

Temperature fluctuation is further exasperated by the micro-climates that dominate as you ascend and descend in altitude.

If you are still worry about How Cold is the Salkantay Trek, the key to staying comfortable throughout the trek is layering (see our equipment packing list section below for details on ideal clothing requirements). 

How Difficult is Salkantay Trek?

The Salkantay Trek Difficulty depends a lot on the physical condition that one may have, in addition to having experience in some similar route and in the state of health that one may have.

But how difficult is Salkantay Trek? In general, Salkantay trekking is considered by many travelers with greater effort, since the degree of Salkantay Trek Difficulty is "High", thus considering a great response for people who do it, especially considering the altitude.

The most complex day is the second, where the maximum point is Salkantay at 4600 m altitude, but with a good acclimatization of the first days it will not be so hard.

If you are still worry about how difficult is Salkantay Trek?, the Salkantay Trek Difficulty depends on the physical condition (see our recommendations of Training for Salkantay Trek below).

How long is Salkantay Trek?

The Salkantay trek is a hiking route that takes the visitor to the Inca City of Machu Picchu.

But, how long is Salkantay Trek? The total Salkantay Trek Distance is approximately 74 Km (45.98 miles), which are traveled in 5 days of the route:

Salkantay Trek Distances

How High is Salkantay Trek

The minimum height is 2,200 m.a.s.l. in the last camp in Sahuayaco and the highest Salkantay Trek Elevation that you will reach on this trek is just over 4,600m (4,900m if you do the Salkantay and Inca Trail Trek), which might be the highest altitude you have ever gone to outside of an aeroplane.

At this altitude, available oxygen per breath is nearly 45% less than what is available at sea level, and results in a number of physiological impacts.

Cusco rises to 3,400 meters above sea level, which can be a problem for some people, so we recommend that you be in Cusco at least 48 hours before starting the tour, during which you should drink a lot of liquid, Avoid alcohol and rest.

Here is the profile for the Salkantay Trek Elevation . As you can see the first two days are tough, after which the trek gets a lot easier!

  Salkantay Trek Elevation

Soraypampa to Chaullay

Salkantay Trek Altitude Sickness

Now you know How High is Salkantay Trek, remember that comes with obvious altitude sickness risks.

It is nearly impossible to predict how Salkantay Trek Altitude Sickness will effect you as there is very little correlation between altitude sickness symptoms and age, fitness level, gender etc.

We do however know that going too high too fast is a key determinant of Salkantay Trek Altitude Sickness . Given enough time the body can adapt to How High is Salkantay Trek – this is called acclimatisation. It is important that you spend a few days (2 at a minimum) acclimatising in Cusco, or ideally in the Sacred Valley, which is nearly 1,000m below Cusco before starting your trek.

Also, the best advice to Salkantay Trek Altitude Sickness is sleep, drink plenty of fluids and you could also take coca tea. Local people chew coca leaves wrapped around a resin black called llipta, when walking to this can help, since it dilates the vessels to increase blood flow to parts of the body that need it most and have a higher oxygenation.

What to Pack for Salkantay Trek

We know there is to much to pack for your Vacation to Machu Picchu , so we have written a very comprehensive  Salkantay Trek Packing List , which provides a perfect fit for the weather variations on the trail.

What to wear during the Salkantay Trek

The best way to think about what to wear during the Salkantay Trek is through the lens of layering.

The ability to layer your clothing up or down from morning when it is rather cold to the mid afternoon when temperatures reach their peak and then drop back down to freezing at night is key.

Layering also comes in handy as you ascend high passes that are exposed to winds or descend into shaded valleys. Effective layering only works if each layer allows moisture to pass through and escape to the external environment. In fact the best layered clothing, like wool, promotes moisture transfer through its wicking properties. Cotton and denim absorb moisture and should therefore be avoided.

Below we set out the types of clothing you should bring with you and provide specific recommendations on what to wear during the Salkantay Trek.

• Underwear: You should bring 2-3 pairs of sports underwear, like those made by Icebreaker, or indeed any sporting brand (e.g. Adidas). For women bring two pairs of sports bras.
• Base Layer: Over your underwear you should wear a lightweight base layer (or next-to-skin layer). You won’t wear this everyday day, just when it gets cold in the mornings, on the high passes and in the evenings.
• Trekking Shirts: In terms of shirts we recommend 3 x short sleeve shirts and 1 x long sleeve shirt. Ideal fabric is a breathable, lightweight and quick-drying polyester, merino or nylon. Make sure that your shirts are not cotton.
• Hiking Trousers and Shorts: Bring 1-2 x pairs of hiking trousers – 1 is fine for 3/4 day treks, an additional pair is ideal for treks greater than 4 days. Hiking trousers from Columbia are great. The convertible trousers are excellent. Also bring one pair of trekking shorts. 
• Fleece Jacket and Wind Breaker: For the colder stretches on the trail you should bring one mid-weight fleece jacket or parka top / jacket. Fleeces that use Polartec materials are great. Typically Polartec fleeces come in 100s, 200s or 300s. The 100s are a little light and 300’s too heavy. Two-hundreds provide great warmth and comfort, and are perfect for the Salkantay Trek.
• Soft Shell Jacket: In addition to your fleece parka or jacket you should also have a water-resistant and wind-proof jacket shell layer. Again, you want this to be relatively light (not a winter jacket), but still warm and sturdy. It needs to withstand any rain that you will encounter (although as you will see below we recommend taking a cheap poncho / rain gear in addition to your shell jacket).
• Rain Gear / Poncho: Finally, you can never truly predict the weather on the Inca Trail. As an extra precaution you should bring lightweight rain gear, or preferably a poncho that sits over your body.
• Sun Hat: You should bring a lightweight, easy-to-store sun hat to protect your head and face from getting sun burnt and reduce the probability of heat stroke. We prefer sun hats that have an adjustable neck cover, like the one shown adjacent. Do not bring a large bulky hat, like a straw hat, as these are difficult to store.
• Neck / Head Band / Bandanas: If your hat doesn’t have a neck cover you might want to bring a neck or head band which can help protect against sun burn whilst doubling as a scarf or head and ear warmer during the cold nights.
• Fleece Beanie or Head Band: As we have already mentioned the nights get cold on the Inca Trail. We suggest bringing a winter fleece beanie or head band.
• Sunglasses: Good sunnies are a must. At high altitude (greater than 4,000 meters) the UV intensity is high and visible light strong.
• This can be damaging to your eyes. A leader in polarized glasses is Oakley. All their lenses provide 100% protection from UV A, B and C and their category 4 lenses block 90% of visible light. This is slightly over-kill for Machu Picchu as you will not be trekking under snowy conditions which intensifies visible light. 
• Gloves: On the Salkantay Trek you are not going to experience blistering cold environments that require seriously insulated, heavy gloves or mitts, but you will likely encounter cold nips on the higher passes and in the mornings and evenings. A pair of lightweight, breathable and weatherproof gloves that are built for high-output aerobic activities like trekking, yet provide some warmth in cool environments, is what you should be looking for.
• Trekking Socks: You should bring 4 x pairs of trekking socks. Look for a light-to-mid weight trekking sock made of high wicking material.

Salkantay Trek What Shoes

We have listed the clothes and ítems you have to pack for Salkantay Trek, but What Shoes should I pack for Salkantay Trek? Hiking boots are one of the most important pieces of gear in your Salkantay Trek Packing List .

It is important that the trekking shoes are comfortable to not cause damage to the feet. Do not arrive with brand new boots that you haven’t worn yet – you will get blisters, sore feet and even loose toe-nails!

What kind of Shoes are recommended for Salkantay Trek? Mid-weight boots are best for Machu Picchu. Heavy boots provide great cushioning and are very durable but can be a little heavy to trek in.

Medium to high tops to support your ankle. The higher the top the heavier the boot. Ideally we recommend sturdy medium high tops made from leather or a leather-condura material. The sole should be made from rubber and have mid-to-deep lugs for good traction. The deeper the lugs the heavier the boot

The inner membrane should be waterproof. Gore-tex is the best material for this.

What Accessories Pack for Salkantay Trek

There are important accesories that form part of your Salkantay Trek Packing List .

• Passport – You need your passport to enter to Machu Picchu. We recommend bringing a few copies of the identity page as well
• Insurance – You should have trekking and travel insurance for the Salkantay Trek. Remember to write down your policy number and ideally carry a copy of your policy on you. If something does go wrong the trek you will want to contact your insurance company immediately. We recommend World Nomads.
• Trekking Towel (optional)  – A medium lightweight trekking towel to dry your hair, face and hands after a rainy days trekking. There is an option to visit the termal baths on day three, so a towel comes in use
• Swimsuit (optional)  – There are hot springs in the route and near Aguas Calientes, just below Machu Picchu, where you can swim.
• Sweat Resistant Suncream  – Don’t just get any sunscreen. You are trekking to high altitude where the sun intensity is high, so you will need a high SPF (greater than 30). Make sure to bring sun protection lip cream as well.
• Insect Repellant  – A basic insect repellant is important. Make sure to get a reliable brand that has a high Deet content – greater than 90% (Repel make a great product).
• Wet Wipes  – Great for cleaning your hands and face, and wiping down your body after a long days trekking. We also recommend bringing a small antiseptic hand-gel for dousing your hands before meals
• Dry Plastic Bags  – Bring a few large, medium and small plastic bags that you can use to source separate your wet and dry gear. Use zip-lock bags for your small gear like your wallet, money, camera, passport etc
• General Meds  – Take Paracetamol for headaches (a common early symptom of altitude sickness) and Imodium.
• Snacks  – Take 2-3 x energy bars for each day on the trail, so 10-15 in total. Nuts are also a good snacking food for the trail, just don’t get salty ones as these lead to dehydration
• Toiletries  – One roll of toilet paper per trekker is a must (remove the cardboard roll to save space) and all your other toiletry basics (toothbrush, toothpaste, small travel soap)
• Cash  – Bring cash in US dollars for tips and Soles (in coins and small notes) for small purchases, access to toilets at Machu Picchu etc.
• Cameras  – The scenery along the Salkantay Trek and at Machu Picchu is extraordinary. Bring a decent camera to capture the experience.
• Headlamp: You should also bring a headlamp or torch which will be used in and around camp, and as a back-up if you are a little slow on the trail and finish your trek around dusk. Headlamps are preferable as they allow you to keep your hands free.
• Walking Poles: Walking or trekking poles are a must on the Salkantay Trek. You will be trekking along an undulating landscape for up to 5-6 hours a day, for 4-5 days. Your leg joints, particularly your knees, will take a battering. With the aid of good trekking poles you will reduce the impact on your joints by up to 25% (a 1999 research study published in the Journal of Sports Medicine showed even better results than 25%). Poles also give you better balance.
• Water Bottle: Due to the effects of altitude you need to stay well hydrated on the Salkantay Trek. You should aim to drink 2-3 litres of water a day. Water is typically supplied by your trekking crew at the beginning of each day.
• You should check with the operator that your crew boil, filter and treat the water with water purification tablets before providing it to you.
• As a precautionary measure you might want to bring your own Water Purification Tablets.
• Backpacks and Daypacks: The type of bag that you should bring really depends on how your support team is composed.
• Good backpacks are designed to transfer load weight to your hips. The shoulder straps should carry no more than 30% of the weight. Here are the key features to look for in your rucksack:
• Size:  The ideal size backpack for the Inca Trail is a 30-36L lightweight pack. These can easily carry a maximum load of 10kg.
• Waterproof:  Backpacks are generally not waterproof, but good ones should be weather resistant. Look for design materials like pack cloth for the bag and Condura for high friction areas (i.e. inside of the straps). A water-resistant urethane coating is also beneficial
• Design:  For perfect fit the harness and suspension system should be multi-size and adjustable. The shoulder straps should be well padded and not restrict movement, and there should also be a hip belt that’s well padded.

How Much to Tip Salkantay Trek

In our Salkantay Trek Packing List we have suggest you to bring some money to buy souvenirs, snacks or water along the trail, but also is necessary to give some tips to your trekking team, and How Much to Tip Salkantay Trek?

Tipping is part of the tradition of any trek to Machu Picchu. Keep in mind that this is not mandatory and that you should never feel pressured by this. However, if you had a great experience while walking to Salkantay and Machu Picchu, you can show your gratitude to the chef, rider and guide by giving them a tip, but how Much to Tip Salkantay Trek?

The amount is entirely a personal preference: however as a guideline we suggest each hiker contributes $20 per horseman, and $40 for the chef = $60 per trekker. More is always appreciated.

When to Book Salkantay Trek?

Every year this trek becomes more famous, as well as the Inca Trail, that is why when they ask us when to Book the Salkantay Trek? We recommend making the reservation 2 or 3 months in advance so as not to have any problem with the income to Machu Picchu and train tickets that sell out quickly.

Salkantay Trek Book in Advance or until we get to Cuzco?

Another question when we decide when to book the Salkantay Trek is: Can I book it when we get to Cuzco or should I book it in advance?

You can book the Salkantay trekking in Cusco during your trip, but it is better to book Salkantay Trek in advance, and not wait until you get to Cuzco .

But why we recommend to book Salkantay Trek in advance and not until you get to Cuzco? The Salkantay trek always includes Machu Picchu at the end of the trip. For Machu Picchu you need the Official Machu Picchu Tickets that must be managed in advance. Trekking companies always need time to book these tickets. Therefore, it is convenient to book Salkantay Trek in advance online .

Salkantay trek closes in February?

Since 2002, and as every year, the Inca Trail along with 18 other archaeological sites, which are along its route, are closed to the public in the month of February, this is because this season is carry out conservation, maintenance and cleaning activities of these places.

Another reason, to restrict the entrance to the Inca Trail in February, is because precisely this month, there are the strongest rains of the season, in this area. So in order to safeguard the integrity of visitors with a great spirit of adventure, as well as that of guides and other support staff, the Inca Trail closes during the month of February of each year.

But what about the Salkantay trek, it closes in February? Well, Inca Trail closes in February , but Salkantay Trek does not do that, is opening all year. In the month of February you have other very good options when it comes to hiking to Machu Picchu, like the Salkantay trek, Inca Jungle Trail or Lares trek.

Salkantay Trek Without Guide

The Salkantay trek is free , although it is true that the Government of Peru wants to restrict this trail and turn it into something similar to the Inca Trail. Although for now Salkantay trek is free , there is also the option of hiring an expedition with a guide, cooks, horseman and Salkantay Entrance fee.

You don't have one against a trekking company to do the Salkantay trek. Although we do not have the benefit of a guide, organized accommodation, ready meals and carriers, but you can hike the Salkantay Trek no guide .

Doing the Salkantay trek without Guide costs nothing. The only important expenses are the entrance to Machu Picchu, the train services from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.

If you are thinking of crossing the Salkantay Trek no guide , you should think about the following expenses:

• Transportation: for the bus to Mollepata, the bus from Hidroeléctrica to Cusco and the bus from Aguas Calientes to Cusco.
• Accommodation during the tour: for a shared room during the tour.
• Meals: you will spend about USD 50 on meals during the tour.
• Machu Picchu and Salkantay Entrance fee: Now Salkantay Trek is free and you don´t need a Salkantay Entrance fee , but you will require the entrance to Machu Picchu and book it in advance.

What to Pack for Salkantay Trek if I will go without a Tour

If you are doing a Salkantay Trek without a Guide , you will need to carry your own gear, including food and a tent. This means that you will need to pack light, avoid taking too many duplicate items on the packing list (for example, take only one pair of trekking trousers instead of two).

Try to keep your pack under 15kg, anymore weight will make the trek very tough. If you are overweight, consider acquiring the services of an arrieros (horseman) in Mollepata.

They charge between 30-40 Soles per mule per day and an additional 30/40 Soles per day for themselves, but are a great help.

As you will be cooking your own food (go with 3 days worth of light food, like sachets of soup, ramen noodles etc), you will need to have fuel ignition cooking gear. Here are some good examples of camping cookware and camping gas stoves.

There are a few key equipment items that you will need to take with you on your Salkantay trek if you go without a tour:  

• Duffel Bag: We suggest bringing all your gear including your rucksack in an 80-90L duffel bag. This can then be left in Cusco, storing your non-trekking gear, and your rucksack can be used solely on the trail.
• Sleeping Bag: A good quality and warm sleeping bag is a must on the Salkantay Trek.
• Sleeping bags come in two types – goose or duck down, and synthetic. Down sleeping bags are generally lighter, warmer and better quality. They are however, more expensive. To decide between the two types, think carefully about how often you will be using the sleeping bag for future adventures or treks. A lightweight, warm down sleeping bag will serve you very well on most challenging classic world treks. On the other hand, if the Salkantay Trail is just a one off with little likelihood that you will be going to high altitude or on winter trekking trips in the future, then a good synthetic will suffice.
• Regardless of season, it can get pretty cold at night on the Salkantay Trek (as seen on the temperature chart above). The coldest months coincide with the dry popular trekking season of May through September. During this time sub-zero temperatures are common at night. We recommend a four season bag for all year round with a rating of -10 C (14F).
• During the dry shoulder months of March-April and October-November you can get away with a three season bag (-4 C / 25F). December, January and February are very wet and not great for trekking.
• Mummy-shaped sleeping bags are the best as they are designed to fit the contours of your body and hence provide great insulation. Try get a bag that is no more than 2.5kg.
• Sleeping Mat (Optional): You can get a self-inflating version. We recommend Therm-a-rest mats.
• Sleeping Bag Liner (Optional): If you decide to go for a three season sleeping bag or rent a sleeping bag in Cusco, it’s worth bringing a sleeping bag liner for additional insulation should temperatures get really cold at night.
• Inflatable Pillow (Optional): A simple inflatable pillow can come in handy if you are one of those people that needs a soft surface to rest your head. Alternatively just stuff the hood of your sleeping bag with some spare clothing.
• Ear Plugs (optional): It can get a little loud at the various camps. If you are a light sleeper basic ear plugs will prove to be very effective in giving you an uninterrupted nights rest.

Salkantay Trek Alternative Tours

• Inca Trail Tours
• 2 Day Inca Trail Tour
• 2 Day Inca Trail with camping
• 3 Day Inca Trail
• Inca Quarry Trail

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Hiking the Salkantay Trek: Everything You Need to Know

On the top of my list for the longest time (and on the top of everyone’s list I am sure) has been hiking my way to Machu Picchu via the Salkantay Trek, the lost Incan city. As soon as travel started to open back up in 2021, we found ourselves some affordable flights to Peru and decided to look into the hiking trek along the Salkantay, and wanted to share with you everything we learned from our research!

What This Guide Covers: The Basic Outline Know Before You Go Breakdown of Daily Hiking What To Know About Machu Picchu Packing List of What To Bring

SEE MORE // THE BEST TRAVEL CREDIT CARDS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR POINTS

The Basics About the Salkantay Trek

The Salkantay Trek has long been known as a less-busy alternative to the famous Inca Trail, the original trail created by the Incan people to Machu Picchu. With the limited number of permits available for the Incan Trail, and with how hard it is to snag one of those spots, this is an incredible alternative. It’s a beautiful 4 to 5 day pass through the Salkantay Mountains in the Andes Range, about 40 to 60 miles depending on which trek you choose to take!

The Key Pieces to Know:

• Time Needed: Two options are available, a 4D 3N short trek (what we did) or a 5D 4N long trek
• Distance Covered: The shorter 4D trek is 37 miles total vs the 5D trek is 44 miles total
• Difficulty: Absolutely difficult, even our 25 year old in shape selves DEEPLY struggled
• Altitude: Reaches up to 4.6k meters or 15,000 feet! It’s a brutal altitude
• Prices: We opted for a $290 trek with AmericanInca , but prices can go up to $600
• What’s Included: Most tour company have all inclusive treks! Which means your sleeping arrangements, meals, and all transportation is included. Does not include alcoholic drinks or tips!

For the purposes of this guide, we’re going to break out our four-day trek with American Inca Trail ! I highly highly recommend them as a company, and cannot say enough incredible things. They absolutely blew us away with having the best food, great accommodations, and an incredible guide who has lived his whole life in the region and never left our side.

Know Before You Go // Prepping for the Trek

Pick Up is in Cusco and you will need to arrive AT LEAST TWO DAYS before your trek. Not required, but you’re 100% going to appreciate the time to adjust to the altitude. Plus the city is beautiful, and we shared our favorite spots on our One Week in Peru guide to help you out!

Getting to Cusco when they tell you to get to the airport 2 hours early, listen. We almost missed our flight from Lima to Cusco because we tend to be arrive-late people. Do not make that mistake, as there aren’t THAT many flights!

Avoid eating fruits & veggies Before your trek, you should ensure you’re careful about what you’re eating. The middle of a mountain is the last place you want to have stomach issues. Trust me.

Don’t drink the water and don’t even brush your teeth with it! Stock up on water bottles and only use those.

You Get One Duffel Bag to carry your trek clothes with you. Pack wisely, and don’t bring what you don’t need. We have a full packing list at the bottom of this blog post!

Keep Your Backpack Light because the weight on your back is going to be one of the hardest parts. Heavy items in your duffel, and lightest must-haves go in your pack but that is IT.

HYDRATE because that’s the best way to handle a four day trek in that much altitude!!!!

Day One: Hiking The Salkantay Pass

Quick TLDR: You’re hiking about 8 hours and 14 miles total up a mountain and then back down. Wear layers as the top of the pass is ice cold, but you’ll be overheating. Pack about 2-3 liters of water and shoes that can handle ice and snow on the ground. Also, pack snacks!!!!

Before I type this up, please know that this is the hardest day and every following day will be easier. But this day just about killed me. You’re going to finish this trek feeling 1) on top of the world which you basically are at 15k feet and 2) like your entire body is going to give up on you. As long as you’re mentally prepared for this and aware YOU CAN DO IT then that’s part one.

Pick Up in Cusco

Your day begins with a bright and early 3AM-4AM wake-up call in Cusco! Your guide will pick you up on a bus and drive you 2-3 hours to the starting point. Relax, you’re going to be in for a WILD RIDE.

If You’re Doing the 5 Day Trek…

Your day begins before our 4-day trek people! You’re driven to Mollepata and will start off with breakfast before heading to your trailhead. You’ve got a full morning of hiking on varying terrain for 3-4 hours, followed by lunch, and then another couple hours for 8 miles total.

At the end of the day, you have an optional trek up to the below Lake Humantay, and let me tell you DO THIS HIKE IT’S BEAUTIFUL. I will also note it just about killed me because I get insane altitude sickness

Once you hit this point, everything about the 4 and 5-day hikes is the same. The only difference is the 4-day hikes drive you through this 8-mile portion!

Hiking Laguna Humantay

At the end of Day 1 for the 5-Day hikers and the start of Day 1 for the 4-Day hikers is the option to get to Lake Humantay.

It’s about a 5k trek each way, but the view from the top is simply one of the most amazing views you will ever see in your life.

The 4-Day Trek Day One (and 5-Day’s Day 2)

Your day will begin with the above hike to Laguna Humantay, and then you’ll start the main portion of the trek. Your morning will begin with a 2-3 hour trek straight up the mountain pass. This is going to be one of the hardest parts of the entire trip. We were exceptionally unlucky and it ended up snowing heavily during our walk up the mountain, but that’s apparently pretty rare! Your trek begins with light gravel hills and eventually turns into switchbacks up the main mountain.

They will offer you the option to ride a horse at the base, up to the lunch spot. If you had trouble with the altitude of the Laguna Humantay hike, take the horse because it only gets SIGNIFICANTLY HARDER. I was on the verge of passing out from altitude during the Laguna hike, and had to take a horse to the lunch spot in order to save my health!

Just an hour from the peak, you’ll stop for lunch and get a moment to warm up and relax! Appreciate that, because you still have another one-hour hike up to the Salkantay Pass. This is going to be the most brutal portion as you’re at the highest altitude of the entire trip, and it’s a pretty straight shot!

Once you’re at the peak, YAY YOU DID IT! You’ve survived the hardest portion of this entire trek! It’s all downhill from here!

You’ll now have about 3 hours of downhill hiking from the top of the Salkantay Pass to the base of the mountain where you’ll be setting up camp for the night. You’ll get to enjoy a delicious meal (again, cannot say how DELICIOUS the food made by our American Inca Trail cooks was) and then a campfire and drinks before heading to bed! You’ll be passed out early from how exhausting the trek was.

Pro Tip: Fill up a plastic water bottle with some boiling hot water and stick that in your sleeping bag to keep warm. It’s around 30 degree during the night and that water bottle is going to save you!

Day Two: Hiking Down the Jungle Pass

Quick TLDR: You’re hiking about 4 hours and 6-8 miles total downhill through the jungle. It’s humid but water, wear leggings and a rain jacket to protect from mosquitos. Pack about 1-2 liters of water and use hiking poles to go downhill.

Time for another hiking day! This day is entirely downhill, so while your knees are going to hate you I promise it’s better than that first day. You kick off the day with breakfast and then climb down the rest of the jungle trek called “Ceja de Selva” where you’ll see some incredible variety of tropical plants compared to your mountain trek. It’s about 6-7 miles long and then you get to stop for lunch in the jungle.

The Hot Springs of Santa Teresa After your morning jungle hike, you can either opt to hike more of the trip OR you’ll take a drive about 2 hours to Santa Teresa for the night and spend some time enjoying the Santa Teresa hot springs.

We absolutely loved the Hot Springs! This is not entirely your choice and your guide has some say over which you do. But if you can, we totally would go for the hot springs again!

After lunch, you have two options: hiking more OR taking a car to the Hot Springs. We totally think the hot springs are the way to go! After that, you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner at your next campsite and more time by the fire. We loved that this campsite actually allowed us to meet hikers from other groups too!

Day Three: Hiking the Train Tracks to Aguas Calientes

Quick TLDR: You’re hiking about 2-3 hours and 6-8 miles total on flat ground. It’s warm and humid but mosquitos are aggressive so wear a rain jacket against them. It’s an easy day, so relax!

The easiest hiking day of the whole trip! Your day kicks off with an option to go on the Ziplines over the Andean mountains. This costs about $25 per person, and I will say while it was fun it really was a mid-tear zipline compared to some I have been on in Hawaii and in Mexico. So if you’re meh about it, then instead you can visit a coffee bean field or just relax at the campsite!

After the ziplines, you’ll take a car for about 30 minutes to Hydroelectric where you’ll stop for lunch before you start your 8-mile hike along the train tracks to get to Aguas Calientes. This is a very easy hiking day as the terrain is flat the entire way through.

Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes, you’ll have time to relax at your hotel/hostel before you get dinner with your hiking group! We visited a couple of bars and our favorite was Supertramp on their rooftop bar! The best cocktails, prices, and games there.

Day Four: Machu Picchu!

Quick TLDR: You can take the bus for minimal hiking or take the stairs. Shorts are fine, you’ll sweat a ton on the stairs.

GOOD MORNING! Get ready for a 4AM wake up call as you begin your trip to Machu Picchu. You have two options to get to the top of Machu Picchu.

Option One: Taking the Stairs from the base of Aguas Calientas. We thought this would be so much hardest than it was! It takes about 1 hour of climbing up the stairs to the entrance of Machu Picchu and is free. It truly was worth it, and was an easy climb compared to that first day of the trek!

Option Two: Taking the Bus from the base of Aguas Calientas which is $12 per person, each way. We opted to hike and bus down, and have no regrets about that move (someone in our group had a hurt knee, so climbing down stairs was a no).

Once at Machu Picchu, you’ll be given a tour by either your trek guide (our American Inca trek guide was certified so he could be the one to show us around) or by a Machu Picchu guide if your trek guide is not certified. Walking through the Incan ruin takes about 2 hours, and is just truly stunning.

From there, you have the option to hike to the top of Huaynapicchu Mountain (Hard) or Machu Picchu Mountain (Very Hard) which are both another hour of straight stairs and significantly more difficult than the main stair climb. The tall peak behind Machu Picchu village in this photo is Huaynapicchu!

Plus, they’re not for the faint of heart as they’re right over a cliff! You do need to pay extra for these (worth it though) and they are currently closed until Fall 2021 due to COVID.

Getting Back to Cusco

It’s important to ensure that your trek includes your train ticket back to Cusco (ours did) and if not you will need to purchase your train ticket home. I would absolutely recommend doing this in advance and cost is about $90 one way, but the line to purchase was QUITE long.

Our train ride took about 1.5 hours and dropped us off in Ollantaytambo, and then a car picked us up and drove us all the way back to our hotel in Cusco!

What to Pack on Your Salkantay Trek // Machu Picchu Trek

All are items I myself packed AND used during the trip! Also this does include affiliate links, but these are all products I own.

What You’ll Wear on the Salkantay Trek

• Warm Hat // You really only need during the first day if you expect colder temperatures! Either a hat or a headband for your ears is good
• Gloves // Nothing fancy needed, just cheap gloves from Target will do the trick. Anything to keep your fingers warm on Day 1 and at night!
• Sun Hat or Sunglasses // Days 2-5 are going to be ones where you want to protect your scalp from sunburns with just a regular ‘ole cap
• Rain Jacket // You’re in the mountains and in the forest so you absolutely can expect rain! Get a GOOD raincoat, waterproof not just water-resistant or you’ll end up extremely wet and never able to dry off
• Warm Jacket // You DO NOT need a ski level jacket, but you DO need a warm jacket for the cold mornings and colder nights. I would say sweatshirt level thickness is gonna do the trick!
• Layers of Shirts // I packed 2 tank tops and one long sleeve! I basically rotated these throughout the four days. They smelled like death by the end, but I wanted to save my space for other items! Layer it was!
• Underwear // Is this obvious? Yes. But HEAR ME when I say pack one per day. You won’t get to shower, and changing into clean underwear is going to be the closest thing you can get to clean!
• Thick Water Resistant Leggings // If you’re a gal reading this, I did my entire trek in leggings. I packed two pairs and wore those throughout the trip. If you don’t want to purchase a new pair of hiking pants, then leggings truly are fine. My ONE NOTE is to make sure they’re thick so if they snag on something or you slip and fall, they won’t rip! These Amazon ones are my FAVORITE pair I own and I wore them on the trek!
• OR Light Hiking Pants // These REI hiking pants are an investment but they’re heaven since you can feel less constricted but also protect your legs from the sun and mosquito bites.
• OR Shorts (Optional) // I’m the only person in our group who opted for shorts on the last day! I just knew I was going to swear insane amounts hiking the 2k stairs to Machu Picchu and it was a hot day, and I had no regrets. But honestly, shorts are not super needed and you WILL get bit up.omens
• Hiking Socks // PACK COMPRESSION SOCKS. Oh my god your feet and ankles are going to swell from the hiking, and these are heaven. They also protect you from those blisters. Trust me. Do it.
• Hiking Boots // If you’re thinking of doing this trek in regular sneakers, just mentally prep for pain. You’re going through a lot of terrain and a lot of rocks so you REALLY should bring hiking boots for you. Get something WATERPROOF, something BREATHABLE. These boots are honestly great and timeless and everything you need!
• Sandles // Just one pair of flip flops is great for when you’re at camp! You’re so sick of the hiking boots and those feet need to breathe
• Swim Suit // If you know that the Hot Springs aren’t an option on your hike then it’s no big deal, but of course bring one if you want to do the springs!

Hiking Gear to Pack for the Salkantay Trek

• Thermal Sleeping Bag (Optional) // you can rent one for about $25, or bring your own! I opted to rent one, but this is the link to the one I do own
• Thin Backpack // Just something lightweight to keep your water and snacks with you on the hike! You’ll have a duffel to hold your spare clothes and goods, but this is something light and easy for when your bag is on the mule.
• Biodegradable Toilet Paper // I got this little pack from Amazon and used ALL of it. Almost no establishments in Peru have toilet paper, so it’s using your own or suck it up. Personally, I find toilet paper to be a non-negotiable so I brought my own.
• Reusable Water Bottle OR Hydration Pack (Optional) // I packed both with me! I had my hydration pack in my backpack for the hiking, and then also kept the useable bottle to fill up and potable water tablets to turn my yuck water into drinkable water. HOWEVER, you have plenty of opportunities to buy water bottles there so no stress with needing this!
• Pee Cup (For Women) // Listen. I do not squat. I cannot squat. I brought a pee cup and I have no regrets.
• Small Towel // You don’t need this unless you plan to hit the springs, but I have a cheap foldable towel I love and always take on trips! It takes almost no space at all, and it’s just so nice to have on hand.
• Cash // In general, you’ll find few places take credit cards in Peru so I would ALWAYS have more cash than you think you need. We brought 400 soles each on the hike and used almost all of it.
• Snacks // Think of little hiking snacks for your trip and pack those! Granola bars, KIND bars, beef jerky, even a cookie if you know it’s going to bring you joy. You get your three meals a day and the snacks are so nice during the hikes!

Medical / Bathroom Gear to Pack for the Salkantay Trek

• Sunscreen // Literally if you ignore everything else on this list, do not ignore this. Nobody wants skin cancer.
• Bug Spray // Again, seriously pack this. The mosquitos are no joke in Peru and you will get bitten.
• Advil // We literally brought an entire bottle for four people and we used every single pill. Between the altitude headaches, the sore body parts, and the exhaustion it was truly needed.
• Hand Warmers // It’s not needed but with the snow we had during day one I used the four that I packed in my bag!
• Hairbrush // I’m the only girl in the group that brought a hairbrush and everyone borrowed it daily. It was so nice to feel somewhat clean and detangled!

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The Hiking Life

Salkantay Trek: Independent Hiker’s Guide

Posted on October 4, 2017 December 19, 2020 Author Cam 177 Comments

When most people think of hiking to Machu Picchu, the first name that comes to mind is the Inca Trail. And justifiably so. For decades that classic trek was the sole focal point for anyone looking to arrive at the fabled ‘lost city’ on foot. However, as Machu Picchu’s fame increased, so did the quantity of people wanting to experience the Inca Trail. In the early 2000’s authorities installed a much needed quota on hiking numbers, a decision which led to the emergence of the Salkantay Trek on the world’s backpacking radar.

I hiked the Salkantay Trek in August, 2017. The information contained below is mostly geared towards hikers who choose to do the walk independently rather than with a guided group ( Note : Since 2001 it is prohibited to hike the Inca Trail without a guide).

Ryan “Dirtmonger” Sylva descending from Salkantay Pass (4630m/15,190ft).

Distance :  57.2 miles ( 92 km)

Avg. Time :   5 days.

• That is the standard amount of time taken by guided groups . If you are fit, acclimatised and carrying a light pack, there are no real issues in doing the hike in three or four days if you feel like it.

Start :  Mollepata

• As of 2017, virtually all organized groups start at Soraypampa, which cuts off some 12 miles/20 km from the overall distance mentioned above. We decided to begin our hike at the traditional trailhead of Mollepata, and hike from there to Soraypampa.  From Mollepata you can either follow the dirt road or take a well marked trail (the signed junction is just a few minutes out of town) all the way to Soraypampa.

Finish : The summit of Machu Picchu mountain.

• The traditional end of the Salkantay Trek is the Machu Picchu archeological site. We decided to extend it a little by making the summit of Machu Picchu Peak (3061m / 10,042ft) our finishing point.

Yours truly and Ryan “Dirtmonger” Sylva on top of Machu Picchu Peak – finishing point of our Salkantay Trek.

Highest Point : Salkantay Pass 4630 m (15,190 ft)

Lowest Point : Hydroelectric Plant 1800 m (5906 ft)

Difficulty :  Easy to moderate.

Transport :

• Mollepata – Three hours by regular buses from Cusco. Cost 15 Peruvian Soles (about US$5). As of 2017, you can catch daily minibuses from near the junction of Arcopata and Avenida Apurimac. They usually leave around 7 to 8 am.
• Machu Picchu – Returning to Cusco from the finish of the hike is either expensive or time consuming. The priciest, easiest and most comfortable way is to take the train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco (4 hrs). Alternatively you can catch the train to Ollantaytambo, then take a Collectivo minibus or taxi from there to Cusco (between 3 hrs and 4 hrs total). Finally, the cheapest and most time consuming way to return to Cusco from Machu Picchu is as follows: 1. Walk the 11 km back to the Hydroelectric dam along the railroad tracks; 2. From there take a minibus or collective taxi to the village of Santa Teresa; 3. Catch another bus back to Cusco. This three step journey can take the best part of an entire day depending on connections, and you may well find yourself overnighting in Santa Teresa; not such a bad thing as it does sport some soothing hot springs ( Note : If you plan on taking the train, you should book well in advance ).

The world’s most futile hitching attempt on the way to Aguas Calientes (photo from Ryan Sylva).

Season :  Possible all year, though the dry season between May and October is ideal.   During this period nights can be chilly (0°C is common), but days are generally clear.

Guidebook / Maps / Online Information :

• Guidebook : Alexander Stewart’s The Inca Trail (2013) contains trekking notes and basic maps for the Salkantay Trek (as well as other hikes in the area).
• GPS : For GPS details see  Salkantay Trek on the GaiaGPS website.
• Blogs by Independent Salkantay Hikers : Sayonarapushek.com, Kevinstravelblog.com,  rediscoveringpassions.wordpress.com and last but not least, my hiking partner Ryan “Dirtmonger” Sylva’s personal account of our Salkantay Trek experience.

Permits & Fees : No permits are needed to hike the Salkantay Trek. However, you will need to purchase an entrance ticket to the Machu Picchu archeological site and Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu peaks. Independent hikers can organise these in advance through the official Peruvian Ministry of Culture website . Alternatively, if you are going with an organised group, the tour company may do it for you. It’s worth noting that as of 2017, you can also pick up entry tickets to Machu Picchu (but not the peaks) once you arrive in Aguas Calientes. 

For a thorough overview of the ins and outs of purchasing Machu Picchu tickets, see Thrifty Nomads .

The view from Machu Picchu Peak overlooking the citadel and Huayna Picchu (Photo courtesy of Ryan Sylva)

Food :  You have a few options: 1. B ring all your supplies from Cusco; 2. Purchase provisions and organise meals along the way at Soraypampa, Colpapampa and La Playa, or; 3. Do a combination of both. We went with the final option, and enjoyed a few wonderful home cooked meals during our journey. For those interested in taking the same approach, I’d recommend starting the trek with no more than two days food.

Water : Plenty of water available throughout the trek (we never carried more than 1.5 lt at a time), however, due the prevalence of livestock and human settlement it is recommended that all water should be treated.

Guided Vs Independent : More than 95% of hikers tackle the Salkantay Trek as part of a guided group. However, if you have the necessary gear (it’s also possible to rent equipment in Cusco) and a reasonable amount of backpacking experience, there are no issues with doing the hike independently. The trail is easy to follow throughout its course and as mentioned above, you can purchase food along the way (i.e. which translates to a lighter load). 

DM descending the Quebrada Humantay.

How does the Salkantay differ from the Inca Trail? The primary differences are as follows: it’s longer, slightly more challenging, less crowded, boasts a greater variation of ecozones, but doesn’t have the multiple archeological sites that you can visit on the Inca Trail. It’s also cheaper, irrespective of whether you go with an organized group or independently; significantly so if you choose the later option. In short, they are different treks that both happen to end at the same spectacular destination.

Overview map of different trails to Machu Picchu ( Terraquechuaperu.com )

Trekking Notes :

• Overall Character : The Salkantay is perhaps most notable for its ecological diversity. It traverses picturesque valleys, alpine meadows, goes up and over a dramatic mountain pass and meanders its way through a lush subtropical rainforest.
• The Pass : The high point both geographically as well as scenically is the 4630 m (15,190ft)  Abra Salkantay . Upon reaching this spectacular pass, hikers are afforded jaw-dropping vistas of Mount Salkantay (6271 m), a peak that has long been considered sacred by the inhabitants of the Peruvian Andes.

Views from Salkantay Pass.

• Transformation : From the pass, the trail descends more than 2000 meters (6562 ft) into cloud forest. The change in flora, as well as temperature is dramatic. Along the way there are various accommodation/camping options where it is possible to break up the descent (i.e. Huayracmachay, Collpapampa and Challway).

• Ascend to Llactapata : Not long after leaving the friendly village of La Playa, the pathway ascends again via banana and coffee plantations (be sure to stop for a cup or two) to the recently rediscovered ruins of Llactapata. There is a campsite close to the archeological site with impressive views towards Machu Picchu.  
• Along the Tracks : From Llactapata the trail goes steeply downhill to the hydroelectric plant. Soon after you pass the railway station where provisions can be purchased. From this point it is a flat and easy 11 km to the town of Aguas Calientes following the railway tracks.

DM walking through a coffee plantation on the way to Llactapata.

• Day 1 :  Mollepata  to  Soraypampa : 20 Km (12.4 miles);
• Day 2 :   Soraypampa  to  Collpapampa : 22 Km (13.7 miles);
• Day 3 :  Collpapampa  to  La Playa : 16 Km (9.9 miles) (** Update –   March 13, 2018:  According to report, trail between Collpapampa and La Playa is closed due to landslides. No information as to when it will be cleared; in the meantime take road instead. See comments below – Calvin Benson – for details).
• Day 4 :  La Playa  to  Aguas Calientes : 25 Km (15.5 miles) – via Llactapata;

Ascending the steps to Machu Picchu Peak (photo courtesy of Ryan Sylva).

Final Thoughts :

• Go Independent : By any criteria, the Salkantay is not a difficult trek. If you have the gear, are reasonably fit, well acclimatized and know how to follow a trail, I’d highly recommend going independently. It’s a lot cheaper, a bigger sense of accomplishment, more opportunities to interact with locals, and you gift yourself the element of freedom; the freedom to choose where you camp, what you eat, whom you hike with (if anyone), when you take a break, how fast or slow you walk, etc.  

Yours truly at the end of the Inca Trail in 1996, and 21 years later at the end of the Salkantay Trek.

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177 Replies to “Salkantay Trek: Independent Hiker’s Guide”

My husband and I hiked the Salkantay Trek in February of this year. In many years of backpacking, we had never opted to go on a guided hike, but the complexity of transportation logistics and the lack of readily available topo maps led us to book a guided trek last-minute. On our hike we saw a few intrepid, independent hikers — my hats off to you and to them!

Though I was skeptical about going with a guide, I ultimately enjoyed it tremendously. We had local guides who opened the door for us to interact with other locals beyond what I believe I would have been able to do, even as a Spanish speaker; the food provided was unbelievably good; we got to sleep in a glass igloo the first night; and traveling for five days with others in our group had the benefit of letting us become more connected with fellow hikers than the more casual connections I’m used to making on the trail.

That said, there are plenty of trekking companies ready to take travelers’ money — and not all are reputable. We did our research and were ultimately happy with Salkantay Trekking Company ( http://www.salkantaytrekking.com ). We were able to reduce the trek price because we had already bought train tickets and permits for Machu Picchu, which brought the cost for 5 days including all food, transportation and lodging about $180.

Travelogue, including GPS track, at http://dearantler.com/askantler/hooves-on-the-ground-peru .

Thanks for the detailed message. It’s always good to have folks that have enjoyed different experiences chime in. I remember seeing those glass igloos you mentioned!

hi guys, i just read your blog after this comment…. how did you manage to get this amazing prize??? i wrote to Salkantay Trekking, and they didn’t allow me to do the same, and offered me a pack of $420, very far from your prize…. can you help me with this? thanks in advance!

Hello Cam! Thank you for this insightful post. I do hope I’ll get a chance to hike in Peruwian mountains once I’m done with Europe ?

Great post,

Did the Inca trail twenty years ago with a guided group. Although I’ve enjoyed the guided tour it was the beginning of many years of independent hikes all over the world. Great to see this alternative track, maybe I will go back one day.

Greets from Belgium, Bart

Must have been a great feeling getting back to Machu Picchu after all those years, particularly getting there under your own steam.

Thanks for sharing an independent approach to Machu Picchu and opening the door for me. I have put this on the list and look forward to some hiking in Peru.

Thanks for all the helpful information, thinking of making this trek without a guide next September. What about campsites along the trail? Do these need to be booked in advance? Thanks again.

Plenty of camping options along the way. No need to book in advance if you are hiking independently. All the best on your trip!

Hey Cam, thanks for the info. I read that the ticketing guidelines at Machu Picchu may have changed last July and you now have to enter with a guide, among other limitations. Was that your experience in August? Any issues there? Thanks again.

It wasn’t obligatory to have a guide at Machu Picchu last August. That said, you do need to organise your permits for the peaks and site beforehand. Be sure to bring a paper copy of your reservation/s to the site if you are going independently.

I’m just wondering how this trek stacks up against the Inca trail in your opinion? Did you find one more enjoyable then the other? Did one have better views then the other? Was one more challenging? Thanks in advance!

Regards, Vaughn

Hey Vaughan,

They are different treks that both end up at the same spectacular destination. I can’t say that one is better than the other. I did the Inca Trail back in 1996. At that time it could still be done independently; these days it is obligatory to go with a guide/group and is quite expensive. The Salkantay can still be done without an agency if you so choose.

In regards to other differences, Inca Trail has some great archeological sites along the way, whereas the standout feature of the Salkantay (at least from my perspective) is the ecological diversity encountered during its course. Perhaps the Salkantay is slightly more challenging from a physical standpoint. The views are amazing on both hikes.

Thank you for such a quick reply! Your article has convinced me to hike the Salkantay trail sometime in the near future. I hope to follow a similar itnerary to you starting at Molletapa and finishing at one of the peaks. I’m unsure whether I would rather finish at the Machu Picchu peak or hike up to the busier Huayna Picchu peak. What made you guys choose the Machu Picchu peak over the Huayna Picchu?

No worries. I had been up Huayna Picchu in 1996, so I thought it would be good to check out the view from the other peak this last time around.

Thank you for the great advice. I’m doing this trek independently with my son (26) in August. Can you tell me whether there are lodges/teahouses on the route as we do not want to carry food or camping equipment. Thank you.

There are some lodges along the way, which depending on availability, you might be able to book in advance. I suspect they are mostly filled up with trekking agency groups.

In regards to food, as I mentioned in the article, you can purchase meals and/or pick up supplies at Soraypampa, Colpapampa and La Playa.

Hi! Thank you for the great information. I will be doing the trek in March. You noted permits are not required, but I read in Alexander Stewart’s book that a permit needs to be purchased for the section from Soray Pampa to Lucmabamba. Did you have to by a permit for this checkpoint or bypass it? Thanks!!

To the best of my knowledge you do not need a permit to hike any part of the Salkantay Trek, with the exception of the finish at Machu Picchu. Best of luck on your hike!

Hi Emily. Are you camping or planning to stay in lodges en route? I’ve been trying to work out accom other than carrying my own and would be grateful for post trip advice/tips.

Hi Andrew, I will be camping the whole time with three other people. I’ve read there can be lodging options along the route. I found a company that you can book through Airbnb that organizes accommodations for you along the trek. It seemed to have good lodging options and to be reliable, but more money than we wanted to spend.

Hey Emily, I am planning to do this trek within the next week and would also like to walk the same route as you mentioned, did you ever find out if extra permits are needed? Any help would be greatly appreciated thanks in advance!

This report and comment section is great, since I am also planning my trip (together with two others) in April! We actually plan on doing the hike ourselves and we were just not sure about water and food supply. But seems that there is plenty of chances to by things along the way, right?

I heard from someone who is currently there, that it is not allowed to go without a guide anymore??She apparently talked to different companies and they told her so. Has anyone information on this? I can’t seem to find anything about this in the web.

Best wishes, Barbara

Hi Barbara,

I’d take that information about not being able to do the Salkantay independently with a large grain of salt. As of the end of last year, it was definitely possible.

I know you’ve said that Salkantay Trek requires no permits. The book you suggest though, “The Inca Trail Cusco & Machu Picchu”, states that you need a INC permit in order to pass through Soraypampa. I was curious on your take on this, and if you guys went through without needing one?

Thanks! And your site is amazing! Derrick

Hey Derrick,

Thanks for the kind words.

We did the Salkantay with basic GPS info we found on Gaia. I haven’t personally seen the guidebook, and I list it because it seems to be the most recent text on hiking in the region. That said, from the information we obtained in Cusco prior to departure, there didn’t seem to be any permit requirements for Soraypampa. Indeed, we overnighted there and no one we spoke to asked us for anything, nor did we see any permit checking booth upon arrival or departure.

Thanks! – I also read that and was wondering if permit is required ? Kathy

Hi there! Thank you for the information. My partner and I will be hiking Salkantay without a guide during the last week of April. For the areas that we overnight in (Soraypampa or Salkantaypampa, Colpapampa, La Playa), do you have to book your campsite in advance? Or can you just show up and pitch a tent? Is there a cost?

Hi Elizabeth,

To the best of my knowledge, independent hikers don’t have to book campsites in advance. Yes, there will be a cost at the places you mention. All the best on your hike!

Hi again! When you say there will be a cost in the places mentioned above, what do you mean? I assumed all dispersed camping on the trail was free. Do you mean if you pay to sleep in a hotel of some kind in those locations?

If you camp at the main sites or in the villages such as La Playa, there will generally be a small fee.

Hey there, me my boyfriend and my mom are planning to do this trek independently in August 2018. The thing that my mom is most worried about is the weather. Did you bring a heavy duty sleeping bag and if not, we’re you cold during the night? She only has a 0 degree Celcius sleeping bag so we’re wondering if she will be fine. Thanks a lot!!

Chances are for a couple of the higher altitude campsites on either side of the pass, your mom may need a slightly warmer bag. Something around -5 to -10°C should do the trick.

All the best on your hike!

My daughter and I plan to do this trek in August as well. I am in excellent shape but have not done a lot of backpacking. My daughter however has and thinks I should have no problem. Once I get there, are there tours we can purchase if I don’t feel I can do the trail over 5 days without a guide?

Hi! Can you provide more info on where you camped/lodged each night? Is camping in augas calientes easy and safe? Did you stay at any unique hotels/hostels on the trail or did you just disperse camp each night?

We are trying to coordinate our camping and lodging for our trek!

Thank you so much!

I generally list an “average time” on these guides, rather than the time I actually took, as I tend to hike a bit quicker than most folks. In regards to our Salkantay itinerary: Day 1 – My friend and I started from Mollepata after lunch, and camped that night at Soraypampa in a designated camping area. We arranged to eat dinner that night with the family who ran the campsite; Day 2 – We hiked from Soraypampa to La Playa where we stayed with some locals; Day 3 – We reached Aguas Calientes at lunch time, and stayed the night at a hotel in town. Hope this helps. Best of luck with your hike.

Thanks, Cam! Did you just find a place the same day you arrived in aguas calientes or did you have it booked ahead of time?

Also, on day 1 and day 2 did you just find those designated spots as you went along or did you already know where you needed to get to those nights?

Trying to gauge how much planning I need to do ahead of time for camping.

No worries. We didn’t book anything in advance and had no problems finding places. There are so few independent hikers, I don’t think it’s much of an issue. On day 2, we actually slept on a big open terrace over a shop. The family who ran the place were very nice, and they offered us a place to sleep, in addition to a dinner/breakfast combo.

Wonderful! How did you find them?

Also, do you know anything about those places that are giant glass domes or the “hotels” that are on the suspended on the cliff sides? Are those along the Salkantay?

You’re awesome. Thank you so much for your help!

It was late in the day when we arrived in the village of La Playa, and we just asked the folks in the shop about accommodation. I saw the glass domes you mention at Soraypampa, but I don’t know much about them. All the best on your trip!

These glass domes are on AirBnb! They look pretty neat, but not the cheapest!

Thanks, Derrick! What do I search for to find them on Airbnb? Any chance you have the link?

Yup, Skylodge Adventure Suites!

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/2177913?location=Skylodge%20Adventure%20Suites%2C%20Cusco%2C%20Peru

Hi Cam, I’m organizing this trek for september. You say “Day 2 – We hiked from Soraypampa to La Playa” – Really? Is it doable? Soraypampa (3.880 m) to Salkantay Pass (4.630 m) should be around 3h30m-4h00m, uphill for 7 km. Salkantay Pass (4.630 m) to La Playa 82.060 m) should be around 6h-7h, downhill for 30 km.

Those times are general estimates. For hikers that are very fit, acclimatised and experienced, it is obviously possible to cover more ground if you choose to do so. That doesn’t mean I am recommending such a schedule to others; I only mentioned it because Kayley asked specifically where I camped. As I said in the post, the average time to do the trek is five days, and everyone should walk at their own pace.

All the best for your September hike!

I still didn’t thank you for your post and comments!

I normally can hike that long in the Alps, but never tried over 3.300 meters. My only doubt is about the acclimatisation. Before the Salkantay trek, I’m doing 3 days in Arequipa and the Colca Valley (trekking 1.5 days), 2 days in Puno and the Titicaca Lake, 2 days in Cusco. Do you think it’s enough to get acclimatised, according to your experience? I’m 36, in excellent health conditions and quite fit, I normally train 3-4 times a week (both cardio and strength) and can run for 10-20 km (10 km 45 mins).

There is often a big discrepancy between the way different people react to hiking at high altitude, so it is difficult for me to give you the definitive answer you are looking for. That said, it sounds like you will be well acclimatised by the time you start the Salkantay. Here is an article I wrote on the subject some years ago which may be of help: https://www.thehikinglife.com/2015/08/tips-for-high-altitude-hiking-2/

The only way to find out what is the right pace for you is your own experiences. The one thing I would suggest is to err on the side of caution at first, and don’t try to do too much too soon. Listen to your body, and don’t be too wedded to a preset schedule.

Thanks for the great information. I plan to hike the Salkantay independently in May. I would like to climb both Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu (over two days). Does it make sense to find lodging in Aguas Calientes or are there campsites closer to these two climbs?

You will need to obtain permits for both peaks. Huayna Picchu usually needs to be booked well in advance. The climbs are actually just steep hikes, and both can be done in less than an hour. Aguas Calientes is very close to Machu Picchu; you can walk there from town via a dirt road and a steep staircase.

Hi Cam, at the end of the Salkantay, do you have both options of ascending Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu?

Are the best views at the top of those peaks?

Is this entire hike worth doing if I cannot obtain permits in time for either peak?

Both peaks require permits. Huayna Picchu is the more popular of the two, so you would usually need to book that one further in advance. If you can’t get permits, I still think the hike is worth doing. The diversity of natural scenery is amazing, and it should still be possible to visit Machu Picchu at the end.

Hi again, Cam.

Just a couple more questions.

How did you get from MP to Cusco? Train or bus? Where did you book your tickets? Also, did you make it to the Rainbow mountains? If so, how did you go about getting there? It sounds like you did it on the cheap, which I love and would like to follow suit.

In answer to your questions: 1-3. A combination of train and bus. Train to Ollantaytambo, then collectivo minibus from there back to Cusco. We booked the train tickets online; 4. We hiked the Ausangate circuit close by to Rainbow mountain, but didn’t visit Rainbow mountain itself ( https://www.thehikinglife.com/2017/10/ausangate-circuit-independent-hikers-guide/ ).

Cam, Thanks for the excellent post. Plan to independent hike the trail in May. Question for you. I noticed on the Peru Rail site there are luggage restrictions on the Cusco – Aguas Calenties line; it says that you can take nothing more than a backpack. If that is true, then how to you get your all your gear back to Cusco. Any thoughts or pointers would be appreciated. Thank You, Chuck

Thanks for the kind words. My friend and I took the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, and then after grabbing an ice cream in town (there’s a really good place just up the street from the station), caught a collectivo taxi the rest of the way back to Cusco. Not too sure about the luggage restrictions; we just had our backpacks from the hike and there seemed to be no issues in regards to size. I should note that we did leave some of our extra gear for upcoming hikes at our hotel in Cusco during the Salkantay. Most of the hotels/hostels there offer luggage storage facilities. Hope this helps.

Best of luck on your hike!

hey Cam, amazing post, lot of useful info! well, i’m thinking about doing this trail first week of may, free & solo and no previous bookings… do you think is crazy? afordable? two more questions: 1. i woudn’t like to take with me a tent to camp, so, is there enough “hostels” on the way to sleep in? 2. you say there is lot of places to take water, but maybe is not really safe to drink it directly without any treatment… what do you reccomend to take? thanks in advance, and congrats again for a great post!

In answer to your questions: 1. The villages have places where you can sleep inside, but I don’t think some of the campsites do (not 100% sure about this point). I would recommend taking a tent if you are hiking independently; 2. Yes, you should take along some sort of water treatment, whether it be filter or chemical. Best of luck on your trip.

I would recommend the Sawyer Mini for filtering water. It always works for me. I’ve been using it for years.

Thank you very much for your tips, Cam & Kaley!! I have one more question: I’m looking for maps, looks like there is not detailed ones… (do you know where to get in internet an accurate one?) My question is: where do the two tracks, Inca and Salkantay, join? I mean: if you choose the Salkantay, you go finally to Aguas Calientes and then you “climb” up to Machu Picchu, but if you come from Inca trail you cross IntiPunku (Sun Gate). The final section of Salkantay arrives to Sun Gate too, where you “join” Inca trail? thanks again!

I used the Gaia map I reference in the article. Both trails finish at Machu Picchu, however, the Salkantay Trek doesn’t go to the Sun Gate. Best of luck on your hike!

The information you have provided is so helpful. Thank you! Do you mind telling me how you got to Mollepata?

Sorry, I see you already provided this information. Thanks! I’ll probably be taking a bus from Lima so will look into bus options from there to Mollepata.

Cam, Do recall how long it took you to hike from Mollepata to Soraypampa? Thanks, CJ

Around four or five hours.

I’d like to mention that as of March 13th 2018, the trail to the left of the river after Chaulley/Collpapampa is not passable and one must take the road if they wish to get to La Playa.

I found out the hard way by hiking about 2 hours in and finding a massive, impassable landslide that had destroyed the path. I backtracked and took the road to La Playa (right side of the river) to find that there were even more landslides further up the trail that destroyed the path (left of the river). I spoke with some locals and they said that during December of 2017, landslides destroyed the path. The bridge to La Playa had also been destroyed.

Just thought I’d mention it. To be clear, to hike the Salkantray Trek, you must take the road that is right of the river once you pass Chaulley and Collpapampa. You may want to update your post to inform future readers, as I used your post as a guide.

Thanks for taking the time to send that through. I updated the post.

YES! Thank you so MUCH! Great for you to pass this on -MUCH Appreciated!! Kathy

Thank you for the update Calvin and Cam! very useful.

Calvin, Thank you for the update on the trail. We are going to hike the Santa Teresa in May. Do you have any maps or description of the road to from Collpapampa to La Playa? Any info would be appreciated. Thanks, Chuck

Calvin, Thanks for the update on the trail. Do you have additional details on the road from Ccolpapampa to La Playa. Any info would be appreciated. Thank You, Chuck

The road is actually very straightforward and easy to follow. As you leave Collpapampa, you are technically on the road already. It is wide and flat and follows the right side of the river. The original trail, which I mentioned has been washed away, was actually a little tricky to find. So you should easily be able to follow the road. It will take you all the way to La Playa and further on.

How was the stretch from La Playa to Aguas Calientes? Was Collpapampa > LP the only section of the trail that had landslides?

Hi Calvin (or anyone who has the info!),

Do you know approximately how many kilometers or how long it took from Collpampa to La Playa using the road? I am planning to do the trek solo and trying to plan my route, but all the tour companies are telling me I should take a bus and the road isn’t pleasant so I can’t figure out how far it is. Thanks!

UPDATE: here Danilovic, live from Salkantay trek, alone-free&wild! this trail Chaullay to La Playa is just REOPENED, i just crossed it. They told me, they opened it only 10 days ago. Still is easy to see those landslides: I must say that, in some places, they made only few footprints to walk across the landslides, so it is a bit dangerous… but is possible to cross. In few days i will write my personal experience in this amazing trek! ?

Hey Danilovic – my husband and I hiked half of the Salkantay trek after joining from Choquequirao independently (I’m currently writing a blog post about our experience :)) and I think we must have hiked around about the same time (from my calculations we were hiking between Chaullay-La Playa on 30 April 2018).. from where I was across the river the hiking trail looked pretty landslidey! I wonder whether anyone has more up-to-date information/photographs of that part, for everyone’s benefit?

What a great feed thank you!! If only i had this kind of info before my hike to Collpapampa, I was lost for over two hours! I regress it was still a pleasurable time and i wouldn’t be hiking if it were not a challenge. I must use this information for future hikes with family and friends.As part of our trip to the U.S we were thinking of exploring new trails, any ideas?

Thanks for the helpful feed!

Jack Djondric-Powell

Hola! Great write-up on your trek. Thank you for sharing. I am set on doing the salkant ay trek solo, but haven’t been able to find any info on hammock camping. From your pictures, there appears to be plenty of trees to hang minus the extreme elevation of the pass (Which I would not be camping on). Any thoughts on hammock camping on this trail?

Thanks, Kevin

Using a hammock would be fine during the latter stages of the hike, but it could be a bit tricky between Soraypampa and Colpapampa.

If you could do that stretch in a day, you might be able to make it work.

p.s. Thinking back, I’m not too sure there would be anywhere to hang at Soraypampa either. Perhaps you could strike a deal with one of the locals that offers accommodation there.

Hi again Cam,

Okay I’m going to be really high maintenance. If my group is going to start it’s trek on a Tuesday morning and arrive in Aguas Calientes by Friday evening (before dark), where should we plan to get to/camp each night? We all have tickets to enter MP on Saturday.

Thank you so much! You’ve been amazing!

Due to the large quantity of messages I receive from folks essentially wanting me to help plan their hiking vacations, I began a trip consulting service a couple of years ago ( https://www.thehikinglife.com/trip-consulting/ ). Detailed enquiries such as yours take a fair amount of time to put together, and I’d like to think my knowledge and experience are valuable. If you’re interested, by all means drop me a line at [email protected] .

Thanks for all the info, super helpful. When you say “carrying a light pack” how light are we taking? What would you recommend to take and/or leave behind to lighten the load. I’m gearing up to do the Salkantay in the next couple weeks and would like to make sure I can do it on 3/4 days.

For the Salkantay Trek, where you don’t need to carry more than a day or two’s food, somewhere in the neighbourhood of 4 to 7 kg total weight.

Are there lakes to view along the Salktantay? If we started at Soraypampa rather than Mollepata would we miss anything spectacular?

Humantay lake is beautiful. There are some nice valley views on the path between Mollepata and Soraypampa, but that section isn’t as impressive as the following stages.

Thanks for all the great info! Just completed our salkantay trek without a guide. Well, this post was our guide. I think the thing most people should be aware of is that this hike is totally accessible. If you show up for the combi for Mollepata with a backpack, the driver knows where you’re going. The towns along the way know what you’re doing. Everyone is making changes to accommodate the tourist industry. There is really no need to worry. Also, they are charging 7-10 sols for campsites and, I guess what would be an entrance fee. We paid as soon as we arrived in Mollepata. And, have no fear, if you’re overwhelmed there are plenty of combis along the road from collpapampa to santa teresa where you can bail out. Thanks again for the info!

Hi. Thanks. Really useful. My Son and I are doing it in August. We really don’t want to take tents but we also want to go independently. Is there anyway that we could stay at hostels or tea houses along the route for the three or four nights?

Thanks for the amazing post! I’m going with a few friends in a week and this article has been one of the main sources of info we’ve used to plan the hike (we are doing it independently). One question though…I’ve read several articles that state the train back to Cusco has a very small luggage allowance. Do trekkers usually take their bags on? If not, what is the best way to get back to Cusco? Also, I would love suggestions on where to store our packs the day of exploring Machu Picchu.

Oh, and last question: for those who’ve done the trail independently, how heavy were your packs? I’m worried about it being too much on the day we hike over the pass. That being said, I’m also from Colorado and have done quite a few 14,000ft peaks with heavy packs, so I probably can handle slightly more than the average person.

Thanks again!

We took out packs on the train and had no issues. That said both our packs were quite small. I can’t speak for other trekkers.

On the day we headed up to Machu Picchu, we stored our bags at the hotel we stayed at in Aguas Calientes. We then picked them up again in the early afternoon before catching the train.

Here’s a gear list for a trek I did in Bolivia soon after the Salkantay. My gear was quite similar for both hikes (the weight was slightly less for the Salkantay): https://www.thehikinglife.com/2017/11/gear-list-cordillera-real-traverse/

All the best on your hike.

UPDATE: Path to the left between Collcapampa and Playa is again through. I did it few days ago 😉

We are in Cusco. Question for you, day 1 did you go through Marqocasa? The guy at speedy Gonzalez said that you hike through Cruzpata? Thanks

No, Cruzpata no. Look in and use app “maps.me”, there is right map of the trek, according to which I went ?

Does anyone have a solid recommendation on vaccines? I’ve read conflicting recommendations. Some sites say if your hiking to Machu via the Inca, you don’t need Yellow Fever, etc., but then others say you need them. I know this trek spends some time in the jungle, so assuming its better to get them all?

Hi there I wonder if someone could help me? I am planning on doing Salkantay to Machu Picchu early August. I am very keen to go solo. Although the igloo accommodation looks exquisite, I am excited to “rough” and take the challenge of accomplishing this without a guide. I am not an experienced hiker and would like to know how easy the trails are to follow. Are they well marked? Can you see the paths? Would it be handy to travel with a Garmin (GPS tracker)? Also, does anyone know where the best place to rent equipment is? Many thanks Linds

My boyfriend and I just did Salkantay solo at the end of April. Here’s some stuff that I learned: – gear rental: I rented a sleeping bag and backpack and bought rain pants from a place that I think was just called Salkantay Trekking (it had Salkantay in the name) on Calle Suecia in Cusco. The street’s kind of behind and to the NW of the Plaza Mayor. Their gear was great and way less expensive than any other place; you pay a ~100 soles deposit and the rest of the stuff was like 10 soles a day, may have even been cheaper. – Once you get on the trails, they’re very easy to follow. It’s pretty much one main route from the trailhead around Mollepata to Aguas Calientes. For detailed trail writeups, get the recommended book mentioned in this post by Alexander Stewart. – A note on that book: I discovered that those hiking time estimates are either optimistic or for people who get out and do trail hiking A LOT. I’m an average in-shape person — I exercise regularly but hadn’t done a ton of multi-day hiking before (like, one trip), and I particularly have trouble with my knees on descents which slows me down. But even the ascents (which I don’t have trouble with) were WAY faster estimates than we did. I recommend hitching a ride from Mollepata to like halfway to Soray Pampa… that will get you a good day. We camped at Salkantay Pampa and it was lovely, 10 soles. Day two is the roughest with a lot of descent. Note that on day 4, the hiking time from La Playa to Llactapata is around 3.5 hours, not 2 like the townspeople will tell you.

I don’t think a GPS is necessary on the hike — what with all of the other groups going out and the straightforward nature of the trail, it’s pretty much impossible to get lost.

Hi Elizabeth Thank you for your in depth reply, much appreciated. Going on your experience and advice, I think I shall attempt this solo! ? I can Always change my mind I guess. Great, I will get the book and get planning! So exciting. Thank you! Linds

Hi. Your reply has been the most helpful to me as a novice independent traveller. Please could I ask more! The fitness side is ok for my son and I but not the logistics. We desperately want to do this trek independently but have only done treks where tea rooms/hostels were available en route previously. We have never camped, have no tent, never cooked our own food etc. Question is, if there are no hostels/tea rooms just how difficult would it be for us to carry a tent/food and do it ourselves. Our only alternative seems to be going on a guided four day trip which will be around $250-300 each and probs not as much fun. Thanks.

Glad some of my experience can be helpful. So, my first question is why do you want to do this trek solo? If the reasons are financial, and you currently have no gear, you will probably (most likely) spend more money getting all of your gear together than you would spend by going with a group. If you guys like trekking and you plan to do more of this in the future, it pays to buy your own gear, and to invest in good quality tents/sleeping bags/cookware — it’s possible to get this stuff on discount (REI garage sales and eBay all the way!) but even still I would be very impressed if you got *everything* for the cost of both of you going with a group.

If you’re planning on renting all gear: based on our experience, I would be hesitant to again count on getting *everything* from local Cusco shops. Going Salkantay solo is comparatively uncommon and most of the gear shops do not cater to DIY hikers. So you can definitely get some good gear but it takes time. (Also one of you should be able to speak Spanish.) It took us the better part of a full day in Cusco just to get a good deal for my backpack and sleeping bag and then to arrange transportation to Mollepata, so if you don’t want to drive yourselves crazy I would arrange several days in Cusco to get your rental gear together. The shop that we eventually settled on was the only one that even had a backpack that was relatively large enough — most of them rent bags that are more like day packs. My boyfriend owns an enormous Osprey (I think it’s 100L?) pack and took around 65% of our gear in that — if we’d had to rent both of our packs, we wouldn’t have had enough space.

On the experience side: if you guys want to do this solo I would definitely recommend doing another multi-day trek before you head down to Salkantay so that you have an idea of what it’s like to cook your own food, set up, break down, etc. My bf was an outdoor educator for 10 years and I speak Spanish so we made a good team — we would have survived if we lacked both of those things, but I think the trip would have been way more stressful. A way to counteract that would be to plan more time on the hike.

There are definitely places to stop and camp along the way. Night one: Soraypampa is basically a little village that exists for hikers. You can camp there/possibly arrange food. Night two: Collepampa is the same setup. Night three: same with La Playa. Or you could hop on one of the busses with the tour groups and spend the night at Santa Theresa if you want to skip Llactapata on Day 4. If you’re going DIY though I would definitely bring your own food and tent/tarp as a backup.

Another note on the trip: if we were to do this again, I would add another day at the end. (So trek for 5 days and do Macchu Pichu on the 6th.) I would keep Days 1-3 as recommended in the guide book. On day 3 (we did this), we kept pace with the trekking groups and hopped on a bus to go to the hot springs at Santa Theresa. Then we arranged a ride back in the evening to La Playa.

Day 4 was actually pretty brutal for me because my arches had collapsed by midday, and the final trek from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes — which is literally the easiest part of the trek (and super pretty) was absolute agony for me. Like, I was weeping from pain for the last 6 miles! (Should have taken the train.) What I would have done if we’d known:

End of Day 3, get dropped off at the trailhead to Llactapata coming back from the hotsprings. This town is called Lucmabamba and it’s actually a collection of tiny coffee farms/hostels all the way up the mountain towards Llactapata. All of them look incredibly inviting and it doesn’t look like a lot of trekking outfits spend the night there so I think you’d be good arranging lodging the day or evening of.

Day 4: hike to Llactapata, get there midday, and spend the rest of the day/night at another lodge that is kind of on the other side of the trail past Llactapata. (I forget the name.) There are clearings, beautiful wooden houses where it looked like you could stay, and seemed like you could buy food there too. Spend the rest of the day lazing.

Day 5: Continue on down the mountain and make your way to Aguas Calientes.

I think you can do this DIY, and the benefit of it is not a lot of guided tours take the above itinerary. Most do not go to Llactapata. You will run into/be walking alongside a *lot* of people until you get to this part of the trek. However, I would recommend buying some major gear before you head down (at least one pack, tent, clothes, cookware at least) and getting in another multi-day trek first.

I hope this helps!

Thank you v v much for the time and effort you have put into your response. All the info will be really useful. I think that you have convinced me to go with a group but to try and keep it small and as authentic as possible.

Thank you again.

Your post is very helpful for me in a similar situation (actually worse since I don’t have any companion).

After Elizabeth’s response above I more unsure on what to do… My situation: No companion, no experience with overnight trekking; just guided 2-3 day tours in Thailand, Philippines with village homestays. I do not own a tent or sleeping bag and don’t intend to buy one (just too much gear for the rest of travel). Thus entirely solo trek might not be advisable.

Considerations against guided tours: Cost, less interaction with local, too much talking.

My guide book indicates that hiring a donkey plus driver is 80-100S/d. Would that be an alternative to a guided tour and would he be able to help me? Would I be able to sleep in hostels, homestays, … all along the way?

Thanks in advance!

Regards, Marcus

I don’t know anything about hiring a donkey and driver so can’t comment on that approach to Salkantay. I do want to say this about Salkantay: it is GORGEOUS! It was one of the most amazing things I’ve done in my life. It’s totally worth it. However, no one is going to be avoiding crowds on this route. You’re going to be running into them or keeping pace with them for most of the days of your trek. I also don’t know if there’s necessarily more or less interaction with “locals” based on whether you go with a group or DIY. Guides are also locals and can tell you a lot about the area and introduce you to people if you don’t speak Spanish. The level of your interaction with other people mostly depends on you and how many conversations you want to strike up. The homestay/donkey experience definitely sounds cool but more than likely you’re going to be keeping pace with dozens of other trekkers for most of the route regardless of your travel method. (The only place other trekkers really seemed to thin out was through Lucmabamba/Llactapata.)

Thanks a lot Elizabeth!

Actually I was not sure if I go to Southern Peru at all due to all the crowds. Sometimes the second best sights are actually more worth it because they are far less crowded. Your description does sound good!

Happy travels!

Anyone who’s gone recently, how has the weather/temps been??

Hi Cam, is it relatively easy to find food at every campsite or you can get something just at Soraypampa, Collpapampa and La Playa? I mean simple dishes such as boiled/scrambled eggs, some meat, bread, milk, beans, quinoa, veggies and fruits.

Thanks, Alessandro

Hi Alessandro,

We got meals at all the places you mentioned – Soraypampa (dinner day 1), Collpapampa (lunch Day 2) and La Playa (dinner day 2/breakfast day 3).

My wife and I would like to do this trek in July/August preferably independently. Can you recommend somewhere to hire tent and or sleeping bag? We did Annapurna in April but sent our sleeping bags and other gear home after ? Much prefer to do these things independently to both save money and generally go at our own pace. Allan

I’m going to do the Salkantay track independently in July. But I did not want to take a tent. Are there simple and cheap places to stay on the way (local houses, for example)?

I have two more questions:

1- I will go to Peru on September and, besides one pair of trekking sandals, I will take with me one single pair of shoes. What do you suggest between Goretex low trekking shoes and Goretex mid trekking boots? I will visit both cities and towns (Lima, Paracas, Nasca, Arequipa, Puno and Titicaca, Cusco and Sacred Valley) and will do a couple of treks (Colca Valley and Salkantay). Is it OK to do the Salkantay in low trekking shoes?

2- I will do the Salkantay trek solo, without any organized tour. Will it be possible to recharge devices during the trek (phone, camera, etc.)?

In answer to your questions: 1. Yes, low trekking shoes are fine; 2. It depends on where you stay. You definitely can in La Playa and Collpapampa.

This is really useful information! Thanks so much for posting your advice/experiences!

I have a question about the map, or the lack of maps. Am I overestimating the wilderness aspect? The Gaia-map you linked to, is it really sufficient for the trek? Not worried about the trek, used to being outside.

It is a very well trodden path. The Gaia map should suffice. The basic map in the Stewart guidebook or even the old Lonely Planet “Trekking in the Central Andes” could also help.

I did the Salkantay Trek in August 2017 as well. I was part of guided group, and we started at Soraypampa, but I didn’t feel like I missed out not doing it independently.

I do think in a few years time I would like to do the trek again, but next time will do it independently.

Cam, I’ll be taking Salkantay unguided with 65L pack. Can you confirm from your most recent experience the likelihood park officials deny bag entry? And the presence of lockers/storage nearby entrance if bag denied? As for trekking poles, do you recall their making an exception if ascending MP Mountain? Thank you

I’m sorry but I can’t help on this one. We stayed in Aguas Calientes before heading up to MP at dawn the following morning. We left our packs at the hotel. Neither my friend or myself were using trekking poles.

Hi. Just completed it in August. You can leave your pack with the guys in the bottom hut before you ascend to MP main entrance. The hut is like a check point at the very bottom right hand side bridge. To the right of the hit is a cafe, they will also take your pack and hold it until you descend if you discretely ask them. Both charge an unofficial 5 Soles (£1.25). I also climbed MP Mountain (don’t underestimate it, 1.5 hours up, 1 hour down) but did not see any poles at all. Kind Regards.

Andrew, thank you for your detailed and timely answer. Most helpful!

You can bring poles up as far as the bag check (I had to check my own photos to be sure…yep I had em) but not past that point. I think the authorities will make an exception for the physically challenged or elderly…so if you could convince them you’re an infirm long distance trekker you might get in with a pole. ? Good luck!

Thanks, Brian!

Thank you for all your information. My goal is to hike this trail in May by myself. I was wondering how many other hikers or groups did you see during your 4 day hike?

We saw a bunch of groups at Sorayapampa, and then a handful after that. In regards to independent hikers, I’d say they represented roughly five percent of the total folks we saw hiking the Salkantay trek.

All the best on your trip!

Thank you Cam for this website! I did this hike unguided in August of 2018 with my two boys and their girlfriends, and I read and reread this site before we left. Hardest, yet most rewarding thing I’ve ever done in my life. I’m 64 years old with an artificial hip. I’d say 95% of the trekkers were guided. It gave me a lot of satisfaction to be carrying a fully loaded pack while constantly seeing much younger people with their day packs. ? Campsites are fairly obvious. Take the altitude medicine. Chew the coca leaves! The app, maps.me allowed us to have an offline map that REALLY helped. I wish I had brought little souvenirs to hand out to the amazing people that helped us along the way!

I’ve been following this thread for a few months as I plan to hike this trail alone next September. Thanks for the tips about the app and other comments. I can hardly wait!

Good for you Kimberly! I really wish my Spanish was better when I did the trek. Expect rain, usually late in the day and at night! Jerky and Snickers were soooo good on the trail, and I’m not much of a candy bar guy. You can buy Gatorade along the way too, which are delicious in the middle of a long day’s hike. If you bring cash from the US to exchange in Peru, make sure the bills are pristine, no folds or tears, they won’t take them. Have fun!

Those are great tips, thanks! This trek will be the first thing I do when I get to South America, so I will bring lots of Snickers from home. ? My Spanish isn’t great, but generally enough to get by. I’m very excited!

Hi! I’m in Lima right now and headed to Cusco in the next few days. I am going to do the 4 day trek but am trying to figure out whether to do it independently or with a guide. How safe is the trail? I have a lot of backpacking experience but speak minimal Spanish and am a young female traveling alone. Additionally, I do not have a lot of experience with elevations quite that high. Otherwise I have all the gear and wouldn’t hesitate to do this alone in the states. Any thoughts?

Wow! Congrats to you Caroline. The Salkantay trail is safe enough to travel alone… We didn’t see any solo backpackers when we did it. 95% of the trekkers are guided and there are quite a few of them. One option would be to stay relatively close to a group, they can travel fairly fast since the trekkers only carry daypacks (horses and guides carry for them) vs your full backpack. Most of the places we slept at night, there were also the guided groups. Elevation. Definitely take a few days in Cusco to acclimate. If you can, I would suggest you get altitude medicine in one of the many pharmacies in Lima or Cusco. Also, definitely get a supply of coca leaves and chew them while trekking! Language barrier shouldn’t be too bad as long as you can ask for directions and ask how much. The locals on the trail were soooo nice, you’ll see! ? Let me know how it goes for you please!

Sorry for the delayed reply. I ended up deciding to do the trek with a group and I was nervous (mostly of the elevation and how to figure out transportation) and found a good deal. However, you’re totally right that the trail is totally doable independently, even as a solo hiker. There are plenty of people and resources along the way. I found this to be very different than the backpacking I was used to in the PNW. Overall, I had a great time with the group I chose and met some really cool people. However, I would definitely do it solo if I were to do it again.

Caroline, congrats on completing this trek. It’s definitely different then our PNW! If you have details of your trek written somewhere on social media, I’d love to read!

Hey, great blog! So I’d just like to double check, I only need the 2 permits to be able to finish this trek? (Machu piccu mountain and huayna piccu)? Are these permits 100% necessary to complete the full salkantay hike? Thank you Cheers

Hi Jacob. We didn’t do Huayna Picchu (but in hindsite, I wish I had), so I’m not sure about a permit for that area, although I imagine you do. Machu Picchu you definitely need a permit, and be prepared to stand in line once you get there, to get in. The end of our Salkantay trek was at Aguas Calientes. From there we took a bus up to Machu Picchu. We’d already hiked around 60 miles to get there so we were quite happy to take the bus. It’s a steep ass hike from the town to Machu Picchu!

Awesome man thanks for the reply! I’m going to crush this trek in a couple weeks, as you mentioned it’s basically just a free for all with no permits needed along the way? Only some camp fees in the villages to camp? Also, when it comes to water, is there fresh water in these villages do you know? Thanks again Cheers

Yes, you will be charged a small fee to camp in the villages/designated areas. No issues with obtaining water.

Hi, where could I read about your experience? I’m also going in the rainy season and I’m a little bit afraid

Hi, I think I’ve red this blog 5 times already – great info! I’m planning on doing this next year first and then do the Ausangate and had just a handful of question. Didn’t know you can’t go into MP with your pack but read you left your gear in Agua Calientes. Did you have to reserve in advanced (how far in advanced) for a place to stay there? Also, last day you reach MP, did you go back to Cusco that same day? Was wondering time wise if you can hike up there from Agua Calientes, hike Machu Pichu peak, do the ruins and head back to Cusco. Thanks!! Cheers

Hi Claudio,

In answer to your questions: 1. We didn’t reserve a place in Aguas Calientes but were able to find a room without much difficulty upon arrival; 2. Yes, after visiting Machu Picchu from early morning until lunch time, we headed back to Cusco on the train that same afternoon. Chances are you will need to book the train in advance.

Best of luck on your journey!

Awesome!!! Thanks alot, super helpful honestly. I think I’ll do salkantay then stay the lastnight after hike in aguas then do Machu in the morning.

I’m trying to hike this solo but time is a little tight. Is it possible to get a ride from Mollepata to Soraypampa without being part of an organized group?

Thanks! Aaron

There is no public transport that I know of. You could try hitching or see if someone in the village will take you for a fee.

Hey! Where can I read about your trek?

I didn’t write a trip report per se, just the backpacking guide.

Is the hike still beautiful in the rain season? And as for going solo, it is an easy trail to follow all the way through? No need for a guide?

I haven’t been during the rainy season. Generally at that time of year it rains in the afternoon, so you probably want to make early starts if possible.

Yes, the route is easy to follow and no you don’t need a guide.

Hi all we are planning to do the salkantay trek on our own no guide.. do we need to take sleeping bag? Thanks

Thank you for all of the great info! I am planning a trip for this July and had a question. You state that there is a nice campsite at Llactapata and that got me thinking. Do you remember how far it is from La Playa to Llactapata? I am thinking of pushing on from Collpapampa straight to Llactapata to stay at that campsite you are describing. Do you think I should do this? Thank you Cody

No worries. In regards to your question, it can take anywhere between two and four hours from La Playa to Llactapata. Whether you should do it or not is up to you. As I mention in the article, most folks take five days to do the whole trek, but there are no issues doing it in three if you are fit and acclimatized.

All the best,

I’m trying to hike this solo but time is a little tight. Is it possible to get a ride from Mollepata to Soraypampa without being part of an organized group?

Hi Cam, thank you so much for your detailed guide! I plan to hike the Salkantay this April independently (with 1 friend).

Reading on internet about Salkantay vs Lares trek it looks like the Lares trek is more recommended if you want to meet locals, villages and the Andes culture in general. Unfortunately the Lares trek is also shorter and it ends quiete far from Machu Picchu.

Do you have any comment on this aspect? Will we have opportunities to interact with locals, or even to visit villages along the Salkantay? or it will be more of a naturalistic/only-hiking experience?

Thank you! Diego

Yes, the Salkantay passes through the villages of Colpapampa and La Playa. I haven’t hiked the Lares Trek so I can’t comment about that one.

Hi, i planned to do the salkantay in 5days but with a different schedule. The third day I would go straight to Llactapata and sleep there in a lodge. Do you think is to long to so this from Colcapampa/Chaullay? is the way up from La Playa steep? The fourth day would be easier from Llactapata to Aguas Calientes. Thanks!

No, it’s not too long from Colcapampa. Yes, the climb from La Playa is steep at times.

Best of luck!

Hi There! Great write-up here. My wife and I will be doing a self-guided Salkantay Trek in July, and we are trying to figure out if we can arrange a taxi/bus between Chullay and Lucmabamba in order to skip that section. Do you (or anyone who just went) remember if you saw busses/shuttles/colectivos in this area (Chullay)?

Thanks! Eric

Hi, Eric. I did Salkantay self-guided in September 2018 and don’t recall any vehicles waiting around, but there were roads and you might be able to arrange something by asking a local or shop owner to make a call for one. If it’s about time, and you and your wife are reasonably fit, the entiretrek is definitely doable in 4 days. This leg you’re seeking to skip is a nice transition from the more arduous incline/decline of the pass.

Hey there Matt, Thanks for the info! The reason we are seeking to skip this is because we plan to stay up at Llactapata the next day, so we’d be looking at a 14 mile day 3 if we don’t catch any kind of ride, oof! Eric

Hi Eric I know there are collectivos in the morning at around 7:30 going to Santa Teresa and passing by Lucmabamba. I slept at Salkantay Hostel in Chaullay and the manager (Manuel I think) told me about them.

Hi Giuseppe, Thanks for the info! We plan to spend the night in Chullay so I’ll be sure to stop by the Salkantay Hostel and ask about it the day before!

For those that have taken the train back to Cusco, which train did you use? I’m backpacking with one other person and we liked the price for Inca Rail but they have size restrictions on what to bring on the train

We used Peru Rail and it was great. Like Inca, there are size restrictions. Because we had full size packs, we emailed the Peru Rail inbox and asked for a waiver, which they granted. With that printed and supplied, they took care of everything without incident. Very accommodating! Can’t speak to Inca, but you might try the same if you want assurance ahead of time.

My husband and I took PeruRail which also had luggage size and weight restrictions. We pre-informed them by email of the size and weights of our backpacks – which they said was no problem. If you’re concerned I would email the provider in advance asking if that’s ok – there shouldn’t be a problem if you’re using a large backpack – it seemed like they were more concerned with large suitcases.

Does anyone know if you need to store your backpack somewhere before entering Machu Picchu?

Thank you ever so much for a fantastic blog and how well you kept it updated.

I will go this trail solo in early february next year, and there is not much left for me to ask now, but I know most seem to do this trail in five days. My question is, it that because of the distances between campsites and lodges? I will spend six weeks in Peru and I would not mind making it seven days, but not by staying two days in one spot, even though I can consider staying in one place for two days, if I feel my body is being beat.

Second question, I understand I can buy the permits on arrival in Aguas Calientes? I dont really want to buy the permits too early as I understand it is lowseason so Permits should not run out, and I belive I read the permits where for a specific day?

3rd question is related to internet. Did you have any internet while hiking, and if so, did you purchase a local cashcard or similar, or did you just use internet while lodging at wifi accesspoints?

Excellent post! Would you or someone know where to find information about dealing with emergencies? I assume a cell phone would not be useful. Satellite phone perhaps? Are there evacuation options? I understand altitude sickness can be very serious.

Great Post! What is the best place to camp the night before Machupicchu, I’ve heard Aguas Calientes is not worth to see and it’s a very touristic place. We would like to scape from the crowds and do some hiking around (if possible). Someone mentioned Mandor might be the place we are looking for. What is Mandor and where is it? How far is it from the entrance to Machupicchu?

I did the Salkantay Trail by myself in September, and I camped at the Municipal Camping Park, about 20 minutes outside of Aguas Calientes and much closer to the Machu Picchu entrance. My tent was one of two at the park – nearly vacant. It was very quiet, and only a 5-10 minute walk to the entrance of MP – which is key, because you want to be there before they open! My recommendation: Purchase your 6:00 am ticket months ahead of time. If you have a 6am ticket, get in line at the gate entrance at ~4:45 am, as that will give you enough time to climb to the park entrance and be first in line (assuming you can hike fast). By being first in line and first allowed into the park, I had the park to myself for several, luxurious minutes, and none of my photos contain any people. ?

Thanks for this info, Kim! I plan to do this hike by myself as well, did you feel safe the entire time? And how many days did it take you to reach Machu Picchu? I am trying to predetermine which day to book my ticket (crossing fingers that this will even be possible in the foreseeable future). Did you start at Mollepata or Soraypampa? Thanks again for any info!

Oh yes, very safe! I left from Mollepata, and spent four nights total (including the one near the MP entrance). Have fun!

Hi Kimberly! What route did you take between Collpampa and Aguas Calientes and approximately how far was it (inkm or hours)? Thanks so much!

Hmm…I can’t remember where Collpampa is exactly, but I went up and over Llactapata – a huge highlight of the trip!! Stayed the night way up there, with my tent perched on the edge of the mountain looking out over Machu Picchu. From there is was an easy walk to Aguas Calientes – impossible to get lost, very well traveled route.

Hey there! Great info! My gf and I are pondering either solo or guided salkantay trek in mid April. We were thinking of doing a hybrid where we would trek alone, but stay in hostels, allowing us to not bring tent and whatnot, but I find absolutely NO info on reserving nights at the hostels at any of the predetermined stop (soraypampa, collpapampa,etc). Are these only available to guided tours? Thanks

Hi there. You don’t need to make any reservations whatsoever. There are lots of hostels/places to lodge – more than could ever fill. I had a tent, but I remember being hawked at by at least 5 men in Soraypampa, trying to get me to rent a cabin. Even near Llactapata there are a couple of simple places where you can stay for very cheap (there is a “restaurant” at the stunning campsite 10 minutes below the ruins that looks down over Machu Picchu. You can sleep on their floor for a few soles). I would bring a sleeping bag though, just in case!

Thanks for the reply Kimberly! So just to be sure: there should be no problem finding some kind of accomodation in Soraypampa, Collpapampa, La Playa and Aguas Calientes, all with NO reservations, just showing up? We want to avoid bringing a tent along, but we dont want to be stuck sleeping outside either. We would surely bring a sleeping bag. We’re not looking for 5 star hotels, just a roof over our heads, 4 walls and a matress preferably.

Yep, you should have no problem! Plenty of people on the trail willing to sell you lodging and food (and beer!) too.

anyone has update on independently going salkantay trail and the permit requirement. It is now 2023, 3 yrs since the last blog entry. A call to the hotel staff claimed that it requires permit. Any info on how to get permit, in person or online?

Hi, we are going to Salkantay trek in October, without a guide. We don’t want to go directly to MP, do we have to buy a ticket?

For MP? Yes.

Your question is a bit confusing. But a ticket for MP? Yes, naturally. Or do you mean buy a ticket for the trail itself?? No – no fees, no permits, nada. Very easy to do on your own. I took a collectivo from Cusco to Mollepata and started there at the beginning.

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• Travel advice

The complete guide for the Salkantay trek

• July 15, 2022

Table of Contents

From Cusco, you can start several multi-day hikes to Machu Picchu. The Salkantay Trek is the most diverse hike you can do. During the Salkantay trek 5 days you cross different climate zones (from tropical to icy peaks), these are intensive days where you can enjoy the Peruvian hospitality, the beautiful mountain villages, and arrival at Machu Picchu at sunrise.

The Salkantay trekking in Peru is one of the most impressive things you can do during your trip to Peru. We are sure you will be amazed by the scenery from day one. The Salkantay trek is not an easy hike, preparation is essential. In this article, you read everything you need to know about the hike, how to prepare yourself, what to expect, where you should book the hike, and many more tips.

Salkantay trek general information

Before we get into details of what you need to know about the Salkantay trail, here are some quick facts about the trek.

• Location | Peru
• Hike duration | 5 days
• Start | Cusco
• End | Machu Picchu
• Distance | 74 km / 46 miles
• Highest point of the Salkantay trek: 4630 meter
• Highest point of the mountain the Salkantay: 6271 meter

5 days Salkantay trek itinerary

The 5 day Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu gives you the chance to get back to nature, as you walk for hours every day in an impressive area without having to share it with many other travelers. The Salkantay trek is one of the quietest trails in Peru that you can do. The beauty of the Salkantay trekking and Inca trail is that you follow in the footsteps of the Incas to eventually reach Machu Picchu. The views you have during the Salkantay trek are magnificent.

We did this Salkantay trekking tour, which we recommend . Later in this article, you can read why we recommend a tour. The Salkantay trek 5 days itinerary looks like this:

Salkantay trek day 1 : Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa | 13 km / 6 hours

The first day is long, as you will be picked up very early in the morning from your accommodation and travel by minivan to Mollepata. Here you will get to know the guide, cook, and the cowboy who takes care of all the stuff (he uses donkeys for this).

Mollepata is located at 2900 meters above sea level, making it important to start slowly. This day you will hike 13 km to an altitude of 4200 meters. This makes the first day tough because you have to get used to the hike and the altitude.

The hike from Mollepata to Soraypampa is a nice walk that goes up evenly. During this part, you walk in open fields which give you beautiful views. Once you have arrived at Soraypampa you can have lunch. After lunch, the hardest part of the first day begins, the hike to Humantay Lake. In this small part, you have to ascend 300 meters. Once you arrive at Humantay Lake, you cannot believe that such a beautiful lake is located here. Together with the guide, you will do a typical Inca ritual in which you will stack stones and ask Pachamama (mother earth) for a prosperous journey.

After Humantay Lake you will walk back to Soraypampa and enjoy dinner and rest in the evening. In the evening it can be cold here because you stay high in the mountains. So dress well.

Salkantay trek day 2 : Soraypampa – Salkantay pass – Huayramachay – Collpapampa | 24 km / 10 hours

The second day is the hardest. With stiff legs, you will walk through the Salkantay pass early in the morning from Soraypampa to eventually arrive at Pra Salkantay, which is the highest point with 4630 meters. You have to ascend about 720 meters this day.

The walk starts at Soraypampa at an altitude of 3900 and you have to walk up a winding path to the first point at Soirococha which is at an altitude of 4400 meters. The best thing about this part is that you can look over the entire valley, it is amazing to see all the snow-capped mountains.

Tip: if you think this part is too difficult, you can use a donkey that will take you from Soraypampa to Soirococha.

Once you arrive at Soirococha you have to walk steeply up to Pra Salkantay. This part is heavy! Walk at your own pace and do not deviate from this. At Pra Salkantay, of course, you have to take a picture to record that you did it.

After this the Salkantay tour becomes a lot easier, you will now descend for 2 hours and you will arrive at a camp where you can enjoy a well-deserved lunch. After lunch, you continue to the Amazon jungle and walk through a cloud forest. Your stop is at Collpapampa.

Salkantay trek day 3 : Collpapampa – La Playa – Santa Teresa | 14 km / 4 hours

The third day is the easiest. After breakfast, you will walk to La Playa. The walk goes through the Santa Teresa valley, this is a great hike because you can see several waterfalls and different plant pieces.

Once you arrive at La Playa, you can visit several plantations where they grow coffee, bananas, and avocados. You can also taste local coffee here.

From La Playa, you will travel to Santa Teresa where you will stay. You can choose to be brought by van or you can walk, of course, the choice is yours. This day is not difficult at all but it is beautiful because of the completely different natural landscape you see.

Salkantay trek day 4 : Santa Teresa – Hidroelectryc – Aguas Calientes | 19 km / 6 hours

The fourth day is a lot of fun because in the morning you can choose to go zip line or visit a hot spring. We chose the hot spring because it is wonderful to relax the muscles. This day is not hard, you have to walk a lot of kilometers, only most of it is flat.

After this, you continue your journey towards Hidroelectrica. This is a beautiful area where you walk past waterfalls and see many fields where they grow cocoa and coffee. Once you have crossed the river you walk along the river towards Aguas Calientes. Aguas Calientes is the village near Machu Picchu from where you can visit the lost city.

You will arrive in Aguas Calientes in the afternoon, after which you will have free time to discover the village or relax. You mustn’t go to bed too late after dinner because the next day you have to get up early to visit Machu Picchu.

Salkantay trek day 5 : Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco | 4 km / 1.5 hours

Today the day starts very early because you have to leave your hotel at 04:00 am to join the queue at the bridge at 04:30 am. When the bridge opens, the first travelers can walk up the mountain. This will get you to Machu Picchu at sunrise around 06:00 am, making you one of the first visitors. It is impossible to describe how cool this was, believe us this is a unique experience.

The guide will give you a tour and tell you everything about Machu Picchu. You will visit the palaces, temples, priest houses and other important buildings. It is amazing to see how well everything has been preserved.

After the tour, you will have time to explore Machu Picchu independently. What you will notice is that it is later in the morning, which makes it a lot busier.

After Machu Picchu, you walk back to Aguas Calientes to pack your bag at your hotel and catch the train to Ollantaytambo in the afternoon. At Ollantaytambo, you will be picked up by a minivan that will take you back to your hotel in Cusco.

As you have read, the Salkantay trek of 5 days is very diverse and super cool. We have so many beautiful memories of this trek and recommend this trekking to everyone because this is a trip that will stay with you for a lifetime! If you want to be sure of a spot, you can book the tour that we have done .

Salkantay trek tour or Salkantay trek solo

Normally we recommend to do activities independently where possible. In the case of the Salkantay trek, we recommend doing this with a tour. Read our motivation below.

Hiking Salkantay trek with a group

We are used to traveling alone and determine our own planning for the day. The idea that we were going to do a trek of 5 days with a fixed group, with a fixed timetable, was new for us. The big question that we had was if we were doing the right thing. It turned out to be the best time ever.

If you walk with a group, you walk with a local who knows everything and prepared everything in perfection. They know the way and can offer immediate assistance where necessary. For us, it was important to walk with a group because we were going to walk at high altitudes for the first time so we wanted to have an expert who could see altitude sickness symptoms. Also, they can share information about the environment that you otherwise miss.

In our group, we were with 6 travelers, 1 guide, 2 cooks, and 1 porter (carried the cooking equipment, tents, and other necessities with the help of the donkeys). If you do the same tour as us, the group is small, which makes it great. At some organizations, they walk with 40 people with only 2 guides. We don’t like to walk in such big groups, in our opinion, it makes the whole experience a lot less special.

• Simple, because everything is arranged (tickets to Machu Picchu, accommodations, food, drinks). All you need to bring are your own necessities (more information at chapter what to bring with you for the Salkantay trek);
• Traveling with a well-known organization means that your guides and porters are specialists who know the route well. Above all, they know what to do if things go wrong. After all, they are responsible for your safety;
• A local guide can always tell you first-hand experiences;
• The carriers ensure that you only have to carry a backpack and nothing else. You don’t have to carry your tent, mat, and other heavy gear;
• You meet new people who become your friends.
• It is more expensive compared to doing it independently. For us, the additional cost was more than worth it;
• If you are used to doing everything at your own pace and schedule, traveling with a group can take some time getting used to.

Hiking Salkantay trek solo

It is not uncommon to do the Salkantay trek individually, however, you don’t see a lot of other people doing it individually. Most of the people do it via a group tour.

• The freedom to go wherever you want;
• Often a lot cheaper than a tour.
• You have to carry everything yourself, arrange your accommodation, determine your own route, arrange all your entrances. You have to arrange everything yourself;
• You don’t have an experienced guide with you who can help you in case of an emergency;
• It is always safer to walk in a group than alone;
• For female travelers, we don’t recommend walking alone.

Which Salkantay trek tour do we recommend

There are a lot of agencies that offer the Salkantay trek, which makes it very difficult to choose from. We have searched a lot for the best offer and found it (believe us it took a lot of time!).

When we went to find out our Salkantay trek, we mainly checked whether it was authentic. During our trip, we walked with 6 people the whole trek. For us this is authentic. Believe us, if you see those groups that run with 30 people, you don’t want this. It is also important that everything is well organized, that you don’t encounter any surprises. Finally, the organization needs to be professional and have excellent experience in the trek.

We have all experienced this in a very positive way with our tour and therefore recommend it. In addition, the tour is provided by GetYourGuide, which guarantees high quality. In this case, it is better to pay a little more than buy a ticket locally without knowing exactly what you will get. This will save you a few hours of searching😊.

To clarify for booking : if you want to book the same tour as us, you will be forwarded to the GetYourGuide site. The tour shown first in blue is the tour we recommend.

How difficult is the salkantay trek

In our opinion, the Salkantay trek is not difficult. It is not necessary to have an excellent fitness level, but a basic fitness is required. Because of this, we recommend that you do some extra training at home before the trip. The first two days can be tough, but after that, it’s not hard.

In general, the days are long but not killing. You have enough rest times and a long lunch break. During the evening you have enough time to relax. In the evenings you eat with the group and chat all evening. For us, this was also a very nice part of the trip because you will get to know the people well and can eventually become friends.

Our advice is to build up a fitness level a month before you travel in which you are used to walking for a few hours. The most important tip that we can give is that you do your trip through Peru in the same direction as we did. You find our Peru itinerary here. To prepare yourself physically, it is best to do the Salkantay trek at the end of your trip. As a result, you are used to walk at heights and your legs are also used to walking the meters.

Salkantay trek altitude sickness

Even if you are in top condition, if you exercise daily, this still hasn’t any influence on lowering the risk of altitude sickness. Altitude sickness can affect anyone, regardless of your fitness level. It is therefore important to acclimatize because once you go beyond 3000 meters you will feel it.

The best thing to do is to follow our Peru itinerary . This gradually gets your body used to the height. If you travel from Lima to Cusco and immediately start the Salkantay Trek, you will challenge your body extremely and expose yourself to a high risk of altitude sickness. We speak from experience because in our group were two travelers who did this and had a lot of problems with the altitude throughout the trip.

If you follow our advice, you do the Salkantay trek at the end of your trip, you should be fine. You mustn’t go too fast, take a rest if needed and drink a lot of water.

Where do you stay during the Salkantay trek

The overnight stays during the Salkantay are more than fine. If you are doing an organized tour like us, you don’t have to worry about this. During our trip, we saw different accommodations and recommend the following.

The sleeping facilities during the Salkantay are more than fine. If you do an organized tour like us, you don’t have to worry about this. You stay the first three nights in a tent as you can see in the photo below. The last night you stay in Aguas Calientes is an excellent hotel.

If you want to do the Salkantay trek independently, you can use the accommodations below.

• Day 1 | Soraypampa | camping area (S.10 / $2 per tent) | reservation not necessary/possible
• Day 2 | Chaullay | camping area (S.10 / $2 per tent) | reservation not necessary/possible
• Day 3 | Santa Teresa | camping area (S.10 / $2 per tent) | reservation not necessary/possible
• Day 4 | Aguas Calientes | no camping, only hostels/hotels | Andino Hotel | If you want luxury and want to have a good rest before hiking to Machu Picchu, Casa del Sol Machu Picchu is recommended
• Day 5 | Cusco | Amaru Inca & Illa hotel

What do you need to bring with you for the Salkantay trek

The Salkantay trek is a trekking tour where you pass the 4 seasons. One day you wear a T-shirt and shorts and it is incredibly hot, the next day you wear all your clothes because you are high in the mountains near the snow.

The fact that you walk through all 4 seasons is great, it ensures a different experience and challenges your body. Before the day starts, ask what the guide expects in terms of weather so that you dress well and don’t have to change during the tour.

Only bring what you really need. You really shouldn’t carry more than 10kg on your back. The lighter your bag, the more enjoyable the trip. In terms of clothing, it is important to wear layers instead of very heavy clothing.

We recommend the following Salkantay trek packings list:

• Backpack with rain cover
• Waterproof shoes
• 5 pairs of underwear and 3 pairs of socks
• Hiking pants
• Fleece jacket
• Thermal undershirt
• Thermal pants
• Jacket North Face (you really need this!)
• Gore-Tex Jacket
• Waterproof pants
• 1 Hat, 1 Bandana
• 1 pair of walking sticks
• Personal hygiene products
• First-aid kit
• 2 Water bottles or empty bottles
• Money + snacks (the food is very good during the tour, but sometimes it is nice to have a snack)

If you do the Salkantay trek solo, you should also bring a tent, sleeping bag and mattress in addition to the above.

Best time to do the Salkantay trek

Cusco has two seasons, the dry season and the rainy season. The dry season is from April to October. The rainy season is from November to March. The rainy season is the worst time for hiking the Salkantay trek.

The best months to hike the Salkantay trek is during the dry season between April and October with July and August being the best. It does not rain much and the temperatures are pleasant. July and August are busier due to the summer holidays in Europe and the US. We did the Salkantay trek ourselves in the first week of September and the weather was perfect.

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Salkantay trek FAQ

1. why should you do the salkantay trek.

The number 1 reason for us to walk the Salkantay trek was the environment you are in. You walk for 5 days in very different environments. In other trekking tours the hike to Machu Picchu, the environment often remains the same which can become monotonous. This isn’t the case with the Salkantay trek at all.

With every step, the landscape changes, and the mountains reveal something new; rolling clouds, the breathtaking terrain, the towering mountains, or the smiling locals.

Walking in the area during the Salkantay trek has something magical. All you have to do is to walk and to enjoy yourself. You don’t have any stress and there aren’t many things that you have to think about during your walk. Just enjoy the walk. Great right?

2. Salkantay Trek vs Inca Trail, which one is better?

One of the most frequently asked questions: which route is the best to hike to Machu Picchu? The Salkantay vs Inca trail is often compared with each other and there are advantages for each route. The reason we chose the Salkantay trek was that the environment was different every day, the height meters were better distributed throughout the day and it would be less stressful for your knees.

The Inca trail has many high steps so you put extra stress on your knees. The Inca trail is of course the most famous trail and the trail that the Incas used to walk to hike to Machu Picchu. The cultural experience of the Inca trail is better, that must certainly be said. The disadvantage is that you have to book months in advance because only 500 number (only 200 trekkers) people per day can start the trip.

Salkantay vs Inca trail in terms of cost the Inca trail ($740 – $900) is more expensive compared to the Salkantay trek ($280 – $400). Many travelers who had walked the Inca trail indicated that the environment during the tour remains fairly the same, with the Salkantay trek one day you walk between the snow peaks and the next day in the jungle. This was important to us so we chose to do the Salkantay trek.

If you want to know more about the Salkantay Trek or the Inca trail , you can read more information via the links.

3. What do you need to know before visiting Machu Picchu?

Officially you are not allowed to bring water and food with you. We actually did bring water with us and this was no problem. The rule is that people don’t make a mess. If you treat this with respect, you will probably be fine.

You are not allowed to bring walking sticks. If you have weak knees, it is best to take the bus back from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.

We have written a separate article where we provide much more information about a visit to Machu Picchu. Read the article here: tips for visiting Machu Picchu .

4. I am not a camping type, will I enjoy the Salkantay trek?

The answer is very simple, yes! We don’t see ourselves as campers either, but we enjoyed it. The first three nights you stay in a tent, in a sleeping bag on a mat. The tour we did had gear from North Face which was excellent. This is important because there are also tours that use poor quality gear. This is the difference between a cheaper and a more expensive tour. We and the other members of the group slept well all nights.

You don’t have to carry and set up the stuff yourself, this is done for you. All you have to do is carry your own backpack and enjoy. We understand that the idea of staying in a tent is something that you need getting used to if you never do this, this was the same for us. Try it, because you want to experience this unique travel experience.

We hope this Salkantay trek guide helped you to convince and inform you to do the same tour as us. It has been one of the most beautiful moments for us during our trip and we hope you will experience it as well.

Are you planning your trip to Peru? Then you can use our Peru itinerary as inspiration to build your own itinerary.

After the Salkantay trek and your visit to Machu Picchu, you will probably travel back via Cusco to Lima. Read our article about Lima here: things to do in Lima .

If you are looking for more general information about hiking, we recommend reading our article about hiking for beginners .

We are curious about your experiences, what do you think of the Salkantay trek? Share it in the comments below.

Did you enjoy this article? Then save it to Pinterest for later!

Hello, we are Cynthia & Alexander, the team behind Travel Your Memories! Traveling is our passion. When it comes to exploration, we love sharing our tips and adventures to inspire you. Welcome to Travel Your Memories, where we share our love for travel with you! Read our story .

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Best Hiking Shoes & Boots for The Inca Trail Trek and Machu Picchu

by Tour Leaders Peru | Sep 14, 2018 | Peru Travel Blogs | 2 comments

My Pass Experiences as a Tour Guide and Here are the Most and Recommended Best Hiking Shoes for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu “ and How To Choose The Righ Hiking Clothes “.

A nice pair of Appropriate Trekking shoes to do The Inca Trail is one of the most important accessories you’ll wear during your Classic Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu. Please read this detailed and important article and consider our top detailed day-by-day recommendations such as Altitude sickness in Cusco – Peru and Packing List for Machu Picchu Salkantay Trek . 

If you are considering Hiking the Classic Inca Trail tour Hike , Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5D/4N, or any other risky high-point hiking treks around the Andes of Peru, then you should know, that your most essential allies are your hiking shoes. Whether you are stepping on the hardscrabble trails above the Andes clouds or some of the wider, better-groomed trails in Peru,  having the right gear will make your hike infinitely more enjoyable.

Why your Inca Trail Hiking Shoes for Machu Picchu is very important?

Your shoes are your home away from home; they protect your feet from the elements and provide comfort and support for miles on end. With that in mind, it’s important to choose a pair of shoes (or boots) that fit snugly, feel comfortable, and support your ankles and arches.

RELATED: Machu Picchu Packing List

If you are going to hike the Inca Trail, you need to make sure you have proper footwear. The last thing you want is for your shoes to fall apart on the trail and leave you stranded. There are a few things to look for when choosing the best hiking shoes for the Inca Trail.

First, you need to make sure the shoes are comfortable. You will be spending a lot of time on your feet, so you need to make sure the shoes are comfortable. There is nothing worse than having sore feet at the end of a long day of hiking.

Secondly, you need to make sure the shoes have good traction. The Inca Trail can be slippery, so you need to make sure your shoes have good traction. You don’t want to slip and fall on the trail.

Lastly, you need to make sure the shoes are durable. The Inca Trail is a tough hike, and you need to make sure your shoes can handle the tough terrain. You don’t want your shoes to fall apart on the trail and leave you stranded.

high-quality and durable hiking shoes are an absolute must Learn More in Our Recommended Travel Blob Complete Peru Packing List .

Chose the best Hiking shoes for the Inca Trail Tours To Machu Picchu – Peru

Salkantay Trek & Inca Trail 7D

Short Inca Trail And Lares Valley Trek 4D

La Sportiva Spire GTX – Women’s

If you don’t choose carefully, you will tire soon and be susceptible to cramps and blisters, or set yourself up for twisted ankles and an array of more serious injuries while hiking the Inca trails or any other hiking trips in Peru.

What is The “Inca Trail Hike” In Peru?

The Inca Trail is the most famous hike in all of South America. It is even considered by many as one of the top 5 hikes in the world. Along the classic Inca trail hike of 4 days and 3 nights.

You’ll cross gravels and muddy terrains during the rainy season, zones of the half mountain, and view many archeological Inca ruins.

There are a lot of opportunities for carrying out trekking activities for hours in a lot of fun ways until you arrive at Machupicchu Inca Ruins. Just Make Sure to Prepare your Packing List for your Inca Trail what you Should Bring

To enjoy these activities, without thinking about your feet,  you can choose between several options – boots, half-boots, slippers, or a good pair of Inca trail footwear.   Whether you opt for a waterproof version or not, with a breathable membrane or lesser protection, the variety of materials allows you to choose the most suitable Hiking shoes for yourself.

There are many fun activities in which you can indulge yourself, but the variety of those complicates our decision.  The choice – What kind of women’s hiking shoes would be the right one for you? very recommended.

We’ll try to help you clarify that later, but in general, the choice of your Inca trail hiking shoes will depend on a combination of external factors like:

• The kind of activity you’re looking for
• Place in which it realizes your Hike
• Meteorology
• the weight of the shoes that we must load

And a few Personal Factors you should consider:

• Physical form
• Hiking experience

Hiking Shoe and Boots Requirements for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu

1 . protection:.

Hiking Boots and shoes are meant to protect our feet.  That is why most hikers do their research by reading numerous travel articles related to trekking shoes.  When you walk into mother nature or climb onto the mighty mountains, it is easy to receive or to give blows to stones and roots.  Therefore, our trekking shoes or boots must wear a reinforced rubber front to protect our toes, a heel to protect the back of our feet, and lateral and instep protection. Without these protections, we risk serious injuries, along with losing confidence in complex terrains, leading to unfortunate results and losing security.

These protections also serve to hold the foot, something very necessary, for example, to cross a half-slope.  With a normal athletic shoe,  the foot will force the shoe towards the slope, preventing our movements. With a trekking shoe, you will be able to stand firmly, hike a rugged trail to Machu Picchu, and travel safely through all types of terrain in the Andes. For this reason, We created this article Inca Trail Shoes to hike Machu Picchu.

HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat Mid 2 GTX Hiking Boots – Men’s

Important to Note

The main protection that we need from men’s and women’s hiking shoes along the Inca trail is their sturdiness, comfort, and ankle protection.  So in many cases, the choice of medium or high boots  will be adequate.

Note:  We’ll talk more later about slippers, medium boots, and high boots

And let’s not forget something that tends to be ignored Hiking in Peru

There is a difference between hiking – The Inca Trail or Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – with weight or without it. When we are carrying a backpack for days, it is essentially a nice pair of shoes or boots that stabilize us on the trek. It makes the difference between having itches, pains, and irritations, versus not having them at all. That is an addition to the security that comes with stability because nothing is more dangerous than losing our balance and focusing on the mountain.

One most important parts to consider while selecting hiking shoes and boots

All trekking shoes must have a sole that allows you to practice the sport for which it is designed. On the mountain, while talking about the  Vibram Soles , we are not only pointing toward something that helps us in practice but also, toward our safety and physical integrity.

Arc’teryx Aerios FL Mid GTX Hiking Boots – Men’s

The Hiking Boot’s Asole is the thing that binds you to the terrain and allows you to move through the complex landscapes. The compound with which they are made and their design – are fundamentally crucial and require a lot of research beforehand.

In addition, they have to endure dry, wet, compact, loose terrain, snow, mud, etc. To achieve this, the designs must show a multidirectional degree of freedom that allows you to climb effectively, not skate. Enable you to make half slopes with confidence, or slow down in descent plain.

The sole also acts as a protective barrier. A very soft shoe, for example, will make you regret uneven areas, with stones and edges. Most leading brands rely on Vibram and its different soles to fit their model, but others use their soles, such as Columbia hiking shoes, Keen, and Stealth rubber. Salomon with their Contagrip soles, or Haglöfs brand with their Asics rubber, which offers a total guarantee.

It is easier to fall for the low-range products in the market of trekking footwear, with soles of dubious origin. At that time, you should remember, that in the mountains, quality and performance are directly related to safety.

KEEN Targhee III Waterproof Mid-Hiking Boots – Women’s

2. Breathability impermeability

Impermeability is something very important to make it through the Inca Trail. Every time we talk about mountain material, the breathability-impermeability binomial seems fundamental.

On the one hand, we need to go comfortable, and dry, and avoid overheating. For that, we need our footwear to transpire. On the other hand, we need to be protected against the elements, in the open air. Not only in the rain or snow but, in the mountains, there is also mud, puddles, and rivers to cross, and the meadows in the morning are moist with dew.

The membrane footwear solves this problem, as it allows the foot to transpire while maintaining its waterproof ability. But keep in mind, despite being breathable, it is not so much like Hiking Shoes or hiking boots without the membrane.

The hard and resistant trekking boots and shoes perspire little due to the accumulation of materials on them. So, if you travel through warm and mild humid areas, you can choose models with less resistance and no membrane.

For other cases… we insist on safety and protection, always ahead of other factors.

Humid areas on a path of the Pyrenees; Throughout the day, the membrane becomes indispensable

3. Security

This is the consequence of all of the above. Hiking shoes & Hiking boots that grip in all situations, protecting us from blows, rubbings, ores, and inclement weather. Shoes, allow us to load a heavy backpack and make our trek safe in complex terrains – such as on mountains and in wild landscapes.

4. Comfort Care

Comfort is important. It allows us to enjoy the activities on our trek (and we all prefer to be comfortable).

But what happens when our hiking footwear hurts us, causing chafing and blisters? It will make our trek tremendously insecure by increasing the chances of an accident.

But we must not confuse our comfort that emanates from the choice of a suitable product with our comfort in general.  For example , we all feel more comfortable with slippers than with boots. Or with a softer shoe than one somewhat stiffer. But every unique situation requires a unique type of footwear.

Comfort is important once you have chosen the type of footwear. If you opt for boots, you must look for a model that, with all the required benefits, feels more comfortable. But you must not risk wearing sandals or slippers without protection just because you find it more “comfortable”.

Why is Important to Buy Professional Hiking Shoes or Boot

In addition, today,  Hiking shoes or boots are not like what they used to be before. Not like the punishment boots that you just need to wear and suffer. Nowadays, hiking boots and other similar footwear, are of equal or even superior comfort to any slipper. They don’t hurt and fit like a glove.

This is crucial to emphasize in a time when due to the influence of speed and some professionals, a poorly understood security comfort is a priority. We have to understand that they have a physical form, a technique, and an experience that most of us lack, and which, moreover, do not usually carry just weight in their activities.

Let’s make an important rule of thumb today. “Security has to be the most important factor that motivates our choice , Always “.

High, medium boot, shoe-slipper? Which Hiking shoes do you prefer for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu?

Trekking shoes (here we could include the most resistant trail running shoes for ultras,  like the Ultra Raptor of the Sportiva)  are very comfortable. But unlike running or other types of sports shoes, they usually are higher from below the malleolus, which rests on them, allowing an ankle attachment. It’s less than that of a boot but provides solid protection at the end of the day.

La Sportiva Ultra Raptor Trail-Running Shoes – Women’s

Grip Soles also incorporate front, side, and heel protection, and are suitable for the mountains. (although in the case of the trail slippers, and the lighter, they can be too soft, and not completely protect us from the irregularities of the terrain). And having no cane, they sweat better.

Does this mean that we can use them as trekking and hiking shoes? yes or no? Are they designed for any situation? The quick answer is NO .

Salomon X Ultra 3 Low GTX Hiking Shoes – Men’s

Slippers are more agile and lighter. This has its advantages, but also its inconveniences .

The lower shank of the slippers protects our ankles, and these are good for easy terrains or short excursions. But on a very long day, when your energy is drained, the support that hiking Shoes or boots give us is irreplaceable. Who has not felt that ankle-twisting at each difficult step due to a lack of energy? And a much worse condition with a hefty backpack on your shoulders.

This all depends on the physical form and the experience of each person. That, in no case, is the same as a professional or someone with much better shape and experience, than an occasional practitioner in better or worse shape. Before you imitate the way they dress, fit, and do things their way, you have to evaluate whether you are truly like them and whether you can do it. Or not.

If you use trail slippers for hiking or trekking, keep in mind, that the soles are softer. This is good for walking on the roads, and regular terrains, or for those who are in shape and experienced. For those who like to “feel” the terrain. But for most of the occasional practitioners, who go “off-road”, a much better option will be with the protection and safety of a stiffer sole.

In short, when we are carrying a heavy backpack while crossing the landscape for several days, in molts of winter, etc., slippers do not help us with stabilization and they cushion us less.

Results for “KEEN Men’s Targhee Iii Mid Height Waterproof Hiking Boot”

Hiking Boots:

Hiking boots are heavier and less agile but provide good protection and stability when we carry a hefty backpack. And let’s not forget that there are many different heights of cane. Half-cane boots are like SUVs, the best of both worlds.

These are the best tips for the Inca Trail shoes.

* The most protected, high-cane boots are multifunctional, and you can use them for non-technical mountaineering purposes without any problems.

* Boot’s cane not only protects your ankle but also from the elements (like mud, rain, snow, humidity, etc.). It prevents them to enter our feet.

SALOMON Women’s Trail Track and Field Shoe

When to wear the slippers and when to wear Hiking shoes for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu trip?

As we have said, in addition to the external factors. The physical, technical, and experience of each is a very important element. But in general:

* For short outings and clear weather conditions, you can wear shoes or slippers.

* For longer outings and chillier weather conditions, or in case of humidity and irregular mountain terrains where you’ll be crossings the land for several days while carrying the hefty backpack on your shoulders, you should wear rain protection shoes.

There is no use for a perfectly designed membrane, boot, or slipper if we do not wear the right Socks. They are going to be in direct contact with our skin, and therefore their design should be seamless (flat seams). They must adjust perfectly and be made with materials that guarantee the evacuation of sweat and thermal regulation of cold and heat. Normal socks should never be worn, with seams, etc. You’ll only get friction, blisters, and discomfort.

Consider what Type of Terrain You’ll Hike when you Visit Peru

When choosing a hiking shoe for the Inca Trail, it is important to consider the type of terrain you will be hiking on, the length of your hike, and the weather conditions you will be hiking in. For example, if you are planning on hiking in extremely rocky terrain, you will need a shoe with more support and protection than if you were hiking on a well-maintained trail.

Additionally, if you are planning on hiking in hot weather which is from May to September, you will want a shoe that has good ventilation to prevent your feet from getting too sweaty.

Finally, be sure to try on a variety of different hiking shoes before making your purchase. Every person’s feet are different, so what may be comfortable for one person may not be comfortable for another. It is important to find a shoe that fits well and provides the support and protection you need for your particular hike.

Best Affordable Hiking Shoes For Peru

01 merrell moab 2 waterproof hiking shoes.

$93.93 Compared to $135.00 *

Best Use: Hiking

Footwear: Height Ankle

Footwear: Closure Lace-up

Waterproof: Yes

Type of Waterproofing: Waterproof breathable membrane

Upper Suede leather/mesh

Lining: Mesh

Midsole: EVA

Support: Nylon arch shank

Outsole: Vibram rubber

Weight (Pair)2 lbs. 1 oz.

Gender: Men’s

Our Advice: Very comfortable, Breathable, and Amazon Choise great Good Prices in REI

What we like: Classic shoes—still one of the most comfortable shoes on the market.

What we don’t: Not as protective or rugged as some of the newer designs. Merrell has long been one of our favorite brands in the outdoor hiking Trails, and they continue to impress us year after year.

See Men’s Merrell Moab 2 – See Women’s Merrell Moab 2

02 Lowa Renegade GTX Lo Hiking Shoes – Men’s

$229.95 Compared to $240.00*

Footwear: ClosureLace-up

Type of Waterproofing: GORE-TEX waterproof breathable membrane

Upper: Leather/fabric

Lining: Synthetic

Midsole: Polyurethane

Support: Full-length stabilizer with medium stiffness

Outsole: Vibram Evo-Trac rubber

Weight: (Pair)1 lb. 7 oz.

Our Advice: Very comfortable and Amazon Close great Good Price

What we like: A classic leather boot with great traction and comfort.

New Version

GORE-TEX® fabric waterproofs and breathes in the Lowa Men’s Renegade III GTX Lo shoe, a versatile hike shoe perfect for any terrain or weather conditions. full-length stabilizer provides support on even the most uneven surfaces. The LOWA Vialta outsole delivers power with every step, from start to finish.

Read in-depth review See Men’s Lowa Renegade – See Women’s Lowa Renegade

03 La Sportiva Wildcat 2.0 GTX Trail Running Shoes

Although La Sportiva designed this shoe for trail running, it works better for hikes because it’s lighter.

Best UseTrail Running

Trail-Running Shoe TypeRugged-Trail

Running Shoe CushioningModerate Cushion

Heel-to-Toe Drop (mm)12

Heel Stack Height (mm)27

Forefoot Stack Height (mm)15

Footwear HeightAnkle

Footwear ClosureLace-up

WaterproofYes

UpperNylon air mesh/polyurethane reinforcements

LiningGore-Tex XCR waterproof breathable membrane/nylon

SupportNylon shank

OutsoleRubber

Rock PlateNo

Weight (Pair)1 lb. 12.3 oz.

Our Advice: Great stability on rocky and rooty terrain; waterproof yet breathable upper

What we like: The most comfortable boot in our review and great traction on all surfaces.

What we don’t: A bit on the pricey side and not as supportive as some of the competition.

04 ASICS Women’s Gel-Kayano Lite 2 Running Shoes

$119.95 Compared to $160.00*

Best Use: Road Running

Footwear: Height Low-top

Waterproofing: No

Upper Mesh/synthetic leather

Lining: Textile

Midsole: EVA foam

Support: None

Outsole: Rubber

Weight (Pair): 10.6 oz. (men), 8.8 oz. (women)

Gender: Men’s, Women’s

Our Advice: A lightweight and comfortable shoe that’s great for long runs

What we like: A versatile and affordable shoe that’s comfortable for long distances.

What we don’t: Not as much cushioning as some of the competition.

See Men’s ASICS Gel Kayano – See Women’s ASICS Gel Kayano

05 Salomon Out Pulse Gore-Tex Low Hiking Shoes – women’s

Best UseHiking

Type of WaterproofingGORE-TEX waterproof/breathable laminate

UpperSynthetic/textile

LiningTextile

MidsoleFuze Surge foam

SupportTPU Plate

OutsoleContagrip rubber

Weight (Pair)1 lb. 5.2 oz.

GenderWomen’s

SustainabilityContains recycled materials

Our Advice: A comfortable and waterproof shoe that’s great for day hikes

What we like: The Out Pulse Gore-Tex Low is a comfortable and waterproof shoe that’s great for day hikes.

What we don’t: The shoe is on the expensive side and doesn’t provide as much support as some of the competition.

See Women’s Salomon Out Pulse Gore-Tex Low

06 Oboz sawtooth x low waterproof hiking shoes – women’s & men’s

Waterproofing: Yes

Upper Mesh/leather

Lining: Waterproof membrane

Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 3.2 oz. (men), 1 lb. 1.6 oz. (women)

Sustainability: Contains recycled materials

What we like: The Oboz Sawtooth X Low is a comfortable and waterproof shoe that’s great for day hikes.

See Men’s Oboz Sawtooth X Low – See Women’s Oboz Sawtooth X Low

Do you need hiking boots for the Inca trail?

Absolutely! This is an essential item for your hiking adventure. Do not mess with your shoes as they are your best ally in the rocky terrain of the Andes Mountains. Hiking boots are tough, waterproof, provide some comfort, and most important of all they are a reliable tool for your hiking trip.

This is so helpful. Muchas gracias! 🙂

Thanks Very Much and have a great trip to Peru.

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I’m Cesar Conde, owner of Tour Leaders Peru & Travel Advisor and my other side job is Nomadic Digital . I share my own amazing Tour Experiences, travel stories, guides, and itineraries for travelers like you and me!

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• 40 Essential Salkantay Trek Packing List: Must-Have Gear for Hiking Adventure

• Written by: Kevin Groh
• Salkantay Trek Blog

When preparing for an adventure like the Salkantay Trek , having a packing list is crucial. It ensures that you have all the necessary items for a safe and enjoyable journey. The Salkantay Trek is a rigorous and challenging multi-day hike that takes you through stunning landscapes and high-altitude terrain. To be fully prepared, it’s important to know what essentials to pack.

This article will provide you with a comprehensive packing list for the Salkantay Trek, including clothing and footwear, backpack and daypack, sleeping gear, food and water, personal hygiene items, medications and first aid kit. it will discuss optional items such as trekking poles, camera and photography gear, portable chargers, and snacks and energy boosters.

By following this packing list and incorporating smart packing tips, you can ensure that you have everything you need for a successful and comfortable Salkantay Trek experience. So let’s dive into the essentials and optional items you should consider packing for this epic adventure.

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Key takeaways:, why is a packing list important for the salkantay trek, essentials for the salkantay trek, 1. clothing and footwear, 2. underwear, 3. base layer, 4. trekking shirts, 5. hard shell jacket and rain gear, 6. insulated jacket, 7. fleece jacket, 8. trekking pants and shorts, 9. pajama pants, 10. inner gloves, 11. hat for sun protection, 12. head band or beanie, 13. neck gaiter or balaclava, 14. hiking boots, 14. sneakers (trekking shoes/sandals), 15. hiking socks, 16. sunglasses, 17. bathing suit, 18. beanie or winter hat, 19. quick dry towel, 20. inflatable mattresses, 21. plastic poncho, 22. backpack and daypack, 23. sleeping gear, 24. food and water, 25. personal hygiene items, 26. hand sanitizer, 27. toilet paper, 29. toothbrush and toothpaste, 30. original passport (for entrance to machu picchu), 31. medications and first aid kit, optional items for the salkantay trek, 32. trekking poles, 33. camera and photography gear, 34. portable charger, 36. snacks and energy boosters, 37. flashlight or headlamp, 38. water bottle or hydration bladder, 40. notebook/journal & pen, tips for packing smart for the salkantay trek, some facts about the salkantay trek packing list:, salkantay trek packing list faqs, do i need waterproof shoes for the salkantay trek, is a down puff necessary for the coldest weather during the trek, do i need a button-down shirt for dining at good restaurants in lima and cusco, is a dedicated poncho or a disposable one better for the trek, should i bring additional socks for the trek, is it strange to wear crocs outside in latin america.

• Packing smart is crucial for the Salkantay Trek: Having the right items ensures comfort and ease during the trek, while excess weight can make the experience more challenging and tiring.
• Essentials for the Salkantay Trek include appropriate clothing, a sturdy backpack, sleeping gear, food and water supplies, personal hygiene items, and a well-stocked first aid kit.
• Optional items like trekking poles, a camera, a portable charger, and energy-boosting snacks can enhance the trekking experience and provide convenience along the Salkantay Trek.

Check This Video Guide on the Salkantay Trek Packing List by The Wanderful Life of Kayla:

Having a packing list is crucial for the Salkantay Trek for several reasons. It ensures you have all the necessary items like proper hiking gear, clothing, and camping equipment for the challenging terrain and weather conditions.

A packing list helps you prioritize essential items, reducing the risk of carrying unnecessary items and lightening your load, thus aiding in weight management. Additionally, by following a packing list, you can include items like first aid kits, navigation tools, and emergency supplies, which are vital for your safety and well-being during the trek.

Moreover, a packing list saves you the hassle of forgetting important items and having to find alternatives or purchase them at higher prices, ensuring convenience throughout the journey. By being well-prepared and following a packing list, you can enjoy the trek without unnecessary burdens, ensuring your safety and comfort throughout the journey. Happy trekking!

Heading out on the Salkantay Trek? Make sure you’re well-prepared with all the essentials!

From clothing and footwear to backpacks and daypacks, we’ve got you covered. Plus, we’ll discuss the importance of sleeping gear, the must-haves for food and water, and the personal hygiene items you won’t want to forget.

And of course, we’ll touch on the crucial topic of medications and first aid kits. Let’s dive in and ensure you have everything you need for an incredible trekking experience!

When preparing for the Salkantay Trek, it’s important to carefully consider your clothing and footwear choices to ensure comfort and safety in the challenging terrain.

• Layering: Pack clothing and footwear that can be easily layered to adjust to temperature changes throughout the day. Include breathable base layers, insulating mid-layers, and a waterproof outer shell.
• Hiking Boots: Invest in sturdy , waterproof clothing and footwear with good ankle support to navigate uneven terrain and protect your feet from rocks and blisters.
• Socks: Bring extra pairs of moisture-wicking clothing and footwear to keep your feet dry and prevent discomfort.
• Gaiters: Consider wearing clothing and footwear to protect your legs and boots from debris, mud, and water.
• Sun Protection: Don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to shield yourself from the sun’s rays.

Pro-tip: Break in your hiking boots before the trek to avoid painful blisters and ensure a comfortable journey!

Bring 2-3 pairs of moisture-wicking underwear made of synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon. Avoid cotton, which retains moisture. Opt for briefs or boxer briefs over boxers for less chafing. Women may want to bring an additional sports bra.

Wear a long-sleeved synthetic shirt and leggings under your trekking clothes. Materials like polyester or Merino wool will keep you warm even when wet from sweat or weather. For women, you may want a top with a higher neck for more coverage.

Pack 2-3 quick-dry shirts suitable for variable mountain weather. Good choices are polyester, nylon, or Merino wool instead of cotton. Long sleeve with collar for sun protection. Zip-up shirts allow better ventilation control.

Your waterproof and breathable hard shell jacket and rain pants should be made of a material like Gore-Tex or eVent. Look for taped seams and ventilation options. Lightweight styles work well. Separate jackets and pants provide better ventilation.

Your puffy insulated jacket should be filled with down or synthetic insulation like PrimaLoft. Hood for added warmth. Stuff into its pocket for packing. Mid to heavyweight warmth ideal.

Include a 200-300-weight classic fleece jacket in your layering system. A full zip is easier to take on and off. Stretch fabrics allow a greater range of motion. Durable, fuzzy fabric traps heat well.

Bring lightweight, durable hiking pants with UPF rating and features like zip-off legs or roll-up cuffs to convert to shorts. Softshell pants work well. synthetics like nylon are great choices. 1 convertible pair is sufficient.

Comfortable loose-fitting pants or thermals to sleep in. Synthetic or cotton is OK. Avoid jeans. Yoga pants, sweatpants, or long underwear bottoms are recommended.

Wear thin lightweight gloves made of synthetic fabrics or wool as a base layer under your outer gloves or mittens. This adds warmth without bulk. Improves dexterity.

Bring a wide-brimmed hat that shades your face, head, ears, and neck from the harsh alpine sun and rain. Styles like a safari or bucket hat work well. Should be breathable. Chin straps prevent losing the hat in the wind.

Include a warm hat that covers your ears like a beanie or skull cap. Wool, acrylic, and fleece are good insulating materials. Can be worn under or over the main hat for added warmth.

A versatile buff, gaiter, or balaclava can protect your face, neck, and head from wind, dust, and cold temps. Fleece, synthetic fabrics, or wool is recommended. Can be pulled up or down easily.

Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support and traction like Vibram soles for carrying loads on uneven terrain. Break them in well ahead of time to prevent blisters. Mid-height is preferable to low-cut shoes.

Pack comfortable shoes like trail runners or sandals to wear at camp. Should be lightweight and well-ventilated. Mesh/synthetic uppers dry quickly. Extra cushioning for comfort after long days of hiking.

Bring 2-3 pairs of moisture-wicking socks made of wool or synthetic fibers. Bring thin-liner socks to wear under heavier outer socks to prevent blisters. Calf height is recommended.

Sunglasses should block 100% UV rays. Large lenses and side coverage are ideal for high altitudes. Retaining straps like Croakies prevent losing them. Bring a backup pair.

Pack a bathing suit if you plan to soak in any natural hot springs. Synthetic, quick-dry materials are best. Women may want a modest one-piece or tankini. Men can bring swim trunks.

Include a warm winter-style hat that covers your ears like a beanie or knit cap. Can be layered over a baseball cap for additional insulation at night or early morning. Acrylic, wool, and fleece work well.

Bring a specialized quick-drying towel for cleaning up on the trail, like a pack towel or lightweight sarong. Synthetic microfiber or ultra-absorbent materials are best. Saves space and weight.

Sleeping pads like ThermaRest provide padding and insulation from the cold ground. Inflatable styles provide more comfort but must be blown up. Closed-cell foam pads are lighter but less cushioned.

Pack a disposable plastic poncho for extra rain protection when sitting during meals or breaks. Compact and inexpensive. Can also use to sit on wet ground.

When preparing for the Salkantay Trek, choosing the right backpack and daypack is crucial for a comfortable and well-organized journey. Here are some essential considerations to keep in mind when selecting these items:

• Size and Capacity: Opt for a backpack and daypack that are spacious enough to accommodate all your necessary gear, but avoid choosing ones that are excessively large and bulky. Typically, a capacity of approximately 40-60 liters should be adequate for most trekkers.
• Fit and Comfort: Seek out a backpack and daypack with adjustable straps and a padded back panel to ensure a proper fit and enhance maximum comfort during long hikes. It is advisable to try out different models and sizes to discover the one that best suits your body shape.
• Durability: Since your backpack and daypack will face various weather conditions and rough terrain, selecting a sturdy and waterproof material is essential. Look for reinforced stitching and high-quality zippers to guarantee longevity .
• Accessibility: A well-designed daypack should feature multiple compartments and pockets for easy access to essential items such as water bottles, snacks, maps, and a camera. Consider options like side pockets , front pockets , and hip belt pockets for added convenience.
• Weight Distribution: Choose a backpack and daypack equipped with a hip belt and chest strap to ensure even weight distribution and reduce pressure on your shoulders. This invaluable feature will help prevent discomfort and fatigue throughout the trek.

A good night’s sleep is essential for a successful trek, so make sure to pack a sleeping bag and pad – unless you want to cuddle up to the cold ground, of course.

When preparing for the Salkantay Trek, it is essential to pack all the necessary sleeping gear to ensure a comfortable and restful night’s sleep. Here are some crucial sleeping gear items to consider:

• Choose lightweight and compact sleeping gear that is suitable for the weather conditions.
• Sleeping pad: Invest in high-quality sleeping gear to provide cushioning and insulation from the ground.
• Pillow: For additional comfort, bring a small inflatable or compressible pillow as part of your sleeping gear.
• Earplugs and eye mask: These essential sleeping gear items can help block out noise and light, ensuring better sleep.

Fact: Did you know that having the right sleeping gear is crucial for a good night’s sleep during trekking? It significantly enhances your overall experience and physical performance.

When preparing for the Salkantay Trek, ensuring that you have packed the appropriate food and water items is critical for a successful and enjoyable journey. Here is a comprehensive guide outlining the essential food and water supplies that you should include in your backpack:

To maintain proper hydration, it is crucial to drink water regularly and refill your bottle whenever you come across clean water sources. Additionally, maintaining a balanced and nourishing diet throughout the trek will help sustain your energy levels.

Remember to pack sufficient food and water to last for the entire duration of your trek, taking into consideration any dietary restrictions or allergies you may have. Stay hydrated, and properly fueled, and enjoy every moment of your Salkantay Trek experience!

If you don’t bring personal hygiene items, you might become the main attraction for mosquitoes and bugs on the Salkantay Trek.

To ensure comfort and cleanliness throughout the Salkantay Trek, it is essential to pack personal hygiene items. Here are some items to include in your backpack for this journey:

• Travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste
• Travel-sized soap or body wash
• Travel-sized shampoo and conditioner
• Hand sanitizer
• Travel-sized wet wipes
• Toilet paper
• Insect repellent

Remember to select travel-sized versions of these items to save space. Additionally, bring a lightweight towel or microfiber cloth for drying off. Lastly, do not forget to dispose of waste properly to preserve the natural beauty of the trekking trail !

Bring a small bottle of alcohol-based hand sanitizer since bathroom facilities are very limited on the trail. Avoid contaminating local water sources when washing up.

Carry your toilet paper and baggies to pack out used paper. Alternatively, bring a compact portable toilet or waste bags containing toilet paper. Bury solid waste in catholes.

Pack travel-size, biodegradable soaps like Dr. Bronner’s for washing up. Alternate shampoo and soap bars reduce weight. Use sparingly to avoid polluting water sources.

Bring a travel toothbrush and small toothpaste like trial-size tubes. Can cut full-size tubes to reduce weight. Wet wipes can substitute for water.

Pro-tip: To minimize the number of items you need to carry, consider packing multi-purpose items like a soap bar that can be used for washing hands, body, and clothes.

Don’t forget your first aid kit , because stepping on a llama can ruin your day on the Salkantay Trek.

Your original passport is required for entrance into Machu Picchu at the end of the trek. Make sure it is valid for at least 6 months after the trip and is not damaged.

• When preparing for the Salkantay Trek, it is crucial to prioritize your health and safety.
• Here is a list of essential medications and items for your first aid kit:
• Medications: Bring an ample supply of any necessary prescription medications . This includes pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen for headaches or muscle aches, allergy medication for known allergic reactions , and anti-diarrheal medication for stomach issues like diarrhea .
• First aid items: Include antibacterial ointment for cuts or scrapes, bandages, and adhesive tape in various sizes for wound care, gauze pads and adhesive strips for larger wounds, tweezers for removing splinters , and scissors for cutting tape and bandages.
• Don’t forget to pack antiseptic wipes to clean wounds or surfaces and a pair of sterile medical gloves for handling any medical situations.

The concept of first aid dates back to ancient civilizations. The code of Hammurabi from Ancient Mesopotamia , dating back to 1750 BC, included regulations for providing medical assistance.

In Ancient Greece , Hippocrates  considered the Father of Medicine, introduced first aid techniques and emphasized the importance of cleanliness and wound care. Over the centuries, the practice of first aid has evolved, becoming an essential aspect of emergency medical care.

Thinking about embarking on the Salkantay Trek? Well, if you want to take your trekking experience to the next level, then you must check out these optional items.

From the essential trekking poles to capture-worthy camera gear, this section has got you covered. Not to forget the trusty portable charger to keep your devices juiced up and those mouthwatering snacks that will give you the energy boost you need. Let’s dive into the world of optional items for the Salkantay Trek!

Trekking poles are essential for a challenging hike like the Salkantay Trek. They provide stability , and balance , and reduce the strain on your knees and joints. Here are some reasons why trekking poles should be on your packing list :

• Improved stability and balance on uneven or slippery terrain.
• Reduction in strain on knees and joints, especially during descents .
• Increased power and propulsion , helping you to conserve energy.
• Added support when crossing rivers or navigating steep slopes .
• Useful for setting up a tarp or tent , providing an extra point of contact.

Don’t forget to pack lightweight and adjustable trekking poles to customize them to your height and the terrain . So, make sure to include trekking poles in your packing list for a successful and comfortable Salkantay Trek experience!

When embarking on the Salkantay Trek, having a camera and photography gear is essential to capture the breathtaking scenery along the way. Your camera and photography gear should include a high-quality camera , lenses for versatile shooting , a sturdy tripod for stability , and extra memory cards and batteries to ensure you never miss a shot.

A camera bag or backpack with proper padding and compartments will keep your camera and photography gear safe and organized during the trek. With the right camera and photography gear , you’ll be able to document your Salkantay Trek experience and create lasting memories.

When preparing for the Salkantay Trek, it is crucial to have a portable charger to ensure that you can stay connected and have a reliable source of power for your electronic devices, such as a phone , camera , or GoPro . Here is a comprehensive list of reasons highlighting the importance of a portable charger for the trek:

• Stay Connected: The use of a portable charger allows you to keep your phone charged, ensuring that you can stay connected with your group and have a means of communication in case of emergencies.
• Capture Memories: With the assistance of a portable charger, you can keep your camera or GoPro charged at all times, enabling you to capture breathtaking landscapes and create everlasting memories along the trek.
• Navigation and Guides: By having a fully charged device, you can utilize navigation apps or access guidebooks, making it significantly easier to navigate the trail and gather knowledge about the surrounding area.
• Safety Precautions: Having a portable charger guarantees that you can carry a fully charged GPS device or emergency beacon , adding an extra layer of safety and security during the trek.
• Entertainment: During your downtime, a portable charger proves to be extremely valuable as it allows you to listen to music, watch videos, or read eBooks, ensuring that you stay entertained throughout the entire journey.

Don’t forget to pack snacks and energy boosters, because you’ll need all the fuel you can get to conquer the Salkantay Trek!

Charge devices fully before trekking and bring a portable charger/battery pack. Reception is intermittent in the mountains. Use the phone sparingly to conserve power. Protect from moisture.

When preparing for the Salkantay Trek, it is crucial to include snacks and energy boosters to keep you fueled during the challenging journey. Here are some options to consider:

• Granola bars: These snacks provide a quick source of energy and are easy to carry.
• Trail mix: A mixture of nuts, dried fruits, and seeds will give you a good balance of nutrients as an energy booster .
• Energy gels: They are perfect for a quick burst of energy when you need it the most during the trek.
• Protein bars: These snacks will aid in repairing and rebuilding your muscles after a long day of trekking, acting as energy boosters.
• Electrolyte drinks: They will help keep your body hydrated and replace the electrolytes lost through sweating during the trek. These drinks serve as both snacks and energy boosters.

Fact: Snack breaks during the trek not only provide nourishment but also offer an opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking scenery.

Pack a flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries for nighttime visibility around camp. LED bulbs last longer. The red light option preserves night vision and battery power. Waterproof models are better.

Carry at least a 1-liter capacity bottle like Nalgene or Camelbak bladder. Wide-mouth bottles are easier to fill. Durable, BPA-free plastic. Insulated models keep liquids cooler for longer. Hands-free hydration bladders are convenient.

Bring a mountaineering camera that performs in extreme conditions – cold, high altitude, dust/humidity. Extra batteries. Zoom lens for scenic vistas. Memory cards. Prevent moisture damage.

Document thoughts, experiences, and trip highlights in a notebook or journal. Hardcover withstands trail conditions. Waterproof paper is better. Pens function more reliably than pencils.

Packing smart for the Salkantay Trek can greatly enhance your journey, making it more enjoyable and hassle-free. Follow these tips to ensure you pack efficiently:

• Research: Before you start packing, take the time to research the weather conditions and terrain of the Salkantay Trek . This will help you plan your clothing accordingly.
• Layering: Choose lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing that can be easily layered. This will provide you with warmth and protection against any changing weather conditions you may encounter during the trek .
• Essentials: Make sure you don’t forget the essential items for the Salkantay Trek . These include a sturdy backpack , comfortable hiking shoes , a sleeping bag , a headlamp , and a water bottle .
• Toiletries: When it comes to toiletries , keep it minimal. Opt for travel-sized items and choose biodegradable options whenever possible.
• Snacks: Packing energy-boosting snacks is important to keep you fueled during the trek . Consider packing granola bars , nuts , and dried fruits to provide you with the necessary sustenance on the trail.
• ✅ A valid passport is a must-have item for the Salkantay Trek.
• ✅ You will need both a day pack and a large backpack for the trek.
• ✅ A sleeping bag rated for -10 degrees Celsius is essential for cold nights.
• ✅ Hiking boots are recommended for extra support and coverage.
• ✅ It is advisable to pack 5 pairs of underwear and 6 pairs of socks for the trek.

Yes, it is recommended to have waterproof shoes or boots for the Salkantay Trek. The trail can be muddy and wet, especially during the rainy season. Your Hoka Speedgoat trail runners may not provide enough protection and insulation in such conditions.

While your current layering system may be sufficient for 30F winter weather in Virginia, it is important to consider the altitude and potential wind chill during the Salkantay Trek. A down puff or warm winter jacket can provide better insulation and protect you from cold temperatures at night and in the early morning.

A button-down shirt is not necessarily required for dining at good restaurants in Lima and Cusco. However, it is always a good idea to dress smart-casual for such occasions, and a button-down shirt can be a versatile and stylish option to have on your packing list.

Both dedicated ponchos and disposable ones can be suitable for the Salkantay Trek, depending on your preference. While dedicated ponchos are generally more durable and reliable, disposable ones can be lighter and more convenient to carry. Consider factors such as durability, comfort, and environmental impact when making your choice.

Yes, it is advisable to bring extra pairs of socks for the Salkantay Trek. Your feet may get wet or sweaty during the trek, and having clean, dry socks can help prevent discomfort, blisters, and foot-related issues. Pack enough socks to ensure optimal performance and comfort throughout the five-day trek.

Wearing Crocs outside in Latin America may not be considered strange, especially in casual and outdoor settings. Crocs can be a comfortable and practical choice for activities such as walking on sandy beaches or relaxing at campsites. However, it is essential to dress appropriately for specific occasions and respect local customs when dining or visiting cultural sites.

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THE SALKANTAY TREK

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Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu Best Inca Trail Alternative

Salkantay trekking to machu picchu.

The famous Salkantay Trek (or Salcantay Trek), named among the 25 best Treks in the World by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine, is a trek open to everybody, with no limitation on spaces or permits (at least for now).

Connecting the city of Mollepata, Cusco with Machu Picchu, the Salkantay Trek is an ancient and remote footpath located in the same region as the Inca Trail where massive snowcapped mountains collide with lush tropical rain forests.

Located less than fifty miles northwest of the city of Cusco in south central Peru by the Cordillera Vilcabamba and rising to 6271 meters above sea level (20574 ft) Mount Salkantay is an outstanding glacier-capped summit worshipped for thousands of years by locals.

The name Salkantay is a quechua word meaning "Savage Mountain".

Our classic Salkantay Trek is a custom-designed alternative to the traditional Inca Trail.

Off the beaten path, this is a cutting edge experience for adventure travelers looking for a little more privacy and authenticity.

With more spectacular vistas, the Salkantay to Machu Picchu Trek offers the solitude and quiet contemplation such a sacred path deserves.

Is it The Best Machu Picchu Trek?

Crossing the rugged Andes and extending across undulating terrain before winding through lush hillsides, the Salkantay Trail is a unique entrance into the Inca’s historical and cultural beauty.

If you’re planning to tackle Salkantay, there are a few things to keep in mind. Please consider the following information as a starting point:

Why Hike the Salkantay Trail?

What is the route, how long does it take to hike to machu picchu, top highlights on the trail, planning your trip.

Everyone has a different reason for embarking on the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, and here lies the trail’s unique appeal.

For many, Machu Picchu is the trip of a lifetime - a journey to one of the most enigmatic places on earth.

For others, the sense of self-discovery and achievement that a walk along the Salkantay Trail can bring, offers an undeniable allure.

Yet for all, the extended stretch of incredible food, beautiful landscapes, fantastic emotions, expert support, and camaraderie are what make the Salkantay Trek one of the most legendary hikes in the world.

With a grand finale at the end of the road, the Salkantay Trek is for hikers of all skill levels, genders and travel experience.

Winding its way along the majestic Andes, the Salkantay Trail starts in the small district of Mollepata before passing through Soraypampa, Challway and Santa Teresa.

The path is accentuated by dramatic cliffs, rugged mountains and tiny andean villages.

The most impressive sight you’ll witness along the trail is the imposing Salkantay mountain and the glaciers that surround it.

Salkantay Pass Elevation

Passing through the Vilcabamba Mountain Range, the 37-mile Salkantay hike is not Everest or Annapurna but hill climbing through rough weather and terrain is all but guaranteed—even in the so‑called dry season.

The Salkantay Route crosses the Abra Salkantay Pass at 4630 meters or 15190 feet above sea level , going down into the cloud forest, ascending to the Inca ruins of Llactapata for a great view of Machu Picchu and finally relaxing at the hot springs of Cocalmayo before heading to Machu Picchu Pueblo.

Normally it takes 5 days to hike to Machu Picchu via the Salkantay Trail, considering that the last day could be a 2 hours hike from Aguas Calientes town up to the citadel entrance.

Salkantay Trek Distance

The Salkantay Trek covers roughly a distance of 60 kilometers or 37 miles and depending on your level of fitness, the estimated trekking time per day is around 6 to 7 hours the first three days and 3 hours the last stretch from Santa Teresa to Machu Picchu Pueblo.

It is possible to modify the total distance of the Salkantay trek by covering the part from Sahuayaco to Santa Teresa by car and from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes by train.

Return to Cusco

Trains depart from Machu Picchu Pueblo station regularly.

Depending on which train you select, the ride takes 90 minutes to Ollantaytambo station and 3 hours to the Poroy Station

It takes 90 minutes from Ollantaytambo train station to Cusco by car.

If you arrive to Poroy train station, it takes 30 minutes to get to Cusco by car.

If you have not visited Ollantaytambo, it is advisable to stay here for the night and enjoy the Sacred Valley and more ruins the next day.

Each day on the Salkantay Trail is a new adventure, whether it’s revealing an amazing view or resting your muscles on the superb hot springs. While some experiences will stick out above the rest, here are a few stops that can’t be missed along the Salkantay Trail.

Humantay Lagoon: The unbelievable turquoise-water lagoon surrounded by the impressive Humantay and Salkantay Peaks offers one of the most gorgeous views in Peru.

Abra Salkantay Pass: You will be face to face with the sacred Salkantay mountain upon reaching this point at 4630 meters or 15190 feet above sea level. A jaw-dropping vista as Salkantay elevation reaches 6271 meters or 20574 feet above sea level.

Llactapata Inca Ruins: Some would say that no Inca ruins are visited during the Salkantay Trek, but we visit these archaeological remains discovered by Hiram Bingham himself. An amazing view of Machu Picchu is enjoyed from this point.

Cocalmayo Hot Springs: With important healing properties and reaching 45 ºC, these natural thermal baths are ideal to relax and recover your sore muscles after a long hiking day.

Machu Picchu: The Inca citadel is the perfect ending for your adventure. A detailed tour is offered on the last day and free time is available for you to explore the World Heritage site by yourself.

Best Time to Visit

The North American or European summer and South American winter is the best time to visit Machu Picchu because it is the dry season.

While Machu Picchu is open all year round, the months of April, May, June, September and October are optimal months for experiencing the Salkantay Trek.

For those wanting to beat the crowds and don't mind some heavy rainfall, opt for the months of November, December or March but note the Andes mountain chain can experience inclement weather in rainy season. We advise to avoid the months of January and February.

July and August are peak season and have high visitor numbers, meaning an influx of hikers on the Salkantay trail.

Remember to note Peru’s Inti Raymi in the month of June, as many pilgrims try and align their trips with this week long Inca celebration.

How to Prepare

“Am I out-of-shape for a Machu Picchu Hike?” It’s a common question you might be asking yourself.

If you love the outdoors, nothing can stop you from the hiking adventure of a lifetime regardless of your fitness level. But remember to give yourself time to prepare, at least three weeks before the trip will make it more enjoyable.

Try these 5 fitness tips to trek Salkantay and give yourself the confidence to accomplish a good performance on the trail.

Focus on your cardiovascular fitness and leg strength.

Get involved in aerobic activities such as swimming, cycling, brisk walking or jogging. Add a short period of more strenuous exertion into your routine.

Jumping jacks, squats, lunges, leg and calf raises, hops, and even plank-jacks are great bodyweight exercises that require no special equipment or skill.

Get a strong back and core.

Strap on your pack with a few bottles of water and practice “step ups”. This will get your back ready for the weight you’ll be carrying on the hike.

Push-ups, crunches, bridges, and planks are some of the best exercises to build a strong back and core.

Stop eating those extra calories

Choosing healthier foods and drinks can make you look and feel better as well as making a big difference to your health.

Eat more fruit, load up on vegetables, keep your carbohydrates limited, drink plenty of water and you will for sure get fit for your hike.

Try local hikes.

Look for places with variable terrain and take yourself out for a walk two or three times during the week. Let your body know you’re going to be pushing it beyond your daily routine.

Be sure to wear the same shoes that you’ll be wearing on your hike. Improving your balance can prevent injuries.

Mental preparation is important, try yoga and meditation.

You will notice a huge difference in how you feel prior to your hike if you incorporate a consistent yoga routine.

Combat fear by visualizing success and realizing why you’re taking an adventure trip and knowing you will have the best support available.

Important: Even if you’re in pretty good shape, it’s important not to push yourself too hard at higher altitudes.

What to Pack

Footwear: This is the most important piece of gear for your trip to Machu Picchu. Assess your own needs, whether that be arch support, breathability or weight. Finding what makes your feet happy is critical.

Socks: Much like your footwear, the socks you wear on the Salkantay hiking trail can also have a significant effect on your comfort. Good ones will reduce pain, blisters, pressures and moisture.

Underwear: Choose moisture-wicking, quick-dry, tagless waistbands, odor resistance underwear.

Backpack: A 40-liter backpack should be more than enough. Needs to feel comfortable on your shoulders and if it includes a hydration system you are off to the races. Request an additional horse for excess weight if needed.

Other essentials include: Your passport (this should be first), a good camera, a headlamp, lightweight waterproof jacket, long sleeve base layers, sunglasses, sunblock, sunhat, rain poncho, trekking poles with rubber tips, gloves and bug repellent.

Regardless of the season, Machu Picchu is said to have two types of weather: rainy or hot. Be prepared for anything.

Salkantay Booking

If hiking to Machu Picchu is on your bucket list, you might want to consider the Salkantay Trek as a great option to reach the Inca Citadel.

Please read important information about Salkantay bookings and contact us with any question or requirement you may have. We are rated as one of the best salkantay trek companies.

No permit limitations exist to hike the Salkantay Trail, access is available all year round, but we recommend making a Salkantay reservation now so we can handle all the logistics and you can focus on the important tasks like booking the international flight or getting fit to hike to Machu Picchu.

Key Useful Phrases to Know

Good morning: Buenos días

How much does it cost?: Cuanto cuesta?

Where is Machu Picchu?: Donde está Machu Picchu?

Thanks my Friend: Gracias Amigo

Trek Packages

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EXPLORE SALKANTAY TREK & INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU

PERU'S LEADING TOUR OPERATOR

We specialize in taking small adventure groups to Machu Picchu and the Andean lands of Peru for once in a lifetime experiences.

The Best MACHU PICCHU Tours & PERU ADVENTURES

Salkantay Trekking is one of Peru’s leading tour operators . We are trusted for our professional, efficient, and friendly services. Because we only focus on Treks and Adventure tours to Machu Picchu , we have developed the optimal routes and services to suit your needs perfectly. With a focus on exploration, cultural immersion and personal achievement, our adventure travel packages will challenge and inspire you as you bond with other like-minded travelers who share a love for exploring new places and cultures .

We are a passionate team of travel specialists who boast a reputation for delivering premium travel experiences to places like Machu Picchu, Salkantay Trek , the Inca Trail , Choquequirao, Huchuy Qosqo, the Lares Trek and Rainbow Mountain.

We know every individual is unique , which is why our travel specialists take the time to understand what kind of adventure you are looking to experience to ensure we deliver the trip of a lifetime .

We keep our tours small and environmentally conscious to ensure a high quality of service and experience. Our motto is: " Small Groups & Big Adventures ."

The Greatest Hiking Treks in Peru

Enjoy the best treks and hiking adventures to machu picchu, the lost city of the incas..

Each of our tours is operated by our certified and experienced guides who will take you along the world-famous Trek to Machu Picchu via the Salkantay Trail and Inca Trail . Whether you travel with a small group of like-minded adventurers, or an intimate party of family and friends, our full-time staff is on call around the clock, ready at any time to provide you with everything you need for the journey of a lifetime.

• Location: Cusco, Peru
• Trip Type: Small Group Guided Trek
• Group Size: Up to 12 people per group
• Visited Places: Sky Camp, Soraypampa, Humantay Lake, Salkantaypampa, Salkantay Pass
• Visited Places: km 104, Chachabamba, Wiñay Wayna, Sun Gate, Inti Punku, Machu Picchu
• Visited Places: Quesiuno, Puka Pass, Warmisaya, Surineqocha, Rainbow Mountain, Vinincunca, Red Valley
• Visited Places: Upis, Arapa Pass, Hatun Pucacocha, Puka Pass, Warmisaya Pass, Surineqocha, Rainbow Mountain
• Visited Places: Soraypampa, Salkantay Pass, Andean Huts, Inca Jungle, Machu Picchu
• Visited Places: Sky Camp, Humantay Lake, Death Woman's Pass, Wiñay Wayna, Sun Gate, Machu Picchu

Your Safety is our Priority

Explore with confidence.

We are committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our travelers, and the people and communities impacted by our trips. As firm believers in the human urge to explore and learn, even in times of social distancing, we have established an enhanced set of security guidelines to guarantee the optimal travel experience.

Trending Adventures Treks in Peru

Suggested itineraries and best alternative treks in peru beyond the salkantay trek to machu picchu and the inca trail..

These excursions will show you a different side of Peru that is just as extraordinary and breathtaking. With us, you'll experience exceptional hospitality and personal attention to detail as our passionate and professional guides share the best parts of Peru.

Llacto - Vinicunca

Rainbow mountain full day.

Surprise yourself with a destination like no other: Rainbow Mountain! Vinicunca Mountain offers you a dream-like landscape with the colors of the rainbow all stacked on top of one another for you to see like a multicolor mantle or a reflection of a rainbow on Earth. Vinicunca can be admired all year-round.

Soraypampa - Humantay Lake

Humantay lake full day tour.

Discover the gem that is the lake, which gathers water from the glacier sitting atop. The Humantay is a 5,473 meters (17,956 ft) mountain in the Vilcabamba Range in the Andes of Peru. Hiking to Humantay Lake is undoubtedly one of the best one-day trips you can do from Cusco, Peru.

Piskacucho - Wiñaywayna - Machu Picchu

Machu picchu full day tour.

Named one of the New 7 wonders of the world, considered one of the most important energy centers in the world, and an iconic, world-renowned tourist destination, Machu Picchu, awaits to captivate you with its splendor!

Poroy - Ollantaytambo - Machu Picchu

Machu picchu by train 2 days.

Our tour begins on one of the most incredible train trips in the entire world. The rails follow the path of the Urubamba River towards the cloud forest that surrounds Machu Picchu.

Suggested Peru Destinations

Discover machu picchu and cusco alongside the country's finest travel guides..

Peru offers world-class tourist attractions, with mysterious archaeological sites, awe-inspiring landscapes and diverse wildlife. In this vast and storied land, ancient, colonial, and modern traditions meld together for an unforgettable cultural experience. No matter the type of traveler—history buff, adventurer, or foodie—Peru offers a myriad of activities to satisfy every appetite.

Choquequirao

Cusco, peru, huchuy qosqo, inca jungle, travel that gives back, everything from one source.

There's a reason why so many people recommend our adventure holidays.

Community Support

Supporting the livelihoods of the people in our destinations.

Yuraq Quirucha

Dental Care Education

Learning Spaces

Educational support and mentorship

Ecological Campsites

Sustainable Tourism

Reforestation Project

Increase green areas

Environment Responsibility

Improve the cleanliness of the Salkantay route and its surroundings

Frecuently Asked Questions

The most frecuently asked questions at salkantay trekking, how do you prevent altitude sickness in cusco.

The best way to prevent altitude sickness in Cusco is to be prepared. During your first 2 days you should take things easy. This means you shouldn’t take part in any strenuous activity. You should rest a lot and drink plenty of water. Alcohol and smoking isn’t a good idea as it can agitate you and make you feel a lot worse.

Do you need altitude sickness tablets for Cusco?

How to avoid altitude sickness in peru.

You can avoid altitude sickness by spending a few days taking it easy in Cusco before you head off on any kind of trek. Trying to do a tough activity too soon could make you very ill. You should also eat lightly and avoid alcohol to feel your best.

What is the best trek to Machu Picchu?

There’s no definite answer to this as there are many options. The Inca Trail is the most popular and needs to be booked months in advance as there are only a certain number of spots each day. The best alternative trek is considered to be Salkantay, which offers a real adventure and fantastic scenery. Inca Jungle is great for those seeking a thrill and Lares is a top option if you want a quieter and more rural experience. If you have a lot of time and want to experience two incredible Inca sites, you can opt for the Choquequirao trek.

Which is better Inca Trail or Salkantay trail?

This depends on the individual who wants to trek. The Inca Trail is extremely popular as it takes you along the real trail where the Incas once walked. However, many say that the scenery on Salkantay is more beautiful. For this reason we would say go for the Inca Trail if you’re a real history lover and like to hike well-known treks, but go for Salkantay if you want to witness stunning landscapes and a variety of different climates.

Is the Salkantay Trek Dangerous?

The trek isn’t dangerous. You’re with fully qualified guides all the way to make sure you always stay on track. They are there to help you if you feel sick at all along the way. The path can be uneven, but if you take it slowly, you’ll have no issues. During wet season, November to April, you’ll have to take more care when you walk to avoid slipping.

Is the Salkantay Trek hard?

The trek is moderately challenging. This means that most people will be able to complete it if they are well-prepared. Most of the trek isn’t too challenging. It’s just the second day where you walk up to the Salkantay pass. You’ll trek for a total of 10 hours that day. What makes this trek difficult is the high altitude at which you hike and the different terrains as well as changing climate.

How high is the Salkantay Pass?

The Salkantay Pass sits at 4,600 masl.

How cold is the Salkantay trek?

Along the trail you’ll experience a lot of different climates. You’ll need to pack for the cold on the first two days. The first night will get below zero, so you need to make sure you have warm clothing and an excellent sleeping bag.

Do you need a permit for the Salkantay trek?

You don’t need a permit for the Salkantay trek. You do need to pay S/10 upon entering, but this doesn’t need to be reserved in advance, meaning that there is always space available.

How can I prepare for Salkantay Trek?

To prepare for trekking at high altitudes we recommend you start to prepare a few weeks before. You should start a fitness regime that includes daily stretching and exercises, particularly for your legs. We recommend taking hikes at home weekly before you come to do the trail.

What helps altitude sickness in Cusco?

If you do feel sick, there are a few things you can try. One is to speak to your doctor before you come to see if you can get a prescription for pills to help. These can also be bought in pharmacies in Cusco. Other helpful ways are to drink coca or muna (Andean mint) tea, which have been in use since the Inca times. Small oxygen bottles are also available in pharmacies and can really help.

What are the coldest months in Cusco Peru?

The coldest months in Cusco are from May to July. During this time the sun is strong in the day, but once it goes down or you spend much time in the shade, it can get very cold. It can go below zero at night, so warm clothes are a must during these months.

What is the best month to go to Machu Picchu?

The best month in all the year is October. The climate is just right and the sky is usually very clear. It’s also not the busiest season so it isn’t overrun by visitors. However, anytime from May to October is a good time as it’s the dry season so you won’t get wet.

Can you hike to Machu Picchu in one day?

You can’t hike to Machu Picchu in one day from Cusco, but you can visit in one day. There’s a one day tour option where you start early in the morning and get a car to drive you to take the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. You’ll then spend the morning in Machu Picchu before heading down for lunch, a brief rest or walk around the town, and then the train and car back to Cusco.

What is the best month to hike the Inca Trail?

The best time of year is between May to October, with October being the best month of all. The trail is dry and the weather is lovely. During the rainy season the trail will be wet and can make it more difficult.

How high is the Inca Trail altitude?

The highest part of the Inca Trail is Dead Woman’s Pass, which is 4,200 masl. The lowest you’ll reach is 2,600 masl, meaning that the rest of the trek is between these two altitudes.

How hard is hiking to Dead Woman's Pass?

This is one of the most challenging parts of the Inca Trail as it’s almost 1,000 metres of uphill walking to get to this point. However, you’ll be rewarded with fantastic views once you get to the top.

What should I pack for the Inca Trail?

You’ll need to pack lightly as you only have a limited amount of space/weight that you can take. You need to make sure you have clothing for warm and cold climates, as well as lots of sun and bug protection. We recommend using thin layers that can be taken on and off as needed. In addition make sure you have toiletries and any personal medication you need to take. Don’t forget your permit, Machu Picchu tickets, and passport as you won’t be able to enter without these.

Is the Inca Trail difficult?

The Inca Trail is relatively difficult. You’ll be hiking up to a high altitude and a lot of the trail is along ancient steps. This means it can be tough on your knees and ankles. Take your time to allow your body to adjust.

How fit do you need to be to walk the Inca Trail?

You do need to be relatively fit to hike the trail. You’ll be heading up to a high altitudes and hiking along rough terrain, both of which can take their toll on your body. We recommend spending time training and hiking before you come to do the trail.

What Our Clients Say

We take great pride in taking care of our guests.

Our travellers are our best advocates, and they frequently recommend our specialist travel services to friends, colleagues and family when planning a trip to our region.

What an experience!

Must of been one of the most challenging treks I have done so far but was amazing ! Carlos our guide was the best as he took good care of us, was knowledgeable and really gave us the positive energy we needed in order to keep going! Would definitely recommend the experience as you get to see the Andes, the team is very organized, there was plenty of local food and many many stories to share :)

Salkantay Peru 5D/4N

A whole life experience, take the Salkantay trek 5D/4N. I am very satisfied with the trek, planning, and coordination that was shown throughout the tour, always with kindness, punctuality, and with the willingness to help. Great travel agency Salkantay Trekking. Very kind and attentive

Wonderful trek!

It was honestly the most fantastic experience. My partner is quite fit, I would say I had a medium level of fitness, but 0 experience trekking or being at altitude and had felt a bit nervous before we went. But Freddy is a great guide and there were others in our group with a similar fitness level so it was nice to find someone your speed and trek together. It was an unforgettable experience and I’m so glad we got to do it, and feel so lucky we had Freddy as our guide!!!

What Defines Us

Locally owned & operated.

Our owner and all of our staff are local to Peru and care about its environment, people and culture

Legally Licensed

We are the operators! We are a licensed Tour Company. There is no middleman on a trip with us!

Unforgettable Experiences

From big wows to hidden gems, our tours leave you feeling that you've really explored.

Expert Local Guides

Chosen for great knowledge of their country, and a passion to make your trip extraordinary.

Small Groups

Average groups of 8; solos, couples and friends, united by a desire for authentic experiences.

Fantastic Meals

Eco-friendly tours.

Education and conservation are our passion. We aim to create lifelong ambassadors for the protection of all wilderness areas.

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When renting a camping tent or renting a backpack from Salkantay Trekking Company, you are renting camping gear and backpacking.

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Please complete the form to request more information about any of our experiences. One of our travel specialists will contact you, often within two business hours, to confirm availability on the trip and provide you with other options.

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Salkantay Trek

• Classic Salkantay Trek 5 Days
• Short Salkantay Trek 4 Days
• Salkantay Trek Challenge 3 Days

Salkantay Trek 2 Days 1 Night

• Salkantay Humantay Lake 1 Day Trek

Throughout the trek, hikers encounter diverse ecosystems, including lush cloud forests, barren high-altitude plains, and subtropical valleys. The trail passes through remote Andean villages, providing opportunities to interact with local communities and learn about their traditional way of life. Many trekkers are captivated by the hospitality and warmth of the Peruvian people they meet along the way.

As the Salkantay Trek approaches its final stages, trekkers make their way to the village of Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo. From there, they have the option to visit the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu ruins, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It’s a truly magical experience to explore the ancient Inca citadel, marveling at its architectural brilliance and the incredible mountain backdrop.

Salkantay Trek Packages

• Peru Tour Package 8 Days (Sky Lodge Dome)
• Salkantay Trek 9 Days & Rainbow Mountain with Sky Lodge Dome
• Salkantay Trek 9 Days & Amazon Tambopata National Reserve
• Salkantay Trek & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 6 Days
• Salkantay Trek & Short Inca Trail 4 Days

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 3 Days (By Train)

Salkantay Trek is a renowned trekking route in the Cusco region of Peru, offering adventurers a thrilling and picturesque journey through the Andes Mountains. Named after the majestic Salkantay Mountain, which reaches an impressive height of 6,271 meters (20,574 feet), this trek has gained popularity as an alternative to the traditional Inca Trail leading to Machu Picchu.

The Salkantay Trek is known for its diverse landscapes, challenging terrain, and breathtaking scenery. It typically takes around five days to complete, covering a distance of approximately 74 kilometers (46 miles). The trek starts from the town of Mollepata, located at an elevation of 2,800 meters (9,186 feet), and concludes at the famous archaeological site of Machu Picchu.

• Salkantay FAQ´s
• Machu Picchu Circuits
• SKY LODGE DOMES

SALKANTAY TREKS PERU

The Salkantay Trek is a popular alternative trekking route to Machu Picchu in Peru. It's named after the stunning Salkantay Mountain, which is one of the highest peaks in the Andes mountain range. This trek is known for its breathtaking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and challenging terrain. Here's some key information about the Salkantay Trek:

Salkantay Treks Peru

Our experienced team has been leading tours through this breathtaking landscape since 2006, and we’re committed to providing you with an unforgettable experience. From the rugged terrain to the diverse flora and fauna, our expert guides will help you navigate this incredible route, ensuring your safety and enjoyment every step of the way.

We offer a range of tour packages to suit any budget and preference, including both group and private tours, as well as a variety of trekking routes to choose from. And with our commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism, you can feel good knowing that you’re making a positive impact on the local community and environment.

So whether you’re an experienced trekker or a first-timer, join us on the adventure of a lifetime. Book your Salkantay Trek with Salkantay Trekking today and discover the beauty of Peru like never before.

Local Tour Operator

Salkantay Treks Peru  is a travel agency based in Cusco, Peru that specializes in organizing guided treks and tours to Machu Picchu and other popular destinations in the Andean region. Specifically, Salkantay Treks offers treks along the Salkantay route, which is an alternative to the classic Inca Trail trek.

The Salkantay trek is a challenging but rewarding 5-day trek that takes you through diverse landscapes, from high Andean mountains to lush cloud forests, before reaching the famous ruins of Machu Picchu. Salkantay Treks offers several variations of this trek, including the classic Salkantay trek, the Salkantay trek with a visit to Humantay Lake, and the Salkantay trek with a visit to Llaqtapata ruins.

In addition to the Salkantay trek, Salkantay Treks Peru also offers other tours and activities in and around Cusco, such as city tours, Sacred Valley tours, and visits to other Inca ruins like Pisac and Ollantaytambo.

OUR LOCAL GUIDES

Our guides are all local experts, born and raised in Cusco and well-versed in the area’s history and culture. They possess a wealth of knowledge on the city’s hidden treasures, the top spots to dine, shop, and discover. Their goal is to curate a customized, genuine experience that caters to your specific interests and desires, ensuring it’s unforgettable.

With the aid of our knowledgeable guides, you’ll be able to explore the historical Inca ruins of Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, as well as the vibrant markets and neighborhoods of Cusco. You’ll gain an in-depth appreciation of the city’s rich heritage and customs, departing with cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

OUR SPECIALIAZED CHEFS

Not only are our chefs skilled in culinary arts, but they are also proficient in catering to dietary restrictions and preferences. Whether you’re a vegan, vegetarian, or have other dietary requirements, our chefs strive to create mouth-watering meals that accommodate your needs.

When you’re miles away from civilization, having a specialized chef on your trek implies you can indulge in delicious, home-cooked meals. Our chefs will ensure you’re satisfied and energized throughout your journey with hot breakfasts and delectable dinners.

We believe that the appropriate food is crucial for a successful trek, and we take great pride in selecting and training our specialized chefs. So why settle for uninspiring and unappetizing meals on your trek when you can relish the culinary creations of our talented chefs? Reserve your trek with us today and experience the difference for yourself.

Salkantay Treks

BEST Humantay Lake 1 Day

Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu Glamping (Low Cost)

Salkantay Trek & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 6 Days

Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu

Salkantay Trek 9 Days & Amazon Tambopata National Reserve

Salkantay trek with overnight stay in our domes.

BEST Salkantay Trek Challenge 3 Days

Salkantay Trek & Short Inca Trail 4 Days

Salkantay trek to machupicchu 4 days.

Salkantay Trek Premium 5 Days – Glamping Sky Lodge Dome (Private Service)

Peru and Salkantay Package 8 Days (Sky Lodge Dome)

Salkantay trek 9 days & rainbow mountain with sky lodge dome.

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Salkantay Treks to Machu Picchu