Discover Machu Picchu via the Salkantay Route

The Inca Trail might be the classic, most popular way of trekking to Machu Picchu, but it’s not the only way! Wanting to stretch your legs a little longer on the mountain slopes? Our 8-day Salkantay Trek Tour highlights 74 stunning kilometres of Peruvian wilderness across 5 days of trekking. Discover everything you need to know about the Salkantay Route to Machu Picchu below!

What makes the Salkantay Route different from the Inca Trail?

The Salkantay Route stretches across a five-day itinerary and follows a more off-the-beaten trail. Expect to travel through untouched scenery, flanked by everything you expect from more remote locations: snow-capped peaks, low-hanging clouds, wildflowers, and dipping valleys. The Inca Trail is stunning in its own way, but the Salkantay Route offers a less crowded experience.

Machu Picchu

What’s the terrain and difficulty of the Salkantay Route?

The Salkantay Trail is more difficult than the classic Inca Trail—and perhaps out of all the treks to Machu Picchu! For one, it boasts the highest elevations from all the paths to the famous Incan citadel. If you’re known to struggle with altitude sickness, we suggest taking an alternative route that may not be as hard on your body. Another option would be to spend a few days in Cusco to acclimatize beforehand!

Expect more challenging, steep terrain on the Salkantay Route, making solid hiking boots and poles a must! Due to the 74km length of the trail, you’re likely to spend between six to eight hours hiking a day.

What’s the general itinerary of the Salkantay Route?

You might find several itineraries on the internet, but, not to be biased (we are), we think our 8-day Salkantay from Cusco is an ideal way to explore the natural wonders leading up to Machu Picchu! Why? Our trip automatically includes two days in Cusco, allowing for the all-important acclimation. And that’s not all. Find some more inclusions below (to name a few):

• All necessary transportation, including train, bus tickets, and an airport transfer upon arrival
• You won’t ever go hungry because 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 afternoon snacks, 4 dinners, and other various snacks are included along the trek
• Pre-booked accommodations
• Entrance fees to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
• Porters (and mules) to carry all your camping and cooking gear

Mountain along Salkantay

Lastly, our itinerary may have you on the trail for four days, but it is not as physically demanding and strenuous as some other itineraries out there! Side note: It is still exhausting and rewarding, but doesn’t demand as much compared to other itineraries out there.

Here’s a snapshot of the itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Cusco

Highlight: Get picked up from the airport and explore the storied city if you have time!

Day 2: Discover Cusco

Highlight: Let your body acclimate to the high altitude (3,399m, 11,200’), and pick between two guided day trips: the Maras Moray Tour or the Sacred Valley Tour.

Day 3: Trek to Soraypampa (3,886 m / 12,750 ft)

Distance: 4-5 hours, 7km / 4.4 miles

Highlight: Enjoy lunch in the wild at Humantay, where spectacular views await!

Day 4: Hike to Challway Camp (3,000 m / 9,800 ft)

Distance: 8 hours, 16km / 10 miles

Highlight: Revel in two towering mountains above, Salkantay and Tucarhuay, before dipping into a cloud forest.

Day 5: Head to La Playa Camp (2,500 m / 8,202 ft)

Distance: 6 hours, 15km / 9.3 miles

Highlight: Relish in warmer weather at La Playa Camp after admiring waterfalls, flora, and fauna.

Day 6: Go to Aguas Calientes (2,000 m / 6,561 ft)

Distance: 6 hours, 12km / 7.5 miles

Highlight: Embark on a strenuous 3-hour climb towards an Incan fort and views of Machu Picchu—talk about an unforgettable reward!

Day 7: Finally! Machu Picchu!

Highlight: Machu Picchu—need we say more? Afterwards, you’ll head back to Cusco.

Day 8: Goodbye Cusco

Highlight: Reflect on all of the memories made from hiking the Salkantay Route to Machu Picchu.

How far in advance do you need to book the Salkantay Route?

The Salkantay Trek has more flexibility than the Inca Trail. However, it is still beneficial to book in advance, especially if you’re hoping to do a guided tour.

it is possible to arrive in Cusco and book the Salkantay Trek there. But, you may miss out on entering Machu Picchu, if it is too full during your dates. If you’re just looking for Machu Picchu, you can book a few weeks in advance. However, if you want your ticket to include Machu Picchu + Mountain, do book a minimum of four weeks before your departure. And for Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu, you’ll need to reserve your spot three to four months in advance.

How much would it suck to not book in advance and then miss out on Machu Picchu? A lot!

Along the Salkantay

When is the best time to trek the Salkantay Route?

The best time to trek the Salkantay Route is during the dry season: April to November. Crowds can increase from June to September due to European and North American summer holidays.

Other adventures in Peru

Looking for more adventures in Peru? The country boasts colourful scenery embroidered with a vibrant culture and storied history, making it a once-in-a-lifetime destination for any adventure! Discover our vast collection of tours in Peru, or dive into our extensive travel guide to Peru to learn more about other iconic adventures.