Salkantay Trail
Discover the mystical paths of the Incas, where every step tells a story of courage, tradition and unparalleled adventure.
Discover the Trail Get your Trail proposal
From green valleys to snow-capped peaks and the Salkantay Glacier…
In terms of difficulty, the Salkantay Trail is most comparable to the 4-day Inca Trail. However, in terms of scenery and highlights, it is entirely different from the classic Inca route: it quickly alternates between lush green valleys and towering snow-capped peaks.
This Trail is characterized by dramatic changes in scenery…
You’ll hike from lush green valleys to snow-capped mountain peaks, with the highlight being the breathtaking Salkantay Glacier. A true must for nature lovers! This Trail is best suited for those with a good level of fitness and some experience with multi-day hikes and/or long mountain treks.
Why choose the Salkantay Trail?
- Spend 2 nights in unique domes with views of the starry sky
- Stay at private campsites, allowing you to fully connect with nature
- Visit coffee plantations and learn everything about how coffee is made (day 3)
- Optional hike to Humantay Lake (day 1)
- Take a dip in the thermal baths of Santa Teresa (day 3)
Good to know:
- Arrival: No entrance via the Sun Gate at Machu Picchu
- Guided tour: We always combine this Trail with an extensive guided tour of Machu Picchu via circuit 2 or 3
What can you expect?
- Duration: 5 days
- Total distance: 75 kilometers
- Average hiking time per day: 8–9 hours
- Highest altitude reached: 4,600 meters
What do we arrange for you?
- Briefing 1–2 days prior to the Trail
- Transportation to the starting point of the Salkantay Trail
- Entrance tickets for Machu Picchu and the Salkantay Trail
- English-speaking guide for 5 days
- Cook providing breakfast, lunch, and dinner for 4 days (special dietary requirements possible)
- Boiled, clean water at every meal where water cannot be purchased
- Camping equipment: two-person tents, sleeping mats, and a dining tent
- Mules to carry camping gear and up to 6 kg of your personal belongings
- Overnight stay on day 4 in Aguas Calientes including breakfast
- One bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
- Return transport from Aguas Calientes to Cusco
What is not included?
- Breakfast (day 1) and lunch & dinner (day 5)
- Sleeping bags (available for rent)
- Entrance to the thermal baths
- Train from the end of the Salkantay Trail to Aguas Calientes (optional on day 4)
- Personal expenses
- Tips
Preparation
Everything you need to know before starting your Salkantay Trail
Proper preparation is the key to an unforgettable journey. That’s why we help you take the right steps from the moment you book, guiding you toward your ultimate Salkantay Trail adventure!
- How can I best prepare physically for the Trail?
- What is the ultimate packing list for my Trail?
- Reserve your mummy sleepingbag now!
Check out the day-by-day program here
Numbers
De Inca Trail in numbers and challenges
Explore the legendary Trail that has challenged adventurers for generations
4600
Meters
Highest mountain pass on the Trail
4
Day hike
Full Trail from start to Machu Picchu
75
Kilometers
Total Trail distance
"Last July, 2019, our group of four did the Salkantay Trail through Machu Picchu Travel. The scenery was overwhelming—far more beautiful than we had imagined. Highly recommended! You pass through valleys, mountains, snow-capped peaks, jungle, and villages. Some days are very cold (even at night), while others feel warm like summer in the jungle. I’ll never forget the moment on the second day, at the top of Salkantay Mountain. What a sight—surrounded by snowy peaks, overlooking the valleys… you can hardly believe your eyes!"
Anouk Nijhof
The Netherlands
Why travel with Machu Picchu Travel?
Discover an unforgettable travel experience designed by local experts who know the Andes inside out. Our Trails are not just hikes—they are immersive journeys filled with stories, culture, and adventure.
- Benefit from years of hands-on Inca Trail guiding experience
- Book with confidence through a trusted European travel organization
- Enjoy competitive pricing through direct partnerships with experienced local operators in Peru
- Travel on fully organized private tours tailored to your needs
- Support fair wages and responsible employment for all staff in Peru
Peruvian
Expert local guides
Our expert guides know every Trail, every stone, and every hidden path in the Andes. They bring the landscape to life with stories you won’t find in any travel guide. All of our guides are based in and around Cusco, with years of specialist experience in the region. And our porters? They are proudly from the surrounding Andean communities, sharing an authentic connection to the mountains they call home.
Adventure
Dedicated personal guidance
More than a route, we create a journey tailored to you. Whether you prefer private travel or an international group, everything is possible. We carefully plan every step with your adventure in mind.
Our guarantee
Trusted & Reliable
Our experienced guides are local experts as well as certified first aid professionals. Your safety is our absolute priority. As a European-based travel company, we offer you the reassurance of booking with a trusted partner.
Book your trip
Ready for the Salkantay Trail?
Ready for an adventure? We turn your dream trip into reality.
How to Book your Salkantay Trail?
- Fill in the form below
- We’ll email you as soon as possible to let you know if tickets are available for your preferred date.
- We’ll send you a booking confirmation with payment details.
- Once your deposit is made, we’ll secure the highly sought-after tickets for you!
You are interested in the following Trail or day trip/tour:
Salkantay Trail
FAQ
Unlike the two- and four-day Inca Trail, there is no limit on the number of tickets available per day.
Although there is no limit on the number of tickets available per day, we still recommend booking your Salkantay Trail well in advance (3–6 months). This is because you will need a ticket for Machu Picchu, and those are limited per day.
The Salkantay Trail is the most challenging “Inca Trail” in our offerings. This is partly because the trek lasts 5 days, and partly due to the high altitudes you will encounter and the dramatic changes in scenery and climate. We recommend this trail only for those who enjoy a true challenge and are in good physical condition.
If you book the Salkantay Trail with us, a guided tour of Machu Picchu is always included. You don’t need to buy a Machu Picchu ticket yourself.
If there are no guided tour tickets available for Machu Picchu on your arrival day (day 5), we will arrange an alternative date. With us, you cannot book the Salkantay Trail without a visit to Machu Picchu. In our view, a visit to Machu Picchu is truly the cherry on top! 😉
