Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu

The Salkantay trek is a popular alternative route to Machu Picchu, known for its spectacular mountain views and diverse landscapes. The trek typically takes 5-6 days and covers a distance of approximately 60 miles (96 km), starting from the town of Mollepata and ending in the town of Aguas Calientes, which is the base for visiting Machu Picchu.

hike to machu picchu

The trek begins by following a dirt road through the Andean foothills, passing by small villages and Inca ruins. As the trail gains altitude, hikers will pass through a variety of ecosystems, including cloud forests, alpine tundra, and high Andean deserts. The highlight of the trek is the Salkantay Pass, which reaches an altitude of 15,213 ft (4,638 m) and offers panoramic views of the Salkantay peak and the surrounding snow-capped mountains.
After crossing the pass, the trail descends into the lush valley of the Santa Teresa River and passes by hot springs and waterfalls before reaching the town of Aguas Calientes. From here, visitors can take a train or bus to the Machu Picchu citadel.

It is important to note that the Salkantay trek is considered a moderate to difficult hike, with steep inclines and descents, and high altitude. It is recommended that hikers have some prior hiking experience and be in good physical condition. It’s also important to be prepared for a range of weather conditions, and it is recommended to be accompanied by an experienced guide.

Salkantay trek Itinerary

The Salkantay Trek is a popular alternative route to Machu Picchu, and the typical itinerary takes about 4-5 days to complete. Here is a sample itinerary for the Salkantay Trek:

Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa

  • Leave Cusco early in the morning and drive to Mollepata
  • Start trekking to Soraypampa, passing through the Andean mountains and scenic valleys
  • Arrive at Soraypampa and set up camp for the night

Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Chaullay

  • Wake up early and start trekking towards the Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the trek (4,650 meters)
  • Enjoy breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains and the Salkantay glacier
  • Descend to Chaullay, passing through a cloud forest and crossing the Lluskamayo River
  • Set up camp for the night in Chaullay

Day 3: Chaullay – La Playa – Santa Teresa

  • Trek to La Playa, passing through the subtropical jungle and enjoying the lush vegetation and wildlife
  • Continue on to Santa Teresa, where you can relax in the natural hot springs
  • Stay overnight in Santa Teresa

Day 4: Santa Teresa – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes

  • Trek to Hidroeléctrica, where you can see the impressive Machu Picchu hydroelectric dam
  • Follow the train tracks to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu
  • Stay overnight in Aguas Calientes

Day 5: Machu Picchu

  • Wake up early and take the bus to Machu Picchu
  • Enjoy a guided tour of the ancient Incan city and explore the ruins
  • Take the bus back to Aguas Calientes and then take the train back to Cusco

Note: This is just a sample itinerary, and the actual itinerary may vary depending on the tour operator and other factors. Additionally, it is important to note that the Salkantay Trek is a challenging trek that requires a good level of fitness and acclimatization to the altitude.