Salkantay is a snow-covered Apu (Mountain God), a sacred protector that towers over the Vilcabamba Range and watches over anyone who steps onto its trails. For centuries, Andean travelers crossed its passes to reach the jungle and the citadel of Machu Picchu. Today, the experience hasn’t lost an ounce of that mystic pulse.
Trekking Salkantay means leaving Cusco’s highlands behind and walking through glaciers, emerald lagoons, cloud forests, and warm valleys. It’s a route that layers the Andes in ways no other hike does, ending at Aguas Calientes and, finally, Machu Picchu itself.
Why the Salkantay Trek Stands Out?
The scenery changes constantly.
One moment you’re standing on crunchy ice under the shadow of a 6,271-meter peak, and the next you’re weaving through waterfalls, orchids, and hummingbird territory. The Salkantay Pass is the highest point, a place where the wind, the snow, and the silence hit differently. From there, the world unravels into cloud forest and warm valleys that hint you’re walking toward something bigger — Machu Picchu.
It’s more flexible and less restrictive than the Inca Trail.
No permits that sell out months in advance. No crowds squeezing into narrow staircases. Salkantay feels open, wild, and unfiltered. A piece of the Andes you get to experience at your own pace.
You get a little bit of everything.
Glacial lagoons, coffee fields, waterfalls, viewpoints, hot springs, and a final arrival to Machu Picchu by foot or by train. It’s a trek built for people who want the full spectrum of Andean ecosystems in one go.
Why the Salkantay Trekking 5-Day Version Is the Best Way to Do It?
The mistake many travelers make is trying to squeeze Salkantay into fewer days. Yes, there are shorter versions, but they cut out essential experiences, push your pace too hard, or skip natural highlights that actually make the journey special.
The 5-day itinerary is the sweet spot:
- Enough time to acclimatize and enjoy the landscapes
- No rushing through altitude
- A route that feels complete, balanced, and connected
- Better sunrise/sunset moments and calmer campsites
It’s the version that lets Salkantay unfold naturally — the way it should.
5-Day Salkantay Trekking Itinerary
Day 1 – Humantay Lagoon & Soraypampa
Start the trek with a blue-green stunner: Humantay Lagoon. After the hike, continue to Soraypampa, surrounded by glaciers and high-Andean landscapes. Night in sky domes under an unreal star-filled sky.
Day 2 – Salkantay Pass & Descent to Chaullay
The big day. You climb toward the mighty Salkantay Pass at 4,600 m — pure glacier views. After the summit, descend into warmer valleys until everything turns green and humid again. Night in Chaullay.
Day 3 – Cloud Forest to Lucmabamba Coffee Region
Walk deep into the cloud forest, crossing rivers and orchards until reaching Lucmabamba. Visit local coffee farms, taste fresh brews, and enjoy one of the trek’s most relaxing nights.
Day 4 – Llactapata Viewpoint & Arrival to Aguas Calientes
Hike the Llactapata section, one of the only viewpoints where you can see Machu Picchu from afar, framed by mountains. Continue downhill to Hydroelectric and walk along the railway to Aguas Calientes. Hotel night.
Day 5 – Machu Picchu Guided Visit
Enter the citadel early — the finale every hiker dreams of. Enjoy a guided tour, optional Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain hike, and later return to Cusco by train.
Who Is This Trek For?
The Salkantay Trek is perfect for travelers who want:
- A challenge, but not extreme technical climbing
- Big landscapes, changing biomes, and zero monotony
- A less regulated, more flexible alternative to the Inca Trail
- A sense of solitude and wild nature
- A deeper connection to Andean spirituality and Apu culture
If you enjoy full days of hiking and appreciate a mix of comfort and adventure, this route fits you perfectly.
Inca Trail vs Salkantay Trekking
| Feature | Salkantay Trek | Inca Trail |
| Iconic Stops | Humantay Lake, Salkantay Pass, Llactapata Viewpoint | Wiñay Wayna, Sun Gate, original Inca paving |
| Permit Required | No | Yes, sells out months ahead |
| Difficulty | Medium-High | Medium |
| Scenery Variety | Extreme (glacier → jungle → valleys) | Mostly high-mountain & cloud forest |
| Crowds | Far fewer | High, regulated |
| Cost | Generally lower | Higher due to permits |
| Best For | Adventurous hikers wanting landscapes | History lovers wanting the classic arrival |
Why You Should Hike Salkantay
If Machu Picchu is the destination, Salkantay is the journey that makes the destination mean something. It’s a trail that moves with purpose: from glaciers to jungle, from cold winds to warm valleys, from the presence of the Apu to the terraces of the Incas.
Whenever you’re ready, the mountain is waiting and the trail will carve a memory that lasts way beyond Machu Picchu.
