Salkantay treks

Join us for an unforgettable 5-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, where you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the snow-capped Humantay and Salkantay mountains – both sacred to the Incas. This trek will take you off the beaten path and onto a unique route, where you’ll visit two stunning glacial lakes, Humantay and Salkantay. As you hike through the Andes Mountain range, you’ll be treated to spectacular scenery and panoramic views of the colorful valley landscapes below. Our private campsite is remote, less crowded, and off the beaten track, ensuring a truly immersive experience.

You’ll also get to explore the fascinating Llactapata ruins, which offer a stunning view of Machu Picchu, the day before you actually visit this New 7 Wonder of the World and UNESCO World Heritage site! Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the true beauty of the Andes on this unique and unforgettable trek.

Join us on an unforgettable adventure through the wilderness of Peru with our Wilderness Salkantay Trek & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. This unique trek takes you off the beaten path and around the stunning peak of Mount Salkantay, providing breathtaking views along the way.

During the trek, we’ll visit the brilliant turquoise glacial Humantay Lake, which is a must-see attraction in Peru and one of the top day trips from Cusco. We’ll also hike through the first section of the Classic Inca Trail, where you’ll get to explore some amazing Inca ruins like Paucarmarca and Patallacta.

The journey continues as we make our way to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Follow in the footsteps of the Incas as we explore this ancient wonder and take in its magnificent beauty.

Our adventure activities include hiking, camping, nature exploration, history, and plenty of fun! We provide all the necessary equipment and food for the journey, so you don’t have to worry about a thing. You can also check out our Salkantay Trek video and pictures, as well as information about climbing Huayna Picchu Mountain and our recommended packing list in our FAQs. Join us for the adventure of a lifetime!

This is a unique 5-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, specially designed with unsurpassable views of the snow-capped mountains of Humantay and Salkantay, the sacred Apus of the Incas. Trek off the beaten path, following our unique trekking route where you visit two incredible turquoise glacial lakes, Humantay and Salkantay. Hike through the Andes Mountain range with its spectacular scenery and views of the colorful valley landscapes below and camp at our private campsite which is more remote, less crowded, and off the beaten track. You also visit the fascinating Llactapata ruins, where you have a spectacular view of Machu Picchu, the day before you visit this New 7 Wonder of the World and UNESCO World Heritage site!

The start of this wonderful hike is nestled between two of the largest mountains surrounding Machu Picchu, the snow-capped Salkantay (20,574ft/6271m) and Humantay (15,938ft/4853m).
You will begin the hike in Soraypampa, located 75mi/122.3km from the city of Cusco, the landscape here is completely dominated by the great Salkantay and surrounded by a large chain of snow-capped mountains and glaciers.
The environment is made unique by the nearby snow, streams, dwarf forests, and giant rocks that fill it.
Salkantay means indomitable. It was named this by the ancient Incas because of the difficulty it presents to reach the top of the mountain due to sudden changes in the climate and constant avalanches caused by its geography.
There are records of climbers reaching the Salkantay summit since 1950. Climbers attempt the peak of Salkantay between the months of March to September since the rains are less frequent in these months of the year.
As you go deeper into the trek to Machu Picchu (days two and three), the temperature gradually rises and the landscapes undergo changes in their shape and color.
The jungle “Salkantay” and the cloud forest are painted in different shades of green and the vegetation is more abundant.
Ferns, orchids, different varieties of butterflies, birds, native trees, coca plantations, coffee, and Inca archaeological remains such as the Inca trail of Lucmabamba and the archaeological center of Llactapata fill this route and make it special.
This hike also offers an impressive lesser-known view of the back side of Machu Picchu and Huaynapicchu, while allowing you to explore on foot the valley that surrounds the Inca city of Machu Picchu.
On the third day, you will reach Aguas Calientes. This picturesque town offers its visitors restaurants, craft shops, lodges, and hot springs, the Salkantay trek will end with a guided tour of Machu Picchu, wandering through its ancient streets, houses, squares, temples, storage houses, altars, and an impressive view of Huaynapicchu towering over the ancient city.

• Starting Altitude: 12,690ft/3869m.
• Maximum elevation: 15,213ft/4636m.
• Distance: 30.4 mi/48.2km.
• Longest Day: Day 2 – 13.6 mi/22km.
• General Difficulty: Difficult.