Salkantay Trek
Salcantay
A 4- to 5-day trek circling Mount Salkantay, the highest peak in the Cusco region at 6,271 meters, crossing a pass at 4,600 meters and descending from snowy heights into the cloud forest. It is a popular alternative to the Inca Trail.
Salkantay, the highest peak in the Cusco region at 6,271 meters, was regarded as sacred by the Incas. The classic trek starts from Mollepata or Soraypampa. On the first day you pass Humantay Lake. On the second day you cross the Salkantay pass at about 4,600 meters, then descend through subtropical cloud forest and coffee plantations, past the Santa Teresa hot springs, to the hydroelectric station, and finally walk along the railway into Machu Picchu Pueblo. The full route covers about 70 km over 4 to 5 days. No permit is required, and there is no cap on the number of hikers. You can go with a tour, which includes mule trains and camps, or go independently. The costs are much lower than the Inca Trail. The main risks are high-altitude crossing conditions and large temperature swings between day and night, so acclimatize to the altitude first.
Opening hours
Walkable year-round; best in the dry season
Nearby sights
- Humantay Lake
- Machu Picchu Mountain
- Inti Punku (Sun Gate)
- Machu Picchu
- Manuel Chávez Ballón Site Museum
- Huayna Picchu
- Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo)
- Inca Trail to Machu Picchu