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Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Reserve your spot on our Salkantay Treks today and embark on one of the most iconic trekking routes in the Andes Mountains.
Ready for an unforgettable hiking adventure in Peru? The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu takes you through some of the most spectacular landscapes of the Peruvian Andes, from towering snow-capped mountains and turquoise glacial lakes to lush valleys and vibrant cloud forests.
Led by experienced local guides, our Salkantay Trek tours combine breathtaking scenery, authentic Andean culture, and personalized service to create a memorable trekking experience. Along the way, you’ll cross the majestic Salkantay Pass, admire the region’s remarkable natural beauty, and discover why this route is one of the most popular alternatives to the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Whether you’re looking for a challenging multi-day hike or an immersive journey through Peru’s mountain landscapes, explore our Salkantay Trek itineraries and find the adventure that suits you best.
Discover the beauty of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, one of Peru’s most unforgettable hiking adventures. Along the way, you’ll walk beneath towering snow-capped mountains, admire turquoise lakes, explore lush valleys, and experience the incredible beauty of the Andes. Led by our experienced local guides, each journey offers a chance to connect with nature, learn about Andean culture, and enjoy the adventure at your own pace. Choose your ideal 4- or 5-day Salkantay Trek and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Peruvian Andes on the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, an unforgettable hiking adventure through dramatic mountain landscapes, snow-capped peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, and lush valleys. Located in the Vilcabamba mountain range, the Salkantay route takes you to the spectacular Salkantay Pass, where panoramic views and the raw beauty of the Andes make every step worthwhile.
Unlike some of Peru’s more frequently traveled trekking routes, the Salkantay Trek offers opportunities to experience remote mountain scenery and connect with nature along the way. Although trail conditions and visitor numbers vary by season, this route is an excellent choice for travelers seeking a rewarding alternative to the classic Inca Trail.
Ready to begin your adventure? Explore our Salkantay Trek tours and discover the landscapes, challenges, and unforgettable experiences that await you on the journey to Machu Picchu.
Our Salkantay Trek tours are designed for travelers seeking an unforgettable adventure through the Peruvian Andes. With carefully planned itineraries, experienced local guides, and a strong commitment to traveler safety, we help you enjoy every step of the journey to Machu Picchu. Whether you’re looking for a challenging high-altitude hike or an immersive experience in nature, our team is dedicated to providing personalized service and a rewarding trekking experience. Join us to discover spectacular mountain scenery, authentic Andean culture, and the remarkable beauty of the Salkantay route.
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The weather during the Salkantay Trek can change significantly in a single day, as you will be traveling from high mountain areas to the high jungle. Therefore, it is important to be prepared for all types of conditions.
The dry season is ideal for the Salkantay Trek, with stable weather, clear skies, and firm trails. Days are mild, but it gets very cold at night in the highlands, so dress warmly.
Although the rainy season is not the most popular time to hike the Salkantay Pass, it also has its charm, with landscapes filled with greenery and warmer temperatures during the day. However, you should be prepared for heavy rains, muddy trails, and mosquitoes.
As specialists in Salkantay trekking, treks, and expeditions, we plan every detail so that you can enjoy an authentic and well-organized adventure.
With breathtaking panoramic views and a challenging route, the Salkantay Treks are the perfect way to explore the Peruvian Andes.
The highest and most challenging point of the trek. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of glaciers and Andean valleys. Crossing this pass is an unforgettable experience that combines effort, altitude, and visual rewards.
An impressive detour on the first day of the trek. This turquoise lagoon, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, offers one of the most photogenic views of the entire route.
These enigmatic ruins, surrounded by lush nature, offer a remote and magical view of Machu Picchu. Standing there is like reliving the amazement of the ancient Inca explorers as they approached the sacred citadel for the first time.
Discover the Unforgettable Adventures Our Travelers Experienced on the Salkantay Trek
Posted on Tripadvisor Ben ToothVerified "Amazing experience with Incas Expeditions on the Slcante Trek. From the logistics to the knowledgeable guides, everything was planned out. We were able to fully appreciate the region's rich history and scenic splendor during the walk. Great value for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Highly recommended for hikers of all skill levels.Posted on Tripadvisor René LehrerVerified An Unforgettable Journey Through Cusco. Incas Expeditions went above and above! Transportation, lodging, and guiding were excellent, and their staff made everything run smoothly from the minute we arrived in Cusco. Every ruin was brought to life with stories by our guide, who was quite educated about Inca history. Highlights of my trip included the walk to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley excursion. Throughout the entire process, I felt motivated, informed, and safe. Excellently suggested.Posted on Tripadvisor Diego Fernando RVerified Amazing Inca Trail Salkantay Trek tour with friends I booked with my friends the Inca Trail Salkantay Trek tour with a group of friends and it was an experience that changed my way of seeing the Andean tours. The first day we walked around the city of Cusco and started the Inca Trail and camped at night but one of my friends got hurt during the last day in the Salkantay Pass and the guides were ready with their first aid kit and the attention was great! I recommend you to have a good stamina for this kind of multi-day treks. This tourism agency in Cusco is the best for trekking to Machu Picchu, thank you very much Incas Expeditions!Posted on Tripadvisor Arianna OVerified The best travel guide We traveled with our teenage children and chose the short Inca trail with camping because it offered the right balance of adventure and comfort. It was our kids' first time camping and they loved it! The porters and guides were very friendly and always made sure we were ok. The trail itself was breathtaking, especially the views of Wiñay Wayna. At night, we stargazed and shared stories by the tent. I want to thank Incas Expeditions who took care of the logistics and even the food! My family and I will be returning to Cusco in a few months and we are happy to do the tour with you again :)Posted on Tripadvisor Belén LázaroVerified My experience on the Cusco day tour I'm going to tell you about my experience with Incas Expeditions. The truth is that they exceeded all my expectations. From the moment I arrived in Cusco, everything was perfectly organized. The guides were not only professional but also incredibly passionate about Peruvian culture and history, which made each tour feel personal and unique. They were also very attentive and helped me arrange some free time to explore on my own, which I truly appreciated. If you're looking for Peru tour packages, Incas Expeditions is, without a doubt, the best option. An incredible experience from start to finish!Posted on Tripadvisor Departure58624235970Verified An unforgettable trip to Machu Picchu My partner and I had always dreamed of visiting Machu Picchu, but we wanted to make this experience something unique. From the first contact with Incas Expeditions, everything was perfect. The team was incredibly attentive and helped us create a personalized itinerary that suited our preferences, and the guides explained the history and even taught us a little Quechua. Arriving at Machu Picchu was a dream come true, and having the opportunity to explore it so intimately on our personalized tour was something we will never forget. We definitely recommend Incas Expeditions to any couple who wants to experience the magic of Machu Picchu in a unique and worry-free way.Posted on Tripadvisor Russ MVerified This was the best and most amazing tour. This was the best and most amazing tour. I wonder how I hadn't come across it sooner. Everything they did was perfect, from the accommodation to the hospitality—they did a great job.Posted on Tripadvisor Nenuz MVerified We both enjoy this tour together with our kids. We both enjoy this tour together with our kids. It was an awesome feeling and experience. Guide were friendlily from the beginning to the end and we were took to my place. They're the best.
From the snow-capped peaks of the sacred Apu to the lush greenery of the cloud forest, the Salkantay Trek is a journey of endurance, discovery, and personal growth. If you’re looking for more than just a vacation, this unforgettable trek to Machu Picchu offers a chance to challenge yourself, connect with nature, and experience the extraordinary beauty of the Peruvian Andes.
Here we answer the most frequently asked questions about the Salkantay Treks, to help you plan your adventure with confidence and enjoy this incredible route to the Inca citadel to the fullest.
The Salkantay Trail is a diverse and scenic route that takes you from high mountain landscapes to tropical jungle in just a few days. You’ll start near the snowy peaks of the Vilcabamba range, hike over the impressive Salkantay Pass (4,630 m), then descend into lush cloud forest and warmer valleys. Along the way, you’ll see glacial lakes, waterfalls, small Andean villages, and ancient paths once used by the Incas. It’s the perfect mix of nature, culture, and adventure.
The classic Salkantay Trek is typically 5 days and 4 nights, covering around 72 kilometers (45 miles) from start to finish. Some variations are shorter (4 days) or longer (up to 6 days), depending on the route and campsites. Each day brings a mix of high-altitude mountain passes, lush cloud forests, and eventually the magical entrance to Machu Picchu.
It’s considered a moderately challenging to difficult trek. The main reason is the altitude—especially at Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft). You don’t need to be a professional hiker, but good physical condition and some hiking experience will definitely help. We recommend at least two days in Cusco to acclimatize before starting.
Yes, it’s possible to do it on your own, but it’s not recommended unless you have strong hiking experience and are well-acquainted with high-altitude trekking. There are no strict permits like the Inca Trail, but going with a certified guide or agency adds safety, logistics, meals, camps, and local insights that truly enrich the journey.
Like any high-altitude adventure, there are risks—mainly altitude sickness, cold nights, and weather changes. But with proper preparation, gear, and guidance, the Salkantay Trek is safe and incredibly rewarding. Choosing a reliable tour operator ensures support every step of the way, from medical kits to trained staff.
Salkantay Lodge is a luxury lodge located in Soraypampa, often used by travelers doing the high-end version of the Salkantay Trek. It offers private rooms, gourmet meals, hot showers, and even outdoor hot tubs—with views of the glacier. If you’re looking for comfort without missing out on the adventure, it’s a top-tier choice.