Being part of one of the most famous hikes in Latin America, the Salkantay Trek can give you all the beautiful landscapes you can imagine. You will walk through different ecosystems, from the Andes, the cold weather, and the mountains, to the cloud forest, and finally arrive at Machu Picchu.
Many travelers want to do this hike as an alternative to the Inca Trail or other treks in Cusco. That is why there is nothing better than staying informed about everything you should know about this route.
Where is Salkantay Mountain located?
The Salkantay Trek is located in the northern part of Cusco. The hike starts specifically in the province of Anta, in the district of Mollepata. From here, you can begin the hike to Humantay Lake and continue with the trek.
What is the best time to travel to Salkantay?
In the mountains, the weather changes very quickly. It cannot be predicted because the morning can be sunny and the night can be rainy. However, we can identify two very clear seasons.
- Dry season: From May to October. During this season, you can enjoy clear skies and there are many tourists because it is the most popular time to travel.
- Rainy season: This season is known for its green landscapes and fewer travelers. One advantage is that there is better availability of accommodations, entrance tickets, and trains. It goes from November to April.
What is the best itinerary for the Salkantay Trek?
To do the Salkantay Trek, you can choose from the most common itineraries: 3, 4, or 5 days. Here are some examples:
SALKANTAY TREK 3 DAYS
This is an option for true adventurers who have little time in Cusco. However, you can still experience the wild mountain route, sleep in Collpapampa in our exclusive panoramic dome, and visit Machu Picchu as a spectacular ending to your trip.
Day 1: Cusco – Salkantay Pass – Collpapampa
Day 2: Collpapampa – Llactapata – Aguas Calientes
Day 3: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
SALKANTAY TREK 4 DAYS
On the 4-day tour, you will explore the Salkantay route, including 2 nights in panoramic domes, a visit to Humantay Lake, and Machu Picchu in 4 unforgettable days.
Day 1: Cusco – Challacancha – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa
Day 2: Soraypampa – The Salkantay Pass – Huayracmachay – Collpapampa
Day 3: Collpapampa – Llactapata Ruins (Viewpoint) – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes
Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
SALKANTAY TREK 5 DAYS
This is the most complete hike of all. It includes all possible nights in the panoramic domes during the first 3 nights, and the last night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes to rest. Besides visiting Humantay Lake, the Salkantay Pass, and Llactapata, you will also visit the Cocalmayo hot springs and enjoy delicious local coffee.
Day 1: Cusco – Challacancha – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa
Day 2: Soraypampa – Apacheta Pass – Colpapampa
Day 3: Colpapampa – Lucmabamba
Day 4: Lucmabamba – Llactapata Inca Ruins – Aguas Calientes
Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – and back to Cusco
Can I do the Salkantay Trek on my own?
Yes, the suggested itineraries are usually operated by local travel agencies. However, if you go on your own, you can customize your stops wherever you want and choose whether or not to visit the places you want.
If you decide to go on your own, we give you the following recommendations:
- To get to Mollepata, where you can usually find restaurants to have breakfast, we recommend taking transportation from Arcopata to Mollepata for a cost of USD 10.
- When you arrive, you can find breakfast from USD 8 or less to eat, recover your energy, and continue.
- From Mollepata, you can find shared transportation to Challacancha or similar places for USD 5. This will take you to the official starting point of the Salkantay Trek.
- If you are wondering where to stay, we recommend booking accommodation on Booking.com or similar platforms along the route, such as Soraypampa, Collpapampa, or Lucmabamba. You can find options from simple rooms to panoramic glamping places like the XXX domes.
- We recommend bringing around 400 soles to buy, rent, or pay for things along the route, such as bathrooms, horses, or extras like Wi-Fi, hot showers, or toilets.
- When you arrive in Lucmabamba, you can visit the Cocalmayo hot springs. Round-trip transportation costs USD 40, and the entrance fee starts at USD 5.
- For Machu Picchu, we recommend booking about 4 months in advance. The buses to Machu Picchu cost USD 24 round trip, and you can buy them here: https://comprar.caminoalamaravilla.com/
- Finally, for your return, train tickets can be purchased at: https://www.perurail.com/
Where to sleep on the Salkantay Trek?
Along the route and between the main places on the trek, you can find all kinds of accommodation, from camping areas and ready-made campsites to hut-style rooms. Here are some recommended options:
- Panoramic Domes in Soraypampa and Collpapampa: These are igloo-style domes located in Soraypampa (at the beginning of the Humantay hike) and Collpapampa (usually on the second day). Here you can enjoy amenities such as Wi-Fi, hot showers, private dining areas, and a variety of food.
- Hut-style rooms: These are small huts located along the route. They are usually private for one person and have small beds. They are generally more affordable.
- Lodge in Lucmabamba: Lodge-style accommodation located in the warmer area of the tour, in the cloud forest, very close to the hot springs. It is the best option for the last night.
And What about the bathrooms?
Yes, one of the main things to think about is the bathrooms. While hiking, one of the biggest concerns is the bathrooms and how to feel comfortable when you need to go. It is true that part of the adventure is using nature, but it is good to know your options:
- Regular bathrooms: Along the route, especially if you are camping, your main option will be nature or renting the local bathrooms that can be found at most points of the trek. They usually cost USD 1 each time you use them. As for showers, they are only available from Collpapampa onward because before that the weather is usually very cold.
- Bathrooms at the XXX domes: Highly recommended! When you book this type of accommodation in Soraypampa, Collpapampa, or Lucmabamba, you will find not only accommodation but also comfortable bathrooms with showers. You can relax without any worries under the stars!
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SALKANTAY TREK
On this scenic and wonderful route, you will find different attractions that are part of the wild mountain trail. Here is a summary of the route:
- Humantay Lake: A beautiful turquoise lake located about 2 and a half hours from Soraypampa, the starting point of the trek. It is at an elevation of about 4,200 meters above sea level and is one of the main attractions in Cusco.
- Salkantay Pass: The highest point of the trek, located at about 4,900 meters above sea level. Here you will see the snowy Salkantay Mountain right in front of you in all its beauty.
- The cloud forest: After descending from Salkantay Pass, you will enter the cloud forest of Cusco, the warmest area of the route. It is known for its change in ecosystem, and you will also be able to see different plants and wildlife.
- The coffee route: In Lucmabamba, part of the cloud forest, you can enjoy a coffee experience. You will discover how coffee is planted and harvested, and you will also taste the final product.
- Llactapata Archaeological Site: It is a stone gateway that welcomes you to Machu Picchu. To get there, you will need to hike uphill for about 3 hours from Lucmabamba to this beautiful viewpoint.
- Cocalmayo Hot Springs: At the end of the route in Santa Teresa, you will find the Cocalmayo Hot Springs. To get there, you need to take transportation from Lucmabamba to Cocalmayo, which takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. The entrance fee is USD 5.
WHERE TO BOOK the Salkantay Trek?
On the internet, you will find thousands of options that tell you about the benefits of their services, prices, and more. However, it is important to consider some points such as the company’s reputation, guaranteed quality service, and safety during the trek. Here we tell you about some good companies where you can book the Salkantay Trek with dome accommodations and comfortable beds along the route.
- SAM Travel Peru: It is a 100% Cusco company with a strong reputation of more than 12 years. It offers a wide variety of tour packages, and one of the most popular is the Salkantay Trek.
- Orange Nation: A company that offers treks in Cusco with quality service and guaranteed safety. They also have departures almost every day, so it is very easy to book with them.
- 69 Explorer: A company known for its affordable prices and for being a specialist in adventure trips with comfort and safety.
- Spider Travel Peru: A growing company with a fresh vision of the market, comfortable prices, and a variety of services.
Salkantay Trek FAQs
When should I book the Salkantay Trek?
The Salkantay Trek is usually available all year. However, we recommend that you avoid traveling between January and February because it is the rainiest time of the year, and there may be landslides or bad weather.
Where should I book the Salkantay Trek?
We recommend looking for good and reliable tour operators so you can have the best experience. Agencies like SAM Travel, Orange Nation, 69 Explorer, or Spider Travel Peru are great options. They include most meals, comfortable accommodations, and the return train
Where do I sleep during the Salkantay Trek?
This is a very common question, and it depends on the company you book with. Some companies offer panoramic domes and glamping accommodations. If you decide to go on your own, you will need to book rooms or hotels in the area. These are usually rooms in local family houses where you can spend the night. There are options for every taste and every budget.
What should I bring for the Salkantay Trek?
To have the best travel experience, you need to bring:
PACKING LIST FOR 5-DAY SALKANTAY TREK
WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU
- Original Passport (it has to be the same one you used to book your trek)
- Valid student card (if you booked as a student)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: 2–3L (water bottles must be reusable, not disposable)
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
- Headlamp: essential
- Toilet paper
WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR DUFFEL BAG
As a Direct Local Tour operator, we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and include an extra horse that will carry up to 7 kg (15 lbs), including your sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and extra clothes. By Peruvian law, the duffel bag cannot weigh more than 7 kilograms (15 lbs). This limit protects the health of the horses. All bags will be weighed before they are accepted. If you need more than 7 kilograms, you will have to carry the extra weight in your daypack. In these 7 kilograms, please count about 2 kilograms for your sleeping bag and 1 kilogram for your sleeping pad. This leaves about 4 kilograms for your personal items.
- 2 T-shirts
- At least 2 hiking pants
- 4 sets of underwear
- 3 pairs of hiking socks
- Swimsuit for the hot springs
- A couple of fleece jackets or thermal layers
- Warm clothes, down jacket (the second campsite is around 3°C)
- Waterproof gloves (ski gloves are also fine)
- Comfortable shoes for camp
- Quick-dry towel. We provide a small one, but you may prefer a bigger towel.
- Small bottle of soap. We provide warm water every day for washing.
- Battery charger (there is no electricity during the trek)
- Large plastic bags will be provided at the office to protect your duffel bag
- Sleeping bag rated for at least -15°C (can be rented from us)
TOILETRIES
- Face moisturizer
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Personal medications
- First aid kit (bandages, moleskin, etc.)
WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR BACKPACK FOR THE 5-DAY SALKANTAY TREK
We highly recommend a small backpack of 30 to 40L for hiking during the day. A large backpack is not allowed inside Machu Picchu. The rest of your belongings will stay in your duffel bag at camp.
Water: Please bring enough water until the first lunch stop. Bring your own water bottles.
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Headlamp
- Wool hat
- Rain gear
- Fleece jacket
- Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars, or dried fruit
- Gloves
- Camera
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and a small plastic bag for trash
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, and tips
How should I prepare for the Salkantay Trek?
Since this trek is at a high altitude and includes constant uphill and downhill walking for almost 60 kilometers, you should prepare before starting this adventure. We recommend staying in Cusco for at least 2 or 3 days to acclimatize, doing some easy walks in the area, and, before your trip, walking for at least 30 minutes every day at home.
How much money should I bring for the Salkantay Trek?
Local tour companies usually include meals, accommodations, entrance tickets, trains, and other services. Besides that, you may want to rent a horse to help with the climbs, pay to use bathrooms on the trail, buy snacks or water, or pay for services like Wi-Fi or hot showers if needed. For this, we recommend bringing about 400 soles per person.
How many days can I do the Salkantay Trek?
The Salkantay Trek can be done in 3, 4, or 5 days, as we mentioned before. Depending on your available time, you can choose the itinerary that fits your schedule. Remember that fewer days mean a greater physical effort.
Are there places to buy things along the trail?
Yes. In most local communities, you can buy soft drinks, water, snacks, or even a beer! This trek has become very popular over the years, so you can enjoy some extra comforts in the mountains.
Is the Salkantay Trek worth it?
Yes, absolutely. The Salkantay Trek crosses different ecosystems, from the Andes mountains, through the highlands, and down into the cloud forest of Cusco before reaching Machu Picchu. With amazing views, beautiful lakes, and unforgettable landscapes, this trek is completely worth it.
Now that you have all the information, you can decide! Have your things packed and prepare yourself for the next adventure! The mountains are calling you and you must go!
