Still have questions about the Salkantay Trek? Our local guides have been walking this route to Machu Picchu for more than 15 years, including the connection with the Inca Trail. All of them hold official certification from Gercetur, the authorization required to guide both the Salkantay Trek and the Inca Trail. To get this certification, guides must have studied at a university or a technical institute. University graduates belong to Colitur, while those trained at technical institutes are part of Agotur or Progatur.
Salkantay is a snow-capped peak in the Andes, reaching 6,271 meters (20,574 feet). For the Inca, it was considered a sacred Apu, a mountain spirit still respected by local communities today.
Below, you'll find answers to the questions we hear most often from travelers preparing for this trek.
Salkantay is a moderately to challenging trek, harder than the Inca Trail but not as demanding as Choquequirao. Anyone in reasonably good physical condition can complete it, provided they spend at least two full days in Cusco beforehand to adjust to the altitude. Being physically fit helps with endurance, but it does not prevent altitude sickness. For a full breakdown by day and terrain, see our [Salkantay Trek Difficulty guide], and for a side-by-side comparison with the classic route, check Salkantay vs. Inca Trail.
The Salkantay Pass sits between 4,600 and 4,650 meters above sea level (15,090 to 15,190 feet) and is the toughest section of the trail. Expect strong wind, cold temperatures, and possibly some shortness of breath or mild altitude symptoms during the climb. These usually fade as soon as the descent begins, and oxygen is carried by the guide in case anyone needs it.
The standard route runs 5 days and 4 nights: four days of trekking from Mollepata to Aguas Calientes, covering roughly 57 to 60 kilometers, followed by the Machu Picchu visit on day five before heading back to Cusco. Shorter and longer versions exist depending on the itinerary you choose.
Altitude affects every traveler differently. If you haven't spent time at high elevation before, plan on two to three days in Cusco to adjust before starting. Staying hydrated and drinking coca leaf tea both help. Medication is an option too, if needed. The most common symptoms are shortness of breath, a mild headache, or slight nausea while hiking.
The dry season, from April to mid-August, offers the most stable weather and is the best window for the trek. Rain starts returning in August and builds gradually through December. January brings heavier rainfall, and February is typically the wettest month, when landslides can occasionally block sections of the trail. Conditions start improving again by March.
No permit is required, which gives more flexibility than the Inca Trail when it comes to planning your dates. There is an entrance fee of S/25 soles for the Salkantay trek and another S/25 soles if you plan to visit Humantay Lake, both paid in Mollepata.
Yes, it's possible to walk the route independently. That said, several sections of the trail aren't clearly marked, and getting lost is a real risk, especially near the pass. Most travelers who value knowing the terrain, timing, and safety points choose to go with a local guide instead.
Yes, starting at 4 years old, as long as they're accompanied by an adult. We don't recommend the trek for children younger than that, since altitude sickness is more likely at that age.
If natural events, road blockages, or local strikes force a closure, we switch to an alternative route such as Lares, Vilcabamba, or Inca Jungle. Choquequirao and Ausangate are only used as alternatives when Machu Picchu itself is closed, not the Salkantay route.
We recommend booking at least one week in advance. Once you reserve, you'll fill out a booking form with your passport details exactly as they appear on the document. Since these details are used for official permits and tickets, any error in the name or passport number can't be corrected afterward, so it's worth double-checking before sending it. Booking requires a 50% deposit paid by credit or debit card, with the remaining 50% paid in cash in Cusco on the briefing day. The deposit is non-refundable, since it goes directly toward entrance fees, bus tickets, and train tickets for your trek.
You can book any hotel you like. Your guide will visit you there the day before departure to go over the briefing and confirm pickup time.
Beyond the essentials on our general [packing list], the Salkantay trek calls for warm layers for cold nights at camp, a reliable sleeping bag, and rain protection, since weather can shift quickly at higher elevations.
Yes. Solo travelers join our groups regularly, and going with a guide gives you both safety and company along the way.
The turquoise waters of Humantay Lake, close-up views of Salkantay mountain, the crossing of Salkantay Pass, and the descent into the cloud forest on the way to Machu Picchu.
If you're booking the Salkantay trek from the US, you can reach out to us directly at Salkantay Trek Machu. We're a local tour operator based in Cusco, and we specialize in organizing the Salkantay trek along with other top attractions in Peru. You can also check our Peru tour packages page, where you'll find tailor-made trips that include Salkantay, the Inca Trail, or a combination of both.
Salkantay Trek Machu is a local tour operator with over 15 years of experience running the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu. We provide full camping equipment and set up and take down every tent ourselves, cleaning the trail behind us so it stays intact for future generations. Preserving the surrounding nature and respecting Apu Salkantay, the sacred mountain, is part of how we practice responsible travel on every trip.
Find on an unforgettable adventure with the Best Salkantay Trek Tours. Explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Andes, traverse rugged terrains, and witness the majestic Salkantay Mountain. Salkantay Trek Machu offers the best Salkantay tours and a perfect balance of challenge and reward, leading you to the iconic Machu Picchu. Whether you're a seasoned trekker or an adventurous soul seeking a life-changing experience, our trekking tours are designed to create lasting memories and connect you with the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of Peru. Join us and discover the best of the Salkantay Trek with our experienced guides, top-notch services, and a commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism.
If you are looking for Inca Trail tours, you'll find below the most popular hike to Machu Picchu.
22 July 2026
10 September 2025
04 September 2025
15 August 2025
+51 84 226 547
+51 912 891 560
Av Tupac Amaru PP-10B, Santiago, Cusco, Peru 
info@salkantaytrekmachu.com
www.salkantaytrekmachu.com