Salkantay Hiking 5 Days to Machu Picchu: Information Guide
What is the Salkantay Trek?
The Salkantay Hiking is a scenic, high-altitude hiking route to Machu Picchu that spans 5 days and roughly 70 km (43 miles). It’s the most popular alternative to the Inca Trail—no permits are required, fewer crowds, and a wider range of ecosystems, from snow-capped peaks to cloud forests.
Quick Facts:
- Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
- Distance: ~70 km / 43 miles
- Highest point: Salkantay Pass (4,650 m / 15,255 ft)
- Start point: Mollepata or Soraypampa
- End point: Machu Picchu (via Aguas Calientes)
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Best time to go: April to October (dry season)
Itinerary Breakdown
01 Day: Cusco → Mollepata → Soraypampa
- Drive and begin trek
- Optional: Visit Humantay Lake
- Camp at high-altitude Soraypampa
02 Day: Soraypampa → Salkantay Pass → Chaullay
- Toughest day: Cross the snowy Salkantay Pass
- Descend into jungle valley
- Camp in Chaullay
03 Day: Chaullay → La Playa → Lucmabamba
- Hike through cloud forest and coffee farms
- Camp at Lucmabamba
04 Day: Lucmabamba → Llactapata → Aguas Calientes
- Climb to Inca ruins at Llactapata
- Descend and take train or walk to Aguas Calientes
- Hotel night
05 Day: Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu → Cusco
- Sunrise visit to Machu Picchu
- Optional: Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain hike
- Return to Cusco by train and bus
What’s Included (typical Salkantay Hiking)
- Professional bilingual guide
- Cook and support staff
- Pack animals for gear (horses/mules)
- Tents and camping equipment
- All meals (except final lunch/dinner)
- Entry to Machu Picchu
- Train ticket from Aguas Calientes
What You Need to Bring
- Passport
- Backpack (30–50L)
- Sleeping bag (rentable)
- Trekking poles (recommended)
- Layers for cold nights and hot days
- Rain jacket/poncho
- Hiking boots
- Headlamp
- Sunscreen, bug spray
- Water purification tablets or bottle
- Snacks
- Cash (for tips, snacks, emergencies)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Salkantay Hiking hard?
Yes — it includes high-altitude hiking and steep climbs. You should be in decent physical shape. Acclimatize in Cusco for 2–3 days beforehand.
Do I need a guide?
Not legally, but it’s strongly recommended for safety and logistics. Most people go with tour operators.
Can I hike solo?
Yes, but you’ll need to plan your route, food, and camping. The trail is remote in parts.
What permits are needed?
No special permits for the Salkantay trail itself, but you do need a Machu Picchu entry ticket and (optional) Huayna Picchu permit.
How much does it cost?
Prices for guided treks range from $380 to $550 USD, depending on the company and group size.
