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Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
Cusco, Peru
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Machu Picchu has a legendary status for backpackers around the world. Its historical significance and natural beauty make it an incredible destination like nowhere else. The Salkantay Trek, while not as famous as the classic Inca Trail, is just as stunning and the hike is finally getting the recognition it deserves.
Named in the 25 best hikes in the world by Nat Geo, the Salkantay Trek is more popular than ever. Nevertheless, you can still hike the trail without a guide unlike the Inca Trail. Its diversity spans from glacial mountains to lush jungle highlands. Once you gaze upon Machu Picchu’s majesty, the hike itself will seem as memorable as seeing a wonder of the world.
Length
50.5 mi
Elevation Gain
14,478 ft
Best Time to Hike
Apr - Oct
Duration
5 days
Difficulty
Challenging
Trail Type
Point to Point
When To Go
Similar to the Inca Trail, the most popular months to hike the Salkantay Trek are from June to August. While these months are ideal in terms of weather, it’ll also be more crowded on the trail. You’ll also need to plan carefully when getting your entry tickets to Machu Picchu, as there’s a cap on how many people are allowed to visit the site daily. With that in mind, the best months to go are generally May followed by September which is usually slightly more rainy.
Unlike the Inca Trail which closes every February due to heavy rain, the Salkantay Trek is open year round. While it’s possible to hike the trail outside the dry season, the trail will be more prone to landslides and many of the views up to the glacial peaks and down to the jungles below will be obscured by mist and clouds.
How To Get There
From Cusco you will see countless tour operators and transportation options to the various attractions and sites in the area. After flying into Lima’s international airport, take a domestic flight to Custco (1 hr 30 min). Most people start walking the Salkantay Trek at Mollepata, but there are transportation options that go as far as Soraypampa if you want to cut down on hiking time on the first day.
Permit
There are currently no permits required for the Salkantay Trek. However, it’s very possible that the Peruvian government could change this in the future as the trek becomes more popular.
Where To Camp
You can technically camp anywhere along the trail. However, we recommend the following sites to set up camp: Soraypampa, Chullay, Sahuayacu Playa or Lucmabamba, and Aguas Calientes. These spots are relatively evenly paced for each day of the trek and are well established. Some of the sites even offer shower facilities and food from locals that live along the route.
Once you reach the town of Aquas Calientes, you can stay at a hotel or hostel where you can recover in comfort before the final short push up to Machu Picchu.
Know Before You Go
It’s possible to hike the Salkantay Trek solo or with a guide.
Pros of going solo:
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It’s significantly cheaper than going with a trekking company
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There’s a greater sense of adventure and feeling of accomplishment going solo
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You can go at your own pace
Pros of going with a guide:
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You will most likely have better shelter and tastier food that’s cooked for you
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You’ll have less weight to carry since porters and guides bring all the heavy equipment and food
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Having guides could also give you more knowledge on the history, culture and nature of the area
Repellent - There will be mosquitos along the way. The bites can last for several weeks and are very itchy. Pack bug repellent and use it plenty to deal with them. You’ll be glad you did.
Prepare for the altitude - Keep up a good general level of fitness before you travel to Peru. Spend at least 2 days in Cusco before starting your hike to acclimate to the high altitude. Consider bringing altitude sickness pills and take them as prescribed. They won’t do anything if you take them after feeling symptoms of altitude sickness. Finally, remember to pace yourself and listen carefully to the needs of your body. Altitude sickness can be a very serious, even life threatening condition in extreme cases, so be prepared.
Water - There are enough locations along the route to refill your water without worrying about running out of water. However, it is highly advisable to filter the water since plenty of people, livestock, and other animals regularly make their way through the water sources around Salkantay.
Cold and wet weather - The first two nights will be freezing; bring appropriate clothing and a warm sleeping bag, and have some clothing layers that can withstand rain. Consider having a small waterproof bag to keep extra clothes dry.
Machu Picchu tickets - Make sure you get your Machu Picchu tickets sorted out ahead of time. If it’s high season, you should consider getting the tickets in advance to make sure they are available. Outside of the high season, it should be fine to get your tickets the day before you arrive in the park.
Arriving at Machu Picchu - Get to Machu Picchu as early in the day as possible. The park opens at 6 am but people will begin queuing much earlier. It’s completely worth the lack of sleep to see the park at sunrise when it’s less crowded and unbelievably beautiful.
Landslides - To avoid the worst effects of landslides, go during the driest months of the year (May to October). If the route is still too washed out to hike, there is a bridge before the landslide area that puts you on a road that will still get you where you need to be to continue the trek. You can either walk along the road or hitch a ride with someone driving.
Links & Resources
Ministerio de Cultura de Peru
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Machu Picchu Website