Conquer a remote mountain pass overseen by Apu Salkantay, an ancient mountain spirit, and observe the scenery transition from high Andean terrain down to topical vegetation with each passing day on this exciting adventure trek to Machu Picchu.
Hike Time: ~ 4 to 5 hrs
Hike Distance: 4.5 mi (7 km)
Overnight: Camping
Hike Time: ~ 7 to 9 hrs
Hike Distance: 10 mi (16 km)
Overnight: Camping
Hike Time: ~ 5 to 6 hrs
Hike Distance: 9 mi (15 km)
Overnight: Camping
Hike Time: ~ 5 to 6 hrs
Hike Distance: 7.5 mi (12 km), trail ends at Hydroelectric Station
Overnight: Hotel
Tour of Machu Picchu.
Hike Time: ~ 6 hrs
Hike Distance: Easy to moderate
Overnight: Salkantay Lodge
Hike Time: ~ 4 hrs
Hike Distance: Easy to moderate
Overnight: Salkantay Lodge
Hike Time: ~ 6 to 8 hrs (including lunch)
Hike Distance: Challenging
Overnight: Wayra Lodge
Hike Time: ~ 3 to 4 hrs
Hike Distance: Easy to moderate
Overnight: Colpa Lodge
Hike Time: ~ 6 hrs
Hike Distance: Moderate to challenging
Overnight: Salkantay Lodge
Trek to LLactapata Pass
Hike Time: ~ 4 to 6 hrs
Hike Distance: Moderate to challenging
Overnight: Luxury hotel
Tour of Machu Picchu.
Salkantay is a challenging trek with dramatic changes in elevation. Shortness of breath and fatigue from the high altitude are variables that add to the trek’s level of difficulty. Good physical condition and health are required to endure long days of walking along the ups and downs of the trail for up to 6 hours a day on average.
The Salkantay Trek is an alternative trek to Machu Picchu.
What this means is that unlike the iconic Inca Trail, the trail for Salkantay does not conclude at the Sun Gate into Machu Picchu. Instead, the trekking portion of the Salkantay tour package concludes in the region near Machu Picchu. On the final night, sleep at a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes, the gateway town to Machu Picchu.
Perks | Alternative treks to Machu Picchu are often thought of as backup options to the iconic Inca Trail that concludes at the Sun Gate into Machu Picchu. However, these trails offer some nice perks that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Enjoy beautiful views of the Salkantay Mountain at the beginning of the trek. You will pass below its towering peak as you ascend the Salkantay Pass (15,090 ft /4,600 m). Summiting the peak of the mountain - a feat first achieved in 1952, by a French-American team - however is not part of the traditional trek and a journey reserved for serious mountaineers with the proper equipment.
Please consult your travel advisor with specific questions regarding trekking equipment and rental options during your Salkantay trekking experience.
Travel is full of variables and there is always a risk, however small, that something might go wrong before or during your trip. Something as minor as a flight delay can have a significant financial impact, as can illness, bad weather or baggage delay.
Ask your travel advisor about including travel insurance in your customized travel package.