Okay, so Machu Picchu is on your bucket list, right? Awesome. But have you thought about how you get there? Instead of the usual Inca Trail (which is booked solid months in advance anyway), think about the Salkantay Trek. This trek is the real deal – tougher, wilder, and with views that are just… epic. Seriously, you’ll hike past snow-capped mountains, through cloud forests, and end up at Machu Picchu feeling like you seriously accomplished something.
Salkantay Trek Quick Look
The Salkantay Trek is a multi-day hiking route in Peru, takes you through the Andes Mountains, and ends up at Machu Picchu. It’s considered one of the best alternative treks to the classic Inca Trail. Why? Because it’s stunningly beautiful, less crowded, and a bit more challenging. You’ll climb up high mountain passes (think seriously high!), see incredible glaciers, and then descend into lush, green valleys. It’s not just about getting to Machu Picchu, it’s about the whole journey.
Recommended Salkantay Trek Tours
Planning a big trek like Salkantay can feel overwhelming, so tours are super popular and can make your life way easier. Tons of companies offer Salkantay treks, usually lasting 4 or 5 days. They handle permits, food, camping gear (sometimes you sleep in huts though), and they provide guides and porters (to carry the heavy stuff – thank goodness!).
When picking a tour, think about:
- Group Size: Do you want a small, intimate group or are you cool with a bigger bunch of people? Smaller groups can be more personalized, but bigger groups can be cheaper.
- Comfort Level: Some tours are super basic camping, others offer more “glamping” style setups with comfier tents and even portable toilets. Figure out what you can handle (and what your budget allows).
- Itinerary: Most Salkantay treks follow a similar route, but check the day-by-day plan. Some might include extra side trips or different campsites.
- Reviews: Read reviews online! See what other trekkers are saying about different tour companies.
Best Time to Hike Salkantay (Weather Matters!)
Weather on a mountain trek? Yeah, it’s kinda important! Like Moray, Peru has a dry and rainy season.
- Dry Season (May to September): This is generally the BEST time for trekking Salkantay. Think sunny days, less rain, and amazing views. June, July, and August are peak season – expect more people on the trail.
- Shoulder Seasons (April & October): These months can also be good. Weather is generally decent, and you might have fewer crowds than peak season.
- Rainy Season (November to March): Hmmm, rainy season trekking? It’s doable, but be prepared for rain, mud, and potentially cloudier views. Trails can be slippery and tougher to hike. On the plus side, you’ll have fewer people around, and things are usually greener.
What to Pack for Salkantay: Your Essential Trekking Packing List
Packing smart is KEY for a multi-day trek. You don’t want to be stuck halfway up a mountain realizing you forgot something important!
Clothes & Footwear (Layers are Your Friend!):
- Hiking Boots (Broken-In!): Seriously, break them in BEFORE you go. Blisters are the enemy. Waterproof is a major bonus.
- Hiking Socks (Wool or Synthetic): Bring a bunch! Moisture-wicking is important to prevent blisters.
- Trekking Pants: Quick-drying, lightweight hiking pants. Zip-offs are awesome for changing temps.
- Base Layers (Moisture-Wicking): Top and bottom. Essential for staying dry and warm, especially at higher altitudes.
- Fleece Jacket or Mid-Layer: For warmth when it gets chilly, especially evenings and mornings.
- Warm Outer Jacket (Down or Synthetic): Seriously warm for those cold nights and high passes.
- Waterproof and Windproof Outer Shell: Jacket AND pants. Rain can happen anytime, and wind chill at altitude is intense.
- Gloves or Mittens (Warm): Your hands will get cold up high.
- Warm Hat (Beanie): Keeps your head warm, especially at night.
- Sun Hat or Baseball Cap: Sun is strong, protect your face and neck.
- Buff or Bandana: For sun protection, dust protection, or just to keep your hair out of your face.
- Sleepwear: Warm pajamas or thermal underwear for sleeping.
Sun & Personal Protection – Gotta Protect Yourself Up There:
- High SPF Sunscreen: Like, seriously high. Reapply all day long, even when it’s cloudy.
- Sunglasses (Polarized): Protect your eyes from sun and snow glare.
- Lip Balm with SPF: Chapped lips are miserable.
- Insect Repellent: Especially for lower elevations and cloud forest areas.
- Hand Sanitizer & Wet Wipes: Hygiene on the trail.
- Toiletries: Travel-size basics – toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap, etc. Quick-drying towel.
- Personal First-Aid Kit: Blister treatment (moleskin!), pain relievers, antiseptic wipes, bandages, diarrhea medication (just in case!), altitude sickness meds (if recommended by your doctor).
Essential Gear & Optional Extras:
- Backpack (Trekking Pack – Size depends on if you have porters): If you have porters, you’ll just need a daypack (20-30L) for essentials you carry yourself. If you’re carrying all your own gear, you’ll need a larger trekking pack (60-70L).
- Daypack (20-30L): Even if you have a porter, you’ll want a daypack for water, snacks, layers, camera, etc., that you carry with you during the day’s hike.
- Water Bottles or Hydration Reservoir: Aim for at least 2-3 liters capacity. Staying hydrated is crucial.
- Water Purification Tablets or Filter: Just in case you need to refill water from streams (ask your guide about water sources).
- Headlamp or Flashlight (with extra batteries): Essential for campsites at night, finding your way to the bathroom, etc.
- Trekking Poles (Highly Recommended): Saves your knees on those steep uphills and downhills.
- Camera & Extra Batteries/Power Bank: You’ll want to capture those views!
- Snacks (Energy Bars, Trail Mix, Dried Fruit): Fuel for the trail! Bring stuff you like to eat.
- Dry Bags or Ziploc Bags: To keep your electronics and important stuff dry inside your pack.
- Toilet Paper & Biodegradable Toiletries: Leave no trace!
- Cash (Peruvian Soles): For tips, extra drinks, souvenirs in small villages.
Salkantay Trek Prep: Physical and Mental Game
Salkantay is no walk in the park. It’s tough, but SO rewarding. Get ready!
Physical Training – Get Your Body Ready!:
- Cardio, Cardio, Cardio: Hiking is cardio! Focus on activities that get your heart pumping – running, swimming, cycling, hiking stairs.
- Leg Strength: Squats, lunges, step-ups. Strong legs are your best friends on uphill climbs and downhill descents.
- Hiking Practice: If you can, do some practice hikes with your boots and backpack before your trek. Get used to hiking uphill and downhill, and break in those boots!
- Acclimatize in Cusco: Spend at least 2-3 days in Cusco (which is already at high altitude!) before starting your trek. This helps your body adjust to the altitude. Drink lots of water and avoid alcohol and strenuous activity when you first arrive in Cusco.
Mental Prep – Tough but Worth It!:
- Know It’s Challenging: Salkantay is tough. Expect some discomfort, fatigue, and maybe some moments where you question your life choices on a steep uphill. But knowing it’s going to be hard helps you mentally prepare.
- Positive Attitude: Keep a positive mindset! Focus on the amazing scenery, the accomplishment of each day, and the goal of reaching Machu Picchu.
- Break It Down: Don’t think about the entire 4- or 5-day trek all at once. Focus on getting through each day, and even each hour. One step at a time.
- Embrace the Adventure: Things might not always go exactly to plan on a trek. Weather changes, you might feel tired, etc. Embrace the unexpected, be flexible, and go with the flow. That’s part of the adventure!
Salkantay Trek Costs: What to Budget
Salkantay Trek is generally more affordable than the Inca Trail (which requires permits that can be pricey). Costs depend on:
- Tour Company: Prices vary between tour companies. Shop around and compare. Cheaper isn’t always better – consider what’s included and the quality of the tour.
- Trek Length (4 vs 5 Days): Longer treks usually cost a bit more.
- Comfort Level: Basic camping tours are generally cheaper than tours with more comfortable amenities.
- Inclusions: Make sure you know what’s included in the tour price. Usually, it covers permits, guides, porters, food, camping gear. Sometimes things like sleeping bags or walking sticks are extra to rent.
Budget range (rough estimate for a standard 4-5 day guided trek): Could be anywhere from $500 to $1000+ USD per person, depending on the factors above. Always confirm what’s included!
Extra Costs to Factor In:
- Tips for Guides and Porters: Tipping is customary in Peru. Factor in a tip for your guide and porters.
- Sleeping Bag Rental (if not included):
- Walking Stick Rental (if not included):
- Machu Picchu Entrance Fee (sometimes included, sometimes extra): Double-check if your tour includes the Machu Picchu ticket.
- Drinks beyond meals (extra water, sodas, beer at campsites):
- Souvenirs, snacks along the way:
Getting to the Salkantay Trek Start from Cusco
Most Salkantay treks start near the town of Mollepata, which is a few hours’ drive from Cusco.
- Tour Transportation: Good news – if you book a tour, transportation from Cusco to the trek starting point (and back from Machu Picchu/Aguas Calientes at the end) is almost always included! They’ll pick you up at your Cusco hotel in the morning on day 1.
- If Going Independently (Less Common for Salkantay): You’d need to take public transportation or a taxi from Cusco to Mollepata. Buses are cheaper but take longer. Taxis are faster but more expensive. Honestly, for Salkantay, a tour is just way easier for most people.
Salkantay Trek: It’s All About the Journey (Not a Day Trip!)
Salkantay is definitely a multi-day adventure. It’s not a day trip kind of thing! You’re committing to several days of trekking.
- Guided Trek – Highly Recommended: For Salkantay, going with a guided tour is really the best way to go, especially if you haven’t done a lot of high-altitude trekking before. Guides are essential for navigation, safety, and dealing with logistics. Plus, they know the mountains, the weather patterns, and can share tons of info about the area.
Top Things to Experience on the Salkantay Trek
It’s not just about reaching Machu Picchu – the trek itself is packed with amazing stuff!
- Salkantay Pass: Reaching the highest point of the trek – Salkantay Pass (around 4600m / 15,000 feet). It’s tough to climb up there, but the views from the top are absolutely incredible. Snow-capped mountains all around! A major accomplishment.
- Humantay Lake: Many Salkantay treks include a side trip to Humantay Lake. Turquoise blue glacial lake nestled beneath Humantay Mountain. Seriously stunning.
- Cloud Forest Sections: As you descend from the high mountains, you’ll hike through lush cloud forests. Totally different scenery – green, misty, with unique plants and maybe even some wildlife (birds, monkeys if you’re lucky).
- Local Villages & Culture: You’ll pass through small villages along the trek. Opportunity to see rural life in the Andes, maybe interact with local people (guides can help with this).
- Stargazing: Camping at high altitude? The night skies are AMAZING. Far away from city lights, you’ll see a million stars.
Where You’ll Be Sleeping on the Salkantay Trek
“Where to stay in Salkantay?” Well, you’re not staying in Salkantay town (because there isn’t really one right by the trek route). Accommodation on the Salkantay Trek is mostly:
- Camping: Most common option. Tours provide tents, and campsites are set up along the trail. Campsites can range from very basic (just a flat spot to pitch your tent) to slightly more established (with basic toilet facilities).
- Mountain Lodges/Huts (Sometimes): Some more “luxury” Salkantay treks offer the option to stay in mountain lodges or huts instead of camping. These are more comfortable – actual beds, maybe even showers (sometimes cold though!). These treks are more expensive.
Extra Tips for Your Salkantay Adventure
Want to make your Salkantay Trek even better? Here are some extras:
Immerse Yourself in Local Culture:
- Interact with Your Guides and Porters: They are often from local communities. Chat with them, learn about their lives, their culture, their knowledge of the mountains.
- Try Local Food (on the trek if possible, or in villages): Your tour will provide meals, but if you have a chance to try local dishes or snacks, go for it!
Be Responsible and Respectful:
- Leave No Trace: Pack out all your trash. Stay on marked trails. Be respectful of the environment.
- Respect Local People and Customs: Be polite and courteous in villages you pass through. Ask before taking photos of people.
Listen to Your Guides – They Know Their Stuff!:
- Trust Their Advice: Guides are experienced and know the trail, the weather, altitude issues. Listen to their instructions and advice.
- Ask Questions: Don’t be shy to ask your guide questions about the trek, the mountains, the Inca history, local culture, anything you’re curious about.
Altitude, Altitude, Altitude – Be Aware!:
- Drink Water!: Seriously, drink water constantly.
- Go Slow and Steady: Don’t rush. Hike at a pace you can sustain.
- Listen to Your Body: If you feel symptoms of altitude sickness (headache, nausea, dizziness), tell your guide immediately. Descend if necessary.
- Avoid Alcohol and Smoking at High Altitude.
The Salkantay Trek is an incredible experience. It’s challenging, yes, but the rewards are massive – mind-blowing scenery, a real sense of accomplishment, and the unforgettable experience of reaching Machu Picchu after trekking through the Andes. Get prepared, get excited, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!
Ready to book your Salkantay Trek and maybe add on Machu Picchu and other adventures? Check out these tour options:
