About this experience
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is an alternative to the Inca Trail and considered by most to be the best alternative route (and maybe even better!). This magnificent trail is perfect for adventurers who wish to become personally integrated in changing ecosystems from one day to the next. You will walk through sweeping, magical landscapes of a snowy mountain paradise to a tropical jungle where you will find a wide range of animals and medicinal plants and flower varieties. Witness with your own eyes a living, but ancient, culture in remote villages hardly ever seen by foreigners!
The Cordillera Vilcabamba is an impressive mountain range extending over 260 km,. The snow-capped mountain Salkantay rises to 6271 MASL– 20574 FASL in height. It is an outstanding snowy peak, located less than fifty miles northwest of the city of Cusco in south-central Peru. Because of its proximity to the city, it is easily accessible by car and it has been climbed by professional mountaineers since 1952.
At a glance
- Duration: 120 hr
Plan your experience
Set aside 120 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
Local guides to help you plan
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PeruRail or IncaRail, Vistadome or Expedition, Ollantaytambo or Poroy. The trade-offs nobody explains until you're already at the station.
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What is included
- Bio-degradable personal hand soaps and Bio-degradable dishwashing detergents used by our staff
- Second day Andean ceremony, offering to the mother earth
- Thermarest (air mat) sleeping mat
- Transport back from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
- Camping equipment (tent, cooking and eating tent. Chairs and tables)
- Lunch
- Horseman, mules or porters (they just carry cooking and camping equipment) 7kgs your personal things
- Dinner
- Breakfast
- Transport to Soraypampa ( trailhead)
- Professional bilingual tour guide
- Entrance fee Machu Picchu
- 7 kilos of your personal belongings to be carry by the horses
- Collection from your hotel (we pick you up from where you are staying)
- Entrance fees to The Salkantay Trek
- Vegetarian/special diet options available
- Tourist train back to Ollantaytambo
- First Aid kit
- Entry/Admission - Salkantay Trek
Itinerary and highlights
See the overview, available options and booking details for the experience schedule.
Meeting and pickup information
- We will be picking you up only from hotels within the historic centre of Cusco
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Peru Amazon Trips
Meeting points and locations
Accessibility and practical details
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
Cancellation policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Questions about this experience
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Traveller reviews and photos
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