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
Choosing the Right Train to Machu Picchu
PeruRail or IncaRail, Vistadome or Expedition, Ollantaytambo or Poroy. The trade-offs nobody explains until you're already at the station.
Machu Picchu Day Trip From Cusco
A Machu Picchu day trip from Cusco is possible, but it requires advance entry tickets, carefully matched transport, and a very early start. Use this practical guide to choose a circuit, build a realistic schedule, compar
Machu Picchu Tickets and Circuits Guide
Choose the right Machu Picchu circuit, understand the 2026 ticket system, and avoid common booking mistakes with this practical guide to routes, identification, seasonal access, and last-minute entry.
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
- 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
- Thermarest(air mat) sleeping mat
- First Aid kit
Not included
- Entrance fees to Huyanapicchu
- Extra horse to ride or for any extra backpack
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 from your hotel within the historic centre of Cusco. Please Note: This service doesn't include pick up in private residencies, example; Airbnb or hotels that are outside the historic centre.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Machu Picchu Amazon Peru
Meeting points and locations
Accessibility and practical details
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- 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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