In short: the Salkantay Trek is the great alternative to the Inca Trail for reaching Machu Picchu on foot. In 5 days and 4 nights you go from Humantay Lake (4,200 m) and the Salkantay Pass (4,650 m) down to the high jungle, walk through coffee farms, see Machu Picchu from the ruins of Llactapata and finish with a guided tour of the citadel. It needs no government permit, so there is more availability than on the Inca Trail. With Condor Trek it costs from USD 637 per person.
Salkantay Trek key facts
| Duration | 5 days and 4 nights |
|---|---|
| Start | Soraypampa (private transfer from your hotel in Cusco) |
| Highest point | Salkantay Pass, 4,650 m / 15,256 ft |
| Lowest point | Lucmabamba, 2,000 m / 6,562 ft |
| Finish | Machu Picchu (2,430 m), then train back to Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco |
| Difficulty | Moderate to challenging |
| Accommodation | Sky Domes with private bathroom and hot shower (or tents) and 1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes |
| Permit | No route permit needed; Machu Picchu ticket included |
| Price | From USD 637 per person (group) |
Salkantay Trek itinerary day by day
Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake (4,200 m)
We leave Cusco for Soraypampa through Andean scenery. In the afternoon we climb to Humantay Lake, with turquoise water at the foot of the snow-capped peak. Dinner and night in panoramic domes with private bathroom and hot shower (or tents), under a sky full of stars.
Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass (4,650 m) – Collpapampa
The most demanding and most spectacular day: we cross the Salkantay Pass, with close-up views of the glacier. Then we descend through green valleys and waterfalls, have lunch in Huayracmachay and reach the Sky Domes (or tents), with dinner, a hot shower and a steam bath.
Day 3: Collpapampa – Cocalmayo hot springs – Lucmabamba (2,000 m)
We enter the high jungle among coffee, cacao and tropical fruit plantations. In Lucmabamba you live a coffee experience, from harvest to cup, and relax in the Cocalmayo hot springs.
Day 4: Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Aguas Calientes (2,040 m)
We climb an old Inca trail to the ruins of Llactapata, where you can see Machu Picchu on the mountain opposite. We descend to Hidroeléctrica and continue among orchids and tropical vegetation to Aguas Calientes: dinner and night in a hotel.
Day 5: Machu Picchu (2,430 m) – Cusco
We take the bus up to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of about 2 hours through its temples and terraces. Return to Aguas Calientes, Expedition train to Ollantaytambo and private transfer to your hotel in Cusco.
How difficult is it?
Salkantay requires no technical experience, but it does require good fitness. What makes it demanding is the altitude: on the first two days you hike above 3,800 m and on the second you cross 4,650 m. From the third day the trail goes down and gets warmer. To make it comfortable:
- Arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before and read how to acclimatize.
- Walk at your own pace: the guide sets the breaks and carries oxygen and a first-aid kit.
- There is an emergency horse along the route.
- Rent trekking poles (USD 15 a pair for the whole hike): they help a lot on the descents.
What the Condor Trek tour includes
- Hotel pickup and private transport Cusco – Soraypampa (airport transfer optional).
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English).
- Sky Domes with beds, private bathroom and hot shower, or tents; inflatable mattresses and foam pad.
- Meals as per the itinerary and boiled water at every meal; dinner at a restaurant in Aguas Calientes.
- Mules or horses with muleteers for the equipment and up to 7 kg of personal luggage (we give you a duffel bag).
- One night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes with private room and bathroom.
- Machu Picchu ticket (circuit 2 subject to availability; otherwise 1B or 3B) and guided tour.
- Bus up and down to Machu Picchu, train Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco.
- First-aid kit with oxygen and an emergency horse.
Not included
- Sleeping bag (rental USD 25) and trekking poles (USD 15 a pair).
- Single tent for solo travelers (USD 30) and single room supplement (USD 100).
- Vistadome return train (USD 67 extra) and Huayna Picchu (USD 75; request it when booking).
- Lunch on the last day and tips for the team.
Salkantay Trek price 2026
| Service | Price per person |
|---|---|
| Group | USD 637 |
| Private, 2 to 3 people | USD 897 |
| Private, 4 to 5 people | USD 757 |
| Private, 6 to 8 people | USD 617 |
All prices include the emergency horse and the pack horse for your 7 kg of luggage.
What to bring
A 30 to 35 liter daypack, 2 to 3 liters of water, boots with ankle support, a thermal jacket, rain gear, a hat, gloves, sunscreen and a sleeping bag rated to at least -15 °C. Bring your original passport (the same one you booked with): it is checked at Machu Picchu. The full list is on the Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu tour page.
Salkantay or Inca Trail?
If you want high-mountain scenery, more availability and a lower price, choose Salkantay. If your dream is to enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate walking on Inca paths, choose the Inca Trail. We explain it in depth in Inca Trail vs. Salkantay. Already have a date? Check availability: we reply the same day.
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is the Salkantay Trek?
It is a moderate to challenging route. The hardest day is the second one, with the climb to the Salkantay Pass (4,650 m). With good acclimatization and a steady pace, people with no technical mountain experience complete it.
Do I need a permit for the Salkantay Trek?
No. Unlike the Inca Trail, Salkantay has no government daily permit quota, so it can be booked with less notice. You do need a Machu Picchu entrance ticket, which is included in the tour.
How much does the 5-day Salkantay Trek cost?
With Condor Trek, from USD 637 per person in a group service. Private service: USD 897 (2 to 3 people), USD 757 (4 to 5) and USD 617 (6 to 8) per person.
What is the highest point of the Salkantay Trek?
The Salkantay Pass, at 4,650 m (15,256 ft) above sea level, crossed on the second day.
How many days before should I arrive in Cusco?
We recommend arriving at least 2 days before to acclimatize to the altitude of Cusco before starting the hike.