Trekking the Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu is an adventure of a lifetime – a journey that winds through dramatic mountain passes, cloud forests, and remote Andean villages.
Unlike the more crowded Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek offers a rugged and less-traveled path with equally jaw-dropping scenery. With thrill comes preparation, especially if you plan to do the Salkantay Trek independently like I did.
Before you lace up your hiking boots and hit the trail, there are a few important things you should know before trekking the Salkantay Trail to make your trek smoother, safer, and even more rewarding.
In this post, we’ll go over everything you need to know before setting off on this epic Peruvian adventure. From what to pack to how to prepare for the high altitude, we’ll cover it all. Let’s get to it.
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About the Salkantay Trail
- 💪 Difficulty: Strenuous
- ⏳ Duration: 4-5 Days
- 🥾 Distance: 46 Miles
- ⛰️ Peak Elevation: 15,090 feet at Salkantay Pass
They say it’s about the journey, not the destination but on the Salkantay Trail, it’s about both. The Salkantay Trek, also referred to as the alternative route to Machu Picchu, is one of the best hikes in South America.
Unlike the classic Inca Trail, you can hike the Salkantay Trail without a guide. The Salkantay trail takes you through rugged mountain terrain peaking at 15,090 feet and connects Cusco to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
On this hike you will see some of the most beautiful landscapes in Peru. Think snow capped mountains, free roaming horses, alpine lakes, cascading waterfalls and lush subtropical rainforest.
The Salkantay Trail is truly an extraordinary adventure intertwined with authentic experiences and natural beauty. But before you embark on this journey here are 15 Salkantay Trek tips to know before you go.
🥾 Are you interested in hiking the Salkantay Trek on your own? Check out this post on exactly how to Hike the Salkantay Trek without a Guide, Tent or Reservation.
22 Things to Know Before You Hike The Salkantay Trail
Now that you’re inspired to tackle the Salkantay Trek, let’s get you prepared for an adventure of a lifetime.
Best Time to Hike the Salkantay Trail
The best time to trek the Salkantay Trail is during the dry season from March through October. This means warmer weather at night and blue bird skies during the day.
Traveling here during dry season also means busy season, especially June to August.But that’s a small price to pay as you won’t want to trek during rainy season.
My advice is to embark on this journey during the shoulder season of March – May or September – October.There will be less crowds making it easier to walk up and find a place to stay if you plan to trek the Salkantay Trail independently by staying at guesthouses.
How Many Days to Hike the Salkantay Trail?
The Salkantay Trek can be done in 4 or 5 days. I recommend the Salkantay Trek 5 days route as it breaks up an exhausting fourth and fifth days back to back. Plus the accommodations on each of those nights are worthy of a stay.
We did the Salkantay 5 day trek and were happy that the fourth day was a shorter distance to hike.
Salkantay Trek 4 days | Soraypampa – Chawallay – Lucmabamba or Santa Teresa – Aguas Calientes
Salkantay Trek 5 days | Soraypampa – Chawallay – Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Aguas Calientes
Do You Need a Guide on the Salkantay Trek
Okay, now you know when to go and how long you want to go, now let’s figure out how to go. 95% of people trek Salkantay go about it on an organized trek.
A guided tour/organized trek is great if you are short on time, don’t want to worry about logistics, would prefer to have your bags carried for you, and want to feel more secure with a guaranteed place to stay and meals to eat.
You’ll thrive on the self guided tour if you are up for an adventure, don’t mind being your own donkey, and are on a tight budget as you’ll save a good chunk of change doing the trek on your own.
PRO’S ON A GUIDED TOUR:
- Guaranteed place to stay every night.
- Hot meals are prepared for you.
- Bags are carried for you.
- Learn about history and your surroundings.
- Not want to have to think or plan logistics.
- Like having everything planned out for you.
CONS OF A GUIDED TOUR:
- More expensive
- On a strict time schedule.
- Not able to go at your own pace.
- Hiking with a bigger group of people.
If you are leaning towards trekking independently, this next topic is for you.
Plan Ahead or Wing It?
The Salkantay Trail goes through several villages so trekking independently allows you to create your own itinerary, decide how many days to do the trek and choose which towns to stay in (or campsites if you choose to camp along the trail).
You can wing it? Meaning you hike until you feel tired and go knocking on doors when you arrive to find lodging for the night. Or you can pre-plan it as much as possible and have a few places booked in advance.
🚨 Spoiler alert! Some villages such as Soraypampa on your first night have very little resources online so I would book ahead.
I recommend a bit of pre-planning. Our hostel was heaven sent on our second night which we wouldn’t have been able to secure the day of. You can check out the vlog here to see what I mean.
Salkantay Trek Accommodations
If you want to pre-plan below are links to places to stay along the trail for each day.
Day 1 | Soraypampa
Most options are only bookable in person.
We stayed at Backpacker Humantay which was 80 soles per person for a personal pod which included dinner and breakfast.
Day 2 | Chawallay
Salkantay Hostel – There’s only a couple private rooms available and after a brutally exhausting day of trekking, you’ll be crying tears of joy knowing you secured this room…I know I did.It comes complete with a hot shower, outlets to charge your devices and Wifi which is probably the only time you’ll get it on this trip.
Day 3 | Lucmabamba
Lia & Freddie’s Avocado, Banana and Coffee Plantation is a dream. This place was so wonderful.The property is big and beautiful and Freddie and Lia are the sweetest people.
For 15 Soles you can even take a tour of the plantation, roast your own beans and get to drink it. They had plenty of space so I’m sure walking up and asking for a room here would work out too. I’ll link their place on google maps here.
Day 4 | Llactapata
The Llactapata Lodge is a stunning property that looks at the backside to Machu Picchu.It’s the only lodge in the area so 100% book ahead of time.I recommend staying here and making the Salkantay Trek 5 days instead of 4.
Lots of tour groups go to Santa Teresa on day 4 of the Salkantay Trek which is close to some hot springs. You can look up places to stay in Santa Teresa here if you want to go that route.
Day 5 | Aguas Calientes
There’s tons of places to stay in Aguas Calientes.We stayed at Gringo Bills and loved it.
Camping on the Salkantay Trail
Camping on the Salkantay Trail is a big part of what makes the trek so unforgettable. Most nights you’ll sleep in tents at established campsites, often set in stunning locations – think beneath towering glaciers, along cloud forest paths, or near small villages.
The camps are basic but comfortable. Tents are set up for you (if you’re with a trekking company), and many provide foam sleeping pads. You’ll want to bring or rent a warm sleeping bag rated for cold temperatures, as it can get freezing at higher altitudes, especially the first night in Soraypampa.
Some tour companies have upgraded their accommodations to include “domes” or eco-lodges at certain sites, offering a bit more comfort like real beds, hot showers, and even electricity (though usually comes with an extra cost).
Traditional camping though, is the most rustic way to experience the trail. Facilities at campsites vary – some have basic bathrooms or squat toilets, and a few have small shops where you can buy water, snacks, or even beer.
Don’t expect wifi or consistent phone service, part of the magic is being off the grid. Nights on the trail are peaceful but can get very cold. Layering up, having a cozy sleeping setup, and bringing a headlamp are all key to a comfortable camping experience.
What is the Salkantay Trail Like?
The Salkantay Trail is incredibly diverse. It’s like hiking through multiple worlds in just a few days. The trail starts in the high Andes, where the air is thin, the temperatures are chilly, and the landscapes are wide open with snow capped mountains towering above you.
One of the highlights early on is the steep ascent to Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the trek at 15,090 feet. This part of the trail is rocky, rugged, and challenging. You’ll feel the altitude here.
After the pass, the trail dramatically shifts. You’ll descend into the cloud forest, where the scenery turns lush and green, and the temperature becomes noticeably warmer and more humid.
Here, the trail winds along dirt paths surrounded by orchids, waterfalls, and jungle-like vegetation. As you get closer to Lucmabamba, you’ll even pass through coffee plantations and small villages where you can stop for a fresh brew or snack.
Overall, the Salkantay Trail is a mix of rocky paths, steep switchbacks, dirt trails, and occasional muddy sections, especially in the lower elevations.
Altitude Sickness
The highest point on the Salkantay Trek is the Salkantay Pass which peaks at 15,090 feet. Plus day 1 base camp is in the town of Soraypampa which sits at 12,700 feet.
Throw in the side trip to Lake Humantay at 13,900 feet, let’s just say you’ll notice the elevation. Before you embark on the Salkantay Trail you must first acclimatize.
This means that on the first day that you arrive in Cusco should be nothing more than acclimatization. You should be drinking lots of water and resting. Even walking up and down Cusco’s streets will leave you panting, especially when you have luggage in tow.
I recommend having your first nights accommodation in Cusco sorted out. This way when you arrive into town you can head straight to your lodging and give your body the rest that it needs.
If you are short on time, give it 2-3 days minimum before starting out on the Salkantay Trail.
📌 Here are a few tips to prevent altitude sickness.
- Coca leaves are a traditional way to relieve altitude sickness by chewing it or making tea with it. Coca leaves can be bought at any local supermarket and are available in most restaurants.
- Sorojchpills are pills you can buy at the local pharmacy that help with altitude sickness.
- Muna – is an herb that can be found in the mountains. You can pick it, rub it in your hands and inhale it. Or put it in tea and drink it.
- Allow 24-36 hours of acclimatization before setting off on a hike.
- Ascend gradually.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Avoid booze and cigarettes.
Do I Need a Map?
Yes you definitely need a map to hike the Salkantay Trail. That’s where Maps.me comes in. Maps.Me is an amazing app that allows you to download maps offline that is essential for you on this trek or any hike in Peru for that matter.
It shows every trail, shows were all the collectivos pick up & drop off stations are, displays hotels, campsites and anything you might need to know along the route. Its amazing how detailed it is and its world wide!
You can save your locations along the way, plan your route and even share it with friends when you are done. Download this app before you start the Salkantay Trail as service and wifi is scarce. The best part is, it’s free!
🥾 Read Next: 16 Epic Treks & Hikes in Peru
Is There Cell Service?
Say goodbye to WiFi and hello to 1997.So maybe you won’t be able to post stories in real time but is this a bad thing? We had wifi on our second night at the Salkantay Hostel and in Aguas Calientes but that is all.
Luckily for us in this world of technology that we live in. there’s a solution. Download an eSim for your phone to stay connected with a local high-speed data network while you trek & travel.
🦙 Read Next: Best Things to do in Aguas Calientes
Parts Will be Grueling – Difficulty?
When I was researching how to hike the Salkantay Trek without guide or a tent, I don’t think I grasped how physically, mentally and emotionally demanding this trek was gonna be.
I don’t know, maybe my excitement trumped my common sense but I’m here to tell you, parts of the Salkantay Trek were hard and downright difficult.Several different occasions on this trek all I could think of was “is there a rescue horse?”
I’m an avid hiker but hiking at elevation is not easy. If you think the elevation and peaking at Salkantay Pass is the hardest part of the journey, just wait for the descent down a rocky, trail for what feels like an eternity.
This is where hiking poles come in, I don’t think I would have finished the hike without them. Which brings me to my next Salkantay Trek tip.
Pack Smart, Pack Light
If there is one thing to know before trekking the Salkantay Trail, it’s this, pack smart and pack light.I unfortunately learned this the hard way. Especially because when you trek the trail independently, you are your own donkey.
📌 Here are a few key items you shouldn’t hike without.
- Hiking Poles
- Life Straw Water Bottle
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Bandana/Hankerchief
- Proper Hiking Boots
- Waterproof Hiking Pants
- Go Pro
- Passport – you’ll need it to get into Machu Picchu
This is such an important and crucial step in preparing for the Salkantay Trek that I dedicated an entire post to it . Check out the article linked below for exactly what to bring, what not to bring and why.
🎒 Read Full Post: Ultimate Salkantay Trek Packing & Camping List
How Much Does it Cost
The cost of the Salkantay Trek can vary depending on how you want to experience it.
Group Tours: The average price of a guided tour of the Salkantay Trek is anywhere from $350 to $700 per person for a 4 or 5 day trek. This includes everything from transportation, food, accommodations (usually in a tent) and Machu Picchu entrance tickets.
Private Treks cost more but offer more flexibility, personalized service, and often upgraded accommodations (like mountain lodges instead of tents). $6000+ per person.
Luxury Treks (Lodge-to-Lodge) cost $2,500-$4,000 USD per person. Companies like Mountain Lodges of Peru offer glamping-style or full luxury treks with high-end lodges, gourmet meals, hot showers, and comfy beds every night. This is a totally different experience.
Independent Trekking $150-$400 USD total depending on what you rent and book yourself. The total cost we spent as a couple was $725 or $362 per person. But this could easily be done for 100-200 dollars cheaper.
If you go solo (without a guide), which is doable but challenging, you’ll need to pay for transportation to the trailhead, food, possible gear rental, Machu Picchu entry tickets, and train ticket back to Cusco separately.
💸 Pro Tip: Make sure your price includes entrance tickets to Machu Picchu and the bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to the ruins. Some budget companies advertise super low prices but leave those out, which can add $30-$40 at the end.
Cash is King
Understandably, there are no ATM machines along the Salkantay Trail until you reach Aguas Calientes, so make sure you bring ample cash to pay for your accommodations (if going at it independently), snacks, drinks and tips along the way.
Bring 200-400 soles. There are a few places along the trail where you can buy water, chocolate, but cards aren’t accepted. Bring 1200 soles if you plan on paying for accommodations along the way and for emergencies.
Food & Water on the Salkantay Trail
Food and water is available on the Salkantay Trail. There are a handful of shops on the trail that sells fruit, chocolate, ice cream, water and even beer.
If you are on an organized trek, expect full meals prepared by a dedicated cook and team who travel with you to be included. You can expect hearty, energy packed dishes with local ingredients like quinoa, potatoes, rice, chicken, trout, and fresh vegetables.
Breakfasts are usually big – think pancakes, eggs, or oatmeal – while lunches and dinners are multi-course with soup, a main dish, and coca tea.
For water, it’s important to be cautious. Tour companies usually boil and filter water for you daily, and you’ll refill your bottles or hydration bladders in the morning and at lunch stops.
If you’re trekking independently, or just want backup, bring a good water filtration system, UV purifier, or water purification tablets. Natural water sources like streams are plentiful but not safe to drink untreated.
We trekked with LifeStraw Water Bottles in case we ever found ourselves in a pinch. Although we bought all of our water at small shops and our accommodations along the way.
💦 Pro Tip: Always carry enough water for the day’s hike – dehydration is a real risk at high altitudes.
Buy Tickets to Machu Picchu in Advance
Tickets to Machu Picchu sell out quickly so securing these in advance is a must, especially if you are traveling here during peak season. I’m talking like 2,3 sometimes 6 months in advance.
They only let 2,500 people visit Machu Picchu each day and 500 of those permits go towards trekkers of the Inca Trail (300 of which go to porters and guides).
If you plan on hiking up Huayna Picchu, these tickets need to be booked farther in advance than entry tickets to Machu Picchu. I highly suggest you get tickets to Huayna Picchu Mountain as the views are incredible and it’s another epic hike in Peru.
You also need your physical passport to enter Machu Picchu and to purchase bus tickets to get to the top of the mountain, so make sure this is on your person when you visit the Inca citadel.
💡 Travel Tip: Book the earliest entry ticket to Huayna Picchu at 7 am to beat the crowds to the top.
🦙 Read Next: Machu Picchu Travel Guide
Arrange Transportation Back to Cusco in Advance
Transportation back to Cusco should be booked in advance as well. Trains out of Aguas Calientes sell out much quicker than trains coming in.
The last thing you want is to be stuck in town after a long, sweaty, exhausting trek wearing the same clothes you just hiked the Salkantay Trail in.
Mosquitos!
There are some biting mosquitos at all stops along the Salkantay Trail, especially once you hit Lucmabamba.
Wear long light clothing and use plenty of strong insect repellent with strong % of deet.
These buggers left big bites, that were extremely itchy and lasted weeks!
Sunscreen
Salkantay Trek tip number fourteen, sunscreen. Just because it’s cold in the high elevation of the mountains, doesn’t mean that you won’t get sunburnt.
Since you’ll be so high in elevation, the sun will hit harder and you’ll burn quicker. Lather on the sunscreen before you trek and throughout the day, your skin will thank you.
Don’t forget a hat and sunglasses too. I love the supergoop sunscreen for my face, it’s my go to – especially since when I’m back on Maui.
Luggage Storage for the Salkantay Trek
When trekking the Salkantay Trail, tour companies offer luggage storage options for anything you do’t want to bring on the hike. Typically, you’ll be allowed to bring a small duffel bag (11-15 pounds) that will be carried by horses or porters during the trek.
Your main suitcase or larger backpack stays securely stored at your hotel in Cusco or at the trekking company’s office. Use a lockable bag for added security.
If you’re traveling independently or want extra peace of mind, many hotels in Cusco offer free luggage storage for guests, especially if you’re returning to stay with them after your trek.
B.Y.O.T.P.
The bonus Salkantay Trek tip that you didn’t know you needed until now. Bring your own toilet paper. This goes for all of Peru, you never know when you’ll be needing it.
It’s So Worth It
Parts will be tough, packs will be heavy, there will be times of uncertainty and exhaustion but it’s so worth it! You will pass through and witness some of Perus most beautiful landscapes.
As they say, the views are worth the climb and that couldn’t be more appropriate for this hike. So tighten up your laces, charge your go pro and set out on an adventure that you’ll never forget.
Salkantay Trek Vlogs
Would you rather see for yourself what an adventure through on the Salkantay Trail looks like? We filmed several vlogs as we hiked, trekked and traveled our way to Machu Picchu.
Check them out after you read this post and please subscribe or give us a thumbs up. It doesn’t cost you anything and really helps us be able to continue creating free content for you to enjoy 🙂.
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Final Thoughts on Salkantay Trek Tips
Lastly, if there’s anything I missed that you think would be beneficial to future hikers of the Salkantay Trail, let me know in the comments below 👇.
I try to keep my guides as up-to-date as possible, so share your experiences and any useful information that could help out your fellow travelers.
Peru Travel Guides ↓
📍 Planning a trip to Peru? I spent 2 months traveling around this beautiful country so check out my Peru travel page for inspiration. Below are more travel guides around the Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
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Hi jess, just watched your salkantay experience and it’s making me nervous! Is there any way to arrange for your gear to be transported between guest houses and still do it independently or can you only do this as part of a tour?
Aloha Becky! I’m sure there might be a way to arrange this for the Salkantay Trail but I don’t know for certain. I’d assume you could but you’d have to probably go through a tour operator.
Also don’t be nervous. I packed terribly (like my pack was way too heavy), I did not train for this trek what so ever and had lots of heavy camera gear with us. Also I live in Hawaii when I’m not on the road and only hike at sea level haha. The beauty, adventure and difficulty make it so worth it.
If you are doing it independently, I’d def reserve those places I mentioned in my post prior to hiking though! Best of luck!
Sounds like quite the adventure. You mentioned you saw horses along the hike. Were there any other unique wildlife in the area that you wouldn’t find in the United States? I’m curious about what high-elevation critters there are (If any)!
I was praying to see a rescue donkey, that’s how tough the Salkantay Trail was but also saw Peruvian Condors!
are you allowed to swim in the mountain lakes?