5 daysSalkantay Trek 5 Days
Glacier pass, cloud forest and sky domes on the full length route to Machu Picchu.
- Home
- Salkantay Treks
Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu
The route to Machu Picchu for hikers who want big mountains and open dates. Cross the Salkantay Pass, drop into cloud forest and sleep in domes instead of standard tents.
5 days
4 daysSalkantay Trek 4 Days
The fast line over the Salkantay Pass, with two nights in sky domes.
5 daysLuxury Salkantay Trek
The full Salkantay route with a private crew, luxury camps, a night facing Machu Picchu and a hotel to finish.
Side by side
Compare the salkantay treks
| Trip | Length | Level | Highest point | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salkantay Trek 5 Days | 5 days, 4 nights | Challenging | 4,630 m (15,190 ft) | $310 |
| Salkantay Trek 4 Days | 4 days, 3 nights | Demanding | 4,630 m (15,190 ft) | $300 |
| Luxury Salkantay Trek | 5 days, 4 nights | Demanding | 4,630 m (15,190 ft) | $1340 |
Four days or five
Both treks start at Humantay Lake, cross the Salkantay Pass at 4,630 m and finish with a guided visit to Machu Picchu. Both include nights in domes with clear panels.
The 5 day trek walks the full 72 km at a calmer pace and adds a night in the mountain huts at Chaullay, plus a free afternoon for hot springs or a zipline. The 4 day trek covers about 50 km and suits hikers with less time.
The Luxury Salkantay Trek follows the 5 day route as a private trek, with camp beds in roomy tents, hot showers, a chef and a night at Llactapata facing Machu Picchu.
Why hikers choose Salkantay
There is no limit on trail permits, so dates stay open long after the Inca Trail has sold out. What you do need early is the Machu Picchu ticket, so booking three to four months ahead is still wise.
On both treks you choose how to return: by train through Ollantaytambo, which is faster and more comfortable, or by road from Hidroelectrica, which costs less. If walking the original Inca road matters most to you, look at the Inca Trail.
Common questions
Is Salkantay harder than the Inca Trail?
It goes higher, 4,630 m against 4,215 m, and the days are longer. The Inca Trail has more stone stairs. Both need two days of acclimatization in Cusco first.
Do I need a permit for the Salkantay Trek?
No trail permit is needed. You only need the Machu Picchu entry ticket, which we book for you and which can sell out in high season.
Where do we sleep?
In domes with clear panels on the camp nights, in a hotel in Aguas Calientes on the last night and, on the 5 day trek, one night in huts at Chaullay.
More ways to explore
Looking for something else?
Inca Trail
The original Inca road to Machu Picchu, in four days of camping, two days with a hotel night or a private luxury trek.
Choquequirao
Four days across the Apurimac canyon to an Inca city with no road, no train and almost no visitors.
Machu Picchu
The citadel by train, in one to three days, with tickets and guide arranged.
Day Hikes
High lakes and painted mountains you can reach and return from in one day.
Luxury Tours
Private luxury treks and Machu Picchu journeys, with glamping camps, selected hotels and panoramic trains.