Salkantay Trekking across high Andean mountains might not be every bodies cup of tea, but for those of you who are in it for the adventure this is the perfect trek for you. The trek is a little harder than the Inca Trail, with some high passes that will test your abilities, the reward is definitely worth the extra effort. Finish your tour at the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu, explore and wonder at the brilliance of the Inca engineers.
History
The Salkantay trek holds historical significance and like the Inca Trail, was a route the Incas once took to get to Machu Picchu. The main difference is that the Salkantay Trek is through the mountains reaching nearly 5,000 meters (16,404 ft) above sea level, whereas the Inca Trail is walking past ruins much. It is said that the Salkantay Trek was the route that religious leaders took to get to Machu Picchu because of the high elevations that brought them closer to God.
When to go?
The Salkantay trek is open most of the year for trekking and there is no bad time to experience this wonderous mountain trek. The high Peruvian Andes has 2 seasons every year, the Wet Season and the Dry Season. The most popular is the dry season which is from May to September, you will find many people on the trek and the weather is dry and cold at night. The wet season is from October to April and you will experience wet weather, but you will have most of the trail alone. Take your wet weather gear with you for this time of year.
SKY DOME CAMP
Sky Dome on the Salkantay Trek.
The Sky Dome on the Salkantay Trek offers a unique way to experience the Peruvian Andes. Surrounded by breathtaking mountain landscapes, these comfortable domes allow travelers to enjoy nature without sacrificing comfort.
Wake up to stunning views of the Salkantay Mountain, relax in a cozy atmosphere, and spend the night under a sky full of stars. It is an unforgettable highlight of the journey to Machu Picchu.
Learn more about this unique accommodation and discover what makes it special along the Salkantay route. The Sky Domes combine comfort, spectacular scenery, and an authentic mountain experience, making them one of the most memorable places to stay during the trek. Visit: Discover the Salkantay Sky Domes
What to see on the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu?
Humantay Lake
Humantay Lake is a sparkling jewel located high in the Andes Mountains. The lake features brilliant green and blue waters, making it the most photographed lake in Peru. The lake is located around 75 miles from the city of Cusco and south of Machu Picchu. See the spectacular Humantay and Salkantay Mountains which tower around the lake.
Salkantay Mountain
Salkantay is the highest peak in the Vilcabamba mountain range, part of the Peruvian Andes. It is located in the Cusco region, about 60 km (40 miles) northwest of the city of Cusco. The name Salkantay is from sallqa, a Quechuaword meaning wild, uncivilized, savage, or invincible. The name is thus often translated as “Savage Mountain”. There were writings about the mountain as early as 1583.
Apacheta Pass (4650mt)
The second day of the Salkantay trek has one of the most challenging hikes that you will ever experience. The road up to the Apacheta Pass will challenge, test and reward you not only that you have completed the pass to 4650 meters (15367ft), but what you will see at the top will make the effort worthwhile. At the top take in the 360-degree views, see stunning mountain peaks, majestic glaciers and the deep beautiful valleys below. Spend time enjoying scenery that you will never experience again, with crystal clear air and a peace that will overcome you as never before
Llactapata Ruins.
On arrival to Llactapata Ruins you will have your first view of the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Across the valley the Inca site is spread out before you, waiting for you to take the perfect pictures and receive a history lesson on Llactapata from your guide. This site is thought to have been support and a military outpost for Machu Picchu. Enjoy the spectacular views of Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain. Immerse yourself in the Andes and appreciate the ingenuity of the Inca.
Coffee Plantation Visit
Are you a coffee addict? Well on the Salkantay Trek we have an afternoon visit to a Coffee Plantation. Not only do you visit but you see how the coffee is grown in the fields, pick the coffee also grind and prepare your coffee and get the pleasure of drinking your very own brew. Learn from the best how to improve your coffee making. This interesting afternoon will take you deep into the lives of the farmers and how they work and live for their coffee.
Microclimates
On the Salkantay Trek you will experience many different microclimates, also different climates in the same day. Each region has its own particular climate, flora and fauna adding to Peru’s rich biodiversity. The Salkantay trek features high mountain passes with low temperatures and Amazon Basin with warm and humid weather and wonderful flora to be hold. Machu Picchu is on the edge of the Amazon rainforest and enjoys a mild climate during the day and is cold in the mornings and at night.
Aguas Calientes
The town below Machu Picchu is called Aguas Calientes. Here the trains leave for Cusco and the Sacred Valley. The town is a charming mix of restaurants and markets all aimed at the tourist. Aguas Calientes is worth a few hours or even a day of your time. There are hot springs just outside of town which are popular with those who have just finished the Inca Trail.
Machu Picchu
At the end of your trek, you will visit the Inca City of Machu Picchu. Known around the world for its location and history, Machu Picchu will surprise and delight you as you marvel at the different sections of the ancient Inca citadel.
Entrance tickets for Machu Picchu
Although your entrance ticket to Machu Picchu is included in your trek, the tickets to Machu Picchu sell out quickly.
Tickets to Machu Picchu are limited and must be purchased in advance. During the peak season from May to September it is a must if you plan to do the Salkantay Trek, you will need to book and pay for your trek up to 6 months in advance as there are only 500 entrances a day to do the hike, this includes porters, guides and cooks. Also, if you plan to climb either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain you must book these tickets early as the government of Peru only releases 400 tickets a day and these sell out quickly.
How long can you spend at Machu Picchu?
An entry ticket to Machu Picchu is valid for 4 hours, so you have 4 hours in the site.
An entry with a Huayna Picchu ticket gives you 4 hours to go on a Machu Picchu tour and do the hike.
An entry with Machu Picchu Mountain ticket gives you 5 hours to take a guided tour and do the hike. This hike is longer than Huayna Picchu hence why you have more time in Machu Picchu.
FAQs
If hiking to Machu Picchu, you should be in good physical health and have a taste for adventure. The level of enjoyment that you get out of this trek depends on numerous factors, the amount of time you have had to acclimatize to the altitude, your age, your general fitness level and your previous trekking experience. We recommend you arrive to Cusco at least two to three days in advance to help with the altitude.
The classic 4- or 5-day Salkantay Trek is 28 miles (45 kms) from start to finish.
The Salkantay and Classic Inca Trail Trek is 7 Days and 6 Nights is 40.5 miles (75 kms) from start to finish.
The Salkantay trek is not as busy as the Classic Inca Trail trek so you may not need to book so far in advance as the Inca Trail. A month or 2 before will be sufficient.
The answer is yes, but you will need to take all your food, tents, water with you on the trek. It is recommended that you take a tour which will provide all that is necessary. When you reach Machu Picchu, you will however need a guide.
There is a toilet tent. Some campsites have public toilets you can use. All campsites also have cold showers for public use. During the day hikes, you will pass a number of sites where you will find toilet facilities available.
Each tour is accompanied by a chef who will prepare all meals for you. The food is hearty, plentiful and filling to keep you energized for the journey. Please notify us if you have any special requirements or diet restrictions, such as requiring vegetarian meals. You will enjoy breakfast, as well as a hot lunch and dinner every day. You will also be served snacks in the morning and afternoon, including hot drinks in the afternoon.
On any trekking holiday there are essential items that you will need to take with you for a comfortable and rewarding journey. Your travel company will supply you with a duffel bag, this is a maximum of 7 kilos. Please remember that your sleeping bag and mat will weigh 3 kilos leaving you 4 kilos for your belongings.
What to put in your DUFFEL BAG?
2 t-shirts
2 hiking pants
4 sets of undergarments
3 sets of hiking socks
Fleece/ Thermals
Warm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite temp around 3º C
Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
Comfortable shoes for camp
Quick dry towel. We provide small ones; you might prefer something larger
Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash
Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
Large plastic bags will be provided at the office to line your duffel
Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us for $20 USD
What to put in you DAY PACK?
Passport or Identification (you will not be allowed to enter the Inca Trail without this)
Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, then we will provide you with cold boiled water at every meal time. Please bring your canteens.
Sun hat and sunglasses
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Headlamp
Wool hat and gloves
Wet Weather clothes
Fleece or warm layer
Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
Personal First Aid kit and personal medications
Camera
Hand sanitizer
Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
Valuables
Headlamp
Travel Tips
Advanced Booking Is a Must
It’s very important to buy your tickets for the Salkantay Trail trek in advance. Early planning does always not guarantee a spot, but greatly increases your chance of securing the trekking dates you want. During high season, from April through October, permits can sell out 6 months beforehand.
Before the Trek, Adjust to the Altitude
We recommend spending a few days in Cusco before your trek begins to give your body plenty of time to adjust to the high-altitude region. Cusco is a city that resides at 4800 mts above sea level. The highest mountain pass along the Salkantay Trail is at a soaring 13,830 ft (4,214 m).
Tips for the Trekking Staff
The guides, porters and chefs on the Salkantay Trek work very hard to give you the best trek experience. They are paid for the work but if you feel you have had a good experience it is your choice to whether you tip or not. A general guide for tipping is $50 to $70 per person, which will include all the Salkantay Trek staff.
The Salkantay Trail trek is a once in a lifetime adventure that passes some of the most beautiful scenery that you will see anywhere in the world. A challenging hike with the reward of Machu Picchu at the end of your tour.
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Independent reviews from guests who explored Peru with our local team.
slamice
Aug 2026, 2026 · Solo
5 out of 5
Excellent experience on 2 day tour
A friend recommended me to Sam’s. It was a great experience. After making it to Cusco they walked me through everything at the office.
We were a small group which was great for faster pacing the tour guide Israel was a very nice and knowledgeable guy. He is also very patient and relaxed, which helped a lot. I think he knows every tour guide in Machu Pichu.
Everything Sam’s provided, including the food and accommodations was much appreciated. I took the two day Machu Pichu tour. The weather was bad for the 4 -5 day Inca trail but Sam’s made our tour work. 100% would recommend.
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DianaFran72
Apr 2026 · Couples
5 out of 5
Great 3-day Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour
Henry shared a wealth of historical and cultural information during our first day in the Sacred Valley. Cristian then guided us patiently and cheerfully on the hike to the Sun Gate and around Machu Picchu. His love for his heritage made two long days especially memorable.
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Elisa Yaeger
Aug 2026 · Solo
5 out of 5
Salkantay Trek 4 days
SAME Travel is an incredible tour group. Saul responded to me immediately & took a phone call to answer any questions I had. Jose was my guide & wow was he amazing. The best smile, the most positive attitude, & the most encouraging (especially during the 9 hours of hiking in the snow & rain). I could not have asked for a better guide! The chefs were great & accommodated my vegan needs. & the horseman made sure our luggage arrived safely & dry! & another great aspect of this tour group is that the groups themselves are small, making it feel more personalized. I would definitely book another tour with SAM!
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19_traveler15
Aug 2026· Couples
5 out of 5
Short Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu
I contacted SAM Travel directly approx 8 months in advance to book the short Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu for my 50th birthday.
The typical tour is a return from Cusco, but we were staying in Ollantaytambo so I requested to join the tour from Ollayantambo and finish in Cusco.
Booking went very smoothly and over the coming months both Nicole and Edison were very responsive to any questions I had such as how my main luggage would be collected from Ollantaytambo and be ready for our return to cusco.
The night before our tour, our guide Juan contacted me to discuss the logistics for the following day. Upon arrival at the train station Juan recognised us immediately (I sent him a picture of us) and ensured that we were comfortable with the itinerary.
We were booked onto a group trip but to it turned out to be just my husband and I. Juan was absolutely amazing, He made our trip an unforgettable experience and we could not have asked for a better guide.
During the trek, Juan allowed us to walk at our own pace so that we could enjoy the scenery and manage the altitude. He explained the history of the Incan ruins and Machu Picchu in great detail and was very attentive to our needs.
He made sure that our overnight bags were waiting at the hotel in Aguas Calientes for our arrival after the trek and he also ensured that our main luggage was collected from Ollantaytambo and was on the bus with us back to Cusco.
Upon arrival in Cusco, Juan even made sure that we got checked into our hotel ok before eventually we had to say our sad goodbyes.
We cannot thank Juan enough for giving us the best experience and we would highly recommend him as a guide.
“Tupananchiskama, Juan! Sulpayki por todo”
.
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Eleonora T
Aug 2026 • Couples
5 out of 5
Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu
We did the 3-day and 2-night tour, the first day tour of the Sacred Valley (truly incredible places) with explanations of the various sites of interest, day 2 short Inca Trail, the guide (Israel) was excellent with us, he set a good pace and breaks to explain some little curiosities. Lunch is included and is very good. Finally, the last day visit to Machu Picchu, exhaustive and interesting. The transportation is excellently organized, and the luggage delivery system was also very convenient for us! We highly recommend Sam Travel :)
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Daniel A
Aug 2026 • Friends
5 out of 5
Classic Inca Trail
We booked the 4 day Inca Trail during which we unfortunately encountered freak weather with torrential rain meaning parts of the trail were closed by the government due to mud slides after our first day forcing us to turn back the next day. Despite this our guides Ray and Jimmy immediately contacted the office and organised alternative routes, trains, busses, and accommodation allowing us to then complete the alternative trek starting from km 104 on day 3, enter Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate and return on Day 4 for a brilliant guide through Machu Picchu itself by which point the weather was brilliant again.
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Daniel Austin
Aug 2026
5 out of 5
What an experience of a lifetime. Our travel guide, Joseph, and our chef, Andres, both went above and beyond to make our trek incredible.
Joseph is a true master of the mountain trails. He is articulate, friendly, and encouraging to hikers on his care. He always makes sure you know the plan. A truly fun guy to hang out with, too. When a couple hikers in our group got sick, one of them on Sankaltay Pass trail, he put many extra steps in going back and forth to make sure the fellow hiker got to safety by horse, and he was in total confidence the whole time. You're in good hands with Joseph.
Now, regarding food, I am 20+ years vegan, and I fully expected to have a hard time when it came to the catering on the trail. Chef Andres not only fully understood what vegan means, he made every meal a culinary work of art, and the fellow hikers in my group were in awe of the dishes Andres made just for me. And he never made a mistake on vegan ingredients, always confident in what he made. Keep in mind, Andres and his crew made the hike with us every day, which usually kicked our asses, but Andres and his team made incredible dishes 3 times a day after hiking. It was just unbelievable how hard this crew works and how passionate they are about their work.
It was a great fortune to have booked through Sam Travel and to have gotten Joseph and Andres taking care of us out there.
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Yasamin Vafai
Aug, 2026
5 out of 5
Elias Usca was an amazing guide for our 4 day hike for our honeymoon. Originally we were going to do the Inca Trail, but then we had to reschedule into this trek because there was a landslide on the Inca Trail. Elias make sure that this experience was unforgettable, even if it wasn’t what we had originally planned for, we were happy that we ended up doing the Salkantay with him! When I was struggling with the altitude, he helped me, and even helped carry my bag and arrange a horse for me. He was great at thinking on his feet and even helped our group with having different schedules for the third day based off of everybody’s preferences and abilities. Every night the accommodations were so comfortable and even had hot showers! I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the food, with multiple delicious dishes for every meal prepared by our chef Evereth. Elias was very knowledgeable and shared great facts about the nature and the history of the Inca people during our time with him. He and our group were also super fun, and I was so sad when the trip was over! The vibes were the best.
This was definitely worth the money, with everything smoothly planned from the first hotel pickup to the final meal! I can’t recommend it enough!.
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Omid Boozarpour
Aug 24, 2026
5 out of 5
We had an amazing time on our salkantay trek with Elias Usca as our guide! We actually were supposed to be doing an inca trail trek with SAM travels, but a landslide caused the trail to be closed! They contacted us promptly and helped us find an alternate trek immediately that would still get us to machu picchu. We were worried about the difficulty, and although it was certainly tough, our guide went above and beyond to help us all the way. Got us horses for the harder bits, even offered to carry our packs when things got tough. The whole while he was encouraging and so friendly. Cracking jokes and keeping our spirits up. He knew so much about the sites and was always offering information and pointing out interesting things. Cant say enough good things about him. We wouldnt have made it without him as well as Eberth and our cook/porter team who kept us well fed and happy! Another thing was sam travels as a whole was always looking for ways to tailor the trek to us and they helped find alternate paths when some in our group were unable to continue as planned. Definitely will be recommending to others!.
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Alice
Aug 21, 2026
5 out of 5
amazing hike, amazing guides, amazing group, amazing everything !! despite the rain and the closing of the trail, our great guides Jimmy and Ray still found a way to let us safely experience this hike while enjoying the food Edison cooked for us.
we’ll never forget this experience and the stunning inka trail :)
(and also a special thanks to the team of porters who hiked and set up camp in the rain, you’ve been amazing)
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Elisa Yaeger
Aug 20, 2026
5 out of 5
SAME Travel is an incredible tour group. Saul responded to me immediately & took a phone call to answer any questions I had. Jose was my guide & wow was he amazing. The best smile, the most positive attitude, & the most encouraging (especially during the 9 hours of hiking in the snow & rain). I could not have asked for a better guide! The chefs were great & accommodated my vegan needs. & the horseman made sure our luggage arrived safely & dry! & another great aspect of this tour group is that the groups themselves are small, making it feel more personalized. I would definitely book another tour with SAM!.
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Cecilia Castelli
Aug 19, 2026
5 out of 5
We had an absolutely amazing time with Chris and Daniel during our three-day Sacred Valley experience, including the Short Inca Trail and Machu Picchu, followed by a trip to Pallay Punchu.
Every single place we visited was absolutely stunning, and the service throughout the entire trip was exceptional. Everything was perfectly organized, which allowed us to simply enjoy the experience and take in the incredible scenery.
Chris was absolutely the best! He is incredibly kind, knowledgeable, and passionate about what he does. He had an answer to every question we asked and shared so much interesting information along the way. Beyond his knowledge, he is simply a wonderful person who made the experience even more special.
Daniel, our driver, was also fantastic. He was so kind, warm, and professional, and always made us feel comfortable and well taken care of. Honestly, it felt less like touring with guides and more like traveling with close friends or family. Both Chris and Daniel were incredibly sweet, welcoming, and genuinely cared about making our trip memorable.
I cannot recommend this company highly enough, and I would especially recommend Chris and Daniel to anyone visiting Peru. They made an already incredible trip truly unforgettable!
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Carolyn
Jun 29, 2026
5 out of 5
Rainbow Mt and Lake Titikaka
For the second part of our Classic Inca Trail package, we hiked Rainbow Mountain and then toured the islands of Lake Titikaka. On this portion of our trip package, we were able to spend a day/night/morning with a local family on Isla Amantaní. What an incredible experience to really got to understand the culture! Our guide Christian (Chris) from Sam’s Travel was an incredible resource helping us to not only navigate where to be, but also helped us converse with the local community. In addition to being an excellent guide and very knowledgeable, Christian was an AMAZING photographer for our group so we are all in all of the photos!.
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Joann Campos
Apr 24, 2026
5 out of 5
The Ultimate Birthday Bucket List Experience – The Dream Team of Liz and Abdul!
I recently checked a major dream off my birthday bucket list with an incredible 3-day tour of the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain. This experience was everything I hoped for and more, largely because of the outstanding duo of Liz Montesinos and Abdul. If you are booking with SAM Travel, I cannot recommend this pair enough—they work so perfectly together as a team that it made our entire journey feel seamless and special.
Liz Montesinos is an absolutely wonderful guide who brought so much heart to our experience. What stood out most was her intense passion for her culture and her country; she doesn’t just share facts, she shares her heritage with a deep pride that makes the history of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu truly come alive. She was also incredibly attentive, always making sure we were comfortable and helping us capture the most stunning photos of our milestone trip.
While Liz provided the incredible storytelling and cultural depth, Abdul was the perfect partner behind the wheel. He is a fantastic driver who made us feel completely safe and relaxed, even on the winding mountain roads. Seeing them work in tandem allowed us to just focus on the magic of Peru. They truly operate as a "dream team," and their combined energy and professionalism made this a birthday I will never forget. If you want the best experience possible, be sure to ask for Liz and Abdul together!.
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Susan
Oct 9, 2025
5 out of 5
The Inca Trail with the best guide.
We did the 3 night, 4 day Inca Trail with Sam Travel Peru and our guide and organiser was Josep Quiñonez Alvarez. It was a fantastic experience and Josep made it extra special. He is extremely experienced so was able to read the group very well and make adjustments to the route when necessary. His knowledge of the Incan civilisation was excellent and he was able to convey it in superb English with passion and enthusiasm. Despite the ardours of the trail we had a great 4 days, which undoubtedly was definitely down to Josef.
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Jen Thomas
Oct 3, 2024
5 out of 5
An amazing adventure
Sam Travel Peru were brilliant from start to finish on the 4 day classic Inca Trail. They were well organised which made for a smooth and enjoyable experience. The guides Henry and Jimmy were amazing, so fun and helpful. They were informative about Inca history and really knew how to keep the group energised and having a good time. The chef (Mario) came up with some delicious food, pretty incredible at such remote locations. So thankful for the porters too, who made the experience so much more enjoyable by carrying everything to make camp each night (as well as our duffle bags). An all round spectacular experience, so grateful to a wonderful team.
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Isabel Batteria
Apr 17, 2024
5 out of 5
Patient and supportive guide
Raymier respected my pace on the Short Inca Trail, never rushed me and supported me throughout. He was knowledgeable, funny and knew the best places for photos.
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