High-mountain trekking
Hike beside the Salkantay snow-capped peak, pass Humantay Lake and sleep in domes with mountain views. Choose 2 days with glamping or 4 to 5 days to Machu Picchu.
TrekHumantay Lake · Salkantay · Cusco
TrekMachu PicchuHumantay Lake · Salkantay · Sacred Valley · Ollantaytambo +3
TrekMachu PicchuHumantay Lake · Salkantay · Sacred Valley · Ollantaytambo +3
The Salkantay Trek is a high-mountain route that starts in the Mollepata area, west of Cusco, and circles the Salkantay snow-capped peak, one of the highest in the region, at more than 6,000 m. In a few days you go from Andean grasslands and glacial lakes to warmer, greener valleys on the way to Machu Picchu. It is an alternative to the Inca Trail for those who want mountain scenery and did not get permits, or simply prefer this route.
You leave Cusco for Mollepata and Challacancha, climb to Humantay Lake and sleep in the Sky Lodge Domes at Soraypampa, with kitchen service. It does not reach Machu Picchu: it is for experiencing the mountains on a short getaway.
Combines the hike with two nights in Sky Domes and one night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes, meals included and a visit to Machu Picchu on the last day.
The most complete version, with more hiking time and glamping along the way before reaching the citadel.
It is a demanding trek. The highest point, the Salkantay Pass, exceeds 4,500 m above sea level, and Humantay Lake is at about 4,200 m. It is not technical, but you hike several hours a day with long climbs and thin air. We recommend arriving in Cusco at least two days earlier to acclimatize and training with long hikes before the trip.
Nights at altitude are cold, even in the dry season. Bring thermal clothing, a warm jacket, a rain jacket, a hat, gloves, sunscreen and trekking footwear that is already broken in.
The dry season, from May to October, has clear skies and better views of the snow-capped peak, although the nights are colder. Between November and April it rains more often and the trail can be muddy. Unlike the Inca Trail, the Salkantay does not have an annual closure in February, although those weeks are usually rainy.
We are a local team in Cusco and we explain honestly the level of each version before you book. In the quote we confirm what each day includes, the meals and the type of lodging, and we send you the recommended gear list.
Frequently asked questions
Don’t see your question? Message us and we’ll answer on WhatsApp.
It is demanding because of the altitude: the Salkantay Pass exceeds 4,500 m above sea level. It requires no technical skill, but it does require good physical condition and acclimatizing in Cusco beforehand.
The 4- and 5-day versions end with a visit to Machu Picchu. The 2-day version with glamping focuses on the snow-capped peak and Humantay Lake, without Machu Picchu.
In glamping-style domes in the mountains, such as the Sky Lodge Domes at Soraypampa, and on the versions to Machu Picchu, one night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
The Inca Trail permit is not required. You do need a Machu Picchu ticket on the versions that reach the citadel, and we arrange it for you.
Layered clothing, thermal wear for the night, a warm jacket, a rain jacket, a hat, gloves, sunscreen and comfortable trekking footwear that is already broken in.
Other destinations
Tell us how many days you have and who you’re traveling with. We’ll recommend the trip that fits best.
Official registrations, trade associations and awards that back our work.
We use cookiesWe use our own and third-party cookies to measure visits and show you relevant ads. You can accept, reject or configure them. Cookie policy
