5-Day Salkantay Trek: The Best Alternative to Machu Picchu
When most people think of hiking to Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail is the first one that comes to mind. However, there are less crowded alternative routes of getting to Machu Picchu that offer equally, if not more, spectacular views. The Salkantay Trek is one of them.
The 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is a 74 km (46 miles) trail, typically completed in 5 days / 4 nights. While the trailhead is in Mollepata, most tours leave from Cusco. The Salkantay Trek hiking trail is perfect for those seeking a more off-the-beaten-path adventure, with the ultimate goal of reaching the iconic peaks of Machu Picchu.
In this blog post, I will include a day-by-day overview of the 5-Day Salkantay Trek, the main stops and highlights, as well as my personal tips. If you’re unsure which multi day hikes near Cusco to choose from, the Salkantay Trek is a great option. Not only is this one of the best alternative routes of getting to Machu Picchu, but it’s also less crowded than the Inca Trail.
5-Day Salkantay Trek Overview & Map
The 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu was one of the highlights on our 2-month backpacking trip in South America. The trek takes you through high altitudes and different landscapes in just 5 days. Ultimately, the trek culminates with Machu Picchu and its impressive archeological discoveries.
- Duration: 5 days, 4 nights
- Distance: 74 km (46 miles)
- Salkantay Trek Difficulty: moderate to challenging
- Best time to go: May to September, during the dry season
- Starting Point: Mollepata
- End Point: Machu Picchu (return to Cusco, either by train from Aguas Calientes or bus from Hidroelectrica)
- Accommodation Salkantay Trek: camping, eco-lodges, cabins and hostel (last night only, in Aguas Calientes)
- Highlights: Humantay Lake, Salkantay Pass (highest point), as well as Machu Picchu
- Good to know: prior acclimatization is essential
Day 1: From Mollepata to Soraypampa (Humantay Lake optional)
Campsite: Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft)
Max altitude: 4,200 m / 13,780 ft | Total distance: 14 km / 8.7 mi | | Hiking Time: 5/6 h
At 4 am, we were picked up from our hostel in Cusco and brought by bus to Mollepata. After a large breakfast and another hour of driving, we were ready to start the 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. Compared to the other days, the first was short and served as acclimatization to the high altitude.
We reached the first campsite on Salkantay Trek just on time for lunch, in Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft). After that, also as an exercise to get used to the high elevation on the Salkantay Trek, we decided to hike to Humantay lake (4,200 m / 13,780 ft). Although this is an option hike, I highly recommend it to anyone.
I’m not gonna lie, the lack of oxygen made the short hike quite difficult. Once at the top though, the magnetic blue colour of the glacier lake made us forget about all the efforts. The view was simply breathtaking.
In spite of Humantay Lake’s beauty, the highlight of the first day was definitely the night sky. We saw a sky full of bright stars. We could also see the Milky Way very clearly. Unfortunately, it was very cold and I was in too much disbelief to think of grabbing my camera. So this time around, you’ll just have to trust me!
Day 2: From Soraypampa to Chaullay, crossing Salkantay Pass
Campsite: Chaullay (2,900 m / 9,514 ft)
Max altitude: 4,629 m / 15,187 ft | Total distance: 24 km / 14.9 mi | | Hiking Time: 10 h
The second day of our Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu began early. At 5 am, we were greeted with a warm cup of coca tea. By 6:30 am, we were already on the hiking trail. Our goal was to reach the Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the trek at 4,600 m (15,092 ft). The Salkantay Trek elevation really hits you on this stretch! It’s where the altitude kicks in and every step feels twice as hard.
At the top, we enjoyed the sight of the snowy peaks of Salkantay (6,264 m / 20,551 ft). Notably, it is the second highest mountain in the Cusco region (after Ausangate) and of the Vilcabamba mountain range.
Unfortunately though, the landscape as we saw it is the result of some drastic changes. In fact, in February 2020 a large section of the glacier fell off and into one of the lakes below. As a result, this incident caused a large quantity of water to flow out of the lake and down the valley. The result was a mudslide that tragically killed several people of the neighboring villages.
As we began descending, fog rolled in over the snowy peaks, bringing a cool breeze. Within two hours, the rocky path turned into lush green forest. We reached our next campsite in Chaullay, shared a meal with the group, and turned in early for another long day ahead.
Day 3: From Chaullay to Lucmabamba
Campsite: Lucmabamba (2,400 m / 7,874 ft)
Max altitude: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft | Total distance: 18 km / 11.2 mi | | Hiking Time: 7 h
This morning was warmer compared to the previous days. But, warmth and tropical temperature also means more mosquitos. So, make sure to bring some repellent with you, as this could really make the difference to your overall experience.
On this day, we trekked across the Santa Teresa valley. We enjoyed views of waterfalls, orchids, avocado trees, granadilla (similar to maracuja) and coffee plantation fields. Then, to cool down, we stopped for a swim at the side of the river.
After arriving at our next campsite on Salkantay Trek, we explored the local organic coffee farm. Here, we learnt about the Peruvian coffee production process, from fruit to bean to grounded coffee. In fact, coffee is the main farming industry for the people in this region. Originally, it was brought to the Cusco region by the Spanish during the colonial time.
In the afternoon, we decided to head down to the hot springs. After 3 days of walking, our muscles thanked us for it. The hot spring at Santa Teresa was an optional activity. But, its 4 pools of medium to hot water, were a welcome add-on to the Salkantay trekking experience.
Day 4: From Lucmabamba to Aguas Calientes
Hostel: Aguas Calientes (2,000 m / 6,562 ft)
Max altitude: 2,850 m / 9,350 ft | Total distance: 27 km / 16.7 mi | | Hiking Time: 10 h
For our final breakfast, our chef woke us up with a huge cake. Although this is not very typical on any treks we’ve experienced before, the sweet wake up was more than welcomed.
As with every other morning, we hit the Salkantay Trek hiking trail very early. On this day, the path crossed the famous Inca Trail. On the way we visited the archaeological site of Llactapata, located right in front of Machu Picchu.
From a distance, we were able to see the Machu Picchu archaeological site. Also, we enjoyed the views of Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu mountains. Machu Picchu means “Old mountain” in Quechua. This indigenous language is spoken even today by people living primarily in the Peruvian Andes.
We continued on the Salkantay Trek hiking trail for another 2 hours following a series of switchbacks and steep downhill. Then, we arrived at Hidroelectrica train station for lunch. Afterwards, we reached the train tracks, which we followed until Aguas Calientes. The trail we took was the same as the one the American professor Hiram Bingham followed. In fact, he used this trail before rediscovering the long lost city of Machu Picchu.
Day 5: Reaching Machu Picchu on foot and return to Cusco
Accommodation: Cusco (not included in the trek)
Max altitude: 2,000 m / 6,562 ft | Total distance: 24 km / 14.9 mi | | Hiking Time: 6 h
When we started the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu, we decided to avoid public transportation whenever possible. Reaching Machu Picchu was no different! In fact, there are two options to reach the entrance to the archeological site. You can either take a bus from Aguas Calientes or you can hike up the mountain. We went for the second option!
We started hiking around 5 am, as soon as the gates to the hike opened. After many steps, we reached the top just on time for sunrise. The experience was amazing and would recommend it to anyone!
With our group, we had a guided tour of the archeological site. We then continued the visit with a trek to the Machu Picchu mountain. Mainly thanks to the engineering abilities of the Incas, we are still able today to visit the temples, terraces, and farming fields. These areas were once used by its community. When it was first discovered, the site was covered in thick vegetation and in a state of disrepair. Today, it is protected by the UNESCO World Heritage and constitutes one of the 7 Wonders of the World.
After climbing Machu Picchu mountain, we had to make our way down to Aguas Calientes. We walked back to Hidroelectrica, where a minivan drove us back to Cusco.
FAQ on 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
Can I hike the Salkantay Trek solo and without a Guide?
There are many backpackers going on the trek without a tour guide. Also, All Trails provides great insights on how to plan the trek independently. This being said, you would need to carry a lot of weight if you camp on your own. Considering the Salkantay Trek elevation gain and general altitude, we thought going with an organized local tour was a better idea.
What are some benefits of booking with an organized tour?
On the tour there is a main guide. A chef prepares all the meals. A mule carries your heavier weight. There is also a transfer to the hot springs on the third day. Obviously, there are some tours more expensive than others. But, after talking to some hikers that organized the trek on their own, the difference in price to a tour is not great. It would just be a different experience.
Should I book the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu in advance?
We booked the Salkantay trek online before departure, but going back, we would avoid it. Firstly, because prices online are higher than those charged in person. Secondly, because there are so many tour companies offering the trek that there is rarely a shortage. So, in case you are flexible with the dates, my advice is to book the trek once you arrive in Cusco.
What is the best time of the year to do the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu?
When planing the Salkantay trek, it’s important to keep in mind that Peru has two main seasons. The dry season goes from May to October and the rainy from November to April. Generally, it’s advised to do the trek during the dry season. During the rainy season some tour operators will not operate and landslides can block some of the paths.
Do you feel the Salkantay Trek elevation and get altitude sickness?
Yes, you do. Don’t underestimate high altitudes, as it can be dangerous and ruin your entire trip. Inform yourself before the trek and plan enough time to acclimatise in Cusco. Drink enough water at all times, pack some altitude sickness pills and walk at a steady pace. Luckily, we did not feel sick at any altitude. But, we met several people that had to interrupt their trip because of it.
What is a must-have item during the trip?
Walking sticks will become your best friend during the Salkantay Trek. If you don’t have a pair, your tour agency can lend you some.
What do you eat on the Salkantay Trek?
All the meals are prepared and served by the tour chef. We were very lucky as our food was always delicious and varied from one day to another. We had vegetarian food as well. Breakfast was mainly porridge and warm tea. Lunch and dinner were rice, veggies, meat and other proteins. In addition, we carried plenty of snacks for the entire hiking trip.
Where do you wash yourself on the Salkantay Trek?
Well the truth is that you don’t really. We carried wet wipes with us and in some occasions there were showers on the way at an extra cost. Aside of Day 1, all the other days had a shower option.
From Aguas Calientes: How can I get to Machu Picchu by Hiking?
You can hike from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, which takes about 1 hour uphill to reach the main entrance. Our ticket entrance time was at sunrise, so we woke up before 4 am and made our way to the top. If you plan to climb Machu Picchu mountain itself, be ready for an additional 2 hours of hiking to the summit. If you also need to get back to Hidroelectrica to catch a bus to Cusco, add around 4 more hours of walking.
We chose to walk instead of taking the bus, and although our legs were pretty much broken by the end of the day, it was totally worth it — no regrets!
From Aguas Calientes: How can I get to Machu Picchu Without Hiking?
If you prefer a less strenuous way, you can take the bus from Aguas Calientes up to Machu Picchu’s entrance. This might be a better choice if your ticket includes access to Machu Picchu mountain, so you can save energy for that climb. The bus ride is quick and helps conserve your strength for exploring the ruins.
Should I go back to Cusco on the last day or spend one extra day in Aguas Calientes?
If you do the Salkantay trek with a tour, but still want to spend some extra days on your own at Machu Picchu, you can do so by informing the tour company. In that case, they can arrange a bus or train transportation for you on another day (at an extra cost).
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