The best alternative to the Inca Trail — wilder, more dramatic, and no permits required
The Salkantay Trek is widely considered the best alternative to the Inca Trail — and for many adventurers, it surpasses it. Named after the sacred Apu Salkantay (meaning "Savage Mountain" in Quechua), this route takes you beneath a towering 6,270m glaciated peak before descending through cloud forests, coffee plantations, and tropical valleys to reach Machu Picchu.
Unlike the Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek requires no advance permits, making it a flexible option for travelers. The route passes through five distinct ecological zones, offering a biodiversity and landscape variety that is simply unmatched in the region.
Choose between camping or lodge — 4, 5, or 7 days of pure Andean adventure
(16 km • 8-hour hike)Depart from Cusco for Soraypampa . Hike to Humantay Lake (4,200 m) and camp next to Salkantay Mountain (3,900 m) . A first day filled with high-altitude landscapes and Andean energy.
Pickup in Cusco: You'll depart early in the morning from your hotel in Cusco to begin this journey to the start of the trek . The first stop will be Mollepata, a picturesque Andean village located about two and a half hours from Cusco. During the journey, you'll enjoy spectacular views of the Andes Mountains.
Five ecological zones in one incredible journey
Cross the dramatic high-altitude pass at 4,630m beneath the glacier of Apu Salkantay — the spiritual heart of the trek
Descend through lush cloud forest teeming with orchids, hummingbirds, and exotic wildlife as you drop into warmer elevations
Pass through subtropical valleys of coffee, banana, and passion fruit farms — a unique contrast to the high Andes above
Soak your tired legs in the natural thermal baths of Santa Teresa — a perfect reward after the toughest days on the trail
Arrive by train or on foot to Aguas Calientes, the gateway town to Machu Picchu, with a well-deserved dinner and rest
The grand finale — a guided tour of the iconic Inca citadel with your expert local guide, fully included in all our packages
Not sure which route to choose? Here's a quick comparison
| Feature | Salkantay Trek | Classic Inca Trail |
|---|---|---|
| Permits required | No | Yes |
| Max altitude | 4,630m | 4,215m |
| Duration | 4–5 days | 4 days |
| Distance | ~74 km | ~43 km |
| Crowd level | Low | Moderate–High |
| Booking notice | Flexible | 4–8 months ahead |
| Ecological variety | 5 zones | 3 zones |
| Ends at Machu Picchu | Yes | Yes |
Local knowledge makes all the difference on a remote route like this
Registered with GERCETUR, AATC and the Municipality of Cusco
Fresh, hot meals prepared by our trail cook every day of the trek
Maximum 12 trekkers per group for a personal, authentic experience
Reachable by WhatsApp at any hour before, during, and after your trek
Everything you need to know about the Salkantay Trek
No permits needed — flexible booking, unforgettable experience.
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