Salkantay Trek FAQs

The Salkantay Trek is a 74 km, 5-day high-altitude trek that passes beneath the Salkantay glacier (6,271 m) over a dramatic 4,638 m mountain pass before descending through cloud forest and subtropical jungle to reach Machu Picchu. It is consistently rated one of the top 25 treks in the world by National Geographic.

Yes. Unlike the Inca Trail which closes every February for maintenance, the Salkantay Trek has no closure period and is available 365 days a year. This makes it the most popular alternative when Inca Trail permits are sold out or during February.

The top highlights include:

• Up-close views of the Salkantay glacier (6,271 m) — one of the most sacred Apu mountains in Andean culture
• Crossing the dramatic Salkantay Pass at 4,638 m
• Descending through three completely different ecosystems in 5 days
• The hot springs at Cocalmayo on Day 4 — a perfect reward after tough days
• Arriving at Machu Picchu via a different and less-crowded route than the Inca Trail

The classic version is 5 days / 4 nights covering approximately 74 km. We also offer a 7-day version that adds extra acclimatization days and visits additional Inca sites along the route. Both versions end at Machu Picchu.

No. The Salkantay Trek does not require a government permit like the Inca Trail. You simply need to book with a licensed tour operator. This is one of the biggest advantages of the Salkantay — you can book it anytime, even weeks before your trip, without worrying about permits selling out.

Because no daily permit limit exists, you can book relatively last-minute. However, we recommend booking at least 2–4 weeks in advance during peak season (June–August) to ensure availability with a quality operator. The Machu Picchu entry ticket on Day 5 should still be booked 1–3 months ahead during peak season.

Technically yes — unlike the Inca Trail, there is no legal requirement to use a guide on the Salkantay. However, we strongly recommend going with an operator for safety reasons: the route passes remote, high-altitude terrain with extreme weather and limited evacuation options. A good guide, cook, and horse support makes the experience significantly safer and more enjoyable.

The Salkantay Trek is rated challenging to strenuous — harder than the Inca Trail on average. The key difficulties are:

• Altitude: The pass at 4,638 m is 423 m higher than the Inca Trail's Dead Woman's Pass
• Distance: 74 km over 5 days vs 43 km over 4 days
• Terrain: Rocky, steep, and uneven — especially near the pass
• Weather: More exposed to extreme cold and wind at the pass

That said, fit and well-prepared trekkers complete it successfully every day.

Day 2 is the most demanding — a 3:00 AM pre-dawn start to climb to the Salkantay Pass at 4,638 m by sunrise. The ascent is steep, dark, cold, and at extreme altitude. The descent afterward is long and knee-intensive. Most hikers take 8–10 hours total on Day 2.

You should be in good to excellent physical condition. We recommend training for at least 3 months before the trek with regular cardio, hiking with elevation gain, and stair climbing. Prior trekking experience at altitude is a significant advantage. This is not a beginner's trek.

A sleeping bag rated to −10°C or lower is essential for the Salkantay. Nights at Soraypampa camp near the glacier can drop to −10°C in dry season and even colder in rainy season. A −5°C bag (sufficient for the Inca Trail) is not adequate here.

Yes — on most days horses or mules carry the main camp equipment and your duffel bag (max 7 kg). You carry only your day pack. On some sections horses cannot access the trail and porters take over. Your operator will advise which days apply.

Absolutely yes! The hot springs at Cocalmayo on Day 4 are one of the most loved moments of the entire trek — soaking in natural thermal pools after 3 days of hard trekking is incredible. Pack a swimsuit and a small towel — you will not regret it.

The trek starts at Mollepata or Soraypampa (~3,900 m), reached by a 3-hour drive from Cusco. It ends at Machu Picchu on Day 5 via Aguas Calientes, then train and bus back to Cusco in the afternoon.

Yes. All meals are included from breakfast on Day 1 through lunch on Day 5. Your expedition cook prepares fresh, hot meals at each camp. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available — advise us when booking.

Some campsites have basic cold-water showers available. Days 3–4 at lower altitude campsites sometimes have slightly warmer water. Don't expect luxury facilities — bring wet wipes for days without shower access and your microfiber towel.

Signal is very limited on Days 1–3 near the high-altitude sections. Some campsites in the lower jungle zone (Days 3–4) have occasional signal. Plan to be offline for most of the trek. Full connectivity returns at Aguas Calientes on Day 4 evening.

Yes, slightly. The Salkantay Pass at 4,638 m is significantly higher than the Inca Trail's highest point at 4,215 m. This 423 m difference makes altitude sickness more likely, especially on Day 2. Acclimatizing in Cusco for at least 2–3 days before starting is even more important here than on the Inca Trail.

Our guides carry first aid kits and supplemental oxygen. In case of severe altitude sickness, the fastest remedy is immediate descent. The route design means that once you cross the pass, the trail descends rapidly — which helps with recovery. In emergencies, horse evacuation is possible on most sections. Travel insurance with helicopter evacuation is essential.

Yes — on Days 3–4 in the subtropical jungle sections, mosquitoes and insects are present. Bring DEET 30%+ repellent and consider long sleeves and pants for the jungle sections. The high-altitude sections (Days 1–2) have no insect issues due to the cold.

The Salkantay Trek is generally considered harder. It is longer (74 km vs 43 km), higher (4,638 m vs 4,215 m), and covers more rugged terrain. However, it is open year-round and requires no advance permit booking, making it more accessible logistically.

Both are spectacular but different. The Salkantay offers more dramatic and varied landscapes — from a 6,271 m glacier to tropical jungle in 5 days. The Inca Trail offers more Inca archaeological sites along the route and the iconic Sun Gate arrival at Machu Picchu. Both end at Machu Picchu.

Choose the Inca Trail if: you want to walk the original Inca path, you prioritize archaeological sites, you want to enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, and you've booked 6+ months in advance.

Choose the Salkantay Trek if: permits are sold out, you're visiting in February, you prefer dramatic natural scenery over ruins, you want a less crowded trail, or you're booking at short notice.

Generally yes. Without the government permit fee (which adds ~USD $150+ to the Inca Trail cost) and with no strict booking windows, the Salkantay Trek is typically 20–30% more affordable than a comparable Inca Trail package. Contact us for current pricing.