The 5 Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is one of the most popular methods to hike to Machu Picchu. Less famous than the renowned Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek is both simpler to book and a cheaper trek as there are no authorizations involved. On top of that, numerous say the Salkantay is just as stunning if not more so than the Inca Trail!
For these factors, lots of people trying to find a multi-day trek to Machu Picchu select the Salkantay Trek. This challenging trek is best for those trying to find a more rugged and incredibly less crowded option to the Machu Picchu Inca Path tour. Read on for additional information about this legendary 5-day Salkantay trek in Peru.The Salkantay
Trek in Peru: Background Details
< img width="958"height=" 565 "src ="https://nomadisbeautiful.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-15-105347.png" alt= "Salkantay Trek in Peru"/ > Source The Salkantay Trek in Peru is 74 km(46 miles)long and is most commonly treked over 4-5 days (with a visit to Machu Picchu on Day 5). The Salkantay trek holds historical significance, and like the Inca Trail, was a route the Incas when took to get to Machu Picchu. The main distinction is that the Salkantay Trek is through the mountains reaching almost 5,000 m above sea level, whereas the Inca Trail is walking through
ruins much of the method. It is stated that the Salkantay Trek was the path that religious leaders took to get to Machu Picchu because the greater elevations brought them “closer to god.” The Salkantay Trek is named after the mountain that the trail passes, The Salkantay Mountain. It isn’t simply this mountain you’ll see on the hike though as the path provides varying landscapes consisting of glaciers and tropical Andean forests.
The Salkantay trek begins in the town of Mollepata. This is where you’ll begin your journey towards Soraypampa, your very first camping site. Along the method, you’ll travel through stunning Andean villages and take pleasure in amazing views of the snow-capped peaks of the Salkantay and Humantay mountains.Altitude is a REAL
Concern! Source
It deserves stressing about the importance of acclimatization and the possibility of acute mountain sickness. Attempt to arrive in Cusco at least two or 3 days before the trek starts and concentrate on doing some light exercise. Close to Cusco, are Sacsaywaman and Qenqo ruins, which are incredible places to visit. You can take a lot of excursion from Cusco and provide your body a long time to adjust to the elevation.
There are a lot of things to do in Sacred Valley near Cusco, such as an uphill walking to Pisac Ruins or going to Rainbow Mountain, both of which are at high elevations.Acclimatization is a vital element of the Salkantay Path to Machu Picchu. It involves hiking at high elevations where the air is thin and oxygen levels are lower. It is very important to invest a minimum of two to three days in Cusco or other high-altitude areas before beginning the trek. Sufficient acclimatization is really essential due to the fact that you will invest the first night 3800 meters above sea level. The following day, you will cross the mountain pass and sleep about 3900 meters above water level, which is actually high for an unacclimatized hiker. Although nobody can ever understand how you will be impacted by the altitude, it is constantly much better to be prepared and know what to anticipate (you may experience a headache or lack of breath for example). Mules play a vital function in supporting treks like the Salkantay Trek. They are typically used to carry products, devices, and luggage for trekkers. The rugged terrain and high elevations of
the Salkantay Trail make it challenging to carry heavy loads on foot. This makes mules vital for transporting equipment and supplies to the campgrounds along the route.Why Book a Guided Trek? 
Source Hiking with an assisted group is the most comfortable alternative for delighting in the Salkantay Trek. Generally, the most difficult thing will be to discover the right, expert, and sincere trip operator. Always remember you will get the service you’ve spent for … sometimes it is unworthy saving a couple of dollars and ruining your experience. When you take a tour, you do not need to fret about food, transportation, campsites, or equipment.
Camping devices is included in the rate, you must only rent a sleeping bag with linen, bed mattress, or walking poles if required). Always examine if the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu gate and Machu Picchu entrance is included in the last price.
You will also stroll only with your day pack as the travel agencies have porters who carry your extra clothing for you. Hiking is a joy when all you require to focus on is the quality of your photos and the sensational landscapes all around you.Booking a directed Salkantay Trek journey with a trusted Peru travel agency like Valencia Travel Cusco uses numerous advantages. You can improve your total experience and ensure a safe and enjoyable journey through The Andes. Experienced guides are familiar with the terrain, weather, and cultural significance of the locations you’ll be travelling through.Another thing to think about is that on the very first day, you check out the spectacular
Humantay Lagoon. This turquoise lake is a brief hike from Soraypampa on day one and many individuals really do a day trek there. However, while you remain in the area, it’s a fantastic concept to visit Humantay Lake on the Salkantay Travelling path. You can likewise unwind in natural hot springs on your 3rd day in Santa Teresa. Access to such beautiful natural swimming pools definitely makes the Salkantay trek an excellent option for your trek to Machu Picchu! Humantay Lake is a spectacular turquoise lake situated near the base of the Humantay Glacier. It is a popular destination for trekkers on the Salkantay Trek, as it provides awesome natural beauty and a possibility to experience the high Andean landscape up close.Plan your journeys: When is the very best time to hike the Salkantay Trek? Source With a little bit of preparation, you can hike the Salkantay Trek throughout the year, most likely with the exception of February, the wettest month of the year. The official dry season begins in May and ends in October. During those 6 months, you have a high possibility to see clear skies and delight in the sunshine throughout the day.
Anticipate great deals of hikers, particularly in June, July, and August, when people in the U.S.A. and Europe have vacations. These months are Peruvian winter, which suggests the weather is bright, dry, and more steady, but temperatures are lower. The rainy season starts in November and ends in April. Hiking in this season is more unpredictable.The best time to trek
the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is throughout the dry season. This ranges from May to September. During this time, the weather condition is usually clear and dry, with bright days and cool nights, making it perfect for travelling in The Andes. It rains the most in February when there is likewise a higher opportunity of landslides, mudslides, and some blockaded sections. That’s why trusted business, don’t run the trek in February. If you plan on hiking separately, to
stay safe, we advise preventing strolling the trail in February, too, simply in case. The rainy season is the summertime, which implies temperatures are higher, although it still gets cold in the evening, especially at high elevations. The rainy season on the Salkantay Trek ranges from November to March. January and February normally experience the heaviest rainfall. The Salkantay Trek is a spectacular experience traversing a spiritual Apu
.”Apus”were the divine beings of the Inca civilization. This sacred, ancient path offers so much more than just an alternative method to get to Machu Picchu. It’s a stunning, tough hike through the heart of the Peruvian Andes. A trek that takes you past snowy peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, verdant cloud forests
, and along ancient trails that wind their way through the Andes. If you wish to trek the Extraordinary Salkantay Trek, contact Valencia Travel Cusco to schedule your legendary hike in The Andes Mountains of Peru!