Salkantay Trek Peru
A spectacular journey from the high Andes through the Salkantay Pass and into the tropical landscapes surrounding Machu Picchu.
Salkantay Trek Information
About the Salkantay Trek
The Salkantay Trek is one of the most popular and beautiful trekking routes to reach Machu Picchu.
This route starts in the high Andes of Peru and gradually descends toward the border of the Peruvian jungle. The landscape is unique, with the impressive Salkantay Mountain and beautiful views of the lush jungle vegetation.
Along the route, travelers can experience dramatic changes in altitude, climate and vegetation, as well as the fauna of both the Andes and the jungle.
Salkantay Trek Itinerary
Day 01 Cusco 3,400 m – Umantay Lake 4,100 m – Soraypampa 3,800 m
After breakfast at the hotel, we travel by car for approximately three hours to Soraypampa, enjoying the beautiful views of the valley along the way.
We arrive at Soraypampa and hike up to Umantay Lake at 4,100 meters. The lake is located below Umantay Mountain.
After visiting the lake, we descend to our first campsite in Soraypampa, where we spend the night at 3,800 meters.
We sleep in tents.
Day 02 Soraypampa 3,800 m – Abra Salkantay Pass 4,630 m – Challway 2,850 m
We have an early breakfast in Soraypampa and then begin hiking toward Abra Salkantay, the highest point of this trek.
After crossing the pass, we enter the jungle region of Peru. As we descend, the landscape becomes increasingly green and tropical.
We continue until reaching our next campsite at Challway, where we spend the night in tents.
This campsite is warm and there may be some mosquitoes.
Day 03 Challway 2,850 m – Hidroelectrica 1,890 m – Aguas Calientes 2,050 m
We are now in the border area of the jungle and enjoy the lush green vegetation surrounding the route.
From Challway, we travel by car to Playa Sahuayaco, where we can try Peruvian coffee and see coffee plants and local fruits such as passion fruit, avocado, banana and oranges.
We then continue by car to Santa Teresa, where we have lunch and visit the hot springs of Santa Teresa.
Afterward, we continue by car to Hidroelectrica. From there, we take the train to Aguas Calientes, where we spend the night in a hotel at approximately 2,050 meters.
Day 04 Aguas Calientes 2,050 m – Machu Picchu 2,400 m – Cusco 3,400 m
After an early breakfast at the hotel, we take the bus to the entrance of Machu Picchu, which opens at 6:00 am.
We enjoy approximately one hour of guided exploration and then have the opportunity to visit the Sun Gate or hike up to Huayna Picchu, depending on the arrangements and availability.
After the guided visit, you can explore Machu Picchu independently.
We then return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch and take the train to Ollantaytambo. Finally, we transfer by car back to your hotel in Cusco.
Why Choose the Salkantay Trek?
The Salkantay Trek is an excellent choice for travelers who want to experience the dramatic diversity of the Peruvian Andes on their way to Machu Picchu.
The route combines high mountain landscapes, the spectacular Salkantay Pass, tropical vegetation, local communities and the unforgettable destination of Machu Picchu.
With Peru Mountain Climb, you can experience this spectacular route with a local team focused on personalized service, mountain safety and responsible travel.