Salkantay & Classic Inca Trail Trek 7 Days
From, per person
US$ 1,170
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- Salkantay Trek
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
Glaciers, Humantay Lake and cloud forest on the most spectacular alternative to the Inca Trail. No permits needed, so you can book with short notice.
- Tours
- 4
- From
- US$ 130
- Duration
- 1–7 days
- Highest point4,630 m at Salkantay Pass
- Distance60 to 75 km depending on the route
- HighlightHumantay Lake (4,200 m)
- Trek permitsNot required
The essentials
What to know before you choose
Why Salkantay
You walk beneath the glaciers of Salkantay (6,271 m), reach turquoise Humantay Lake and descend into cloud forest and coffee farms before reaching Machu Picchu. Fewer people than the Inca Trail and no permits to wait for.
Difficulty
Challenging: the second day crosses the 4,630 m pass. Spend at least two nights in Cusco first. Horses carry the luggage and an emergency horse travels with every group.
Best season
April to October brings clear skies, with freezing nights near the pass. From December to March the trails are muddy but the route stays open.
Salkantay + Inca Trail
Combine Salkantay with the last section of the Inca Trail and arrive through the Sun Gate. This route needs an Inca Trail permit: we check live availability for your dates.
Every option
All Salkantay Trek tours
Salkantay Trek 4 Days / 3 Nights
From, per person
US$ 750
Humantay Lake Tour from Cusco (Full Day)
From, per person
US$ 130
Chonta Valley of the Condors and Humantay Lagoon 2 Days Tour
From, per person
US$ 350
Not sure which one?
Tell us your dates, pace and budget. A local advisor replies with an honest recommendation.
Questions
Questions about Salkantay Trek
It reaches a higher pass (about 4,630 m) and has longer days, so it is more demanding in altitude. In exchange it has fewer people and needs no permit.
No trekking permit is needed, so you can book at short notice. You only need a Machu Picchu entrance ticket for the last day, which we buy for you.
Nights at the first camp, below the pass, can drop below 0 °C in the dry season. Bring warm layers, a hat and gloves; we provide sleeping bags rated for the cold on request.
Licences, certifications and partners
DIRCETUR CuscoCertificationCódigo de Conducta ESNNACertificationLibro de ReclamacionesCertificationIzipaySecure paymentPayPalSecure paymentVisa · Mastercard · AMEX · DinersSecure payment