The Salkantay trek is probably the second-most famous trek in the Peruvian Andes, and one of the most spectacular! The Salkantay trekking routes see you  passing through exquisite alpine scenery before descending into the tropical jungle and then onto Machu Picchu itself!

We offer many Salkantay hiking options

As trek specialists in the Cusco area each of our Salkantay treks is designed to get you off the beaten track, and away from the crowds.  We offer more unique experiences and connection with nature than the other operators!

• a 4-day Salkantay trek – great for fit, experienced hikers;
• a 5-day Salkantay trek – the classic trail with a twist: a visit to Humantay Lake on Day 1;
• a combination Salkantay and Inca Trail hike – a 6-day adventure trek in Peru that lets you experience the best of two famous hikes;
• an Humantay Lake tour – a 1 day hike from Cusco to experience the beauty of this majestic turquoise lake, surrounded by stunning mountain views.

What makes the Salkantay trail special?

Considered one of the 25 Best Treks in the World by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine, the Salkantay trek offers you the chance to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Andes and marvel at the second-highest peak in the region.

The Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu was the being the first alternate that trail local operators started offering when the Peruvian government got strict about hiking the Inca Trail.

Don’t know what an alternative trek is – or why you might want to consider one? We’ve covered why you should do an alternative trek (like Salkantay) instead of the Inca trail at Choosing your Peru Trek.

It is only possible to hike Salkantay during the dry season (April-October) as the chance of mudslides make it dangerous to hike during rainy season (November-March).

Need help deciding which of the Salkantay treks right for you? 

• our Salkantay Trek Difficulty blog is an unvarnished look at just how hard the Salkantay trek really is – and if it’s right for you;
• Salkantay vs Lares gives you the highlights of each of these two popular alternative Inca Trail hikes. Each offers something a little different, so be sure to read this page to see which one is right for you!