A five-day alternative route to Machu Picchu that climbs over the Salkantay pass, traverses puna and cloud forest, and finishes with a guided visit to the citadel. Expect high-altitude days, diverse ecosystems, and a mix of camping and one hotel night.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Dawn breaks cold and thin at Soraypampa, the air tasting of glacial stone as the first silhouettes of Salkantay and Humantay rear above the valley. The trail climbs under a sky that can shift from blinding sun to wind-driven cloud in an hour, sending you from puna grass and wind-scoured moraine to the humid, green lungs of the cloud forest.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
5 days
Fitness Level
Good aerobic fitness and previous multi-day hiking experience recommended; comfortable with long uphill days at altitude.
Wildlife
History
Salkantay has long been held as an apu, or sacred mountain, and the trail follows ancient corridors that connected highland communities to lower tropical valleys and the Inca heartland.
Conservation
High visitor numbers strain trails and camp sites; stick to established camps, carry out waste, and respect local water sources to minimize impact.
Reserve your spot on the Salkantay to Machupicchu 5 Days and 4 Nights today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize in Cusco first
Spend at least 24–48 hours in Cusco doing light activity to reduce altitude sickness risk before starting the trek.
Pack for variable weather
Bring waterproof outer layers and sun protection; rain and bright sun can both arrive in a single day at different elevations.
Hydrate and watch pace
Drink often and set a steady pace on ascents—altitude, not distance, determines difficulty here.
Reserve Machu Picchu permits early
Tickets for Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu are limited; book your entrance and train early in high season.
Sturdy waterproof hiking boots
Support and traction for rocky passes and muddy cloud-forest trails.
Insulating layer (down or synthetic jacket)
Nights at high camp can drop below freezing, and summit winds are cold.
Waterproof shell jacket and pants
Critical for sudden mountain rain and wind in the cloud forest.
Daypack with hydration reservoir and rain cover
Keeps water, snacks and layers accessible during long walking days.