The Salkantay route connects high Andes with cloud forest and finishes at Machu Picchu. It is a strong alternative to the Inca Trail with fewer daily crowds and flexible departures. It has been listed among the best trekking routes in the world which gave it a big reputation fast and for good reason. Terrain changes fast, temperatures swing, and that pass day tests your legs. Worth it.
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To enter Machu Picchu citadel you must buy a Machu Picchu entry ticket in advance. Don’t forget the Boleto Turístico for sites around Cusco—Sacsayhuamán, Pisac or Tambomachay require it. Approximately 130 soles covers most pre trek ruins. If you miss it you’ll add local ticket stands and extra queues to your schedule.
Bring sunscreen with high SPF; the sun at 4 000 m punishes bare skin. Sunglasses. Rain jacket—rain showers can start without warning. Layers: a thermal shirt under a fleece under a windbreaker covers most conditions. Sturdy boots only. A small day pack for water and snacks. Also carry enough soles for snacks or emergencies.
Pickpockets in crowded markets around Plaza de Armas know how to work a crowd. Keep valuables inside inner pockets. Beware of tuk tuk or taxi scams after dusk—always agree the price first. I once saw a solo hiker wander off camp after dark and nearly slip on wet grass. Night walks alone are a bad idea.
Use a duffel or trekking pack under 8 kg; porters carry the rest. Pack toiletries in ziplock bags in case of bag tears. Carry water purification tablets or a filter straw. Quick energy bars. A headlamp with spare batteries. If you’re short on space you can rent sleeping bags locally but quality varies.
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It is a five day hike linking high Andes with jungle fringe before Machu Picchu and each stretch changes climate fast from cold wind above 4600 m to humid warmth below 2200 m I still wonder if that shift ever seems natural
Most groups walk for four nights and five days though some add an extra night by hot springs in Aguas Calientes you start near Mollepata then camp by Collpapampa next move up to Soraypampa before crossing the pass on day three drop into Wayracmachay or Challacancha day four reaches Lucmabamba then train ride out of Aguas Calientes on day five
Trail sections last six to nine hours with steep climbs above Soraypampa pass so you need moderate to strong endurance you should train on hills or stair climbs I once struggled with breathing above 4000 m and still made it through
You must buy your Machu Picchu entry ticket in advance online or at Cusco offices and carry the Boleto Turístico that covers Sacsayhuamán Pisac and Tambomachay ruins near Urubamba it runs about 130 soles and cuts hours off queues otherwise you’ll queue at each site
Pack layers a thermal shirt under a fleece under windbreaker handles sun glare and sudden showers Sunscreen 50 plus is non negotiable Rain jacket over pack Toothbrush small towel and ziplock bags protect electronics Water filter straw or purification tablets Snacks like energy bars Headlamp plus spare batteries Boots with ankle support Day pack only porters carry the heavy load
Flights land at Alejandro Velasco Astete airport then you choose colectivos from the southern station or private vans from your hotel colectivos fill fast narrow seats but cost less private vans leave on time and drop you at Mollepata or Challacancha heading back you catch the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo then vans or buses return you to Cusco
Pickpockets work markets around Plaza de Armas so wallet in inside pocket At night Aguas Calientes blackouts are common carry a flashlight Taxi drivers at the airport quote high fares agree price before you get in Avoid solo night walks on muddy ridge trails and beware of unofficial guide offers near the train platform they vanish fast
The dry months run roughly May through October with clear skies but cold nights Wet season falls November through April with lush green slopes and muddy paths you’ll need extra patience some mornings trail sections get slippery
Above 3000 m you may feel headache nausea or breathlessness Acclimatize in Cusco for two or three days walk easy on first day drink plenty of water I felt dizzy at Soraypampa but rested and pushed on
Porters carry your big backpack cooks prepare hot meals and guides navigate trails some tours include first aid kits oxygen tanks or a hot spring visit near Aguas Calientes quality varies so ask what’s in the package before you pay
A multi-day hike linking high Andes with jungle fringe before Machu Picchu. You cross a 4 600 m pass then drop to about 2 100 m. Camps set near glacial lakes and rivers. I’m still not sure the shift from freezing winds to humid heat ever feels normal.
You start near Challacancha after a short ride from Cusco city center’s transport terminal. First camp at Collpapampa offers a view of snow-topped peak Humantay looming above. Next push leads to Soraypampa zone where you pitch tents beside the glacier-fed lagoon. The climb to the pass is brutal and every step tests breathing. Then you plunge into dense cloud forest, trail soggy, roots everywhere. Lucmabamba area feels almost tropical by noon on day four. Finally you reach Aguas Calientes where hot springs and crowds await before the last stretch to Machu Picchu sanctuary
Access to Machu Picchu citadel needs an entry ticket bought in advance online or at Cusco offices. Also the Boleto Turístico covers Sacsayhuamán fortress and Pisac ruins near Urubamba town. It costs approximately 130 soles and saves hours of line-ups. Miss it and you join extra queues at each site.
Layering is vital. Base layer under fleece under windbreaker handles sun glare and sudden storms. Sunscreen SPF 50 or more can’t be skipped. Rain jacket that fits over pack. Boots with ankle support. Day pack only—porters carry the rest. Water filter straw or purification tablets. Snacks like energy bars. Headlamp plus spare batteries. I once forgot a rain cover and my bag soaked through. Rookie mistake.
City pickpockets work markets around Plaza de Armas so wallet in inner pocket. At night blackouts hit Aguas Calientes often—flashlight required. Taxi drivers at the airport might quote wild fares; agree price beforehand or walk to official booth. Solo night walks on steep paths? Bad idea. Also watch for unofficial guides offering last-minute deals near train platform. They vanish.
Airlines land at Alejandro Velasco Astete airport outside Cusco. Taxi ride or colectivos vans get you downtown. Colectivos leave from the southern station early, they cram gear in trunk, seats tight. A private transfer costs more but you sit without squeezing and pick-up from hotel. Return from Machu Picchu area means train ticket to Ollantaytambo then bus or minivan back on main road.
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