A V A I L A B I L I T Y & R E S E R V A T I O N S
SALKANTAY TREK
SALKANTAY TREK - PAWKARKANCHA AVAILABILITY & PERMITS
Where is the Salkantay Trek?
The Salkantay Trek is located in southern Peru, in the Cusco region, and it begins near the small village of Mollepata, about 3 hours by car from Cusco city. The trek passes through the Vilcabamba mountain range, reaching altitudes over 4,600 meters (15,000 ft), before descending through cloud forests to reach Machu Picchu.
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What places will you see on the Salkantay Trail?
This route offers a unique combination of landscapes that you will not find on any other trail to Machu Picchu:- Humantay Lake: – A turquoise water mirror at the foot of glaciers.
- Nevado Salkantay: A sacred mountain over 6,200 meters high.
- Cloud forests: Rich in Andean flora and fauna.
- Crystalline rivers, waterfalls and coffee plantations.
- La llegada a Machu Picchu desde Aguas Calientes, con la opción de subir en bus o caminando.
SALKANTAY - PAWKARKANCHA TRAIL AVAILABILITY AND PERMITS
The Salkantay route does not require a special permit like the Inca Trail, but agencies have limited quotas per group, so it is advisable to book in advance, especially in high season (May to September).
RECOMMENDATIONS
What to take to the Salkantay Trek?
Good preparation is key to enjoy this hike. Here is a basic list of what to bring:
- Small backpack for the day
- Waterproof trekking boots
- Thermal clothing and change of clothes
- Waterproof / windproof jacket
- Trekking poles (optional)
- Sunscreen, cap, sunglasses
- Flask or reusable bottle
- Energy snacks
- Toilet paper and personal hygiene products
- Linterna frontal
- Original passport (to enter Machu Picchu)
Tips before trekking the Salkantay
- Previous acclimatization: Spend at least 2 days in Cusco before the trek.
- Physical condition: Moderate physical condition is required.
- Recommended season: April to October (dry season).
- Reserve in advance: To ensure space and better organization.
- Carry soles in cash: There are no ATMs on the route.
- Avoid carrying too much: Mules carry part of the luggage, but you carry the rest.
Be physically and mentally prepared for extreme changes in climate and altitude.
The Salkantay Trail reaches altitudes of up to 4,650 meters above sea level, where the air is thinner and temperatures can drop below 0°C at night, while during the day you may experience intense heat in tropical areas. Be sure to acclimatize at least 2 days in Cusco before the trek, hydrate constantly and avoid alcohol and heavy meals. Good preparation can make the difference between enjoying this incredible adventure to the fullest or having to abandon it before reaching Machu Picchu.
FREQUENT QUESTIONS
The classic Salkantay Trek usually takes 5 days and 4 nights, although you can find shorter (4 days) or longer (7 days) versions depending on the operator. The journey takes you through stunning landscapes—from snowy mountain passes to lush cloud forests. The final day is typically reserved for a guided visit to Machu Picchu, which you'll reach after staying overnight in Aguas Calientes.
The best time to hike Salkantay is during the dry season, from April to October. During these months, you'll enjoy clearer skies, more stable weather, and safer trails. June and July offer the best visibility, but also colder nights. The rainy season (January to March) is not recommended due to landslides and slippery paths.
Absolutely. Acclimatization is key to avoiding altitude sickness. The highest point of the trek is the Salkantay Pass (4,650 m / 15,255 ft), and it's quite a challenge if you're not used to high altitudes. We recommend staying in Cusco or the Sacred Valley for at least 2–3 days before starting the trek to let your body adjust.
While it's possible to hike the trail independently, most travelers choose to go with a professional tour operator. Agencies provide experienced guides, transportation, meals, camping gear, and entry to Machu Picchu. Many even offer 'glamping' domes or upgraded lodging. If you're not an experienced trekker, going with a tour is the safest and most convenient option.
This trek is considered moderately to highly challenging, mainly due to the altitude and long hiking days (6–9 hours daily). You don’t need to be a professional athlete, but having a good fitness level and some trekking experience will definitely help. Day 2, when you cross the Salkantay Pass, is usually the toughest part.
Facilities vary depending on the camp. In more developed camps like Soraypampa, Chaullay, or Santa Teresa, you'll find basic toilets and showers—though hot water is not always available. Some premium tours include private or semi-private bathrooms and hot showers. Either way, it’s wise to bring your own toiletries and toilet paper.
Yes, most tour packages include the general entrance ticket to Machu Picchu and transportation back to Cusco (usually by train and bus). However, if you want to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you need to book those tickets in advance, as space is limited and sells out quickly.
While it’s not recommended for young kids or seniors with health issues, active teens and older adults in good physical condition can complete the trek successfully with proper preparation. Choose an agency that offers support options like horses, porters, or a personalized pace if needed.
Cell service is very limited throughout the trek. You might get a weak signal in certain camps or towns, especially if you use local carriers like Claro or Movistar. Some lodges offer Wi-Fi for an extra fee, but don’t count on it being fast or reliable. Best to let friends and family know you’ll be offline for a few days.
Most tour companies are prepared for these situations and offer emergency horses, first-aid kits, and oxygen. The guides are trained to handle altitude sickness or injuries. Still, we highly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers high-altitude hiking and medical emergencies—just to be safe.