How is the Salkantay Trek?

The Salkantay trek passes through stunning landscapes varying from the cloud forest to the high mountains. Along the way you will see the fantastic views of second highest mountain in the Cusco area - Salkantay ("Savage mountain" from Quechua) standing at 20,574' (6,271 m). This trek to Machu Picchu goes through unfrequented areas and combines culture and tradition with the incredible flora and fauna offered by Peru. You will be in the real Andes and the perfect conditions to get a sense of the life in the area.

We show yiu the detailed salkantay trekking distances we will follow to get to the Lost city of the Incas.

Along the salkantay trekking tour we will travel into andes to have amazing experiences in Cusco Peru, some days are cold but all the tour is unforgettable, you will remenber all your life about this experience.

Salkantay Trek is a great alternative day after day to the Inca Trail. Going this route, you'll be able to visit some of the most beautiful places in the Andean jungle and see the snow covered Salkantay Mountain (altitude is 6372 m). You will have the opportunity to see beautiful landscapes with a variety of endemic flora and fauna and stop by part of the Inca trail, Llactapata, which is an enclosure built on the mountain facing Machu Picchu.

Salkantay Trek Distances

The standard route on the mountain is the Northeast ridge. Accessing the route typically involves three days of travel from Cusco. The climb involves about 1,800 m (5,900 ft) of vertical gain, on glacier, snow, ice, and some rock.

Cusco – Soraypampa

Altitude

• Starting Elevation “Mollepata” . 9,515 feet (2900 meters)
• Campsite Elevation “Soraypampa” – 3850 meters / 12631ft
• Considered : Moderate
The area : Andes

Distance

• Total distance 15 km (aprox.)
• Estimated walking time 7 - 7 hours
• Maximum altitude point 3,800 m (aprox.)
• Campsite altitude 3,800 m (aprox.)

Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass - Challway

Altitude

• Highest Elevation “Salkantay pass” – 4600 meters /15090 ft
• Campsite Elevation “Challway” – (3000m/9842f)
• Considered : Difficult The area : Andes, Salkantay Glaciar

Distance

• Total distance 16 km (aprox.)
• Estimated walking time 6 - 7 hours
• Maximum altitude point 2,750 m (aprox.)
• Campsite altitude 1,600 m (aprox.)

Challway – Santa Teresa

Altitude

• Starting Elevation . “Challway” – (3000m/9842f)
• Campsite Elevation “Santa Teresa” – 1811 meters / 7055 ft
• Considered : Moderate
The area : Cloud Forest

Distance

• Total distance 16 km (aprox.)
• Estimated walking time 6 - 7 hours
• Maximum altitude point 2,750 m (aprox.)
• Campsite altitude 1,600 m (aprox.)

Santa Teresa - Aguas Calientes

Altitude

• Walking Distance – 15km / 9 miles
• Starting Elevation “Santa Teresa” – 1811 meters / 7055 ft
• Hotel Elevation “Aguas Calientes” – 2050 meters / 7986 ft
• Considered : Moderate
• The area : Cloud Forest

Distance

• Total distance 7 km (aprox.)
• Estimated walking time 2 - 3 hours
• Maximum altitude point 2,700 m (aprox.)
• Campsite altitude 2,700 m (aprox.)

Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Altitude

• Machupicchu Inca City 7,972' (2,430 m)
• Huaynapicchu sacred Mountain 8,924' (2,720 m)