Claire Dean
Claire Dean

Claire Dean

Travel in South America is a joy to behold. The rich variety of destinations, experiences, landscapes and geography fascinated me so much, that I chose to relocate here, over 20 years ago! The best thing I ever did! Allow me to share my knowledge and passion for Central and South America with you and help you plan your holiday of a lifetime!

8 Day Salkantay Trekking Tour

8 Day Salkantay Trekking Tour

4MINREAD

Written by:Claire Dean

Published: 2022-09-20

If you suddenly decide to take a trip to Peru and have left it too late to book the Inca trail to Machu Picchu, don’t worry. Don´t put off your trip to Peru because you didn’t reserve your Inca Trail spot because the Salkantay Trail is just as beautiful, if not more so, and is available at short notice. You’ll pass by snowy mountains and a sacred Inca Mountain, find a pristine, turquoise glacial lake, and then descend into the coffee-growing region and the cloud forest, taking in some of the most beautiful landscapes you will ever see. You can even add on a ziplining expedition and a visit to the hot springs; The Salkantay Trail is full of surprises!

 

The fabulous Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is considered one of the best alternatives to Trek to the Inca city when there are no permits available for the Inca Trail. This spectacular Trek is all about the snowy peaks, mountain landscapes, and authentic trekking experiences in The Peruvian Andes.

Llama Near Salkantay


The 8-day Salkantay trekking tour allows you to balance acclimatization time and free time to explore the majestic Inca Capital of Cusco with its architectural masterpieces and narrow cobbled streets.

 

This 8 day Salkantay Trek trip allows for acclimatization days in Cusco to make sure you don´t have any issues along the Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu. Make sure you visit some of the local Cusco archaeological sites and do some short hiking trails around the ruin to help you prepare!

Saqsaywaman, Cusco

 

Day 1

It is arrival day to Cusco, found at a whopping 3400m elevation. Depending on your flight time, you can explore this magical city and sample its exquisite cuisine. In the evening, you will meet up with your guide, who will offer a detailed pre-trek briefing to answer any questions you may have and explain to you all about the beautiful trekking experience of The Salkantay Trek.

 

On your Cusco tours, it is important to take it easy yet see the local sights and wander the Cusco streets. This Inca capital has wonderful cobblestone streets to wander as you acclimatize for your Salkantay Trek!

Cusco Streets

 

Day 2

It is a free day to explore in-depth the city of Cusco. Choose between a visit to the local archaeological sites of Saqsaywaman, Qenqo, and Tambomachay or even head out on a visit to the magnificent Sacred Valley of The Incas.

 

When you travel to Cusco Peru for your Salkantay rail to Machu Picchu hike, take the time to check out Cusco´s incredible architecture. Around every corner, there is a stunning adobe wall or ancient Inca archaeological site that just adds to the mystery and magical energy of the "navel of the world".

Cusco Street

 

Day 3

Bright and early, we will depart from Cusco to the Salkantay Trailhead in Mollepata. We will begin our hike to the village of Soraypampa, and there will be time to visit the spectacular glacial lake of Humantay in the afternoon. 

 

The National Geographic Adventure Magazine named The Salkantay Trek among its top 25 best treks in the world! Salkantay Trek is the perfect option for hikers who want to experience the beautiful Andean scenery of Peru, pass through a variety of different altitudes, and the fascinating scenery and ecosystems that brings, as well as stunning views that will make your jaw drop.

Salkantay Trek

 
 

Day 4


This day is an epic adventure, and you’ll most likely be shown on as you ascend to the highest pass on the trek at 4,630 meters elevation.  Here, you will have a mesmerizing view of the sacred Salkantay mountain standing at 6,271 m elevation. You will then descend into a valley where you’ll have lunch. After lunch, the trail continues descending into the jungle to Chaullay, where you will spend the night.

 

The highest point you will reach on the Salkantay hike is over 4600 meters above sea level, called the Salkantay Pass. This is why the first few days in Cusco are crucial to avoid altitude sickness. Believe me when I say it is completely worth it! The better acclimatised you are prior to The Salkantay Trek the better trekking experience you will have!

Mules On The Salkantay Trek

 

 

Day 5

 

This is a much easier trekking day as you have passed the snow and cold and will find yourself hiking through jungle terrain on your way to Santa Teresa. You will arrive in Santa Teresa after lunch, and from there, you can visit the impressive hot springs of Colcamayo. You can relax there for most of the afternoon until dinner, enjoying the warm waters and a beautiful view of the Peruvian mountains. The thermal baths make for the best way to recharge your body after trekking and before heading to Machu Picchu.

 

Salkantay Mountain is the highest peak in the Vilcabamba mountain range, making it one of the most prominent mountains in Peru. This is probably why local people consider it a holy mountain or "Apu". The name Salkantay originates from the Quechua word ‘Salqa’ which means ‘invincible, savage, or wild. Salkantay is difficult and dangerous, even for experienced mountaineers which is why most people stick to the Salkantay hike around the peak.

Salkantay Trek

 

Day 6

 

Today is our final day of trekking as we visit the magnificent Llactapata ruins and can see the stunning Machu Picchu in the distance for the first time. We will descend into the jungle and through impressive coffee plantations as we make our way to Hydro Electric. After lunch, we will follow the train tracks on a hot hike through the jungle to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll spend the night before going to Machu Picchu.

 

Once you have passed the highest point along the Salkanty Trek to Machu Picchu you will descent into cloud forest. Part of this section is hiking into Aguas Calientes along the train tracks. Remember that although this is flat terrain it does come with its challenges. Drink plenty of water, use lots of mozzy repellent, and avoid the trains!

Hiking The Railway Tracks

 

 

Day 7

 

Today is all about Machu Picchu. You’ll want to be in line for the bus to Machu Picchu bright and early when the gate opens at 6 am.  Your guide will be there waiting and will show you the famous ruins for a 2-hour tour of the principal sights inside the impressive Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. After the visit, you can have lunch in Aguas Calientes before you take the train to Ollantaytambo, where our transfer will be waiting to take you back to Cusco. 

 

 
Finally, the jewel in the crown awaits you after 4 days of hiking the Salkantay Trail - Machu Picchu in all its glory! One of the main advantages of The Salkantay Trek is that you get to sleep in a bed the night before your Machu Picchu visit and have a hot shower after 4 days of trekking!

Llamas at Machu Picchu

 


Day 8

 

We will ensure you are at the airport in time for your flight back home as you wonder and marvel at the diversity of the trek you have just experienced. You’ll have passed from Cusco to a pristine lake high in the mountains, through a snowy mountain pass, before descending into the jungle to arrive at the most desirable site in all of South America, Machu Picchu.

 

Local interaction opportunities along the Salkantay Trek are also an added bonus!. You Will pass through high elevaion Andean communities, as well as lower-elevation coffee and cacao farms in the cloud forest. This is the perfect way to see the local people and their everyday activities!

Local People on the Salkantay Route

 

Book the magnificent 8-day Salkantay Trekking experience with Valencia travel here.
 

SHARE THIS POST