You can’t go to Peru and not see Machu Picchu.  As much as it is special to see this urban Incan Empire built at its height of power and achievement, its the journey to get there, the challenge, and triumphant conquering to get there that stays with you forever.  It’s no secret that the Inca Trail is the de-facto hike but if you’re wanting a way less crowded experience and interested in experiencing and looking to see a diverse landscape on the way, the second most popular way to hike Machu Picchu is around the imposing peak of Salkantay Mountain.

As you start planning your trip to Peru, know all the facts and learn why you should consider the Salkantay option.

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Why choose the Salkantay trek?

Salkantay Trekking Group Photo Pointing

This is probably the biggest question that every traveller asks when trying to figure out how to plan their Peru trip.  How do you choose which Machu Picchu hike to do?  Sure there’s the Inca Trail, but are other options available to you and if so, why would you pick it over the world famous one?

Dynamic landscape scenery

Most will attest that the Salkantay route surpasses the Inca Trail in a number of ways when it comes to landscapes.  The most impressive sight you’ll see along the road is the imposing Salkantay mountain and its glaciers that seem to follow you all the way throughout.  This route also has the added benefit of being able to see larger animals such as deer, foxes, and chinchillas.  The vegetation and plant life is very diverse in this region alongside the lush valleys and high jungles that you’ll be descending through.

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In contrast, the Inca Trail has less of a mountain view and has a clear focus on the ruins which you will not see as much of via Salkantay.

More off the beaten path

If you’re looking for a hike where you’re not constantly sandwiched between hiking groups and blazed past by porters from other companies, Salkantay is significantly better of an option.  With tourism rising in Peru and the Inca Trail more popular than ever, the trail is anything but quiet.

When we did the Inca Trail, we seemed to be sharing large campsites with other companies and groups.  Anytime we took a break, we were being passed and the only time we didn’t see many people was when we were so slow that we were bringing up the rear of all hikers on the trail that day.

The Salkantay trek on the other hand, has 72% less traffic where the latest statistics have Salkantay at 50 people on the trail vs 180 on the Inca Trail.  This means that you can truly get the sense that you’re out in the wilderness on your own.  Campsites are less crowded and there are never any traffic jams.

This trek also has the opportunity for side adventures where you’ll be able to visit small jungle farms and coffee co-ops, which provides an immersive experience to get a better understanding of what high Andean culture is like.

There are no more Inca Trail permits

Did you book your trip last minute?  Are you the type of traveller that likes to figure things out once you get to a new country?  If that’s the case, you’re probably already out of luck in terms of doing the Inca Trail.  What most people don’t realize is that you need to book the permits at least 9 months in advance now.

While nobody likes being sloppy seconds, Salkantay becomes the next best option which I personally feel like rivals the third option which is the Lares trek.

So unlike the Inca Trail, you can literally show up to Cusco and book a spot on a trek just like that.  Since spots are less competitive, prices are naturally lower and more affordable.

Differences With Inca Trail

Salkantay Vistas

You’ve read the above and you’re probably still wondering, “Will, that’s great and all but seriously what are the big differences between the two hikes?”  Well, your questions are answered in this nifty table:

Salkantay Inca Trail
Days54
DifficultyMedium to DifficultMedium
Distance75 km (46.60 mi)43 km (26 mi)
Maximum Altitude4,650 m (15,157 ft)4,200 m (13,779 ft)
Number of hikers per day50180
Price400 USD645 USD
AvailabilityWide availability even during high seasonMinimum 9 months to book Inca Trail permit
HighlightSnow-capped and glacier covered Salkantay mountainInca Ruins along the way
AdvantageJaw-dropping scenery that is way less crowded.You hike straight into Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate, perfectly timed for sunrise.
DisadvantageOn your trip to Machu Picchu, you’re with everyone else thatYou need to plan way in advance for this. It is also quite crowded on the trail so if you’re hoping for an experience where you’re out there on your own, this may not be for you.
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Who to Trek With?

Zig Zag Trail of Salkantay

Once you’ve figured out that you’re going to be the Salkantay trek, you’ll need to pick a tour operator to take you out there.

I’ve done the Inca Trail and I’ll be the first to tell you that having a good trekking company can make or break your trip.  It’s about the guides, attention to detail, gear, quality of food, and how well they treat their porters.

Having done a fair bit of research on this topic, the company that continuously came up as the most well ranked is Salkantay Trekking.  Taking in feedback from my friends that had gone on the trip and having read through too many reviews to count, here are my top reasons for why you should choose them.

Why Salkantay Trekking

  1. Well priced – With the classic 5 day trek only costing $400 USD, talk about tremendous value when you consider the fact that means only $80/night which includes the superhero porters, food, gear, guide, and transportation.
  2. Exclusive Mountain Sky Huts – If you’ve ever wanted to sleep under the stars like we did in the bubble hotel of Iceland, make sure you take advantage of Salkantay Trekking’s exclusive huts.  A solid rock structure with a glass dome, you’re almost guaranteed to see the Milky Way from here on the first night of the trek.
  3. Experience – Having been in business since 2004, these guys have a wealth of experience. Specializing in Salkantay (as the company’s name implies), there’s no situation they haven’t seen yet.  Their guides are professional and knowledgeable
  4. Safety – The well-being and safety of their clients come first and are very careful to make sure that everyone acclimatizes properly.  They also have a back up plan should you run into health issues.
  5. Phenomenal food – Considering that they have the lug the food up and they have limited supplies, it’s impressive how delicious they can make each meal.  Every meal includes different dishes and they even have the presentation bit down.
  6. 100% satisfaction guarantee – If the above wasn’t enough, they’ve been bold enough to promise that if there was any part of the trip that you weren’t happy with, they’ll happily refund your money.  Now I’m not sure if anyone’s activated this guarantee but it definitely puts travellers at ease knowing this is there.

A Visual Journey

So what is it like to be with Salkantay Trekking?

Here’s a map of what it looks like starting from the green dot in Cusco and moving clockwise, making it to the peak altitude of 4,630 meters (15,190 feet) at Salkantay Pass before finishing at Aguas Calientes and making it up to Machu Picchu on the last day.

Detailed Salkantay Trekking Map

Day 1: Cuzco – Mollepata to Soraypampa

You start off in Cusco in the morning and after 3 hours you get to Mollepata where the real journey begins.  This is relatively easy day and a good chance for you to get a feel for how well you’re dealing with altitude.  Day 1 is when you get the first glimpse of the Salkantay peak and a sneak peek of the views to come.

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To end off the day, you’re treated with the Mountain Sky Hut if you’re with Salkantay Trekking.

Salkantay cows sitting down
Salkantay Trekking Mountain View
Row of Mountain Sky Huts
Salkantay Trekking Night Time Milky Way

Day 2: Soraypampa to Chaullay via Salkantay Pass

The second day is the most challenging of all.  Be prepared to climb 710 meters (2,356 feet) in elevation gain.  It’ll feel like hell but when you get to the top of Salkantay Pass, you’ll be treated with epic vistas of the Salkantay glaciers.

Salkantay Day 2 Climbing
Salkantay Mountain View on Day 2
Snow Capped Salkantay Mountain

Day 3 – Chaullay to Lucmabamba

This day is a much welcomed easier day where you’ll be able to truly appreciate how diverse the landscape is here.  The trail takes you along a water stream and you will encounter things like waterfalls, tropical plants, fruit, and wildlife.  You’ll also pass through a number of farms perched on the hills before landing at base camp Lucmabamba and a nearby organic coffee plantation.

Salkantay Day 3
Tents of Salkantay Hike

Day 4 – Lucmabamba to Aguas Caliente via Llactapata and Hidroelectrica

The fourth day is exciting because you get an early start to the Llactapata Inca site where you’ll see Machu Picchu in the distance.  Yes, you do see a few Inca sites with Salkantay Trekking.  In the afternoon, you also get to see the 300 meter high waterfall which generates electricity for Cusco along with the ancient rock, Intiwatana, which was used as a sundial in ancient times.

At the end of the day, you’ll follow a trail beside the train tracks and eventually end up in Aguas Calientes where you will stay at a local hostel overnight.

Tough Hiking Up Salkantay Trek
Train Tracks of Salkantay Trekking

Day 5 – Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu finally.  You’ll want to wake up at 4AM to start your hike up from Aguas Calientes to get to the front entrance to Machu Picchu which doesn’t open until 6AM.  Don’t underestimate the stairs on the way up that you’ll need to take here so pace yourself!

Once you’re in, my recommendation would be to hike up to Sun Gate to catch what you can of the sunrise.  Your package also includes a 2 hour tour of the grounds so make sure you walk through the ruins.

Huayna Picchu is also a possibility if you book tickets in advance.  I’ve done it and it is less daunting than it looks from afar.

dsc_4947
View from Huayna Picchu

What To Pack For Machu Picchu

For an extensive list on what to bring, check out our Peru Packing List. Here’s what you’ll need:

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If you’re interested in learning more, there’s a ton more I have from my amazing trip to Peru.  Don’t miss out on these pieces that will help you plan your awesome trip:

Travel Resources For Your Next Trip

If you’re in the process of planning your trip and putting together your itinerary, these are genuinely the best resources that the Going Awesome Places team stands by 100%.

Credit cards: Don’t get burned by hidden fees on top of terrible exchange rates. When we travel now, we use the Wise Card. Simply load it with the currency you need before you go and use it as a regular VISA or their digital wallet card. Use their free app to track how much you have and top up when you need to.

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Car Rental: If you’re looking to save money, these car rental coupon codes will be a true game-changer. Otherwise, DiscoverCars and RentalCars are great places to start.

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Airport Parking: You’ll need a spot to leave your car at the airport so why not book a spot at a discount. Use code AWESOME7 to get at least $5 off at Airport Parking Reservations or Park Sleep Fly packages.

eSIM: Lately, we’ve really loved using eSIMs. We’ve tested several over the years and we have access to a few special promotions.

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Wifi Hotspot: We’ve been a huge fan of wifi hotspot devices such as PokeFi (use code GAP24300) because their rates are are hard to beat and it works globally. Solis is another that we recommend. Pros are that you can share the wifi with your whole group but cons are that you have to invest in a device and you have to charge it every night.

Hotels: Our go-to is Booking.com because they have the best inventory of properties including hotels and B&Bs plus they have their Genius tier discounts. Expedia is also worth using especially with their One Key rewards program which is basically like cash. The exception is Asia where Agoda always has the best prices. Always do a quick check on TripAdvisor as well.

Vacation Rentals: Your first instinct will be to check Airbnb but we always recommend checking VRBO as well if you’re looking for a vacation rental (now eligible for One Key).

Tours and Activities: When planning our trips, we always check both Viator and GetYourGuide to at least see what’s out there in the destination that we’re going to. They often have different offerings and prices so check both.

Travel Insurance: Learn how to buy the best travel insurance for you. This isn’t something you want to travel without.

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If you need more help planning your trip, make sure to check out our Travel Toolbox where we highlight all of the gear, resources, and tools we use when traveling.

William Tang of Going Awesome Places
About The Author

Will Tang

Will Tang, founder of Going Awesome Places, has traveled to 51 countries. He shares his insanely detailed itineraries, travel guides, and packing lists. Will’s travels have been featured on Huffington Post, Men’s Journal, and Entrepreneur.

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