Salkantay Trek

Salkantay is a snow-capped peak in the Peruvian Andes, and there is a perfect and mandatory route for all trekking enthusiasts to reach it.

Photo: southernperuexplorers

This peak has 2 snow-covered summits, called China Salkantay and Female Salkantay. To the north of this place lies Machu Picchu, so it is common for those who trek to Salkantay to eventually reach this wonder of Peru.

Where It Takes Place

There are 2 routes to Salkantay, the first circuit starts from kilometer 88 of the railway line heading towards Machu Picchu. The second route, the most popular one, starts from Mollepata, and then these 2 paths merge at the pass, between the Salkantay and Humantay peaks.

Photo: salkantaytrekperu

Route

First Day: Depart early from Cusco by bus to the town of Mollepata, passing through Izcuchaca and Limatambo. The trek begins here, passing by the viewpoint where the Humantay peak is observed, also passing through Sayllapata, until reaching Soraypampa, the location of the first campsite.

Second Day: On this day, you go through a canyon that leads to the foothills of the Salkantay peak. The trek continues, discovering this imposing Apu, reaching the pass to descend and admire, with a trek lasting between 7 to 8 hours. The camp is set up on this second day.

Third Day: This day involves an even more exceptional trek to the Salkantay peak. Then you descend, passing by the river beach, cloud forests, reaching the next campsite in a 6 to 7-hour trek to Lucma Bamba. Typically, the route continues for 2 or 3 more days to reach the wonder of the world, Machu Picchu.

Photo: Marcia Zenf

Level

It is a challenging trek that requires good physical condition.

Distance

Covers a distance of almost 30 kilometers.

Time

3 days and 2 nights.

Season

The best time to undertake this adventure is between the months of June and September.

Video: KILROY Netherlands

What to Bring

• Sleeping bag.
• Trekking shoes.
• Backpack with necessary personal items.
• Multi-purpose knife.
• Altitude sickness pills.
• Antivenom serum.
• Water purification tablets.
• Bottled water.
• Warm jacket.
• First aid kit.
• Trekking poles.

Recommendations

It is recommended to hire the services of a specialized tourism agency to provide this service. Most often, if trekking to Salkantay, reaching Machu Picchu as the final destination is also part of the journey.