National Geographic's #1 alternative trek to Machu Picchu. Glacial lakes, an 4,630m pass, five ecosystems, cloud forest — no permit required months in advance.
Due to high demand, our Salkantay packages focus on the trekking route itself. Every package includes dinner and a hotel night in Aguas Calientes on the final trekking day. Your Machu Picchu entrance ticket and your return transport to Cusco — by train via Ollantaytambo, or by foot/van via Hidroeléctrica — are organized independently by you. We provide complete guidance, recommended providers and booking links so this is simple and stress-free.
Since 2012, we've guided trekkers through the Salkantay circuit at their own pace — no permit lottery, no fixed dates. Just the mountain, the cloud forest, and a trail that earns every view.
Plan Your TrekUnlike the Inca Trail, Salkantay has no daily quota. Book closer to your travel dates with full flexibility on group size and start day.
Maximum 12 trekkers per departure. Real connection with the landscape, the crew, and the other people on your trail.
From glacial high-Andes to cloud forest to coffee-growing jungle edge — Salkantay crosses more biodiversity than any other trek to Machu Picchu.
Expedition tents, -10°C sleeping bags, pack horses for all gear, and hearty mountain meals cooked fresh at every camp.
Every package ends with dinner and a hotel night in Aguas Calientes. Machu Picchu entrance and your return to Cusco are arranged independently — we'll show you exactly how.
Humantay Lake · Salkantay Pass · Cloud Forest
The complete route at a relaxed pace. Extra time at Humantay Lake, full day in the cloud forest, coffee farm visit. Ends with dinner and hotel night in Aguas Calientes.
Humantay Lake · Salkantay Pass · Hidroeléctrica
The express version of the full experience. Same highlights as the Classic at a faster pace — perfect if your time in Peru is limited. Ends in Aguas Calientes.
Humantay Lake · Salkantay Pass · Aguas Calientes
Our fastest option. Reach Salkantay Pass and descend to Aguas Calientes in just 3 days — built for travelers with limited time who still want the full pass crossing.
"You leave Cusco in a fleece jacket and arrive in Aguas Calientes in a t-shirt. No other trek to Machu Picchu shows you Peru's full range — ice to coffee — in a single journey."
From the glaciated heights of Humantay and Salkantay to the cloud forest's orchids and hummingbirds, down to coffee and banana plantations near the jungle edge — the Salkantay route is a complete cross-section of the Peruvian Andes.
The full Classic route. Below is exactly what happens each day, ending with dinner and a hotel night in Aguas Calientes.
Comfortable transport heads toward Mollepata. A short breakfast stop along the way as the Andes wake up.
Meet the horsemen and cooks. Final gear check. The trail begins along a restored Inca water channel still used by local farmers.
Lunch with views of Salkantay and Humantay peaks. Camp is set for the night.
A glacial turquoise lake framed by ice walls. One of the most photographed spots in Peru — and worth every step of the climb.
A steady 3-hour climb toward the pass. Cold air, thin oxygen, and the Salkantay glacier growing closer with every step.
The highest point of the trek. 360° views of glaciated peaks. Many trekkers leave a small stone offering here, an old Andean tradition.
The landscape transforms fast — bare rock gives way to scrub, then trees, then dense green forest. Waterfalls appear along the trail.
Warmer air, the sound of a river nearby. A well-earned dinner after the longest day of the circuit.
Bird calls and humid jungle air. The trail follows a river through dense vegetation, orchids and hanging moss.
Learn how coffee is grown, harvested and roasted on the jungle edge. Taste it fresh, picked that morning.
Banana and avocado plantations line the trail. The air is warm now — a different country from the glacier two days ago.
Last night camping. Tomorrow the route flattens out toward Aguas Calientes.
An Inca site that most visitors never see, with a side-on view across the valley to Machu Picchu itself — your first glimpse of the citadel.
The trail follows the rail line through the valley, with the cloud forest thinning as you approach the river.
Check in to your hotel. Free time to explore town or visit the famous hot springs after four days on the trail.
Your guide, cooks and horsemen have been your home for four days. This is where our included service ends — hotel night included.
We provide full guidance on booking your ticket and bus or hike up to the citadel. Many trekkers go at dawn to beat the crowds.
Hire a guide on-site if you'd like a guided tour, or explore independently — entirely up to you.
Option A: train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, then van to Cusco. Option B: walk or van to Hidroeléctrica, then van to Cusco. We'll send you both routes with booking links.
"We couldn't get Inca Trail permits in time, so we did Salkantay instead — best decision ever. Humantay Lake alone was worth the trip. Crossing the pass at 4,630m was brutal and unforgettable."
"Watching the landscape change from glacier to jungle over four days was incredible. The coffee farm visit was a highlight we didn't expect. Organizing Machu Picchu ourselves on day 5 was easy with their instructions."
"The 3-day express was perfect for our schedule. Still got the full pass crossing and the views everyone talks about. Our guide Wilson made every stop worth it."
Still unsure? Message us on WhatsApp — we reply same day.
Chat on WhatsAppOur packages end with dinner and an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes on the final trekking day. The Machu Picchu entrance ticket and your return to Cusco — by train via Ollantaytambo, or by foot/van via Hidroeléctrica — are organized independently by you. We provide complete guidance, booking links and recommendations so this step is simple.
The highest point is Salkantay Pass at 4,630m — higher than any point on the Inca Trail. It's physically demanding, especially on day 2, but doesn't require a permit booked months in advance. Moderate to good fitness and 2-3 days of acclimatization in Cusco beforehand are recommended.
5-Day Classic: relaxed pace, extra time at Humantay Lake and the cloud forest, includes the coffee farm visit. 4-Day Short: same highlights, faster pace — ideal if your time is limited. 3-Day Express: our quickest option, reaching the pass and Aguas Calientes in fewer days. All three end with dinner and a hotel night in Aguas Calientes.
Tickets are sold via the official Peru Government site (machupicchu.gob.pe) months in advance, or through authorized resellers closer to your date. We send you direct booking links, recommended entry times, and tips for combining your ticket with the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain add-on hikes if you'd like.
Train (Aguas Calientes → Ollantaytambo): faster, more comfortable, scenic, costs more. Hidroeléctrica route: walk or take a van to Hidroeléctrica (1.5–2 hours), then van back to Cusco — cheaper but longer. We'll explain both options with current schedules and prices once you book.
30% deposit confirms your booking. Balance due 15 days before departure. Cancellation 30+ days out: full refund. 15-29 days: 50% refund. Within 15 days: deposit non-refundable but we'll work with you to reschedule.
No permit lottery. No fixed dates. Just the trail.
Choose 3, 4 or 5 days and we'll handle the rest.
Free consultation · No commitment · Same-day response