Ritual hike to Apu Salkantay: a different kind of adventure
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This hiking route is one of the most amazing and comprehensive experiences you can have in Cusco. The Salkantay Trek is not only an alternative way to reach Machu Picchu, but a true pilgrimage through dramatic landscapes, changing ecosystems, and a living ancestral culture that transforms every step into a profound connection with the land and its guardians.
Apu Salkantay: Guardian of the Andes.
The trek focuses on the majestic presence of the snow-capped Salkantay Mountain, one of the highest and most revered mountains in Peru, standing at 6,271 meters above sea level. Its name in Quechua means "the untamed," and rightly so: its presence commands respect and awe. For the Andean communities, Salkantay is an apu, a guardian spirit that protects and governs the valleys, and whose energy is intensely felt during the ascent. As you walk in its shadow, you will feel how its imposing snowy silhouette merges with the sky, becoming a symbol of power, wisdom, and spiritual connection.
A Journey Through Ecological Zones and Transforming Landscapes
The Salkantay Trek is distinguished by the diversity of landscapes and altitudes it traverses, making it a unique experience for travelers. In a short time, you will experience a remarkable ecological transformation.
The high-altitude grasslands (punas), located in mountainous areas, offer panoramic views and pristine air, making them an attractive destination for nature lovers. Glacial lakes like Humantay Lagoon, imbued with a mystical atmosphere, reflect the sky and surrounding mountains in their turquoise waters. You will also have the opportunity to observe the vegetation of the páramo and the rainforest, where Andean winds converge with tropical aromas. Finally, you will arrive at the high jungle, characterized by its lush vegetation, warm climate, and abundant wildlife. This gradual transformation not only modifies the environment but also accompanies travelers on a process of physical and spiritual adaptation. Each natural environment seems to meticulously prepare the traveler, both physically and emotionally, for the experience that awaits them at Machu Picchu, an architectural and cultural jewel of the Peruvian Andes.
Cultural Immersion and High-Altitude Coffee
During the journey, passengers will stay in family-run lodges managed by local communities, allowing them to experience authentic Andean hospitality firsthand. During their stay, they will have the opportunity to savor exquisite dishes prepared with local ingredients and listen to fascinating stories about the region. They will also have the chance to learn about the daily lives of the families who inhabit these lands.
One of the highlights of the experience is a visit to a high-altitude coffee farm, where they will have the opportunity to learn the techniques of harvesting, roasting, and preparing artisanal organic coffee alongside local producers. These producers combine ancestral wisdom with sustainable practices, demonstrating their commitment to environmental conservation and the quality of their product. This activity represents the perfect union of nature, tradition, and flavor.
Machu Picchu: The Sacred Destination
The journey culminates in the mythical Inca city of Machu Picchu, perched between mountains and shrouded in clouds. After traversing valleys, high-altitude grasslands, and jungle, reaching this inland checkpoint becomes a truly remarkable feat. Every wall, temple, and terrace conveys the ancient wisdom of the Incas, who demonstrated an exceptional understanding of construction in harmony with the natural environment and the stars.
Overview
- Day 1: Cusco - Challakancha - Soraypampa
- Day 2: We will cross the Salkantay Pass and descend to Lucmabamba
- Day 3: First View of Machu Picchu
- Day 4: The Great Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu
Included & Excluded
You will find detailed information about the services included in our tours and hikes below. Please read the list of inclusions and exclusions carefully.
General and safety aspects
- Information before the trek.
- A guide who specializes in adventure.
- The best fieldwork equipment
- One duffel bag. During the pre-trek briefing, you will also receive a duffel bag to carry your belongings (5 kilos per person), in addition to your personal backpack.
- Comfortable family lodges. The lodges are rustic, modeled after local houses, and comfortable and cozy. They have double rooms, private bathrooms, hot showers, towels, and Wi-Fi for an additional cost. Meals are included.
- Cultural immersion activities. On day three in the morning, you will be able to share in the coffee-making process with the local family.
- Extras included in your tour: We believe that the little details are important to your comfort and travel experience. You will have comfortable pillows and beds to rest on, towels for showering, and hot water bottles for bedtime.
- Care and safety are a priority during the trip. Our field team is trained in first aid annually. We carry a first aid kit, an oxygen balloon, and short-distance radios.
- 24/7 customer service. We are highly committed to providing support to make your trip unique and unforgettable.
Meals
- Four breakfasts, three lunches, and three dinners. Our talented in-home chefs will prepare daily meals. We also provide food for those with special dietary needs, such as vegans, vegetarians, or those with food allergies.
- Snacks will be provided for the trip. Each day, we will be provided with fruit and cookies.
- Water during the trip. Boiled and cold water will be provided free of charge at the family homes where we will have lunch and stay overnight. You can also buy bottled water along the route. We recommend that you always carry two liters of water with you.
- Tea and coffee will be available, as well as an alarm clock. Coffee and hot water will be available at the table every morning.
- Tea time: In the afternoons (between 5 and 6 p.m.), tea time will be served with cookies, boiled water for tea, coffee, or hot chocolate, bread, margarine, and jam.
- Health and environmental care: Your health and comfort are our priority, which is why we follow strict biosecurity, food handling, ingredient, and utensil protocols. We are also careful with the environment, so waste is classified and transported according to its type.
Transportation service
- Auto/van. We will transfer you from your hotel to the start of the trek on day one and from Ollantaytambo back to your hotel on day four.
- Horses/mules and muleteers: We will have horses and muleteers to carry our belongings on the second day of the trip.
- Bus tickets (Consettur): We will have round-trip bus tickets to go from the village to Machu Picchu.
- Train tickets from Machu Picchu Village to Ollantaytambo/Cusco.
Lodging service
- Two nights in a family home: Accommodation is on a double room basis.
- One night in a hotel. Accommodation is in Machu Picchu Village.
- Tourist tickets and permits
- Entrance ticket to the Salkantay route
- Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu
- Commissions: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners, and PayPal.
- Dinner on day three and lunch and dinner on day four.
- Train tickets from Hidroeléctrica to Machu Picchu Village.
- Hiking poles. They are optional but very helpful. You can rent them for $5 per pair per day.
- Tips.
- Other items not mentioned in the program and events beyond our control.
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco - Challakancha - Soraypampa
You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning and begin this incredible experience with a three-hour journey to Challakancha, the starting point of the trek. Throughout the journey, you will experience different temperatures and contrasting geographical landscapes, from warm valleys to snowy peaks. After two hours of hiking, you will arrive at the family lodge where lunch will be served. You will also spend the night there. In the afternoon, visit the beautiful and impressive Humantay Lagoon, located at the base of the snow-capped peak of the same name. After touring and taking pictures, you will return to the lodge for dinner.
Details of the trek:
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Weather: Weather: Cold, windy, and rainy from January to April.
- Elevation: Low point: 3,500 m / High point: 4,100 m
- Total distance: 13 km. 8 hours. Approx.
- Overnight: Soraypampa Inca Lodge (altitude: 3,860 m)
Day 2: We will cross the Salkantay Pass and descend to Lucmabamba
After a delicious breakfast, we will begin the ascent to Salkantay Pass (15,123 ft.). Along the way, we will enjoy beautiful landscapes until we reach the top, where the views are even more impressive. On one side is the imposing snowy peak of Salkantay (20,543 ft.), and on the other is the Vilcabamba mountain range. After resting, we will begin our descent, experiencing the icy cold of the puna and the humid jungle as we descend. We will also observe lush vegetation, flowers, orchids, and mountain ranges, with the peak of Nevado in the distance. Once we arrive in Chaullay, we will take a car through a lush valley to the next lodge in Lucmabamba.
Details of the trek:
- Difficulty: Difficult to extreme. Climate: Cold, humid, and rainy from January to April.
- Elevation: Low point: 2,920 m / High point: 4,600 m.
- Total distance: 19 km. 11 hours. Approx.
- Overnight: Lucmabamba Inca Lodge (altitude: 2,135 m)
Day 3: First View of Machu Picchu
After a refreshing breakfast, we will begin our three-hour ascent to the Llaqtapata Pass (8,973 ft.), where we will enjoy impressive views of the valley and the western part of Machu Picchu. As we descend to the Aobamba River valley, we will enjoy views of Machu Picchu for quite a while. After arriving in the hydroelectric town, we will enjoy a delicious lunch. Then, we will walk for three more hours until reaching the town of Machu Picchu, formerly known as Aguas Calientes.
Details of the trek:
- Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
- Weather: Warm and rainy (from January to April)
- Elevation: Low point: 2,150 m / High point: 2,800 m
- Total distance: 13 km. Time: 8 hours. Approx.
- Overnight: Machu Picchu Village (altitude: 2,000 m)
Day 4: The Great Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu
After a 30-minute bus ride, we will arrive at Machu Picchu, where our guide will explain the history, geography, and architecture of this wonderful place. Throughout our guided tour, we will enjoy the unique views and the incredible urban distribution in contrast with the natural landscape. After the tour, we will return to the village for a well-deserved lunch, and then we will return to Cusco.
Details of the trek:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Weather: Hot, humid, and rainy (from January to April).
- Elevation: Low point: 2,000 m / High point: 2,400 m
- Total distance of the tour: 4 km. 3 hours. Approx.
- Overnight: Cusco (altitude: 3,379 m)
Prices / Rates
| Hotel | Simple Room | Double Room | Triple Room |
| Llipimpac / Munay Tika | 766 | 644 | 616 |
| Munay Wasi / Sol Natura | 847 | 680 | 680 |
| San Agustin Plaza / Hostal Sauce | 926 | 755 | 697 |
Additional Services
- Huayna Picchu: + USD 20.00
- Vistadome Train: + USD 60.00
- Discount ISIC: - USD 20.00
Recommendations
Trekking Essentials
Many people assume that South America has a warm climate, but due to the altitude of the Andes, temperatures can be quite cold, especially at night. We recommend carrying a duffel bag or a backpack, depending on your preference. A good-sized daypack is also essential.
Checklist
- Passport
- Local currency (Soles) for purchasing souvenirs or items during the trek.
- In all major cities in Peru, you will find currency exchange offices, often with better exchange rates than at airports (check with your hotel or guide).
- Credit card: most shops accept cards (mainly VISA and MasterCard).
- Camera, GoPro or other devices for taking photos / Binoculars
- Reading or writing material
- Clothing for the rainy season (November to April):
- Waterproof backpack cover
- Waterproof poncho / Waterproof jacket / Waterproof trousers / Waterproof trekking boots / Waterproof gloves
- Fleece or warm jacket / Windbreaker jacket
- Clothing for the dry season (May to October): Fleece or thermal jackets / Warm jackets / Wool hats / Wool gloves
- Footwear: Sturdy trekking boots / 4 pairs of comfortable wool socks / Comfortable shoes for after trekking / Sandals for showering
- General recommended clothing: 4 shirts or polo shirts / 1 pair of shorts / 3 pairs of long trousers / 3 pairs of trekking trousers
- Other essential items: Walking sticks / Sun hat or cap / Sunscreen / Insect repellent / Sunglasses / Torch or headlamp / Water bottle or canteen (reusable) / Watch or alarm clock
- Personal hygiene: Biodegradable toiletries / Personal first aid kit
Medical declaration
- We request a medical statement from guests over 70 years of age, as well as from guests with a history of cardiovascular disease, chronic illness, or other conditions.
- Please inform your guide if you are taking any medications or have a chronic illness, in order to prevent accidents or emergencies.
- If you have your own first aid kit, we recommend bringing it with you, as it may be useful for other group members as well.
Travel insurance
For your protection, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance. It covers trip cancellations, interruptions, delays, medical expenses, emergency assistance, and lost or delayed luggage. The medical coverage included in your policy meets our mandatory health insurance requirement.
Map of Apu Salkantay Ritual Trek
