SALKANTAY TREK TRAVEL EXPERIENCE

While trying to discover beautiful places that could not only surprise me but also bring out the best in me, I found the Salkantay route. This is a snow-covered mountain, considered a sacred “Apu” protector of the city of Cusco. It’s located north of the city and hides many natural treasures.

I knew I couldn’t do this on my own, so I took the time to find a good tour company that could take me on this amazing journey. SAM Travel handled everything from beginning to end, and all I had to do was enjoy the experience.

If you’re thinking about exploring one of the most famous nature trails in Cusco, here I’ll share the best tips and stories to help you have the trip of your life.

Salkantay Trek – 5 Days to Machu Picchu

If there’s one trail you should do, it’s the Salkantay. No one is ever fully ready for such beautiful views. Nature here is special, especially in such a sacred place like the Apu Salkantay.

Also known as the “wild mountain trail”, the Salkantay trek is a one-of-a-kind adventure. It takes you from the cold, rocky land at the base of the mountain, all the way to the green jungle side of Cusco, and finally to the world wonder — Machu Picchu.

Day 1: Starting the Adventure

After getting all the information about the trek and meeting my group the night before, the big day finally came. The car picked me up at 4 in the morning, and I was so excited. We drove through cold areas, which was normal for the time, until we reached Soraypampa, where we had breakfast. It was amazing to eat one of the best meals I’ve ever had, right at the base of a huge snowy mountain. But I could only think about the big challenge ahead — hiking up to Humantay Lake.

Once we were full of energy, it was time to climb. Our guide took us on the trail to Humantay Lake. I won’t lie — it was a steep and rocky path, but once you get there, you’ll see that it’s totally worth it. On the way up, I saw clear skies and breathed fresh air, and finally, right in front of me, I saw the beautiful turquoise Humantay Lake. It was a moment I had to capture with my camera — and in my heart.

After that, we had to take the same path down to have lunch. We then arrived at what would be our “1,000-star hotel” — a campsite at the base of the mountain. After dinner, it was time to rest and get ready for Day 2 of the journey.

Day 2: Facing Fears and Uncertainty to Reach Salkantay

Once again, we woke up early to see the sunrise and start a new day of hiking. After a good breakfast, we began day two. I think I had never prepared so much in my life for a moment like this — the climb to the Salkantay Pass. I had heard so many stories saying it was very hard and that I should bring money in case I needed to rent a horse (yes, horses are available). But I never doubted myself, not even for a second. I grabbed my backpack, my water bottle, and started what would become the most challenging day.

It took about 3 hours of walking, filled with doubts, but also a strong desire to complete the challenge. As I reached the final steps of the climb, a beautiful snowy mountain appeared between the rocky peaks — finally, the famous wild mountain: Salkantay.

One of the most emotional parts of the day was the small ceremony led by our guide. While he explained the spiritual meaning of the trail, he also invited us to build our own apacheta — a small tower of stones made as an offering by hikers to the sacred mountain.

As the cold got stronger, it was time to go down to our lunch spot. It felt amazing to eat such delicious food, especially knowing it had been prepared right there between the mountains.

After lunch, we continued walking down a bit more until we reached Collpapampa, our next campsite. It wasn’t as cold as the night before, as we were slowly leaving the snowy mountain areas behind.

Day 3: The Jungle is Waiting for Us!

Like many travelers, I enjoy walking at my own pace and taking breaks when I need to — and luckily, this was the perfect day for that. We woke up in a beautiful campsite, and it was finally time to enter the Cusco jungle.

As the weather got warmer, we started to smell the sweet scents of coffee plants and tropical fruits. One of the best parts of this day was getting to taste local products like Peruvian coffee, especially Cusco coffee. On the way to the next campsite, our guide stopped so we could enjoy a freshly brewed cup — it felt like a sip of heaven.

And to make this day even better, we were told that a van would take us to a relaxing place: the Cocalmayo hot springs. Even though it’s a small town, these pools are not just any pools — they’re like a little piece of paradise hidden in Cusco.

That night, after such a relaxing time, we went to sleep ready for the last two days of our adventure.

Day 4: A First Look at Machu Picchu?

The last day of hiking had finally arrived! Our guide gave us some motivation to keep going, but with our energy running low, it was hard not to feel lazy.

Looking up at the stairs ahead, I felt so tired — until I heard the magic words: we were about to see Machu Picchu for the first time. The place we were visiting was Llactapata, an old Inca site that gives us the first view of the famous citadel. Fun fact: after using my last bit of strength to reach the top, I found not only an amazing view, but also a swing in the sky — literally! We took a break there and got ready for the final part of the walk: heading to Aguas Calientes.

With my heart beating fast, knowing we were so close to the end, we reached the hydroelectric station. Seeing the trains nearby was a clear sign that the adventure was almost over.

Later in the afternoon, we arrived in Aguas Calientes, checked into our hotel, took a warm shower, and had our final dinner with the group and guide. After camping for the last 3 nights, it felt so good to sleep in a cozy hotel bed.

Day 5: Machu Picchu Time!

This morning, very early, already feels exciting. I was one of the first people in line to take the bus up to Machu Picchu, and my emotions were running high. Machu Picchu felt so close — I could almost say that one of the biggest goals on my bucket list was about to be checked off!

This might be one of the busiest places I’ve ever visited, but it’s totally worth it. After going through the entrance, one of the most amazing mountains stood right in front of me — and yes, you can really feel the powerful energy of the place.

We took a guided tour through the main parts of the site, where we learned about Inca history and the importance of this sacred place. I had so many questions — it’s just incredible to see such amazing construction and realize it was all made by human hands, without modern tools.

Selfie time! Of course, I had to take a picture with such a stunning background — and then, it was time to say goodbye. But it wasn’t all sad, because we still had a beautiful train ride ahead of us, from Machu Picchu back to Ollantaytambo, with scenic views along the way.

And just like that, our 5 days of unforgettable adventure came to an end. Back at the hotel, tired from the hike, we couldn’t help but ask ourselves — how did we manage to do all this? The answer was simple: our adventurous heart.

SALKANTAY TREK: WHEN TO GO?

You surely heard that the weather in the mountains is very unpredictable, and yes. In the mountains, due to the geological faults that exist and the Andes mountain range itself, it is totally impossible to predict how the coming days will be. However, regarding the area, in Cusco we manage 2 types of seasons, so to speak, that define very well the weather in the heights. Note, this is not definitive since there may be variations, however, it is the closest to reality.

Dry season: From April to September

During this season, the Salkantay area and in general all Cusco, has as main characteristic the absence of rain and dry landscapes with brown/amber tones. Temperatures are:

Rainy season: From October to March

During this season, the weather is cold as well as rainy and with a lot of presence of clouds that, many times, do not let you see the landscape. However, the scenery is green, a lot of grasslands that without a doubt will make your visit a little more pleasant.

Humid and tropical environment, with heavy rains.

In general terms, we could not specify when is better to go to the Salkantay route, since this will depend largely on your interests: In the dry season, despite the absence of rain, costs tend to be higher since it is the high season of tourism. Likewise, despite having rains, the season from October to March usually has discounts and greater availability for travelers.

WHAT TO SEE WHILE TREKKING THE SALKANTAY MOUNTAIN?

This hike, wherever you look, is totally scenic. Being in the middle of the mountains between the cold weather and the Cusco jungle, it has a great variety of places that will captivate you. Get your camera ready, here we tell you which they are:

Humantay Lake

This beautiful natural landscape is located in the district of Mollepata, province of Anta. To be able to witness the beauty of Humantay Lake it is necessary: take transportation for almost 2 and a half hours to Mollepata and from there, a walk of almost an hour and a half will take you to discover this wonderful place. Although the path is somewhat steep, everything will be worth it when you have in front of you this beautiful natural mirror.

Cocalmayo Hot Springs

To be able to relax, this hike allows you to visit the beautiful hot springs of Cocalmayo. These are medicinal thermal baths located very close to the 3rd camp in Lucmabamba. Here, travelers relax after the intense hike of the previous days, as part of a well-deserved reward.

VERSIONS OF THE SALKANTAY TREK

The traditional hike to Salkantay includes 4 days of walking along the wild mountain trail. Here we tell you the optional routes from Salkantay to Machu Picchu:

Salkantay and Inca Trail 7 days

The Salkantay & 4 Day Inca Trail trek is a great route for those who wish a wilderness experience as well as the chance to see all the archeological wonders and history of the original Inca Trail. This spectacular trail twists and turns, ascends through high mountain ranges and descends down steep valleys, passing through pockets of misty cloud forests. Visit many ancient ruins while you trek and arrive to Winay Wayna, a fascinating Inca ruin perched on the side of a mountain. Walk to the Sun Gate where you will get your first view of the Inca Citadel, Machu Picchu.

Salkantay trek 5 days with short Inca Trail

The Wilderness Salkantay Trek & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a unique and specially designed trek that takes you around the stunning spectacular peak of Mount Salkantay. Explore the brilliant turquoise glacial Humantay Lake which is one of the most well-known lakes in Peru. Camp out under millions of stars. Hike through the first section of the Classic Inca Trail in which you will visit some amazing Inca ruins like Paucarmarca and Patallacta. Continue on your path to Machu Picchu, hiking the Short Inca Trail! Walk to the Sun Gate and onto the New Wonder of the World and UNESCO World Heritage Site: Machu Picchu!