For travellers who want to reach Machu Picchu on foot without the Inca Trail’s permit lottery, the Salkantay Trail is the classic alternative. Named for the great glaciated peak of Salkantay, at 6,271 metres one of the most striking mountains in the Peruvian Andes, the four-to-five-day route crosses a 4,600-metre pass, then plunges from alpine tundra into lush cloud forest, ending at the famous citadel. It is a journey through several worlds in a single week.
Why go
The variety is the point. Day one climbs beneath the immense, glacier-hung face of Salkantay itself; day two drops into the cloud forest, where the air turns warm and hummingbirds replace condors. The trail passes waterfalls, orchids and coffee and fruit farms, and many itineraries include a detour to hot springs and a walk through the coffee-growing country around Santa Teresa. Then comes the finale that needs no introduction: arriving at Machu Picchu, ideally via the Sun Gate at dawn, after earning it on foot.
Best time to visit
The dry season, generally May through September, offers the most reliable conditions for the high pass and the clearest views of Salkantay. Mornings are often clear with clouds building in the afternoon – the classic Andean rhythm. The wet months from around November to March bring rain that makes trails slippery and the pass potentially snowy. Whatever the season, pack for both freezing nights at altitude and tropical heat in the cloud forest.
Getting around
Cusco is the base, and most trekkers join an organised trek – operators handle transport to the trailhead, meals, camping equipment and the logistics of the Machu Picchu finale. The route ends near the town below Machu Picchu, from where trains and buses complete the journey. Entry to Machu Picchu itself is regulated and tickets are limited, so arrange that part well in advance and check the current rules locally before finalising plans.
Good to know
- The Salkantay Pass reaches about 4,630 metres. Spend a few days acclimatising in Cusco first and take altitude symptoms seriously.
- You will cross multiple climate zones. Pack layers for freezing passes and light clothing for the humid cloud forest – plus reliable rain gear.
- Machu Picchu entry rules and circuits change. Confirm the current system and book tickets ahead; do not assume you can decide on arrival.
- The trail is well-trodden but still a mountain route. Sturdy footwear, water treatment and a headlamp belong in every pack.
The Salkantay Trail delivers the two things every Andean trek promises – huge mountains and the road to Machu Picchu – with interest and variety all the way. Walk it slowly, and the citadel at the end will feel truly earned.