Salkantay Trek
Humantay Lake Tour from Cusco (Full Day)
The Full Day Humantay Lagoon Tour is the perfect escape for travelers who dream of mountain air…
- Moderate
- 4,600 msnm
- Group or private
From US$130per person
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Glacier pass, Humantay Lagoon and cloud forest on the way to Machu Picchu
Salkantay Trek
The Salkantay Trek is the most spectacular alternative to the Inca Trail: turquoise Humantay Lagoon, the 4,630 m Salkantay Pass beneath a 6,271 m glacier, and a descent into the cloud forest before reaching Machu Picchu. No permit needed, so it can be booked with less notice.
- Tours4
- Duration1–7 days
- FromUS$130
Salkantay Trek: all our tours
Why hike the Salkantay Trek?
In just a few days you cross several ecosystems: high Andean grasslands, glacier moraines, cloud forest and coffee farms. National Geographic listed Salkantay among the best treks in the world, and it remains quieter and more flexible than the Inca Trail because it does not require government permits.
Difficulty and altitude
It is a challenging trek. The hardest section is the climb to Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft) on the second day. We recommend at least two days of acclimatization in Cusco and good hiking boots. Pack animals carry the camping equipment; you only carry a daypack.
Salkantay routes we operate
- Salkantay Trek 4 Days — the classic dynamic version.
- Salkantay + Inca Trail 7 Days — the ultimate combination.
- Humantay Lake Full Day — the lagoon in one day from Cusco.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions about Salkantay Trek
How difficult is the Salkantay Trek?
Challenging but non-technical. The key is acclimatization: spend two days in Cusco before starting and keep a steady pace on the pass day.
Do I need a permit for Salkantay?
No government permit is required, unlike the Inca Trail, so it can be booked a few weeks in advance.
Salkantay or Inca Trail?
The Inca Trail has more archaeological sites and ends at the Sun Gate; Salkantay has more dramatic mountain scenery and is more flexible to book.
What is the best time for Salkantay?
April to October (dry season). The trek operates all year; from December to March expect rain in the cloud forest.
Choose your adventure
