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One of the best hikes in the world is the
Salcantay Trek
Note: In 2006 the Instituto Nacional de Cultura (INC) proposed major changes for Salkantay, Choquechirau and Espiritu Pampa. The Cusco SAE office put forward a formal complaint to the INC. Unfortunately, SAE reports that their petition was in vain. Now it is only possible to do this trek with an agency. Too bad. We recommend independent hikers look at unregulated alternatives.
Also known as:
- Mollepata to Machu Picchu
- Salcantay sometimes spelled Salkantay
- note that some tour operators offer a Salcantay extension to the standard Inca trail which still requires a guide.
The Salcantay Trek described on this page is the easiest and most popular alternative to the famous Inca Trail.
This trek is recommended for all self-sufficient hikers — so long as they are acclimatized to altitude. The trails are not difficult except for Salcantay Pass (4700m). Be prepared to turn back there due to altitude sickness or snow, wind & cold!
You can easily carry your own pack on this hike. But if you are not confident, we recommend you hire a guide or arriero (mule driver) in Mollepata.
WHY WE LIKE THIS HIKE
 PERU, all things considered, offers the best alpine hiking in the world
The main reason we like Salcantay is that it is not the crowded Inca Trail:
- more remote, difficult & rugged than the Inca Trail
- climb high on sacred Salcantay, the highest mountain in the region, then descend through cloud forest to near jungle
- more elevation change, greater variety of habitat
- more contact with the indigenous Quechua people
- hotsprings midway & at end of the trek
- cheaper than the Inca Trail
- travel Peru for as little as US$20 / day
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CONSIDERATIONS
In 2006 this trek was be made official. Regulations and restrictions imposed.
- this trek is rapidly gaining popularity
- no Inca ruins en route (while the Inca Trail has several)
- altitude sickness is a risk (4700m, 15,420ft pass) but it is fairly easy to descend quickly if you are stricken
- some route finding is necessary
- this is not wilderness walking
- you pass a town & must walk a short section of road
- biting insects are a concern
- evacuation is difficult in some sections
- some campsites. Some toilets. Some food available en route.
- weather will be variable
- acclimatization in Cuzco 3326m (10,912ft) is essential
- 13-hour long nights in the tent
- temperatures can fall below freezing at night near Salcantay
- be prepared for snow or sleet — later humidity & rain
- Machu Picchu is expensive! Check with travellers in Peru when you get there for up-to-date costs.
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Another (longer) good alternative to hike to Machu Picchu comes via the Choquequirao ruins.
 LOGISTICS
- maps - i-NEEDtoKnow.com
- this trek is not signed, nor is the trail obvious
- Lonely Planet Trekking in the Central Andes 2003 is useful but out-of-date
- bus to Mollepata town, 3-4 hours by bus from Cuzco
- most hikers catch a truck in Mollepata to Soraypampa trailhead, saving 8 hours walk or more
- we recommend you tent 4-5 nights on the trek, then spend at least 2 nights at Aguas Calientes town to allow a full day at Machu Picchu
- there are shorter options
- finish your trip from Aguas Calientes by train for Cuzco or (better) Ollantaytambo. You should buy your exit train ticket in Cuzco prior to starting the hike, if possible. This means you need to decide exactly what day you want to depart.
- it is easy to rent gear, if you need anything, in Cuzco for a few dollars a day for each item.
- electrical adaptors sometimes needed in Peru
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INDEPENDENT OR GUIDED?
Tour guides are now required:
Most of the major operators in Cuzco will offer this trek.
LOCAL INFORMATION
BEST TREKKING GUIDEBOOKS
BEST MAPS
- IGN 1:100,000 Machupicchu (sheet 2344, 27q). Buy it (when you get to Cuzco) from the South American Explorers Club.
BEST WEBSITES
BEST PHOTOS & TRIP REPORTS
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