"Then up the ladder of the earth I climbed, through the barbed jungle's thickets until I reach you Machu Picchu..." (Pablo Neruda, Nobel Prize 1971).
The Salkantay Trek is the number one alternative to the Inca Trail (with the real and old fashioned camping!). With high snow-capped mountains, lowland jungle and a visit to the Inca site of Llactapata the trek offers a perfect mix of trekking, culture and nature.
With fewer people on the route the Salkantay Trek allows you to enjoy the natural beauty of the Andes without any of the distractions and disturbances you find on the Inca Trail
By booking your Salkantay Trek with Llamapath you are choosing the best. Don't believe ? try us !
Adventure, nature & culture in one unforgettable journey
Distance: 16 km / 9.9 miles
Walking time: 6–7 hours approx.
Minimum altitude: 3,600 m / 11,811 ft.
Maximum altitude: 4,000 m / 13,123 ft.
Campsite: Soraypampa (4,000 m / 13,123 ft.)
We begin the adventure early in the morning(4:30 am) with a drive through the lush valley of Mollepata before arriving at Challacancha, the starting point of our trek. From here, we follow an ancient Inca canal as the trail gently ascends along the Rio Blanco Valley.
Throughout the day you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of verdant green mountains, native plants, and flocks of birds that enliven the trail. As we get closer to Soraypampa, the snow-capped peaks of Humantay and the mighty Salkantay (“The Savage”) dominate the skyline — a truly unforgettable sight.
We camp at Soraypampa, one of the most stunning campsites of the trek. At 4,000 meters, nights can get quite cold, so hats and gloves are a must.
Distance: 22 km / 13.7 miles
Walking time: 8–9 hours approx.
Minimum altitude: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft.
Maximum altitude: 4,650 m / 15,255 ft.
Campsite: Colcapampa (2,900 m / 9,514 ft.)
This is the toughest and most rewarding day of the trek. We start with a steady climb through the high puna grasslands, making our way up to the spectacular Salkantay Pass at 4,650 m / 15,255 ft — the highest point of the journey. From here, surrounded by dramatic glaciers and rocky peaks, the views are absolutely breathtaking.
After enjoying this incredible vantage point, we descend into a completely different world: the cloud forest. The landscape transforms from rock and ice to lush greenery, waterfalls, and warmer temperatures. Along the way, we may spot Andean foxes, white-tailed deer, viscachas, as well as hummingbirds and toucans.
We finish the day at Colcapampa, where the warmer climate welcomes us — but don’t forget your insect repellent, as mosquitoes are common here.
Distance: 12 km / 7.4 miles
Walking time: 5–6 hours approx.
Minimum altitude: 2,400 m / 7,874 ft.
Maximum altitude: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft.
Campsite: La Playa (2,400 m / 7,874 ft.)
Today’s trek takes us deeper into the tropical forest. Following the Lluskamayo River, the trail passes waterfalls, bamboo groves, and orchards. This region is rich in coffee and fruit plantations, where you can taste freshly grown coffee directly from the source.
The scenery is warmer and greener, providing a pleasant contrast to the high mountain landscapes of the previous days. We camp at La Playa, a lively village where you can purchase snacks and refreshments. For those interested, there is an optional visit to the local hot springs — the perfect way to relax tired muscles.
Distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles
Walking time: 7–8 hours approx.
Minimum altitude: 2,000 m / 6,561 ft.
Maximum altitude: 2,700 m / 8,858 ft.
Overnight: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
We begin with an uphill hike on an original Inca Trail, making our way to the fascinating ruins of Llactapata (2,700 m / 8,858 ft.), located directly across the valley from Machu Picchu. From this rarely visited site, you will enjoy one of the most unique perspectives of the Lost City of the Incas.
After exploring Llactapata and learning about its history, we descend through lush vegetation until reaching Hidroelectrica. From here, a gentle walk along the train tracks takes us to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu, where we spend the night in a comfortable hotel.
Altitude of Machu Picchu: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft.
The long-awaited day has arrived! Very early in the morning, we board the first bus to Machu Picchu, entering the citadel as the gates open to enjoy the site with fewer visitors.
Your entrance will be organized through the official circuit available at the time of your reservation. Please note that circuits are assigned by the Ministry of Culture of Peru and cannot be changed on the spot. To secure one of the most recommended circuits (which include the best viewpoints and iconic areas), we highly suggest making your booking well in advance.
Your expert guide will lead a 2-hour tour, covering the most significant temples, plazas, and ceremonial spaces. Afterward, , if you have secured additional permits, to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for breathtaking views.
In the afternoon, we take the train back to Ollantaytambo/Poroy, followed by a bus ride to Cusco — arriving in the evening after completing one of the most unforgettable adventures of your life.
✅ Highlights of the Salkantay Trek:
Trek through five different ecological zones, from high mountain passes to lush jungle.
Stunning views of Salkantay Glacier and Humantay Lagoon.
Visit the remote Inca site of Llactapata with unique views of Machu Picchu.
Finish the trek with a guided tour of Machu Picchu.
📌 This trek is the perfect alternative to the Inca Trail — less crowded, incredibly scenic, and full of adventure!
PLEASE NOTE: we higly recommend booking the Huayna Picchu Mountain Climbing starting at 7:00 am so you will have access to Machu Picchu from 6:00 am which is more convenient in order to spend more hours in the Citadel of Machu Picchu.
IMPORTANT NOTICE :
ZERO PLASTIC BOTTLES ON THE INCA TRAIL AND MACHU PICCHU FROM DECEMBER 1ST:
Due to New goverment regulations for the Inca Trail it will be 100% PROHIBITED to TAKE PLASTIC WATER BOTTLES. We believe that in the first days the new enforced regulations may NOT be 100% controlled however as the days go it will be more and more strict therefore WE KINDLY suggest you getting your aluminum plastic bottles to avoid any dissapointment at the check points along the Inca Trail and in the Machu Picchu citadel.
ALUMINUM 0.700ml BOTTLES:
As a way to avoid any inconvenience with our clientes Llama Path offers 0.700ml aluminum water bottles FOR SALE at the office for as liitle as 15 Soles (USD5.00).
Aluminum water bottles can also be bought in many different shops around the main square.
Also, if you are still at home and ready to fly to Peru for your trek we recommend you bringing aluminum water bottles or camel bags.
We look forward to meeting you.
2025 - Price per person US$ 725 .00 (adults)
Minimun number of people to run Group Service 4 people
maximum number 16 tourists
Important: Price includes up to 7 kilos of your personal belongings to be carried by the mules (NO need of extra Porter hire!).
Discounts:
Student Discount: US$20 (Requires Univeristy Student Card to qualify - you must NOT be older than 25 YO).
Student rate: In order to obtain this discount you must have a valid University Student card (and be NO older than 25 YO). It is important you scan and e-mail this to us at the time of booking and that it is valid on the date you are booked on the Inca Trail/alternative trek (you will need to show the real University card upon your arrival here in Cusco and in Machu Picchu).
IMPORTANT: Price is based on a DOUBLE room accomodation.
An aditional USD 35.00 will be charged for a Single Room if there's no one else to share a double room with or if you are travelling alone
Under 18's Discount: US$20
PLEASE: Make sure to add the fees associated with your PayPal / VISA transaction (aprox. 4.5%) Llama Path will be sending you a receipt indicating the exact amount we received from you and the amount of the balance to be paid upon your arrival in Cusco.
Optional Extras:
Sleeping Bag US$30
Walking Pole US$12
Inflatable Mattress US$25
Single Tent Supplement US$35
Discounts:
Student Discount: US$20 (Requires Student Card to qualify)
Under 18's Discount: US$20
Optional Extras:
Sleeping Bag US$30
Walking Pole US$12
Inflatable Mattress US$25
Single Tent Supplement US$35
Optional Extras (Need to book in advance):
You can either book by emailing us or by using the Booking form provided on this site.
By e-mail:
Send us your main Departure date and back up date: By providing us with a main date and a back up date for your trek (classic Inca Trail, Lares, Salkantay, etc) you automatically authorize Llama Path to use either of these dates for your reservation. Llama Path within the next 48 hours (after you have sent us your booking form and confirm deposit was made) will send you an electronic receipt confirming your trek has been officially booked and also to confirm the exact departure date of your trek.
Send us your Personal Details for Booking: Your passport number and other information must be valid. Please advise if you change your passport number after booking the tour (especially for booking the classic Inca Trail as if we do not make a change in your official details, you may not be permitted to do the trek). Please Note changing passports' numbers requires an extra fee (we are able to change passports numbers easily on our receipt but its also extremely important that we make the changes with the Inca Trail authorities)
Student rate: In order to obtain this discount you must have a valid Student card. It is important you scan and e-mail this to us at the time of booking and that it is valid on the date you are booked on the Inca Trail/alternative trek (you will need to show the real Student card upon your arrival here in Cusco and in Machu Picchu).
Payment of deposit: For any of tour Adventure treks ending in Machu Picchu.
We request a non-refundable deposit per person along with personal details of each member participating in the trek:
Payment of deposit amount is:
Please note: we higly recommend booking the Huayna Picchu Mountain Climbing starting at 7:00 am so you will have access to Machu Picchu from 6:00 am which is more convenient in order to spend more hours in the Citadel of Machu Picchu.
Payment of the deposit can be made through any of the 2 following options:
1) Paypal:
Go to www.paypal.com and if you have an account, enter your account
information (username and password).
Choose the option ´send money´ to: deposits@llamapath.com (IMPORTANT:
please ensure you choose the option ‘purchase’ and ‘services’. Do not
choose the option ‘personal’).
About the Briefing: The night before your trek there will be a pre-trek talk (briefing) in our office at either 4:00pm or 5:00pm (exact time will be confirmed on your arrival or by email). Your duffle bag will be provided at this time if you have paid for an extra porter for your Inca Trail or if you are doing an alternative trek.
The Local Payment (Final Balance): We require you to pay your final balance in cash USA dollars) in our office at least 48 hours prior to tour/trek departure (please advise if you have any delays on arrival).
The Local Payment can be paid in cash and in US dollars .
Cancellations:
Llama Path Terms and Conditions
DEFINITIONS: The definitions below will apply throughout these terms and conditions:
In the event of a cancellation by one or more participants in a private tour, the final price of the service will be adjusted based on the final number of travelers who attend the tour. The originally quoted price is based on the confirmed group size at the time of booking; therefore, any reduction in the number of participants will result in a recalculation of the total cost per person.
10. CANCELLATION:
a) If a Trip is cancelled or a Client wishes to leave a Trip, for any reason, the Deposit and any balance paid will not be refundable, . If the Trip has been paid in full, there may be components that the Client can still use, such as the Machu Picchu entrance, train ticket and bus ticket.
b) Deposit is non refundable , , non transfarable to another tour ,date or person Because the permits are purchased through the Peruvian government and due to their rules the permits are not transferable and no refundable.
c) Refunds will be provided for Day Tours (City Tour , Sacred Valley , Southern Valley , Maras Moray , River Rafting , Rainbow Mountain , Humantay Lake) as follows:
11.FORCE MAJEURE: Llama Path is not responsible or liable where any force majeure event or circumstance occurs which is beyond the control of Llama Path, including but not limited to acts of God, civil or military disturbances, extreme weather, disease, technological interruptions, labour strikes, or acts of war or terrorism . The Client recognizes that Llama Path may need to alter, or even cancel, a Trip in response to a force majeure event or circumstance, and will not be liable for any such alteration or cancellation.
12. PROTEST OR STRIKE EARLY DEPARTURE: In the event of a protest or a strike, which may affect the itinerary of a Trip, Llama Path, at its discretion, may decide to leave early for the Trip in order to provide the best service possible. In such cases, Llama Path will charge an increment to cover the extra costs incurred, such amount as to be determined by Llama Path, depending on the circumstances
13. HOLIDAY OR ELECTION EXTRA CHARGE: Where a Trip takes place on one or more of any of the following days, due to reasons of public holiday, or elections in Peru, an extra charge per person, per Trip will be applied: December 22, 23, 24, 25, 29, 30, 31, January 1, and any day that an election may fall on. The extra charge will be determined by Llama Path (35 usd), and covers staff’s fines for missing elections, or is a bonus for staff missing a public holiday.
© Llamapath 2003 - 2024 All rights reserved
Address: Cuychipunku street 257, Cusco
Email: info@llamapath.com or reservations@llamapath.com
Tourist enquires: Mon- Sat (9am - 1pm and 3pm - 8pm / - 5GMT):
Razon Social: Llama Path E.I.R.L
RUC : 20527266034
Cellphone: +51 959 507 001
Out of office cellphone: +51 956 122 696