Travelers can opt for the Salkantay trek if the traditional Inca Trail has no spaces left or if they are seeking a more remote footpath that sees far less travelers and leads to a magnificent wilderness not seen on the other routes.

The trail is only slightly more difficult than the traditional route, but with amazing sights of the Nevado de Salkantay, the cordillera's tallest peak at 6271m. Salkantay, in the native language, means Savage Mountain, which may refer to the swirling clouds that rise up from the rainforest lowlands and engulf the peak. The mountains of the Cordillera Vilcabamba form a jagged chain between the Urubamba and Apurimac rivers, creating a unique landscape to the area. On the north side of the cordillera, massive snow peaks emerge from lush tropical rain forests.

After departing from Cuzco at 7am hikers will travel by bus or car to Mollepata (2800m), which is a small village along the main road from Cuzco. Transport will continue to Cuzpata (3050m) arriving at 10:00am. Then hikers will walk about 2 and a half hours on a slight incline where they can enjoy the diverse flora and fauna along the trail. Afterwards there will be a stop at Chununa, a quiet place to have lunch. The hike continues on for a steady 3 hours before reaching the first campsite at Soraypampa (3850m).

Leaving the campsite early the next day, this leg of the journey is the longest and most difficult. After crossing the Salkantay Pampas, the trail follows towards the left side of the snow peaks of Umantay and Salkantay. After about 5 hours of hiking trekkers will reach the highest point (4500m) around noon after climbing the 7 Snakes Pass. The views are spectacular from here, with nearby lakes, mountains, and the glaciers of the Salkantay. After lunch there will be a 2-hour hike downhill to the campsite at Huayrac (2900m).

Starting off at Huayrac at daybreak and passing through the Arranniyuc community, the landscape changes dramatically as the trail descends into an incredible forest filled with a great variety of flora and fauna, and waterfalls. This 2-hour hike downhill is very easy, with a stop in Winay Poqo for lunch. In the afternoon the hike is another 2 hours downhill to the village of La Playa where camp will be set for the night. There is also an option that evening to hike to the creek of the nearby Santa Teresa River.

From La Playa trekkers will either hike or take a 20-minute bus or car to Lucma. Once at Lucma it is a 3-hour climb to Llactapata, a newly discovered Inca Site, which is known for its amazing view of Machu Picchu. After having lunch and enjoying the spectacular views the trail continues downhill for about 2 and a half hours to reach the train station by 3pm. After a 45-minute train ride hikers will arrive in Aguas Calientes. Once in town travelers have the option of relaxing in the nearby thermal springs or have dinner at one of the restaurants.

The next morning hikers will take a bus up to Machu Picchu where they will have a 2 hour guided tour. That afternoon travelers will have 3 hours to explore the citadel on their own where they have the option to climb the Huayna Picchu Mountain. This hike takes about two hours and has the best view of Machu Picchu. There is also the hike to the temple of the moon which is further on behind the mountain. It is suggested that hikers take the bus back down to town by 2pm in order to catch the train back to Cuzco.

Map of Salcantay Trail Trek

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Machu Picchu Overview

  Travel to Machu Picchu:
    Trains to Machu Picchu

    Treking Overview
      The Inca Trail
        Inca Trail Ruins
        4-day Inca Trail
        2-day Inca Trail

      Salkantay Trail
      Lares Trek
      Choquequirao Trek

  Nearby Highlights:
    Cusco
    Sacred Valley
    Aguas Calientes

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