Salkantay Trek
The high-adventure alternative to the Inca Trail — over a 4,630 m pass under Nevado Salkantay to Machu Picchu.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Salkantay Trek, Latin America. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
- Region
- Cusco, Peru
- Country
- Latin America
- Biome
- Cloud forest to alpine (2,000–4,600 m)
- Best season
- May – September
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Climbing
- Wildlife Viewing
- Canoeing
- Fishing
Key takeaways
- Biome: Cloud forest to alpine (2,000–4,600 m)
- Best season: May – September
- Difficulty: moderate
- Top activity: backpacking
Topic summary
The high-adventure alternative to the Inca Trail — over a 4,630 m pass under Nevado Salkantay to Machu Picchu.
Key takeaways
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best season: May – September
Intended uses
backpacking
Climate suitability
Cloud forest to alpine (2,000–4,600 m)
Verification notes
Last verified January 1, 1970.
Plan with verified data
Salkantay Trek trip tools
Popular pursuits at Salkantay Trek
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Climbing
Rock and alpine lines with approach beta.
- Wildlife Viewing
Best light, best season, and where animals move.
- Canoeing
Paddle routes, portages, and put-ins.
- Fishing
Resident gamefish, seasons, and the water that holds them.
