The 'Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 6D/5N' is your gateway to Peru’s most dramatic landscapes and ancient wonders. Beginning and ending in Cusco, this relaxed-paced adventure trek leads you through lush cloud forests, snowy peaks, and vibrant villages before reaching the legendary Machu Picchu. Designed for young adults and experienced travelers, highlights include soaking in natural hot springs, visiting glacial lakes, and connecting with local cultures. The unique selling point: this tour is the ultimate Inca Trail alternative, offering breathtaking scenery and rich cultural encounters in a small group setting, perfect for those seeking a memorable trekking experience.
The trek was very well organized from the beginning to end. I was quite nervous to do it but the team was very motivating and attentive, which I really appreciated. The guide was very informative and the food was great.
We came away from this trip with a much better understanding of not only Machu Picchu, but Incan culture and the history of the region. All thanks to our kind and very smart guide, who took such good care of us over these 5 days. I would recommend this tour operator in a heartbeat, I have no complaints at all.
Seeking a trek that blends natural wonders with historical marvels? The Salkantay Backpacker Trek to Machu Picchu is a five-day odyssey through Peru’s breathtaking Andes, tailored for adventurous young travelers and seasoned trekkers. Hike the renowned Salkantay route, surrounded by glacial peaks, pristine alpine lakes, and lush cloud forests. Along the way, discover ancient Inca ruins and diverse ecosystems.
Expert guides lead you along adrenaline-pumping trails, ensuring both safety and cultural immersion. The crowning moment? Exploring the legendary Machu Picchu, a fitting reward for your efforts. This trip’s unique selling point is its blend of challenging trekking and rich cultural discovery, promising a truly epic Peruvian adventure.
If you did not manage to reserve permits for the Inca Trail, we highly recommend the Salkantay as an alternative. Apart from the classic Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek is without a doubt one of the most beautiful treks in the Andes. National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine listed it as one of the 25 best treks in the world. The trek is currently open to everyone and there are no limitations on spaces and permits.
The Salkantay Trek will take you through unique and varying landscapes with the scenery nothing short of breathtaking! Photographers will experience sheer ecstasy as we walk along ancient and solitary footpaths: from picturesque grassy highlands to flourishing cloud forests, where luxuriant tropical rainforests meet colossal snow-capped mountains. The Salkantay Trek is off-the-beaten path and authentic. You will be spirited away into a world of phenomenal beauty and abundance of nature, with sacred solitude and hours of deliciously quiet contemplation.
Since the ancient Incan times, the spectacular glacier-capped peak of Mount Salkantay has been considered as sacred and the protector of the local people and their crops. The name Salkantay or Salcantay is a Quechua word meaning invincible, wild or savage. Thus, Salkantay is often called "Savage Mountain". Salkantay (Nevado Salkantay), or Sallqantay in Quechua, is the highest peak of the Cordillera Vilcabamba, which forms part of the Andes Mountain Range, rising to 6271 meters above sea level (20,574 ft). Salkantay is located less than 50 miles from the city of Cusco.
We are looking forward to taking you on a great hike.
