Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

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The Salkantay trek is one of Peru’s best alternatives to the Inca Trail. Trek over a beautiful mountain pass at the foot of Mt. Salkantay before stopping at a local organic coffee plantation, followed by a visit to the Llactapata ruins. Finally, get up early the last day to catch sunrise at the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.


Peru Travel Insights

Salkantay peak as seen during the Salkantay trek
Map of Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

The Salkantay trek is one of Peru’s best alternatives to the Inca Trail. Trek over a beautiful mountain pass at the foot of Mt. Salkantay before stopping at a local organic coffee plantation, followed by a visit to the Llactapata ruins. Finally, get up early the last day to catch sunrise at the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu
Map of Best Treks to Machu Picchu
Best Treks to Machu Picchu

A visit to Machu Picchu is the highlight of most people’s trip to Peru. In fact, this ancient Inca Citadel attracts over a million visitors each year. Many visitors get there by way of the classic Inca Trail. Yet, there are numerous treks that take you there, each unique in their own right.

The Salkantay Trek passes through various terrain types
Map of Salkantay Lodge-to-Lodge Trek to Machu Picchu
Salkantay Lodge-to-Lodge Trek to Machu Picchu

Named after the highest peak in the Vilcabamba mountain range, the Salkantay Trek takes you high in the Andes outside Cusco, providing specular views of snow-capped mountains, glacial lakes, and lush cloud forest. It’s an easy to moderate hike, with some sections of challenging terrain. The trek involves comfortable stays at luxurious lodges in remote locations so that you can enjoy the gorgeous Andean scenery without having to give up your comforts.

View from the Santa Cruz trek in Peru
Map of Best 10 Treks in Peru
Best 10 Treks in Peru

Peru — a nation with abundant natural diversity, from coast, to mountains, to jungle — has long attracted lovers of the Great Outdoors. The Peruvian Andes, running like a backbone down the centre of the country, contain mesmerizing variations in landscape that make for some of the best trekking in the world. Cloud forests, 5000m+ cordilleras (mountain ranges), the world’s deepest canyon and the striking remains of ancient civilizations all await.

Making a pilgrimage to Machu Picchu on one of these two treks makes your arrival even more spectacular
Salkantay Trek vs the Inca Trail: Which is Right for You?

Trekking to Machu Picchu is a dream for many travelers—but there's more than one way to get there. The classic Inca Trail lets trekkers walk in the steps of the Incas, while the more remote Salkantay route offers solitude and wildlife. Compare your options for getting to Peru's most famous place on foot, from distance and cost to overnight options.

Huchuy Qosqo
Map of Best Day Hikes in the Sacred Valley near Cusco
Best Day Hikes in the Sacred Valley near Cusco

Peru is famous for the Inca Trail and other multi-day hikes, but if you are short on time, there are plenty of excellent day hikes throughout the Sacred Valley. These hikes are a great way to visit some of the rural communities and lesser-visited ruins throughout the Valley.

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Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Peru
Travel specialist Jimena Salazar
active 21 hours ago

Jimena Salazar

For me, traveling is about much more than just visiting places. It’s about opening new paths in your life—through the people you meet, the flavors you try, and the landscapes that take your breath...

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Travel specialist Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
active 1 day ago

Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca

Peruvian food, culture, and history aren’t just things I love—they’re a part of who I am. As a proud Cusqueñian, I carry my roots with pride and love sharing my culture with others. I've lived...

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Travel specialist Io Gillhuber
active 2 days ago

Io Gillhuber

Growing up in Germany, I was lucky to spend several vacations in different places in Europe. When I finished school, I started exploring the world on my own, and I couldn’t get enough of it....

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Travel specialist Kristy Tizon
active 9 hours ago

Kristy Tizon

Kristy, a Peruvian-American originally from Los Angeles but now based in New York, has a deep passion for travel. With expertise in destinations such as Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and her home...

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Trip Reviews for Peru

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Trip of a lifetime!The organization was very...
Peru | Apr 26 - May 13, 2026

S
Satish R.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on May 29, 2026
Trip of a lifetime!
The organization was very good, the activities were well planned and Jesus' daily updates including with boarding passes for internal flights were excellent. It did not seem to me that Jesus went to sleep.
I thought the guides were very well chosen - Fernando in Quito was an amazing fount of information about Quito, its history and the area. Our guides in the Galapagos, Justin in Santa Cruz and Oswaldo in San Cristobal, were very well-informed and good hike guides,...
Read more

Trip of a lifetime!
The organization was very good, the activities were well planned and Jesus' daily updates including with boarding passes for internal flights were excellent. It did not seem to me that Jesus went to sleep.
I thought the guides were very well chosen - Fernando in Quito was an amazing fount of information about Quito, its history and the area. Our guides in the Galapagos, Justin in Santa Cruz and Oswaldo in San Cristobal, were very well-informed and good hike guides, though they was not with us all the time owing to boat trips and island changes. I would like to mention our transport driver (Arturo?) in San Cristobal - he was very courteous and prompt.
In the Galapagos, I would only change our hotel - the Golden Galapagos. It did not meet the standards of our other hotels.
The Indigo seemed much more organized.

In Lima, Nancy was an excellent guide with lots of historical details that we learned from her. However, our guide in Cusco was exceptionally way above the guides we had on this trip (Julio and the driver Robert) were above and beyond. Partly it was due to the elevation and related issues, but they also had really detailed knowledge and insights that were very interesting to hear.

We had a great time!

What could you improve - ditch the Golden Galapagos. Also, I noticed that the company always picked the cheapest room in the hotels. Can you manage to upgrade it a bit, to the second lowest level? At least ask the question!

Local specialist: Anne Godoy

Trip of a lifetime
Peru | May 9 - May 23, 2026

Rebecka
Rebecka D.
Tolland, CT, USA | Reviewed on May 29, 2026
This trip was a dream every step of the way. I had a lot of questions which were always answered quickly in detail, and with patience. Peru has so many amazing locations and experiences but we were able to narrow them down to a perfect trip, customized to our exact preferences, budget and interests. Once we got there Anne sent thoughtful notes to our room and checked in periodically to make sure everything was going well. Everyone we met in Peru was so kind, accommodating and... Read more

This trip was a dream every step of the way. I had a lot of questions which were always answered quickly in detail, and with patience. Peru has so many amazing locations and experiences but we were able to narrow them down to a perfect trip, customized to our exact preferences, budget and interests.

Once we got there Anne sent thoughtful notes to our room and checked in periodically to make sure everything was going well.

Everyone we met in Peru was so kind, accommodating and friendly. We spent time with several guides who were very knowledgeable and personable, but I’d give a special shout-out to our Cusco guide, EJ. His background in archaeology made every historical site even more interesting. We saw so many amazing things but wouldn’t have fully appreciated them without EJ’s insights and his photography skills left us with so many great photos and memories to take home with us.

Local specialist: Anne Godoy

Amazing Peru Trip
Peru | May 16 - May 22, 2026

K
Krishna V.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on May 27, 2026
Our trip to Peru was incredible from start to finish. The overall planning and booking experience with kimkim was smooth, thoughtful, and very personalized. Our local specialist, Liz Karen, was fantastic and went above and beyond to make the trip special. She was even willing to help organize a photographer and location so I could plan a proposal, which meant so much and made the experience unforgettable. Our guide Juan and driver William were amazing as well. They were professional, kind,... Read more

Our trip to Peru was incredible from start to finish. The overall planning and booking experience with kimkim was smooth, thoughtful, and very personalized. Our local specialist, Liz Karen, was fantastic and went above and beyond to make the trip special. She was even willing to help organize a photographer and location so I could plan a proposal, which meant so much and made the experience unforgettable.

Our guide Juan and driver William were amazing as well. They were professional, kind, knowledgeable, and made us feel comfortable throughout the trip. The places we visited were memorable, but the people who helped us along the way made the experience truly exceptional.

I would highly recommend kimkim, Liz Karen, Juan, and William to anyone planning a trip to Peru.

Local specialist: Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Liz Karen
Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Local specialist in Cusco | Replied on May 27, 2026

Hi Krishna,

Thank you so much for your kind words 😊

I’m really happy to hear that you had such an amazing experience in Peru and that the proposal was such a special moment! It was a pleasure helping with some ideas and options along the way, and I’m so glad everything came together beautifully for you both.

I’ll also make sure to share your lovely message with Juan and William, they’ll be very happy to hear it as well.

Thank you again for trusting us with your trip, and I hope Peru welcomes you back someday.

Warmly,
Liz Karen

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