Salkantay Trek
✓ Verified against the agency · SERNANPThe strongest alternative to the Inca Trail. 74 km from Mollepata to Aguas Calientes via Salkantay Pass (4,630m) — 415m higher than Dead Woman's Pass. No permit cap, no lottery, half the price. Traverses glacial terrain, cloud forest, and subtropical jungle in 5 days. The trade-off: no Inca ruins until Machu Picchu and no Sun Gate arrival.
Distance
51.8 km
Max elevation
4,630m / 15,190ft (Salkantay Pass)
Duration
5 days / 4 nights
Safety classification
DifficultyMulti-day trek
GuideNo guide needed
GearNo technical gear
OfficialYes
MaintainedYes
Season
No official closure. Practical season: dry April–Oct (driest/safest Jun–Aug); wet Nov–Mar brings rain, mud and cloud. Not affected by the February Inca Trail closure.
Hazards
- ▲altitude — Salkantay Pass ~4,630 m
- ▲cold overnight camps
- ▲rain and mud in wet season