What Is the Salkantay Trek?

What Is the Salkantay Trek?

Before doing it myself, I kept hearing about the Salkantay Trek as an «alternative route» to Machu Picchu — but after living it, I can honestly say it’s much more than just an alternative. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that combines incredible landscapes, physical challenge, and a deep connection to nature.

My First Impressions

I chose the Salkantay Trek because I wanted a route that felt wild and less crowded than the classic Inca Trail. From the very first day, I realized I had made the right choice.
We started early in the morning, and almost immediately, the scenery was breathtaking — towering mountains, rivers, and a feeling of vast open space that made me feel small but completely alive.

What Makes the Salkantay Trek Special?

• The Variety of Landscapes:
  One of the most amazing parts of this trek is how the environment changes. I hiked through snowy mountain passes, lush cloud forests, and tropical valleys — all in just a few days. One morning I was bundled up in my warmest jacket under the shadow of Salkantay Mountain, and by the afternoon, I was walking through humid jungle paths surrounded by green everywhere.
• The Challenge:
  The Salkantay Trek isn’t easy, but that’s what makes it so rewarding. The most difficult part for me was the Salkantay Pass (4,600 meters / 15,092 feet). It’s a long, steep climb, and the altitude really hits you. But reaching the top, standing under the majestic snow-capped peak, was one of the proudest moments of my life.
• The Sense of Adventure:
  Unlike more structured treks, the Salkantay feels raw and authentic. There were moments when we didn’t see anyone else for hours. It felt like truly being out in the wild, far from the usual tourist circuits.
• The Connection to Machu Picchu:
  After several days of hiking, reaching Machu Picchu felt incredibly emotional. Walking into the Lost City of the Incas after everything I had experienced — the cold, the heat, the altitude, the friendships formed along the way — made the visit to Machu Picchu so much more meaningful.

Things I Loved the Most

• Waking up to the view of Mount Salkantay covered in morning mist.
• The night skies full of stars, clearer than anything I had ever seen.
• The camaraderie with other trekkers — we started as strangers and finished as friends.
• The first glimpse of Machu Picchu from Llactapata — a magical, unforgettable moment.

My Advice If You’re Considering It

If you love nature, adventure, and pushing your limits, the Salkantay Trek is absolutely worth it. It’s challenging, yes — but also incredibly rewarding. Every step brings you closer not just to Machu Picchu, but to a deeper appreciation of the Andes and of yourself.

For me, it wasn’t just a trek. It was a journey — one that I’ll carry with me forever.