Destinations / Peru (Cusco & Salkantay Trek)

Peru (Cusco & Salkantay Trek)

1 itinerary · 0 open departures · 0 missions

Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire, sits at around 3,400 metres in the Peruvian Andes and serves as the gateway to some of South America's most iconic trekking routes. The Salkantay Trek is one of the most celebrated alternatives to the classic Inca Trail, leading trekkers through dramatic high-altitude passes, cloud forest, and diverse ecosystems before descending to Machu Picchu. The route passes beneath Salkantay mountain — one of the most sacred "Apus" (mountain spirits) in Andean culture — reaching elevations above 4,600 metres. Travellers are drawn here for the combination of world-class trekking, pre-Columbian history, vibrant local culture, and the unforgettable reward of arriving at Machu Picchu on foot.

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Peru (Cusco & Salkantay Trek) · 5 days

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Self-Launched Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: 5 Days Independently

A self-launched version of the classic 5-day Salkantay Trek from Cusco to Machu Picchu. Instead of a fully guided, catered group trek, you'll arrange it yourself: catch a shared colectivo to Mollepata/Challacancha, hike the same route (Humantay Lake, Salkantay Pass, cloud forest, Llactapata), sleep in basic family hospedajes and a hostel in Aguas Calientes, and book your Machu Picchu entry + bus + train home directly. Doable solo but far easier/safer with 1-2 trekking partners or by joining a small group at a Cusco agency (cheaper than pre-booking online). Costs are approximate backpacker rates in GBP; you'll need to book Machu Picchu circuit tickets and the Aguas Calientes train well in advance in high season.

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Travel Crew

~£380

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