
A poster of the Salkantay Trek hiking trail in Peru. It shows an elevation contour map of the trek, along with an elevation profile and a few points of interest.
About the Salkantay Trek
The Salkantay Trek, often called the "Savage Mountain Trek", is a renowned multi-day hiking route in the Peruvian Andes and one of the most popular alternatives to the classic Inca Trail. Typically starting from Mollepata, Challacancha, or Soraypampa, depending on the itinerary, the trek leads toward Machu Picchu through some of the most dramatic landscapes in the Cusco region. The route offers spectacular views of Mount Salkantay, the region’s second-highest peak at 6,271 meters (20,574 feet), as well as turquoise glacial lakes, high mountain passes, lush cloud forests, and remote Andean valleys. Along the way, hikers encounter traces of Incan history and traditional highland communities. Less regulated and less crowded than the Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek provides a wilder, more remote experience. Due to sustained elevation gain, high-altitude passes, and challenging terrain, it is considered a demanding trek that requires strong physical fitness and proper acclimatization.
Statistics About the Salkantay Trek
- Start point: Challacancha, Peru, South America
- End point: Machu Picchu, Peru, South America
- Total distance: 46 miles / 74 km
- Total altitude gain/loss: 10,843 ft / 3305 m
- Highest point: 15,190 ft / 4630 m (Salkantay Pass)
- Countries crossed: Peru
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Time to finish: Typically 4 to 6 days