Salkantay Trek
~4 days · 46.3 mi · hard · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Salkantay Trek is known for
The Salkantay Trek is a Peruvian route to Machu Picchu that crosses the Salkantay Pass beneath the glaciated peak of the same name, descending from high Andes into cloud forest. It's known as a permit-free alternative to the classic Inca Trail.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 5,840 ft to 15,049 ft over 46.3 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 22.8 mi · 49%
- Downhill 17.7 mi · 38%
- Flat 5.6 mi · 12%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Salkantay Trek?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Salkantay Trek scores 59/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Best season & permits
Season: Dry season, roughly May to September.
Permits: No trekking permit required; a timed Machu Picchu entry ticket is needed.
Official trail & permit info
Always confirm current conditions, closures, and permit rules with the managing authority before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Salkantay Trek take?
Most backpackers hike the Salkantay Trek in about 4 days (3 nights out) over its 46.3 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Salkantay Trek?
The Salkantay Trek climbs roughly 20,115 ft total — about 434 ft per mile, topping out near 15,177 ft.
When is the best time to hike the Salkantay Trek?
Dry season, roughly May to September.
Do you need a permit for the Salkantay Trek?
No trekking permit required; a timed Machu Picchu entry ticket is needed.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.