Salkantay - Santa Teresa
Small group experience (max 8)
Challenging
5-day journey
Up to 4,650 m
Ethical porter support
Local immersion

“Then I climbed the earthen ladder and scrambled through the thorny jungle thickets until I reached Machu Picchu…” (Pablo Neruda, Nobel Prize 1971).
The Salkantay Trek is the number one alternative to the Inca Trail. With high snow-capped mountains, lowland rainforest, and a visit to the Inca site of Llactapata, the trek offers a perfect blend of culture and nature.
With fewer people on the trail, the Salkantay Trek allows you to enjoy the natural beauty of the Andes without any of the distractions and disturbances you find on the Inca Trail.
When you book your Salkantay Trek with Llama Path, you’re choosing the best. Don’t believe us? Try us!
Useful Information:
- Starting altitude – 2900m / 9515ft.
- Highest altitude – 4650m / 15,200 feet
- Walking distance – 60.5 km / 37.5 miles
- Longest day – Day 2, approximately 18 km / 11 miles
- Coldest night – Day 1 around 0 degrees Celsius
- General difficulty: Difficult (depends on the level of physical activity).
- Acclimatization is recommended ***
Map of Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

Very Important: Campsites may vary depending on booking time, weather conditions, or restrictions imposed by the Peruvian government for security reasons.
Day 1: Cusco - Mollepata - Soraypampa
Today's hike begins in the small village of Mollepata, high above the Blanco River Valley. Following a wide, well-established path, we'll gently ascend the valley side, covering a distance of approximately 16 km / 9.9 miles and climbing 1200 m / 3937 ft. The views throughout the day are fantastic; all around us are verdant mountains, and along the path there's a great variety of native plants and flowers with birds flitting about. Towards the end of the day, we'll see the snow-capped peaks of Humantay and Salkantay (the Wild One) looming above us.
Our campsite for tonight is in Soraypampa (4000 m / 12750 ft). The nights can be quite cold here, so it's a good idea to put on your hat and gloves before going to sleep.
Day 2: Soraypampa - Colcapampa
Today is the longest and toughest day of the trek, but also the most beautiful. The landscape throughout the day goes from one extreme to the other; starting from the high Puna covered in Ichu grass, we climb and pass through Salkantay, where everything is rock and ice, and then descend the opposite side into the warm, lush rainforest. Along the way, we'll see a variety of wildlife, from the tiny finches that roam the higher altitudes to hummingbirds and toucans in the cloud forest. There's also a chance to see the Andean fox, the white-tailed deer, and the viscacha (a rabbit-like chinchilla).
Our campsite for tonight is located in Colpapampa (2900m / 9514ft). It is recommended to apply insect repellent from this point onwards as the mosquitoes in the area have an unpleasant bite.
Day 3: Colpapampa - La Playa
Our destination today is the village of La Playa, about 12 km up the Colpapampa Valley. Our route takes us along the Lluskamayo River through a vibrant area with several coffee and fruit plantations. The scenery here isn't as dramatic as yesterday's, but the warmth and lush vegetation offer a welcome respite from the high mountains we've left behind.
Tonight we'll be staying in the village of La Playa (2400m / 7874ft), which is well-connected and has plenty of places to buy snacks and refreshments. You can also sample the locally grown coffee. If you're interested, there's the option of visiting some nearby hot springs; please let your guide know in advance so they can arrange it for you.
Day 4: The Beach - Hydroelectric Plant - Aguas Calientes
Today is the final leg of the trek before reaching Aguas Calientes at the base of Machu Picchu. The main focus today is a visit to the Inca site of Llactapata, perched high on the mountainside. Following an original Inca Trail, we'll arrive at Llactapata between early morning and mid-morning and enjoy the fantastic views of Machu Picchu from there.
After a tour of Llactapata where we will learn about the Incas and their culture, we will return along the mountainside to the Hydroelectric Station from where we will walk towards Aguas Calientes.
Day 5: Machu Picchu!
Upon waking early, we will take the first bus back to Machu Picchu to enter the site as soon as it opens. We will have a 2-hour guided tour of the site during which you will learn about the Incas and visit all the most important areas of the citadel. After your tour, you will have free time to explore the site on your own and, if you have permits, to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. In the afternoon, you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo, from where you will continue by bus back to Cusco.
Includes:
- Professional guide who speaks Spanish
- Tour guide assistant for groups of 9+
- Chef
- Mules to carry cooking and camping equipment and 7 kg of their personal items.
- Pick-up from your hotel
- Bus transport to Mollepata
- Return transport by train and bus to Cusco
- Water (excluding the first 4 hours of the hike when you need to bring your own)
- 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 snacks, and 4 dinners. If you have a dietary request, such as vegetarian food, please let us know.
- Dining tent with tables and chairs
- Tent for 4 men for every 2 hikers
- 3-star hotel for the final night
- Sleeping mattress
- Oxygen bottle
- First aid kit
- Entrance to Machu Picchu
- Return bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
Does not include
- Sleeping bag (can be rented by us)
- Breakfast on day 1 and lunch and dinner on day 5
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu mountain
- Bribes
- Travel insurance: It is strongly recommended that you purchase travel insurance for the duration of your trip.
What you need to bring:
- Original passport
- Student ID (if you are a student and wish to qualify for the discount)
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket / rain poncho
- A warm jacket
- Hat and gloves
- T-shirts
- Comfortable pants
- sun hat
- Crema solar (factor 35 o superior)
- Insect repellent
- Toiletries and hand sanitizer
- Personal medication
- Camera and camcorder
- Flashlight with spare batteries
- LLAMA PATH TERMS AND CONDITIONS
- DEFINITIONS The definitions below will apply throughout these terms and conditions:
- 1.1. Client: means a person who books a trip offered by Llama Path and includes all participants for whom the person may book a trip on behalf of:
- i. Day Tour: Means any trip offered by Llama Path that lasts only one day.
- ii. Deposit: means
- a. For trekking: USD 300 per participant, deposit required to proceed with the reservation and if the client wishes to do Machu Picchu Mountain or Waynapicchu the deposit will be $385 for all Inca Trail treks or $325 for any other alternative route such as Salkantay, Lares, Huchuy Qosqo etc.
PLEASE: Make sure to add the fees associated with your PayPal/VISA transaction (approx. 4.5%). Llama Path will send you a receipt indicating the exact amount we received from you and the balance due upon your arrival in Cusco.
- b. For Peru itineraries, 50% of the total itinerary price must be sent to proceed with the booking.
- c. For day trips, 50% of the total trip price.
- In the event of cancellation by one or more participants in a private tour , the final price will be adjusted based on the final number of participants . The price originally quoted is based on the group size confirmed at the time of booking; therefore, any reduction in the number of participants will result in a recalculation of the total cost per person.
- 2. Llama Path means a licensed professional tour operator based in Cusco, Peru and includes the employees and people associated with the company.
- 3. Peru Itinerary means a multi-day trip offered by Llama Path where hiking is not the main activity.
- 4. Terms means these terms and conditions that may be updated by Llama Path from time to time.
- 5. Trek means a journey where trekking is the main activity.
- 6. Trip means any trip taken or trip offered by Llama Path and booked by a customer.
- 7. Acceptance The client accepts that the client will be subject to these terms and conditions at the time of payment of the deposit.
- 8 Application and Terms These terms will apply to all trips from the date the deposit is paid until the date the trip is completed, unless the trip is changed, cancelled or terminated earlier, in accordance with clauses 7, 8 or 9 of these terms.
- 9. Price: Prices for all trips offered by Llama Path are displayed at Llama Path offices and on the Llama Path website and may be updated by Llama Path from time to time. All prices are based on double occupancy; an additional charge will apply for single occupancy.
- 10. Payment
- i. Deposit The customer can pay the deposit using one of the following methods
- Paypal. www.paypal.com The option to "send money" to the address deposits@llamapath.com must be selected as a purchase of services, not a personal payment.
- Visa customers, please follow the instructions to pay the deposit using https://www.multimerchantvisanet.com/formularioweb/formulariopago.aspx, which is located in the payments section of the Llama Path website. The customer will receive an order number that must be emailed to Llama Path confirming that the deposit has been paid.
- Balance : After the deposit payment, the balance due for a trip is due as followsFor day hikes and excursions: no more than 48 hours before the first day of the hike, at the Llama Path offices. Payments can be made in cash in US dollars or Peruvian soles (using the exchange rate of the day). If a client cannot comply with this clause, Llama Path must be notified at least 48 hours before the trip and will have sole discretion as to whether late payment is permitted.For Peru itineraries: no less than two weeks before the start date of the trip, using the PayPal method described in clause 5ai. If a Client is unable to comply with this clause, Llama Path must be notified at least two weeks before the Trip, and will have sole discretion as to whether late payment will be permitted.AVAILABLE DATES : When a Customer submits a booking request to Llama Path, they must provide a range of dates they are available to travel. Llama Path will prioritize the Customer's preferred dates; however, the Customer authorizes Llama Path to use any of the dates within the range provided by the Customer to book a trip.GROUP DISCOUNT : A group discount will be applied when four or more people book a trip together, and this discount will be USD $20 per person and will only apply to the following trips: Inca Trail 4 days / 3 nights group service; Lares Trek 4 days / 3 nights group service; and Salkantay Trek 5 days / 4 nights group service.Please note that the group discount will not apply if a cancellation results in fewer than four people in the original group.
- STUDENT AND UNDER-18 DISCOUNT : A discount will be offered to students aged 25 and under, and to those under 18, on the date the trip begins. The discount amount will be communicated by Llama Path. Students must send a copy of a valid university ID to Llama Path at the time of booking. The ID must be valid for the duration of the trip, and the physical ID must be presented upon arrival in Cusco.TRANSFERS: The Client is not authorized in any way to transfer a Deposit, even to another Trip, date, to another person, or to the balance of another Trip or person.
- CANCELLATION:If a trip is canceled or the client wishes to leave a trip for any reason, the deposit and any remaining balance paid are non-refundable, as the deposit is used to purchase all the permits and services required to run the tour. If the trip has been paid for in full, there may be components that the client can still use, such as the entrance fee to Machu Picchu, the train ticket, and the bus ticket.Refunds will be provided for day trips as follows:100% refund of the deposit if Llama Path receives notification of cancellation at least 30 days before the date of the Day Tour;50% refund of the deposit if Llama Path receives notification of cancellation between 15 and 29 days before the date of the One Day Tour;No refund of the Deposit will be provided if Llama Path receives notice of cancellation less than 15 days before the date of the Day Tour.LLAMA PATH CHANGES: The Client acknowledges that traveling to Peru requires flexibility, patience, and an understanding that changes may be necessary. Llama Path may alter a trip itinerary at any time due to any circumstances beyond its reasonable control and will not be liable for any such changes.
- FORCE MAJEURE: Llama Path is not responsible for any force majeure event or circumstance beyond its control, including, but not limited to, acts of God, civil or military unrest, extreme weather, technological disruptions, labor strikes, or acts of war or terrorism. The Client acknowledges that Llama Path may need to alter, or even cancel, a Trip in response to a force majeure event or circumstance, and will not be liable for any such alteration or cancellation.
- PROTEST OR STRIKE EARLY DEPARTURE: In the event of a protest or strike that may affect a Trip's itinerary, Llama Path, at its discretion, may decide to depart early to provide the best possible service. In such cases, Llama Path will charge an additional fee to cover the extra costs incurred, the amount of which will be determined by Llama Path based on the circumstances.
- HOLIDAY OR ELECTION SURCHARGE : When travel takes place on one or more of the following days due to holidays or elections in Peru, a surcharge per person, per trip will apply: December 22, 23, 24, 25, 29, 30, 31, January 1, and any election day. The surcharge will be determined by Llama Path and covers staff fines for missing elections or serves as a bonus for staff who do not have a holiday.
- EVACUATION: If a Client is unable to complete a Trip, the Client will be responsible for the costs of return transportation to Cusco or the final destination of the Trip in the event of a medical emergency. Any other losses, damages, or costs related to the Client's evacuation from a Trip and any additional emergency services will also be the Client's responsibility. The Client agrees to comply with all decisions made by Llama Path guides in all circumstances where a Client must be evacuated from a Trip for any reason.
- CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
- Insurance: Llama Path strongly recommends that the Client purchase adequate travel insurance to cover cancellations, delays, medical expenses, emergencies, disruptions due to unforeseen circumstances, and loss of or damage to personal belongings or equipment that may occur in connection with a trip. The Client acknowledges that they are responsible for all losses or damages suffered, except as expressly provided in these Terms.
- Risk: The client acknowledges that travel is adventurous and inherently involves a certain amount of personal risk, especially travel. The client accepts responsibility for all risks associated with a trip and agrees not to sue or hold Llama Path or any of its employees liable in any way for any loss, damage, or injury suffered by a client in connection with a trip.
- Authority Guidance: The Client agrees that the Llama Path guides have full and final authority over all matters and decisions related to the Journey, and the Client will act in good faith to follow such authority and advice from the Llama Path guides.
- Preparation: The Client acknowledges that although Llama Path will act in good faith to assist them during the Journey, it is the Client's sole responsibility to ensure that the Client is properly prepared for the Journey with the correct equipment and any special dietary or food requirements they may require.
- Passport validity: The client must ensure their passport is valid for at least six months from the date of their arrival in Peru. This is a requirement of the Peruvian government, and failure to comply may result in being denied entry to the country.
- Visa to visit Peru: it is the client's responsibility to ensure that they arrange and comply with any visa requirements, if any, necessary for their entry and stay in Peru;
- Acclimatization: The Client acknowledges Llama Path's strong recommendation that the Client remain in Cusco or another high-altitude city above 3,000 meters for at least three days before beginning a trek. This will help minimize any potential effects of altitude sickness.
- Equipment: Llama Path requires the Client to pay an additional fee to hire certain items of equipment that a Client borrows for a Trek. These prices are listed on the Llama Path website and may be updated by Llama Path from time to time at its sole discretion.
- LIMITATION OF LIABILITY : Llama Path's total liability to the Customer is limited, to the maximum extent permitted by law, to the amount of money paid to Llama Path by the Customer. Llama Path will not be liable for any further loss or damage suffered by the Customer, unless expressly stated in these Terms.
Group service prices
2026 - Price per person US $ 725.00 (adults)
Important: The price includes up to 7 kilos of your personal belongings to be carried by the mules (NO need to hire an additional Porter!).
Discounts:
- Student discount: US $20 (Student ID required to qualify)
- Discount for those under 18 years of age: US $20
Optional extras:
- Sleeping bag US$30
- Hiking pole US $12
- Inflatable mattress US $25
- Individual store US $35
Prices of private services
- 2 people US $ 895 per person
- 3 people US $815 per person
- 4 people US $785 per person
- 5 people US $745 per person
- 6 people US $715 per person
- 7 people US $ 685 per person
- 8+ people US $ 655 per person
Important : Prices include up to 7 kilos of your personal belongings to be transported by the mules.
Discounts:
Student discount: US $20 (Student ID required to qualify)
Discount for those under 18 years of age: US $20
Optional extras:
- Sleeping bag US$30
- Hiking pole $12
- Inflatable mattress US $25
- Individual store US $35
Optional extras (advance booking required):
- Climbing Machu Picchu Mountain: USD 25.00 (advance booking required)
- Climbing Huayna Picchu Mountain: USD 25.00 (advance booking required)
- Vistadome/Panoramic 360° Train Aguas Calientes-Ollantaytambo: USD 50.00 (advance booking required)
- Extra night in Aguas Calientes: Depends on the type of hotel desired (advance booking required)
How to book (Group or private service):
- You can book by sending us an email or using the booking form provided on this site.
By email:
Please send us your primary and backup departure dates: By providing us with a primary and backup date for your trek (Classic Inca Trail, Lares, Salkantay, etc.), you automatically authorize Llama Path to use either of these dates for your booking. Within 48 hours (after you submit your booking form and we confirm that the deposit has been made), Llama Path will send you an electronic receipt confirming your trip booking and the exact departure date of your trek.
Please send us your personal details for booking: your passport number and other information must be valid. Please notify us if your passport number changes after booking the tour (especially for the classic Inca Trail, as if we don't update your official details, you may not be allowed to trek). Please note that changing passport numbers incurs an additional fee (we can easily update passport numbers on our receipt, but it's also very important that we update the Inca Trail authorities).
Student Rate : To receive this discount, you must have a valid Student Card. It is important that you scan and email it to us at the time of booking, and that it is valid on the date you are booked for the Inca Trail/Alternative Tour (you will need to show the actual Student Card https://www.isiccard.com upon arrival in Cusco and at Machu Picchu).
Deposit payment: For any of the Adventure Trips that end at Machu Picchu.
We require a non-refundable deposit per person along with the personal details of each member participating in the trip:
- Full name
- Passport number,
- Gender,
- Nationality,
- Birthdate
The payment of the deposit amount is:
- US$300 per person for the Salkantay Trek only.
- US $ 325 per person for the climbing Salkantay Trek + Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu.
Please confirm whether you wish to climb Huayna Picchu (the 45-minute climb near the Machu Picchu site) or Machu Picchu, as these also need to be booked well in advance; there are two time slots:
- 7 a 8 a.m. o
- 10 to 11 a.m., This should also be specified, although it should be flexible at any time.
Please note that if you obtain permits for the 7am start time, you will likely have to miss the guided tour of Machu Picchu.
The deposit payment can be made through either of the following 2 options:
1) Paypal: NO transaction fees starting January 2, 2017!
Go to www.paypal.com and, if you have an account, enter your account information (username and password).
Choose the "Send money" option to: deposits@llamapath.com (IMPORTANT: Please make sure you choose the 'buy' and 'services' option. Do not choose the 'personal' option).
Regarding the briefing: The evening before your trek, there will be a pre-trek briefing in our office at 4:00 pm or 5:00 pm (the exact time will be confirmed upon arrival or by email). Your duffel bag will be provided at this time if you have paid for an extra porter for your Inca Trail or if you are doing an alternative trek.
Local payment (final balance): We require you to pay your final balance in cash (Soles or US dollars) at our office at least 48 hours before the tour/tour departure (please inform us if you have any delays upon arrival).
Local payments can be made in cash and in US dollars or Peruvian soles.
Cancellations:
- The deposit sent is non-refundable and non-transferable to any other date, person or tour (in accordance with the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu Regulations).
- Llama Path must be notified of any changes or cancellations to your trip as soon as you become aware of them, by email or fax, so that we do not incur expenses not covered by the deposit.
- Once the final balance has been paid, we cannot refund your trip payment in the event of cancellations. However, certain parts of your trip may be valid (Machu Picchu entrance fee, 1 train ticket, 1 bus ticket).
- We can also provide you with a claim letter for your insurance company upon request.
- The contracted Porter service cannot be cancelled (a fee is paid to book this service).