In the last post, Summer shared three popular trekking routes to Machu Picchu:
- The classic and most popular: 4-day Inca Trail
- Best for families with kids: 2-day Short Inca Trail
- Outdoor lovers’ favorite: 4-day Inca Jungle Trail
Then someone asked — how could you forget the 5-day Salkantay Trek? Of course, we didn’t! Here it is:
Snow-capped mountain lovers’ favorite: 5-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
- Duration: 5 days
- Best for travelers who:
- Love high-altitude snow-capped mountain views
- Want to see stunning alpine lakes
- Enjoy a mix of landscapes across different elevations
- Are up for a physical challenge
- Distance: 70 km in total (yep, whoa! 😱)
- Highest altitude: 4,650 meters (whoa x2!)
- Do you need to book in advance?
Yes! While it’s not as crazy popular as the Inca Trail, booking ahead is still a smart move—especially since the last day includes entry to Machu Picchu. The earlier you book, the better your chances of locking in the coveted Route 2. - Price ranking (from highest to lowest):
4-day Inca Trail > Salkantay Trek > 2-day Short Inca Trail > Inca Jungle Trail
Both the Salkantay Trek and the Inca Jungle Trail are for outdoor lovers—but what’s the difference?
- The Inca Jungle takes you by car to the highest point (4,350m), then you descend. With Salkantay, you hike all the way up to 4,650m on your own two feet—no shortcuts!
- The Inca Jungle is an adventure mix: biking, rafting, ziplining, and hiking. Salkantay is pure trekking—just you and your legs (aka Route 11 🚶♀️🚶♂️).
- The scenery differs too: Inca Jungle focuses on the variety brought by changing elevations. Salkantay is all about snow-capped peaks and stunning high-altitude lakes.
- Inca Jungle stays at lower elevations most of the time, while Salkantay is all about that high-altitude challenge.
Although Summer didn’t do the full Salkantay Trek, she did hike to Humantay Lake—which is actually part of Day 1 on the Salkantay route. So hey, she got a taste!
As she huffed and puffed her way up the trail with a not-too-big, not-too-small backpack, the main feeling was… regret.
Regret for choosing to suffer at high altitude like this. What was she thinking?!
But the moment she laid eyes on Humantay Lake—it was all worth it.
The snow-capped mountains paired with that stunning turquoise lake… who wouldn’t fall in love with that view?
And don’t forget—if you’re doing the full trek, Machu Picchu is waiting for you at the finish line. Now that’s motivation. 💪🏔️
Although Summer didn’t do the full Salkantay Trek, she did hike to Humantay Lake—which is actually part of Day 1 on the Salkantay route. So hey, she got a taste!
As she huffed and puffed her way up the trail with a not-too-big, not-too-small backpack, the main feeling was… regret.
Regret for choosing to suffer at high altitude like this. What was she thinking?!
But the moment she laid eyes on Humantay Lake—it was all worth it.
The snow-capped mountains paired with that stunning turquoise lake… who wouldn’t fall in love with that view?
And don’t forget—if you’re doing the full trek, Machu Picchu is waiting for you at the finish line. Now that’s motivation. 💪🏔️
Do I need to worry about entry tickets and train tickets after booking a trek?
If your trekking package mentions entry to Machu Picchu and return to Cusco, it almost always includes both the Machu Picchu entry ticket and the train ticket.
Still, if you’re unsure, it’s a good idea to double-check with the tour operator when booking.
When Summer booked her trek, she told the agency she also wanted to climb Huayna Picchu, so her package included both the Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu tickets. The return train ticket was also included—after finishing the trek, she simply showed her ticket and hopped on board. Easy!
🎟️ Heads up: Machu Picchu tickets are limited, so if you’re planning to trek, book early!
Do I need to bring my own sleeping bag or tent?
Nope! You don’t need to carry a tent or sleeping bag.
In fact, when you arrive at camp each day, everything is already set up for you—tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag… all ready to go. That kind of treatment on a trek? Truly grateful! 🙌
Want more info about trekking to Machu Picchu or how to book it?
DM Summer anytime!
I’m Summer, an outdoor-loving backpacker.
Only sharing the most exciting adventures with you.
Follow me—let’s talk South America and all things travel! 🌎✈️
