Location: Usually starting in Mollepata Town, located in the Province of Anta, Region of Cusco, and ending in Machu Picchu Town, located in the Province of Urubamba, Region of Cusco

Distance from Cusco Downtown to Km. 82: 92 kilometers - 2 hours by private transportation

• This is one of the most beautiful hikes in southern Peru due to the variety of breathtaking landscapes encountered along the way. In only 4 days, the Salkantay Trek will take the traveler from a lively fertile Andean Valley to an arid land with scarce vegetation surrounded by imposingly high snowy peaks and colorful small lakes, and from there to the intriguing cloud forest, where vegetation increases in size and volume as elevation drops. The National Geographic Adventure magazine included this hike in a list of the 25 best hikes around the globe a few years ago.
• The Salkantay Trek started to gain fame once the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu became strictly regulated by the Peruvian government in 2006. From that  point  on, several local tour operators  started working on alternatives to hike this route. The regularly offered itinerary is composed of 4 and 5 days, including a visit to Machu Picchu starting in Mollepata Town with overnights in Soraypampa the first day, Challway the second day, La Playa or Santa Teresa the third day, and Machu Picchu Town the fourth day if choosing the 5 day version. (The 4 day version skips an over night in La Playa or Santa Teresa.)
• The majority of tour operators offer the same itinerary summarized above, but some offer real once in a life time experiences by adjusting their itineraries to offer what no other companies offer. Some of the attractions or activities that can be included during this hike are: Humantay Lake at the slope of the snowy peak of the same name; coffee and fruit plantation visits; bird watching; Llactapata Site, which offers a great view of Machu Picchu; Cocalmayo Hot Springs; and Canopy (Zipline) in Santa Teresa.
• The Salkantay Trek is an open route which has become very popular, attracting solo travelers and many tour operators. Unfortunately, this popularity is bringing organic, inorganic, and visual contamination to this once pristine and barely traveled route.This irresponsible behavior is getting the attention of local authorities, so even though the Salkantay Trek hasn't been regulated by the Peruvian government yet, there is a high possibility that it will be regulated soon.
• Travelers should allow themselves time to get used to the high altitude of the trek by spending a couple of full days in a high altitude city such as Cusco. Also, travelers should be in good physical shape to truly enjoy this route.
• If Huayna Picchu is included in your itinerary, an entrance ticket to Machu Picchuwith access to Huayna Picchu MUST be purchased in advance. (Only 400 people are allowed access to Huayna Picchu per day.)

Restrictions:

• Travelers with health issues such  as cardiac conditions, asthma, or pulmonary infections should ask a doctor before hiking the Salkantay Trek.