Peru: The Scenic Salkantay Adventure 2027

Machu Picchu, perched high in the Peruvian Andes, is one of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites. Built in the 15th century by the Inca emperor Pachacuti, this ancient citadel showcases the ingenuity of Inca engineering with its dry-stone walls, precise terraces, and panoramic views. Hidden from the Spanish conquistadors, it remained largely unknown to the outside world until its rediscovery by American explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911. Today, Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Our journey to this breathtaking site follows the stunning Salkantay Trail, a dramatic, less-travelled route that winds through remote mountain landscapes, past glaciers, waterfalls, and tropical cloud forests. This alternative trek offers both challenge and incredible reward, culminating in a truly unforgettable arrival at Machu Picchu. It’s a powerful and inspiring adventure for those seeking both culture and natural beauty.

Due to conservation efforts, visits to Machu Picchu are strictly regulated. All visitors must follow a designated route through the site, with a limited duration to help preserve the fragile environment and manage tourist flow.

You will be accompanied throughout the trek by English-speaking local guides who have an excellent knowledge of the local culture and hiking in the region. The guides are first aid trained and will support you throughout your journey. You will also be supported by a team of professional cooks and muleteers from local communities and a Different Travel UK tour manager. You will be in very safe hands!

The steep terrain and high altitude will make the going tough at times, but anyone with good fitness and the right attitude will love it. The first day is generally flat with a gradual incline as you gain altitude, there may also be some small streams to cross. The second day will be tough with a steep zigzagging ascent on rocky ground to the high pass, followed by an undulating descent through the rainforest where the terrain may be muddy and slippery. The next two days of trekking are undulating and will be a mixture of jungle and alpine trails, which can be muddy underfoot. There are a number of hills to climb, including a steep climb through the coffee plantations on the final day. You must ensure your training includes plenty of hills!

October is a fantastic time to trek the Salkantay route, offering a mix of clear days and the first signs of the rainy season. You can expect mild to warm temperatures during the day, typically ranging from 10°C to 20°C, with cooler conditions at higher altitudes.

Nights can be cold, especially at camps like Soraypampa, where temperatures may drop to freezing or just below. Rain is possible—usually in the form of brief afternoon showers—so waterproof clothing is essential.

As you descend into the cloud forest and jungle zones near Lucmabamba and Aguas Calientes, the climate becomes more humid and lush. With fewer crowds than the peak dry season, October offers a more peaceful trekking experience, stunning scenery, and generally favourable weather conditions. Dressing in layers and being prepared for varied conditions will help ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trek.

Chefs will be on-hand to make hearty meals during the trek. Breakfast is eaten as a group in the mess tent (hot drinks, bread, butter and jam, pancakes, scrambled eggs or porridge etc.) and the cooks will prepare delicious traditional Andean food for lunch and dinner. This will include dishes such as soup, chicken, beef or lamb, fish with potatoes, quinoa, rice or pasta. Snacks include fruit, chocolate, sandwiches, hot drinks and popcorn. You will eat at local restaurants and/or your hotel while in the Cusco and Sacred Valley area before and after the trek. Please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions.

You will spend the first two nights in hotels in Cusco, on a twin-share basis. During the trek you will spend three nights camping in three-man tents (two people per tent), and on the last night of the trek, you’ll stay one night at a guesthouse in Aguas Calientes for a good night’s sleep before heading up to Machu Picchu the following day. After the trek, you will spend two further nights at the hotel in Cusco. Tents, warm sleeping bags and mats are provided for camping.

The minimum age is 18 (or 16-17 if accompanied by a parent/guardian). There is no upper age limit.

An ideal candidate is someone who is open minded, positive, flexible and enjoys the challenges of the great outdoors. Adventure travel involves elements of the unexpected so do not expect the standards to be the same as you are used to at home. Remote areas are sometimes unpredictable (be it because of group pace, weather conditions etc.) and itineraries may be altered to allow for this. You must also be willing to train hard for this challenge!

The hotels and the guesthouse have en-suite facilities with flushing toilets and showers. During the trek, you will be provided with a bowl of hot water and soap each morning to freshen up for the day ahead, so you are recommended to bring a small pack of baby wipes and hand sanitiser for your general hygiene. There may be opportunities to visit hot springs during the trek and in Aguas Calientes, so bring a non-cotton trek towel (e.g., a large travel towel) and some basic, biodegradable toiletries if you wish to take advantage of this opportunity.

Toilet facilities at camp will be a basic pit latrine toilet block. Toilet paper is not provided, so you will need to bring your own. If you use the toilet during the day whilst on the trail, you must carry out any toilet paper you use in a sanitary/nappy sack, to dispose of properly at camp. You must NEVER leave toilet paper, fruit peel, nut shells or other litter on the trail.

The Salkantay Trek is a challenging multi-day hike that requires a good level of physical fitness. You’ll be trekking for 5–8 hours a day, often on steep, uneven terrain and at high altitudes, with the highest point being 4,638m at Abra Salkantay.

While you don’t need to be an elite athlete, you should be comfortable walking long distances over several consecutive days and be prepared for both ascents and descents. Training in advance with hill walking, cardio exercises, and endurance activities will make the experience more enjoyable.

The effects of altitude can be felt even by fit individuals; an acclimatisation day in Cusco is included to help prepare your body. If you’re reasonably active and willing to put in plenty of pre-trip training, this trek is achievable and incredibly rewarding.

You can expect to have some very early morning starts and limited downtime or free time during the trek.

The highest point on this trek is 4,638m, at the Abra Salkantay mountain pass, but your exposure to high altitude begins as soon as you arrive in Cusco (3,400m) and continues during your time exploring the Sacred Valley.

Altitudes above 3,000m are considered high, and it’s common to feel the effects shortly after arrival, even everyday activities like climbing stairs can feel unexpectedly tiring. To help your body adjust, the itinerary includes an acclimatisation day during which you will trek in and around Cusco, before the trek begins.

These early days are designed to allow for gradual acclimatisation and reduce the risk of altitude-related issues, giving you the best chance of enjoying the trek safely and comfortably.

While the Inca Trail gets all the attention, we’ve chosen the Salkantay Trek for good reason. It’s a more scenic, less crowded alternative, offering a richer variety of landscapes, from snow-capped peaks to lush cloud forests, and passing fascinating Inca ruins along the way. Best of all, it still ends with the unforgettable reward of reaching Machu Picchu, and exploring the site.

The route is physically demanding, with high altitudes and challenging mountain passes, so it’s not for the faint-hearted. But if you’re up for the adventure, you’ll quickly see why the Salkantay Trek is a favourite among those who want a more peaceful, immersive, and rewarding journey through the Andes.

Any luggage that is not needed during the trek can be safely stored at the hotel for the duration of the trip. This allows you to carry only the essentials while trekking, with the peace of mind that your remaining belongings are secure and will be waiting for you upon your return.

Any day-to-day items that you do not need to carry yourself, such as spare clothing, toiletries, or sleeping gear, will be transported in a separate bag to your next accommodation or campsite by mules, so they are ready and waiting for you at the end of each day’s trek.

During the trek, you will only need to carry a small daypack containing essential items for that day, such as water, snacks, a basic first aid kit, sun protection, and any personal items you may need.

Visit here to find the kit list relevant to this trip.