The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru is considered overcrowded, and hiking permits are limited. Fortunately, there are other routes that lead to the famous Inca citadel in the Andes.
At six in the morning, thick fog hangs over Machu Picchu as the stern guards open the entrance gates. Just fifteen minutes later, the clouds suddenly begin to clear. First, the temples, palace ruins, and agricultural terraces of the ancient Inca city appear, with llamas grazing between the stone structures. Then Huayna Picchu emerges — the steep peak beside the ruins that appears on nearly every Machu Picchu postcard.
From minute to minute, the legendary citadel looks different, depending on how the clouds move and what they conceal. The sharp ridges of the 4,000–5,000-meter peaks of the Urubamba massif frame Machu Picchu like the seating tiers of an amphitheater. Hundreds of meters below, the Urubamba River curves in a horseshoe shape around the mountains.
You can hear the river rushing. For now, it is still quiet.
An hour later, the magic fades. Crowds with selfie sticks gather on the stone terraces around their tour guides. The noise rises. Nearly 6,000 visitors are admitted each day. Most arrive by bus up to 2,400 meters above sea level, while others hike in through the Sun Gate on the final stretch of the Inca Trail — one of the world’s most famous multi-day treks.
However, the Inca Trail is widely considered overcrowded, and many visitors complain about mass tourism. Independent hikers are not allowed to walk it alone; everyone must join an organized tour. Permits — limited to 500 per day — are often sold out months in advance.
Luckily, many paths lead to Machu Picchu. The Salkantay Trek is perhaps the most spectacular alternative to the classic route. This four- to five-day journey covers about 68 kilometers — roughly one and a half times longer than the Inca Trail — and reaches an altitude of 4,630 meters, higher than the Matterhorn.
The effort is rewarded with breathtaking views of snow-covered peaks over 6,000 meters high, beautiful Andean lakes, and brilliant starry skies. The route passes through cloud forests and jungle landscapes, as well as passion fruit and avocado plantations where fresh produce can be bought for just a few coins.
The first two days are especially spectacular. From Mollepata, the trail climbs to the deep-blue mountain lake Laguna Humantay at 4,200 meters, then descends again to Soraypampa at 3,800 meters, where trekkers spend the night with views of two glaciers.
Tourist Overpricing Begins in Aguas Calientes
On day two, the trail climbs another 830 meters to the pass below Mount Salkantay (6,271 meters), surrounded by vast ice fields. It can be bitterly cold and windy here, especially during the Peruvian winter from June to August, when snow can pile up several meters high.
A day and a half later — and 2,700 vertical meters lower — the crowds return. The trek ends in Aguas Calientes, where most Machu Picchu visitors stay overnight. Prices here are often much higher than elsewhere in Peru, with hotels and restaurants charging premium rates. The 30-minute bus ride up to Machu Picchu costs about 24 US dollars.
However, you can also walk. Since the first buses do not depart until around 5:30 a.m.
Peru Xcapes Private Transfers to Salkantay
If you are planning to hike the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu by yourself, Peru Xcapes can help with your transfers to the trailhead at Soraypampa and your return transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco. If you are planning to visit Humantay Lake, we specialize in providing the best service for you.
Depending on the size of your group or family, Peru Xcapes offers different types of tourist transportation to ensure the best travel experience, with comfort and punctuality guaranteed.
Don’t look any further for reliable tourist transportation to the best hikes to Machu Picchu. During these trips, the experiences are unforgettable, and Peru Xcapes enhances your journey with comfortable and professional transport services. Visit our website and find the best tourist transfer for your trip.
How to Get from Cusco to Soraypampa?
To reach Soraypampa, the trailhead of the Salkantay Trek, you need to travel by road from Cusco. The drive takes approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes.
Peru Xcapes offers different types of tourist transportation to Soraypampa. A private transfer is the safest and most comfortable option, allowing you to travel directly without needing to search for routes, change vehicles along the way, or stop frequently to pick up local passengers and connect with other transportation mid-route.
The journey from Cusco to Soraypampa follows one of the most beautiful scenic routes in the region. We recommend starting your transfer between 4:00 and 4:30 AM. Most tour operators begin picking up passengers between 4:30 and 5:00 AM, and by the time they reach the trailhead, many travelers are already heading up the mountain — almost like a procession.
If you leave earlier, you can enjoy the mountains and Humantay Lake with far fewer people around, giving you a more peaceful experience and unforgettable views.
How to Get Back to Cusco After the Salkantay Trek?
After enjoying your visit to Machu Picchu, there are two main ways to return to Cusco.
The first and most comfortable option is to take the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. From there, a Peru Xcapes driver will be waiting for you at the train station with a sign showing your name, or he will call you directly. Please pay close attention upon arrival to meet your driver easily. The drive from Ollantaytambo to Cusco takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, and our professional driver will drop you off at your hotel or Airbnb.
The second option is to return via Hidroelectrica. You can walk from Aguas Calientes to Hidroelectrica, which takes about 3 hours, or take the train on that route (this option is more expensive, so we usually recommend walking). Once you arrive at Hidroelectrica, your Peru Xcapes driver will be waiting for you with your name and will drive you back to Cusco. The journey takes around 7 hours and passes through beautiful landscapes along the way.
Peru Xcapes Explains the Complete Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu Itinerary
Day 1: Mollepata (2,900 m) – Laguna Humantay (4,200 m) – Soraypampa (3,860 m), 18 km
Soraypampa is the traditional starting point of the Salkantay Trek. Hikers can buy supplies and hire pack animals or porters here. Many tour operators drive as far as Challacancha (3,360 m). From there, the trail climbs steeply, then levels out and follows a centuries-old Inca canal to the Soraypampa plateau camps. A further climb leads to Humantay Lake, offering glacier views and helping with altitude acclimatization.
Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass (4,630 m) – Chaullay (2,900 m), 23 km
Groups start early to avoid the heat. After steep switchbacks over rocky terrain, the trail crosses a plateau and finishes with a final climb to the pass, rewarded with panoramic views of snow-covered peaks. The route then descends steadily to Huayracmachay and continues down to Chaullay.
Day 3: Chaullay – La Playa (2,130 m), 15 km
The trail follows the Santa Teresa River downhill into warmer climates. Fruit plantations appear along the way, and small roadside stands sell avocado sandwiches and sweet granadilla fruit. Many trekkers stop or stay overnight near La Playa. From here, it’s possible to take a bus to Hidroelectrica and continue by train to Aguas Calientes.
Day 4: La Playa – Llactapata – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes, 12–23 km
The route continues through the Santa Teresa Valley, climbs to Llactapata Pass, then descends to the hydroelectric station. From there, trains run to Aguas Calientes. Budget travelers often walk the final 11 km along the railway, enjoying mountain views along the way.
Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu (2,440 m), 4 km
Most visitors take the bus, but more hikers now choose to walk the final stretch. The forest trail climbs steadily and can be slippery in the rain, ending at the main entrance. From Machu Picchu, additional hikes lead to the Sun Gate, Huayna Picchu, or Machu Picchu Mountain for even higher viewpoints.