Salkantay Trek Difficulty: How Hard It Is, Day by Day, and How to Prepare

Why Is the Salkantay Trek Considered Hard?

The Salkantay trek is considered hard for three reasons: altitude, distance and big changes in climate. The pass is about 3,900 feet higher than Cusco, daily walks run 6 to 10 hours, and you drop from freezing glacier valleys to humid cloud forest in a day. Your body works harder in thin, cold air.

The trail itself is not technical. There is no climbing or rope work, just steep dirt and rocky paths. For the full route and what is included, see our Salkantay trek 5 days page.

How Hard Is Each Day of the Salkantay Trek?

Each day of the Salkantay trek has a different difficulty. Day 1 is a moderate walk with an optional steep climb to Humantay Lake. Day 2 is the hardest, crossing the pass and descending far. Days 3 and 4 are easier, mostly downhill or flat in warmer valleys, ending near Aguas Calientes.

Day plans differ by operator. Our Humantay Lake day hike page explains the lake climb on its own.

The trek ends in the river town described in our Aguas Calientes travel guide.

How Does Altitude Affect the Salkantay Trek?

Altitude affects the Salkantay trek more than any other factor. At about 15,090 feet, each breath carries roughly 40 percent less oxygen than at sea level, so you walk slower and tire faster. Headaches, nausea and poor sleep at the first camp are common if you start the trek without acclimatizing.

Spend at least two to three nights in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before you start, and walk slowly on the pass. Descend if symptoms get worse. Our Cusco altitude guide explains symptoms and medication options to discuss with your doctor.

Who Can Do the Salkantay Trek, and Who Should Not?

The Salkantay trek suits healthy adults who can walk 6 to 8 hours on hills, including fit beginners who prepare. It is not a good choice for people with heart or lung conditions, uncontrolled blood pressure, serious knee problems or anyone told by a doctor to avoid high altitude. Children under about 12 usually struggle.

• Good fit: regular hikers, runners, gym-goers who do cardio
• Possible with training: active beginners who start weeks ahead
• Think twice: weak knees, since descents are long
• Avoid: heart or lung disease without medical clearance

How to Train for the Salkantay Trek

Training for the Salkantay trek should start at least six to eight weeks before you go. Focus on long walks with elevation gain, leg strength for downhills and steady cardio. You cannot train for altitude at home near sea level, so fitness simply gives you more reserve when the air gets thin.

1. Walk or hike 3 to 4 times a week, building to 5 to 6 hours
2. Add stairs or steep hills carrying a 10 to 15 lb daypack
3. Do squats and lunges twice a week for the long descents
4. Include 30 to 45 minutes of cardio on other days
5. Break in your hiking boots on at least three long walks
6. Practice with trekking poles if you plan to use them

Is Salkantay Harder Than the Inca Trail?

Salkantay is harder than the classic Inca Trail. It is longer, and its pass sits about 1,300 feet above Dead Woman's Pass. The Inca Trail has more stone steps, which some find harder on the knees, but Salkantay asks for more stamina overall. Neither trek needs climbing skills.

See our side-by-side Inca Trail vs Salkantay comparison and the Inca Trail difficulty guide for the full picture.

When Is the Salkantay Trek Easiest?

The Salkantay trek is easiest in the dry season, from May to September, when trails are firm and skies are clearer. Nights near the pass drop below freezing then, so warm gear matters. From November to March rain turns paths muddy and can bring snow on the pass, which makes every day harder.

Unlike the Inca Trail, Salkantay stays open in February, but conditions are at their wettest. Check our Cusco weather guide for monthly temperatures and rain.

Warm layers matter in every season; see our Machu Picchu packing list for a full gear checklist.

Before you commit, check the Machu Picchu weather by season, read our Cusco altitude and acclimatization guide, and compare the route with the Inca Trail vs Salkantay comparison.

Prefer to have it all arranged? Our Ausangate trek covers transport, tickets and a licensed guide.

For a fully arranged version, take a look at our Inca Jungle trek.