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Salkantay Trek

Salkantay Trek — the trail guide

The Salkantay Trek is a 75.2 km trek in Peru, typically walked in 4-5 days, with 3964 m of total ascent. It rates Hard on our published rubric (53 m of gain per km, topping out at 4621 m). Its operating periods and current access must be checked with the linked route authorities; historical climate averages cannot establish whether the route is open or passable.

A high-Andean trekking route around Nevado Salkantay; PROMPERÚ describes the best-known four-day trek as starting in Limatambo, Mollepata or Soraypampa and continuing as an alternative approach toward the Machupicchu sanctuary.

Quick facts

Distance75.2 km
Total ascent3964 m
Typical duration4-5 days
Difficulty (computed)Hard
Steepness53 m gain per km
High point4621 m
CountryPeru
RegionPeru

Difficulty is computed from gain-per-km and maximum altitude on a published rubric, identically for every trail in the catalogue — so an "Hard" here means the same thing everywhere on DirtbagMaps.

Official planning information

Elevation profile

Low point 1776 m · high point 4621 m · 3964 m total ascent over 75.2 km.

Historical climate normals — month by month

ERA5 reanalysis averages (2015–2024) for the trail area, referenced to approximately 2846 m elevation. These are gridded historical estimates, not observations from every stage and not a forecast. They cannot show current snowpack, river levels, fire restrictions, closures or whether a pass is safe.

MonthAvg highAvg lowAvg precip
Jan20°11°159 mm
Feb20°12°156 mm
Mar20°11°123 mm
Apr21°10°52 mm
May21°17 mm
Jun21°9 mm
Jul22°7 mm
Aug22°16 mm
Sep23°10°26 mm
Oct23°11°60 mm
Nov23°12°75 mm
Dec22°11°113 mm

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Salkantay Trek?

The Salkantay Trek is 75.2 km, and most hikers complete it in 4-5 days. Total elevation gain is 3964 m.

How difficult is the Salkantay Trek?

It rates Hard on DirtbagMaps' computed rubric: 53 m of climbing per km walked with a high point of 4621 m. The rubric classifies every trail from gain-per-km and maximum altitude, so ratings are comparable across the whole catalogue.

What season and condition information is available for the Salkantay Trek?

PROMPERÚ planning season: June–September (guide published December 2019). PROMPERÚ explicitly publishes June–September for the best-known four-day Salkantay trek. The official guide dates from 2019, so its calendar is broad planning guidance rather than current access status. This note was reviewed 30 Jul 2026 and is not live status; re-check the linked authorities before booking and departure.

Where is the Salkantay Trek?

In Peru. The route starts near -13.508, -72.528 — the interactive 3D map above shows the full line, and the planner splits it into daily stages.

Can I get the GPX and plan daily stages?

Yes. Open the trail in the DirtbagMaps planner to drag the elevation profile into daily stages, see huts and accommodation along the corridor, and export a per-day GPX for your watch or GPS.

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