This is the most popular trek to get to Machu Picchu without doing the Inca Trail. You start at Lake Humantay, which is a spectacular mountain cirque with a glacier that calves into it. You hike up and over the Salkantay pass, then down to Santa Teresa.

The first day, hiking up the south side of the mountain, you are in dry, high altitude mountains. After you start down the north side, you are entering the lush jungle that surrounds Machu Picchu. At Santa Teresa you may have time to visit coffee or cacao farms.

If you spend the night in Santa Teresa, you will have the opportunity to soak in the hot springs, which I highly recommend. There are also zip lines in the area, which I have enjoyed, but do your own safety checks and be careful.

This is a great trek for people who want to experience several different ecosystems. Peru is famous for its micro-climates and on this trek you pass continuously through a variety of ecosystems, each with its own flora and fauna. It is perfect for birdwatching!

From Santa Teresa, you go directly to Aguas Calientes. (Santa Teresa is west of Machu Picchu, while Ollantaytambo is to the east). You will still spend the night in Aguas Calientes and then take the shuttle up to Machu Picchu the next morning. You’ll take the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo to get back to Cusco.

You can read about my Salkantay trek on my website.

Agencies

For info on selecting an agency - see Cusco Trekking Agencies.