he Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is an unforgettable journey through diverse landscapes—from lush cloud forests to towering snow-capped mountains. A major highlight is reaching the Salkantay Pass, which sits at 4,650 meters (15,255 feet), offering stunning views of Salkantay Mountain, standing at 6,271 meters (20,574 feet).
This guide breaks down the elevation and distance of the Salkantay Trek day by day, giving you a clear picture of what to expect on this incredible adventure.
Day 1: Challakancha to Soraypampa Sky Domes
- Distance: 13 Km (8.08 miles)
- Altitudes:
- Starting Elevation (“Mollepata”): 2900 meters / 9,515ft
- Campsite Elevation (“Soraypampa”): 3850 meters / 12,631ft
- Terrain: Moderate
- Area: Andes
- Estimated Trekking Time: 5 hours
- Highlights: Immerse yourself in the Andean landscape as you cover 13 kilometers, culminating at an altitude of 3,850 meters. This leg sets the tone for the extraordinary journey ahead.
Read: Sky Domes at Salkantay Trek.
Day 2: Soraypampa Sky Campsite to Collpapampa
- Distance: 22 Km (13.67 miles)
- Altitudes:
- Highest Elevation (“Salkantay Pass”): 4650 meters / 15255 ft
- Campsite Elevation (“Collpapampa”): 3000m / 9842ft
- Terrain: Challenging
- Area: Andes, Salkantay Glacier
- Estimated Trekking Time: 9 hours
- Highlights: Conquer the mighty Salkantay Pass at an astounding 4,650 meters,15255 feet before descending to Collpapampa at 3,000 meters 9842 feet. This day promises both physical challenges and awe-inspiring vistas.
Day 3: Collpapampa to Lucmabamba
- Distance: 16 Km (9.94 miles)
- Altitudes:
- Starting Elevation (“Collpapampa”): 3000m / 9842ft
- Campsite Elevation (“Lucmabamba”): 2000mt / 6561ft
- Terrain: Moderate
- Area: Cloud Forest
- Estimated Trekking Time: 6 hours
- Highlights: Traverse through the enchanting cloud forest, covering 16 kilometers and descending to 2,000 meters at Lucmabamba.
Day 4: Lucmabamba to Hidroelectic to Aguas Calientes
- Distance: 15km / 9 miles
- Altitudes:
- Starting Elevation (“Lucmabamba”): 2000 meters / 6562 ft
- Hotel Elevation (“Aguas Calientes”): 2050 meters / 6726 ft
- Terrain: Moderate
- Area: Cloud Forest
- Estimated Trekking Time: 6 to 7 hours
- Highlights: Journey through the mystical cloud forest, concluding at the gateway to Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes. This leg covers 15 kilometers and encompasses an elevation change from 2,000 to 2700 Laqtapata and then to 2,050 meters Machu Picchu Pueblo where we will spend a night.
Day 5: Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and Cusco
- Distance: 4 Km (2.49 miles)
- Altitudes:
- Machu Picchu Inca City Elevation: 7,972′ (2,430 m)
- Huaynapicchu Sacred Mountain Elevation: 8,924′ (2,720 m)
Embark on the final stretch, a 4-kilometer ascent to the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu, perched at 2,430 meters, with the towering Huaynapicchu standing guard at 2,720 meters.
Salkantay Trek Elevation Gain day by day
| Day | Starting Point | Ending Point | Distance (Km / Miles) | Starting Elevation (m / ft) | Ending Elevation (m / ft) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Challakancha | Soraypampa | 13 Km / 8.08 miles | 2900 m / 9515 ft | 3850 m / 12631 ft |
| 2 | Soraypampa | Collpapampa | 22 Km / 13.67 miles | 3850 m / 12631 ft | 4600 m / 15090 ft |
| 3 | Collpapampa | Lucmabamba | 16 Km / 9.94 miles | 3000 m / 9842 ft | 2000 m / 6561 ft |
| 4 | Lucmabamba | Aguas Calientes | 15 Km / 9 miles | 2000 m / 6562 ft | 2700 m / 8858 ft |
| 5 | Aguas Calientes | Machu Picchu | 4 Km / 2.49 miles | 2050 m / 6726 ft | 2430 m / 7972 ft |
This table provides a clear overview of the distances covered and elevations of the Salkantay trek experienced on each day of the trek. It serves as a valuable reference for planning and understanding the journey.
Want to know how difficult is this trek? Read our blog of Salkantay Trek Difficulty, where we explain everything about difficulty and how to overcome the altitude.
Salkantay Pass Altitude: 4650 M. 15255 feet
The standard route to the summit is the Northeast ridge, typically requiring three days of travel from Cusco. This climb encompasses approximately 1,800 meters (5,900 feet) of vertical gain, traversing glaciers, snow, ice, and some rocky terrain. and the salkantay mountain elevation is 6271 m. 20574 feet above sea level
Read more at: Salkantay Pass Everything you need to know.
Unveiling the Andean Beauty
The Salkantay Trek offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the Andean beauty, with each day’s journey revealing new heights and terrains. From the verdant cloud forests to the majestic heights of the Salkantay Pass, this trek promises not only a physical challenge but also a spiritual journey through some of Peru’s most awe-inspiring landscapes.
Read: Salkantay Trek Weather – The best time to do.
I am Carlos, founder of Machu Picchu Soul, a local tour operator and travel agency based in Cusco, Peru. My journey in tourism began as a porter on the iconic Inca Trail, where I developed a deep connection with the land and its history. After years of dedication, I became a professional tour guide, honing my skills to deliver exceptional experiences. With over 15 years of expertise, I decided to establish Machu Picchu Soul to combine my passion for authentic travel with a commitment to supporting local communities and creating unforgettable adventures for our guests.
