8 reasons why you shouldn’t miss out the Salkantay Trek while learning Spanish in Cusco
Are you interested in taking Spanish lessons and you would like to hike to Machu Picchu? Sign up for our program Spanish & Trekking! This two week program offers you an intensive Spanish group course in Cusco with fun activities and the amazing Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with an experienced trekking guide!
During your first week, you will be immersed in the Spanish language and culture in the beautiful town of Cusco while living with a local host family or, in one of the shared student apartments at the school residence.
Once you are well acclimatized and ready for a challenge, the adventure starts! The Salkantay Trek is one of the most spectacular hikes to Machu Picchu, a magnificent wilderness hike for those who wish to escape the more congested trekking routes. This route crosses the Andes Mountains and then descends down to the high jungle. Our guide will take you through an amazing progression of ecological zones. Experience the views of sparsely vegetated alpine meadows revealing two spectacular glaciated peaks, and then head down through a subtropical forest. The visit to Machu Picchu on the last day is more exhilarating having trekked across rugged terrain to arrive at this famous citadel of the Incas.
The Salkantay Trek is offers a diverse range of landscapes, a deep cultural experience, and a true physical challenge, making it a bucket-list trek for adventure lovers.
8 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Miss the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu when learning Spanish in Cusco.
1. Spectacular and Diverse Landscapes
The Salkantay Trek is famous for its stunning scenery that changes dramatically along the way. From snow-capped mountains to lush tropical forests, every day offers something new. The most breathtaking spots include:
- Humantay Lake, a turquoise glacial lake at the foot of the mountains
- The towering Salkantay Peak, the highest point of the trek at 4,630 meters
- The lush cloud forest, with waterfalls and tropical wildlife
- Lactapata ruins, a hidden Inca site offering a distant first glimpse of Machu Picchu
At night, the campsites provide a front-row seat to incredible sunsets and starlit skies, making this trek a paradise for nature lovers and photographers.
2. A Deep Cultural and Culinary Experience
Beyond the landscapes, the Salkantay Trek is also a cultural immersion. The local guides, who are often of Quechua descent, love sharing their traditions and language. Learning a few words in Quechua—the language of the Incas—adds a fun and interactive aspect to the journey.
Additionally, as you descend into the rainforest, you’ll get to taste delicious tropical Peruvian fruits straight from the trees. The trek’s meals are an experience in themselves, with fresh, local ingredients prepared by skilled chefs along the route. Who knew you could enjoy gourmet-style food in the mountains?
3. Push Your Limits and Feel the Ultimate Sense of Achievement
Hiking at high altitudes is no easy feat, and the Salkantay Trek is physically demanding. Even seasoned hikers don’t know exactly how their body will react to the altitude. The second day is the hardest, as you climb to Salkantay Pass (4,630m), but pushing through that challenge makes reaching Machu Picchu all the more rewarding. When you finally complete the trek, you’ll feel an incredible sense of pride and accomplishment. Every sore muscle will remind you of the strength and determination you showed on this journey!
4. Meet Like-Minded Adventurers and Make Lifelong Friends
One of the best parts of the trek is the people you’ll meet along the way. Other Spanish students and travelers from all over the world come together with a shared goal, and this creates deep and meaningful connections. With no distractions from the outside world, conversations flow naturally, and the bonds you form can last a lifetime. If you’re traveling solo, this is a great way to make friends, and if you’re with a group, it’s an opportunity to share an incredible adventure together. Back in Cusco, you can continue your Spanish classes or keep on travelling.
5. Disconnect from Daily Life and Truly Live in the Moment
In a world dominated by technology, being disconnected for a few days is a rare gift. Without Wi-Fi or social media distractions, you can fully immerse yourself in nature and reconnect with yourself. Walking through the mountains with nothing but your thoughts and breathtaking scenery is an incredibly freeing experience. Plus, after a few days of trekking, you’ll appreciate the comforts of daily life—like a warm shower or a comfy bed—so much more!
6. Discover the Magic of Machu Picchu as a Reward for Your Efforts
Nothing beats the feeling of arriving at Machu Picchu after days of learning Spanish and trekking. You’ll have earned every step, making the experience far more special.
The ancient citadel is one of the most fascinating historical sites in the world, with its massive stone walls, intricate terraces, and mysterious past. Despite decades of research, many secrets of Machu Picchu remain unknown, adding to its mystique. Your local guide will reveal its history, legends, and hidden corners—but simply standing there, taking it all in, is an unforgettable moment.
7. A More Authentic, Less Crowded Alternative to the Inca Trail
While the Inca Trail is legendary, it is also highly regulated, expensive, and often crowded. The Salkantay Trek, on the other hand, does not require that special permit, making it a great alternative if Inca Trail permits are sold out. Note: we do need to book your Machu Picchu ticket several weeks in advance!
8. Experience Multiple Climates in One Trek
Where else can you start in freezing glacial landscapes, hike through lush cloud forests, and end in the tropical jungle? The Salkantay Trek takes you through diverse ecosystems that make the journey feel like multiple adventures in one. You’ll go from wearing warm layers at high altitude to short sleeves in the humid jungle, which adds an extra dimension to the adventure.
What does the Salkantay Trek look like? One of our former participants shares her experience and the itinerary with us!
Salkantay Trek: A Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 – Cusco → Soraypampa
The adventure begins early—really early the day: at 4:30 AM, the day after we finalized the Spanish course, a minibus arrived to pick up our group of hikers from around the world, all eager to take on the challenge of the Salkantay Trek.
As we drove out of Cusco, winding roads and stunning scenery set the tone for what was to come. After a hearty breakfast, we began the first leg of our hike to Soraypampa, a relatively easy walk to help us acclimate to the altitude. Along the way, our guide introduced us to coca leaves, an essential part of Peruvian culture and a natural remedy for altitude sickness.
After reaching our campsite and enjoying a well-deserved lunch, we embarked on an unforgettable hike to Humantay Lake, one of the trek’s most breathtaking sights. The turquoise waters, set against the dramatic backdrop of snow-capped peaks, made the climb absolutely worth it. That night, we stayed in cozy mountain huts, exhausted but thrilled by the journey ahead.
Day 2 – Soraypampa → Chaullay
This was the toughest—and most rewarding—day of the trek. We had an early start, making our way up to Abra Salkantay Pass (4,600m / 15,091ft), the highest point of the trek. The thin air made every step feel heavier, but our guide encouraged us to take it slow and enjoy the journey.
At the summit, we celebrated with a traditional Andean offering ritual using coca leaves, a gesture of gratitude to Pachamama (Mother Earth) and the surrounding mountains. As the clouds cleared, we were rewarded with breathtaking views of Salkantay Mountain, an impressive 6,271m (20,574ft) giant.
From there, we began a long descent into a completely different world—the lush cloud forest. As we made our way down, the landscape transformed from rugged alpine terrain into a vibrant rainforest filled with exotic plants and waterfalls. It was so beautiful! That night, we stayed in bungalows in Chaullay, enjoying the chance to rest and recharge. Some of us even took advantage of the (cold) showers (or paid a small fee for a hot one) and played cards under the starry sky.
Day 3 – Chaullay → Lucmabamba
Each morning, our guide woke us up with a warm cup of coca tea, a comforting way to start the day. Before setting off, we gathered in a circle, shared our thoughts, and got pumped up for the day ahead. Our group had already formed strong bonds, making the trek even more enjoyable.
The third day was easier, as we hiked through the rainforest, passing coffee plantations and fruit orchards. We sampled freshtropical fruits, tried delicious organic chocolate, and learned about the local flora and fauna. The highlight? A well-deserved soak in natural hot springs, soothing our sore muscles and giving us a taste of pure relaxation.
In the afternoon, some of us joined a coffee tour, discovering the process behind Peru’s famous coffee beans. That night, we stayed in comfortable lodges in Lucmabamba, enjoying good food, laughter, and the excitement of being one step closer to Machu Picchu.
Day 4 – Lucmabamba → Aguas Calientes
The fourth day brought another challenging uphill climb through the rainforest. The humidity made it even tougher, but the effort was well worth it when we reached Llaqtapata, an Inca ruin offering a distant yet stunning view of Machu Picchu. Seeing the lost city from afar gave us an extra push to keep going.
After a steep descent, we followed the railroad tracks to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. That night, we stayed in a hotel—our first real bed in days! We celebrated our journey with a well-earned meal, trying Peruvian specialties like alpaca meat and the famous Pisco Sour cocktail.
Day 5 – Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu → Cusco
The grand finale! We woke up before sunrise and made our way to Machu Picchu. We had the option to climb up to the ruins or take a bus. The morning started misty and rainy, but as we walked through the ancient city, the clouds slowly lifted, revealing the breathtaking architecture of the Lost City of the Incas.
Our guide led us through the mysterious ruins, sharing fascinating stories about the history and significance of Machu Picchu. Despite its impressive size, much of its past remains a mystery, adding to its allure.
After soaking in the magic of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, we hiked back down to Aguas Calientes. In the afternoon, we boarded the train and made our way back to Cusco, reflecting on an adventure that left us with unforgettable memories.
Final Thoughts: Is the Salkantay Trek Worth It?
Absolutely! This trek is perfect for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone looking to challenge themselves, while exploring some of Peru’s most breathtaking landscapes. While it’s physically demanding, the experience is incredibly rewarding.
I did the Spanish & Trekking Program during the low season, which meant more rain but also fewer crowds and greener landscapes. Regardless of when you go, the Salkantay Trek is something you’ll never forget. If you love hiking, stunning scenery, and a bit of adventure, don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime experience! And if you have some time left in Peru after the trek, you can continue your Spanish studies in Cusco!
Hiking to Machu Picchu is an unforgettable experience that combines breathtaking landscapes, cultural immersion, adventure, and personal achievement. It’s a great hike to do after your Spanish classes in Cusco! This trek is one of the best ways to experience Peru’s natural beauty and ancient history making Spanish & Salkantay a great combination!
NOTE:
Additional weeks of studying Spanish can also be booked upon request. The hike includes pickup, transfer, accommodation, meals, camping equipment (except sleeping bag), a professional guide during the trek, Machu Picchu ticket (circuit subject to availability), 1 one shuttle bus and train Expedition back to Cusco. Starting Dates: the Saturday or Sunday after your Spanish classes finalized! First breakfast not included. No Spanish classes organized while on the trek. You can continue with your classes after the trek. During the course, you can stay with a local host family or in the student residence.