Salkantay Trek on Horseback 2026 โ Ride to Machu Picchu Through the Andes
Experience one of the most unique adventures in Peru with our Salkantay Trek on Horseback 2026, an unforgettable journey to Machu Picchu combining comfort, nature, and adventure. This alternative trek allows you to explore the Andes on horseback while camping under the stars and descending into the lush edge of the Amazon jungle.
Your journey begins near Soraypampa (3,600 m / 11,811 ft), surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery and the majestic Salkantay glacier. From here, you will ride through breathtaking landscapes, transitioning from the dry highlands of the Andes to the green cloud forest, ending in Colpapampa (2,800 m / 9,186 ft), known as the gateway to the Amazon.
Throughout the trek, you will enjoy freshly prepared meals by our professional chef, making your adventure both comfortable and memorable.
Why Choose the Salkantay Horseback Trek?
- Ride through the Andes with strong, high-altitude Andean horses
- Ideal for travelers seeking a less physically demanding alternative
- No horseback riding experience required
- Fully equipped with comfortable saddles and safety gear
- Includes camping equipment and expert local support team
Our Andean horses are specially trained for mountain terrain and altitude, ensuring a safe and smooth ride. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, this trek is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
This Salkantay horseback riding tour in Peru is the perfect way to reach Machu Picchu while avoiding the physical demands of traditional trekkingโwithout missing any of the stunning scenery.
Join us for the ultimate Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu on horseback, and discover the Andes in a relaxed, authentic, and unforgettable way.
Salkantay Trek Horseback Ride
The Salkantay Trek Horseback Experience is the most convenient option for completing the entire Salkantay route on horseback. This allows travelers to avoid the physical exertion typically required on the trail to Machu Picchu, while still enjoying the full beauty of the experience.
Our horses are calm, well-trained, and accustomed to accompanying visitors along the route. We provide good-quality saddles and stirrups to ensure a comfortable and secure journey.
The horseback route follows the exact same trail used by hikers, ensuring that none of the natural scenery or highlights are missed. An additional benefit of choosing the horseback option is that it allows the full Salkantay Trek to be completed in 3 days instead of the traditional 5 days.
For more detailed information about experiencing the Salkantay Trek on horseback, please contact us.
We will provide the complete itinerary and can also adapt the program to your preferred travel plans. Our team is fully prepared to organize a comprehensive, all-inclusive Salkantay adventure tailored to your needs.
Itinerary: Salkantay Horseback Riding โ 3 Days / 2 Nights
Day 1: Cusco โ Soraypampa โ Huayracmachay
Pickup at 4:00 a.m., then we travel by car for approximately 2 hours to the town of Mollepata, where we have breakfast. After that, we continue by car for 1 more hour to the starting point of the horseback ride at Soraypampa, located at 3,600 meters (11,811 ft) above sea level.
On this day, we ride horses for about 3 hours uphill to the Salkantay Pass, located at 4,600 meters (15,092 ft) above sea level, followed by lunch. After lunch, we continue riding for 1.5 hours to the campsite called Huayracmachay, located at 3,900 meters (12,795 ft) above sea level, where we camp for the night.
- Riding time: 7 hours
- Distance: 15 km
Included: Lunch, dinner, entrance fees for the Salkantay trekking
Not Included: The breakfast
Overnight: We sleep in camping tents
Day 2: Huayracmachay โ Collpapampa โ Aguas Calientes
After breakfast, we ride horses for approximately 3.5 hours to the village of Collpapampa, located at 2,850 meters (9,350 ft) above sea level. Here, the horseback riding tour ends.
From Collpapampa, we travel by car for about 2 hours to the Hydro-electric Station. From there, we walk to Aguas Calientes along a flat trail surrounded by lush vegetation, as we are already entering the edge of the jungle. We arrive in Aguas Calientes, where we spend the second night, at 2,000 meters (6,562 ft) above sea level.
Included: Breakfast, lunch, and car transport
Not Included: Dinner, hotel
Day 3: Aguas Calientes โ Machu Picchu โ Cusco
Early in the morning, we take a 30-minute bus ride to Machu Picchu, followed by a 3-hour guided tour. After the visit, we return to Aguas Calientes for lunch. In the afternoon, we take the train to Ollantaytambo (approximately 2 hours), and then continue by car to Cusco (about 2 more hours).
Included: Machupicchu entrance fees, bus transport round trip, train tickets, and transport to your hotel in Cusco
Not Included: Breakfast, lunch
Photo Salkantay Trek Peru
Price For Horseback Ride Salkantay 3 Days / 2 Nights
- 1 to 3 people: Per person US$1600
- 4 to 6 people: Per person US$1400
- 7 to 10 people: Per person US$1350
Booking
Book Your Salkantay Trek on Horseback 2026 โ Ride to Machu Picchu Today
To confirm your booking, you need to send us a deposit of US$200 through our PayPal account. Please note that PayPal charges a 7% fee on any transfer, which is paid by the sender. For this reason, the total amount you need to send is US$214.
The remaining balance is paid in cash upon your arrival in Cusco. After sending the deposit, please send the following details to our WhatsApp number: +51 943 388 685:
- Tour date and type of tour
- Number of people
- Address in Cusco city for hotel pickup
- Email address to stay in contact
- Copy of your passport (profile page only) for Peruvian tax purposes
Once we receive the deposit and your details, we will send you an email confirmation of the payment and your tour reservation.
Note: The US$214 deposit is paid via PayPal, and the remaining balance is paid in cash in Cusco, either in US dollars or Peruvian soles, whichever you prefer. Please make sure the final payment is made with clean, undamaged US dollar bills, as torn or damaged bills are not accepted in Peru.
PayPal account for the deposit:
deposit@chacrastravelperu.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Ride The Horses, All The Way To Machu Picchu?
We mainly ride the horses for 2 days, and day 3 is not accessible for horses, neither is day 4.
Also, along the horseback riding time, we get off from the horses since some parts of the road are steep downhills, and some parts of the trail can be cliff sides.
Will someone be leading the horse during my horseback ride ?
If you book this type of adventureโhorseback riding through Salkantay to Machu Picchuโwith a travel company, there will always be someone accompanying you while you are riding. For safety reasons, during this Salkantay horseback adventure, a horseman will be with you at all times to ensure a safe ride.