The most comprehensive guide ever written on how to get to the start of the Salkantay Trek
The Salkantay Trek is one of Peru’s most famous trekking routes, known for its natural beauty, for traversing stunning ecosystems, and for leading trekkers directly to Machu Picchu.
But before embarking on this adventure, it’s essential to know how to reach the official starting points: Mollepata, Challacancha, and Soraypampa.
This guide is the most extensive and detailed version, ideal for agencies, professional blogs, independent travelers, and anyone seeking a complete, clear, and fully updated reference.
🌟 1. Where exactly does the Salkantay Trek begin?
The trek has three starting points, depending on the route you choose, the level of difficulty, and whether you’re going solo or with an agency:
🟩 1. Mollepata (2,900 m)
This is the traditional village where all routes used to begin. Many agencies still register travelers here and stop for breakfast.
🟩 2. Challacancha (3,600 m)
This is the modern official starting point of the trek for most agencies. The Day 1 hike to Soraypampa begins here.
🟩 3. Soraypampa (3,900 m)
This is the first campsite. Some agencies take travelers directly here to hike to Humantay Lagoon on the same day.
🗺️ 2. Location and distances from Cusco
📍 Cusco → Mollepata
Distance: 83 km
Time: 2.5 to 3 hours
📍 Mollepata → Challacancha
Distance: 18 km
Time: 35–45 minutes
📍 Mollepata → Soraypampa
Distance: 22 km
Time: 1 hour
📍 Cusco → Soraypampa (direct)
Distance: Approx. 95 km
Time: 3 hours
🚌 3. How to get from Cusco to Mollepata (the main point)
Reaching Mollepata is the first step for those who wish to hike the Salkantay Trek independently or with a tour agency.
Here are all the options, with real fares, routes, tips, and complete logistics:
🚐 Option 1: Bus/shared taxi from the Arcopata Terminal (budget-friendly)
Where to catch it?
In Arcopata, an informal but safe terminal located in Cusco.
Schedule:
- Most shared taxis depart between 4:00 am and 7:00 am.
- There are fewer buses on Sundays.
Prices:
- 25 to 35 soles per person
Travel time:
- 2.5 to 3 hours
Advantages:
- It’s the cheapest option
- Almost frequent departures
- Ideal for backpackers
❗ Disadvantage:
- From Mollepata, you’ll still need to take another bus to Challacancha or Soraypampa.
🚖 Option 2: Private taxi from Cusco (fast and comfortable)
Ideal if you’re traveling in a group or want flexibility.
Price:
- 180 to 250 soles per car (capacity for 3–4 people)
Time:
- Approximately 2 hours
Advantages:
- Pick-up at your hotel
- You can stop for photos
- You’re not dependent on the public transport schedule
❗ Consideration:
- Negotiate the price before getting in.
🚐 Option 3: Transportation included with an agency (easiest option)
Most Salkantay tours include transportation from Cusco to Mollepata or Challacancha.
✔️ Departure:
- Between 4:00 and 5:00 am, from your accommodation or meeting point.
✔️ Advantages:
- Logistics 100% taken care of
- Guide accompanies you from the start
- Equipment and backpacks are transported by support vehicle
🏞️ 4. Getting from Mollepata to Challacancha (official start of the trek)
If you choose to arrive on your own, from Mollepata you must go to Challacancha, where the trail to Soraypampa begins.
🚐 What transportation to take?
In Mollepata you can find:
- Local taxis
- 4×4 trucks
- Informal shared taxis
- Motorcycle taxis (only part of the way)
✔️ Prices:
Private taxi/van: 40 to 60 soles
Shared shared taxi: 15 to 20 soles
✔️ Time:
35 to 45 minutes
✔️ Road characteristics:
- Paved road
- Ascent of almost 700 meters
- Beautiful views of the valley
- Cold, clean air
What is there to see in Challacancha?
- Official registration point for some groups
- Start of the aqueduct trail that continues on foot
- Views of mountains and natural terraces
🏔️ 5. Getting from Mollepata to Soraypampa
If you want to avoid the hike from Challacancha and start directly at the first campsite (or go to Humantay Lagoon), you can go from Mollepata to Soraypampa.
🚖 Transportation:
Private taxis or vans.
Price:
- 80 to 120 soles per vehicle
Time:
- Approximately 1 hour
Road:
- Narrow road
- Uneven conditions
- Incredible views of Apu Salkantay
- Constantly increasing altitude
🏔️ 6. Getting directly from Cusco to Soraypampa (express route)
Some people prefer to go directly to the highest campsite without passing through Mollepata.
🚐 How to get there?
- With agencies
- Private taxi hired in Cusco
Time:
- Approximately 3 hours
Price:
- 250 to 350 soles per vehicle
Advantages:
- You save time
- Ideal for 2-day tours
- You arrive directly at Humantay Lagoon
❗ Consideration:
You must be well acclimatized, as Soraypampa is at 3,900 m (12,000 ft).
💡 7. Which route is better?
🟦 Route A: Cusco → Mollepata → Challacancha
Ideal for: independent travelers.
Total cost: low
Effort: medium
Experience: complete and traditional.
🟧 Route B: Cusco → Mollepata → Soraypampa
Ideal for: those looking for an easy day 1
Total cost: medium
Effort: Low
Experience: Perfect for seeing Humantay Lagoon at a leisurely pace.
🟩 Route C: Cusco → Soraypampa (direct)
Ideal for: 2-day treks or premium tours.
Total cost: High
Effort: Low
Experience: Fast, comfortable, and direct.
🥾 8. Essential Recommendations for a Smooth Arrival
✔️ Arrive early (4:30–5:00 am)
The weather is better and vehicles leave more easily.
✔️ Bring cash
There are no ATMs in Mollepata.
✔️ Avoid unsafe informal transportation
Always ask about fares before getting in.
✔️ Acclimatize in Cusco for 1–2 days
Arriving directly at 3,900 m can cause severe altitude sickness.
✔️ If you’re traveling alone, pack light
Don’t carry more than 5 kg in your backpack.
✔️ Check the weather
During rainy periods, the roads to Soraypampa may close.
✔️ Hire a 4×4 taxi during the rainy season
The roads deteriorate between January and March.
🧳 9. What to do at each point
Mollepata:
- Have breakfast
- Buy snacks
- Adjust your backpack
- Use public restrooms
- Arrange transportation to Challacancha
Challacancha:
- Adjust trekking poles
- Apply sunscreen
- Start the hike to Soraypampa
Soraypampa:
- Acclimatize
- Have lunch
- Hike to Humantay Lagoon
- Sleep in domes or tents
Reaching the start of the Salkantay Trek is easy if you know the routes and logistics.
Whether you start in Mollepata, Challacancha, or Soraypampa, each route has unique advantages in terms of comfort, cost, and views.
With this comprehensive guide—the most detailed available—you can organize your arrival stress-free, make the most of your time, and focus on what matters most: experiencing one of the most beautiful hikes in Peru.