Salkantay Trek in May

Hello, traveler!

This is Jhoel, your adventure guide, and in this blog I will tell you everything you need to know if you are thinking about doing the Salkantay Trek in May — updated for the 2026 trekking season.

If you have made it here, chances are you are seriously considering this hike and wondering if May is a good time to go. Stick around, because I will answer the most common questions and give you a real, honest look at what to expect during this time of year.

Trekking the Salkantay Trek in May

Now, if you are still not sure what the Salkantay Trek is or why so many people choose it as an alternative to the Inca Trail 4 Days, I invite you to check out [Salkantay Trek in May], where we explain everything in more detail.

Once you are clear on what the trek involves, it is time to dive into what it is really like to do it in May. These are the most frequently asked questions from travelers:

What is the weather like on the Salkantay Trek in May?

May marks the official start of the dry season in the Peruvian Andes, and it’s considered one of the best months of the year for trekking the Salkantay route.

You can expect:

• Sunny days and crystal-clear blue skies

• Very rare rain showers

• Dry, stable trails

• Fresh mornings perfect for hiking

• Excellent visibility of the Salkantay Glacier

Because the rainy season has just ended, the entire trail is still lush and green, but now with far fewer clouds blocking the views. It’s a moment of balance—fresh air, bright landscapes, and ideal trekking conditions.

You should still bring a lightweight rain jacket (weather in the Andes is always unpredictable), but overall, May is a dry, comfortable, and visually stunning month to explore this region.

What are the temperatures at each campsite in May?

May brings milder and more predictable temperatures across the route, although nights can still be cold in higher altitudes.

Here is what you can expect across the main camps:

Soraypampa

Altitude: 3,900 m / 12,795 ft

• Nights: 2°C to 4°C (35°F–39°F)

• Days: 8°C to 14°C (46°F–57°F)

Even in May, Soraypampa remains cold. Bring thermal layers, gloves, and a warm sleeping bag built for high-altitude camping.

Chaullay

Altitude: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft

• Nights: 8°C to 10°C (46°F–50°F)

• Days: Up to 20°C (68°F)

Much more comfortable than the high-altitude camp. Nights are cool, and days are pleasant and warm.

Lucmabamba / La Playa

Altitude: 2,000–2,100 m / 6,561–6,890 ft

• Days: 22°C to 26°C (72°F–79°F)

• Nights: 13°C to 15°C (55°F–59°F)

The warmest zone of the trek. Expect cloud forest weather—humid, green, and full of life. Quick-dry clothes are best here.

Aguas Calientes

Altitude: 2,040 m / 6,693 ft

• Temperature: 20°C to 25°C (68°F–77°F), with humid nights around 15°C–17°C.

Subtropical and pleasant. Perfect for resting before your Machu Picchu visit.

What are the trail conditions like on the Salkantay Trek in May?

Trail conditions in May are excellent.

Because the rains have stopped, you’ll find:

• Dry, firm, non-slippery paths

• Low river levels for easier water crossings

• Stable ground in both high and jungle sections

• Clear views from the Salkantay Pass

• Safer descents along rocky areas

The Salkantay Pass (4,600 m / 15,091 ft) is especially beautiful this month. The glacier shines brilliantly under the sun, and visibility is some of the best you’ll get all year.

You will still need good hiking boots for the rocky and steep sections, but overall, this is one of the smoothest months to complete the trek.

May is also fantastic for spotting wildlife—condors, hummingbirds, and cloud forest species are active thanks to the fresh vegetation left behind by the rainy season.

Is it worth hiking the Salkantay Trek in May?

Absolutely — it’s one of the best months of the year to do it.

Here’s why May is considered a top choice:

• Perfect weather

• Clear views of the Andes

• Stable, dry trails

• Green landscapes from the rainy season

• Manageable temperatures

• Wildlife activity

• Fewer crowds than June–August

You get the beauty of the Andes at its fullest, without the heavy tourist traffic that arrives in June and July. If you want a well-balanced mix of scenery, comfort, and adventure, May is the month for you.

By the time you reach Aguas Calientes and prepare to enter Machu Picchu, you’ll feel rewarded with a smooth, memorable journey from start to finish.

Thanks for joining me on this breakdown of what it is like to hike the Salkantay Trek in May. If you still have questions about gear, packing, or logistics, stay tuned—I will be sharing another post soon with tips to help you get ready for this route the smart way.

Walk with respect, walk with purpose, and remember — the trail always gives back to those who walk it with heart.

Now that you know what the Salkantay Trek in May is really like, and you’ve got all the facts in your backpack, the next step is yours.

If this sounds like the kind of adventure you have been looking for, you are more than welcome to join us.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Salkantay Trek in May

Does the Salkantay Trek get crowded in May?

May is the beginning of Peru’s high season, but it’s not as crowded as June or July. You’ll find more hikers than in April, but still plenty of moments of solitude on the trail.

Do I need to book the Salkantay Trek in advance for May?

Yes. May fills up quickly because of the excellent weather. Booking the trek, trains, and Machu Picchu tickets at least 3–6 weeks in advance is recommended.

Is May a good month for photography?

Absolutely. May offers bright skies, excellent visibility, snow-capped mountains, and still-green landscapes. Sunrise at Soraypampa and the Salkantay Pass is especially photogenic.

Are nights still cold during May?

Yes, especially in high-altitude camps like Soraypampa. Even though days are warmer, nighttime temperatures can still drop close to freezing at the highest points.

Should I bring rain gear in May?

Yes, but lightweight is enough. Rain is rare, but occasional afternoon showers can still happen early in the month. A compact rain jacket and backpack cover are recommended.

How early should I acclimate before starting the trek?

Plan 2 days in Cusco before your trek. Even with good weather, altitude at the Salkantay Pass (4,600 m) demands proper acclimatization.

Is the Salkantay Pass easier to cross in May?

Yes. Trail conditions are dry and stable, and visibility is excellent. May is one of the safest and clearest months to reach the pass.

Are mosquitoes active in May?

Yes—starting in May, mosquito activity increases in the jungle sections. Bring strong insect repellent for Lucmabamba, La Playa, and Aguas Calientes.

What kind of wildlife might I see in May?

Condors, hummingbirds, Andean foxes, and many cloud-forest bird species are active. May is also a great month to spot orchids.

What is the biggest advantage of trekking in May?

You get dry-season weather with green scenery—the perfect mix of comfort, beauty, and visibility before the peak-season crowds arrive.

Photo Gallery in the Salkantay Trek in May