As a local trekking guide, I’ve always believed that every step of the Salkantay Trek should be designed with purpose — respecting nature, supporting local communities, and ensuring a truly sustainable and responsible travel experience. Instead of building heavy infrastructure like cabins or domes that could harm the environment, we focus on a conscious and minimalist approach: walking lightly, camping responsibly, and staying connected to the heart of the Andes.
Our journey begins with preparation — selecting the best trekking equipment, coordinating with our team of horsemen (arrieros), and ensuring every traveler enjoys comfort with high-quality tents, dining tents, and the expertise of a specialized trekking chef. It’s the perfect balance between adventure and care, giving travelers the chance to capture incredible photos and videos for their memories — or their Instagram.
One morning, with this vision in mind, I set off with my father from Cusco. I packed my backpack and my chuspa — a handwoven pouch made by my mother, filled with coca leaves and my camera, symbols of our culture and her inspiring hard work. We traveled two hours from Cusco to Mollepata, had breakfast, and continued another 30 minutes to Callacancha, the starting point of our trail. With clear vision and heart, we began the journey — checking every path, viewpoint, and sign along the way to Soraypampa, paving the route that would later connect countless adventurers to Machu Picchu in five unforgettable days.
The Vision Behind the Salkantay Route
I, Silvio Tunqui, a native of the Sacred Valley in the Cusco region, noticed that the traditional Salkantay Trek was becoming increasingly crowded. My dream was to create a path less traveled — one that would still honor the spirit of the Andes, protect nature, and offer travelers a more authentic and meaningful experience.
To bring this vision to life, I began exploring forgotten Inca trails, studying the geography of the region, and collaborating closely with local communities. Every curve of the path, every campsite, and every step was designed with a single purpose: to connect people with the real Andean world — its landscapes, traditions, and sacred energy.
But beyond creating a route, my true goal was to design a sustainable and clean trekking experience. I wanted each traveler to feel part of a conscious journey — one that leaves no trace and supports the people who live along the route. For me, responsible tourism means walking with respect: for Pachamama (Mother Earth), for the mountains, and for the culture that has protected them for centuries.
I believe that quality is found in the details — in the warmth of our team, the comfort of a well-set tent, the flavor of a freshly prepared meal, and the care we take to keep every campsite spotless. Our philosophy is simple: a great trek begins with great respect. That’s why we focus on small groups, eco-friendly practices, and local collaboration, ensuring that every traveler enjoys a safe, intimate, and unforgettable adventure.
The Salkantay Trek Tours, as we operate it today, is not just a hiking route — it’s a living connection between humans and the Andes. It’s about listening to the wind, feeling the rhythm of the mountains, and realizing that the best way to travel is with an open heart and a light footprint.
“Sustainability begins with awareness — every footprint, every camp, every meal should honor the mountain.”
— Silvio Tunqui
The name Salkantay or Salcantay comes from Quechua, meaning “Savage Mountain.”
To us, however, it’s far more than just a mountain — it’s a living spirit, one of the most powerful apus, or sacred guardians of the Andes. For centuries, the people of these lands have looked to Salkantay with deep reverence, asking for protection, guidance, and strength before embarking on any great journey.
When I, Silvio Tunqui, founded Tunqui Expeditions, I carried that same respect in my heart. I didn’t want to create just another hiking route to Machu Picchu — I wanted to design a spiritual path, one that helps travelers reconnect with nature, with culture, and with themselves. Every stone, every river, every breath at high altitude holds a story — and when you walk mindfully, you begin to feel the mountain’s pulse.
At Tunqui Expeditions, we believe that trekking Salkantay is not about conquering a summit; it’s about listening to the mountains. It’s a sacred exchange — the more you give your respect and gratitude, the more the Andes give back in peace, clarity, and awe.
Each step becomes a meditation, each night under the stars a lesson in humility. Our travelers often tell us that somewhere between the glaciers and the jungle, they don’t just find Machu Picchu — they find themselves.
That is the true Spirit of Salkantay — strength, wisdom, and balance between human and nature, guided by the heartbeat of the Andes.
Today, the Salkantay Trek stands proudly among the top alternative routes to Machu Picchu, celebrated not only for its beauty but for its soul. What once began as a dream in the heart of the Andes has grown into a journey that transforms lives — both for travelers and for the local communities who keep its spirit alive.
Through Tunqui Expeditions, I, Silvio Tunqui, have dedicated my life to showing that adventure can be sustainable, respectful, and deeply human. Every expedition we lead is guided by three values: respect for nature, support for local people, and passion for sharing Andean culture.
Our impact goes beyond the trail itself. By working directly with families from nearby villages, hiring local porters and chefs, and using eco-friendly trekking practices, we ensure that each journey benefits the people and the land that make it possible. From clean campsites to fair wages and community projects, we walk with purpose — step by step, leaving only footprints of gratitude.
Today, thousands of travelers from around the world choose Tunqui Expeditions because they seek more than just a trek. They seek connection — with the mountains, with the stories of the Andes, and with a way of travel that honors the Earth.
My story — and the story of Salkantay — reminds us that true adventure doesn’t begin with the map, but with the heart.
When we walk with love and awareness, every path becomes sacred, and every traveler becomes part of something greater than themselves.
Explore our Salkantay Treks here and walk the path designed by Silvio Tunqui — a journey where sustainability, culture, and adventure come together. With Tunqui Expeditions, every step connects you to the living spirit of the Andes, offering an authentic, responsible, and unforgettable experience toward Machu Picchu.
Salkantay Trek Packages
I didn’t just design a trail — I built a bridge between past and present, where ancient Inca footsteps meet the dreams of modern travelers.
The Salkantay Route is more than a path through the mountains; it’s a living connection between nature, culture, and the human spirit.
Every journey we lead through Tunqui Expeditions carries that same vision — to walk respectfully, to celebrate the beauty of the Andes, and to protect what makes this land sacred.
For me, the Salkantay Trek stands as a symbol of innovation, heritage, and love for the Andes — a reminder that true adventure is not about reaching a destination, but about traveling with intention, gratitude, and heart.
When you walk the Salkantay, you don’t just see the Andes — you become part of them.
“The trail is alive — every stone, every mountain, every step tells a story of respect and love for the Andes.”
— Silvio Tunqui, Founder of Tunqui Expeditions
