Peru
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu (5 days)
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu (5 days)
Duration
5 days
Start/End
Cusco
Tour type
Private · Group
Level
Demanding
Overview
The Salkantay Trek is one of the most spectacular alternatives to the Inca Trail. In five days, you cross the Vilcabamba range below the glaciers of Salkantay (6,271 m / 20,574 ft) and descend through ever-changing ecological zones – from high Andean grassland and cloud forest to subtropical valleys with orchids, bananas, coffee and passion fruit. Highlights include the turquoise Humantay Lake, the Salkantay Pass at 4,600 m / 15,092 ft, the waterfalls of the Santa Teresa Valley, a first view of Machu Picchu from the Inca site of Llactapata and, finally, a guided tour of the Lost City itself. Horses carry your luggage, our chef cooks fresh meals, and you sleep in comfortable tents and, on the last night, in a hotel in Aguas Calientes. You travel privately or in a small group with experienced local guides.
Tour Code
Tour Language
English, SpanishMaximum altitude
Travel Program
Day 1
Cusco – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Salkantaypampa
Campsite Salkantaypampa (4,200 m / 13,780 ft)
9 km / 5.6 mi · 5–6 h · max. 4,200 m / 13,780 ft
We pick you up from your hotel at 5:00 am and drive about two hours via Anta, Ancahuasi and Limatambo to Mollepata (2,800 m / 9,186 ft), where we stop for breakfast and last snacks. Another hour's drive brings us to Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), the starting point of the trek. A 1.5-hour climb leads to the turquoise Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,780 ft), fed by the hanging glaciers of Humantay Mountain (5,480 m / 17,979 ft). After enjoying the views, we return to Soraypampa for lunch and then hike about two hours to our first campsite at Salkantaypampa (4,200 m / 13,780 ft).
Cusco – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Salkantaypampa
Day 1
Campsite Salkantaypampa (4,200 m / 13,780 ft)
9 km / 5.6 mi · 5–6 h · max. 4,200 m / 13,780 ft
We pick you up from your hotel at 5:00 am and drive about two hours via Anta, Ancahuasi and Limatambo to Mollepata (2,800 m / 9,186 ft), where we stop for breakfast and last snacks. Another hour's drive brings us to Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), the starting point of the trek. A 1.5-hour climb leads to the turquoise Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,780 ft), fed by the hanging glaciers of Humantay Mountain (5,480 m / 17,979 ft). After enjoying the views, we return to Soraypampa for lunch and then hike about two hours to our first campsite at Salkantaypampa (4,200 m / 13,780 ft).
Day 2
Salkantaypampa – Salkantay Pass – Collpapampa
Campsite Collpapampa (2,950 m / 9,678 ft)
17 km / 10.6 mi · 7–8 h · max. 4,600 m / 15,092 ft
After breakfast, we climb past the moraine to Soyrococha (4,400 m / 14,436 ft) through a dramatic landscape of grassland and rock. About an hour later, we continue to the highest point of the trek, the Salkantay Pass (4,600 m / 15,092 ft), with views of the snow-capped Vilcabamba range and the glaciated south face of Salkantay. The trail then descends to Wayraqmachay (3,919 m / 12,858 ft) for lunch. In the afternoon, an easy three-hour descent through increasingly green vegetation brings us to our second campsite at Collpapampa (2,950 m / 9,678 ft).
Salkantaypampa – Salkantay Pass – Collpapampa
Day 2
Campsite Collpapampa (2,950 m / 9,678 ft)
17 km / 10.6 mi · 7–8 h · max. 4,600 m / 15,092 ft
After breakfast, we climb past the moraine to Soyrococha (4,400 m / 14,436 ft) through a dramatic landscape of grassland and rock. About an hour later, we continue to the highest point of the trek, the Salkantay Pass (4,600 m / 15,092 ft), with views of the snow-capped Vilcabamba range and the glaciated south face of Salkantay. The trail then descends to Wayraqmachay (3,919 m / 12,858 ft) for lunch. In the afternoon, an easy three-hour descent through increasingly green vegetation brings us to our second campsite at Collpapampa (2,950 m / 9,678 ft).
Day 3
Collpapampa – La Playa – Lucmabamba
Campsite Lucmabamba (2,060 m / 6,759 ft)
15 km / 9.3 mi · 5–6 h · max. 2,950 m / 9,678 ft
Today we follow the Santa Teresa River through an increasingly lush valley with waterfalls, passion fruit, bananas, avocados and coffee. After about three hours, we rest at Winaypoqo before continuing for another three hours via La Playa Sahuayaco (2,050 m / 6,726 ft) to our third campsite at Lucmabamba (2,060 m / 6,759 ft), surrounded by the rich flora and fauna of the region.
Collpapampa – La Playa – Lucmabamba
Day 3
Campsite Lucmabamba (2,060 m / 6,759 ft)
15 km / 9.3 mi · 5–6 h · max. 2,950 m / 9,678 ft
Today we follow the Santa Teresa River through an increasingly lush valley with waterfalls, passion fruit, bananas, avocados and coffee. After about three hours, we rest at Winaypoqo before continuing for another three hours via La Playa Sahuayaco (2,050 m / 6,726 ft) to our third campsite at Lucmabamba (2,060 m / 6,759 ft), surrounded by the rich flora and fauna of the region.
Day 4
Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes
Hotel, Aguas Calientes (2,040 m / 6,693 ft)
22 km / 13.7 mi · 8–9 h · max. 2,860 m / 9,383 ft
A climb of two to three hours leads to the viewpoint of Abra Qelloqasa (2,860 m / 9,383 ft), where you enjoy a rare view of Machu Picchu from the southeast. We then visit Llactapata, an Inca site linked to Machu Picchu, before descending for about two hours through bamboo forest, orchards and coffee plantations to the Ahobamba River. After lunch at Hidroeléctrica, a pleasant three-hour walk along the railway brings us to Aguas Calientes, where you check into your hotel, freshen up and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes
Day 4
Hotel, Aguas Calientes (2,040 m / 6,693 ft)
22 km / 13.7 mi · 8–9 h · max. 2,860 m / 9,383 ft
A climb of two to three hours leads to the viewpoint of Abra Qelloqasa (2,860 m / 9,383 ft), where you enjoy a rare view of Machu Picchu from the southeast. We then visit Llactapata, an Inca site linked to Machu Picchu, before descending for about two hours through bamboo forest, orchards and coffee plantations to the Ahobamba River. After lunch at Hidroeléctrica, a pleasant three-hour walk along the railway brings us to Aguas Calientes, where you check into your hotel, freshen up and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 5
Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco
After an early breakfast, we take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu (2,400 m / 7,874 ft) to enjoy the citadel in the quiet of the early morning. Your guide then leads you on a comprehensive tour of its most important buildings and temples; our entry slot is between 6:00 and 10:00 am. Afterwards, you take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch and then the train to Ollantaytambo, where our private transport brings you back to your hotel in Cusco.
Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco
Day 5
After an early breakfast, we take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu (2,400 m / 7,874 ft) to enjoy the citadel in the quiet of the early morning. Your guide then leads you on a comprehensive tour of its most important buildings and temples; our entry slot is between 6:00 and 10:00 am. Afterwards, you take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch and then the train to Ollantaytambo, where our private transport brings you back to your hotel in Cusco.
Price from
US$820.00
Services
What's included
Pre-Trek Briefing: Briefing at your hotel two days before departure, where you also receive your duffel bag.
Professional Guide: Bilingual local guide (English and Spanish) with deep knowledge of Peruvian and Inca history, traditions, flora and fauna; two guides for groups of more than eight.
Permits & Entrance Fees: Entrance fees for the Salkantay route and Machu Picchu.
Horses & Horsemen: Horses carry tents, food, cooking equipment and your duffel bag (max. 6 kg including sleeping bag); an emergency horse is available.
Camping Equipment: Spacious 4-person tents (Eureka Timberline SQ 4XT) shared by two, inflatable sleeping pads, dining and kitchen tents.
Meals & Chef: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners prepared by our chef, plus daily afternoon tea; vegetarian and special diets on request.
Hygiene & Drinking Water: Warm water and biodegradable soap every morning and afternoon; filtered and boiled drinking water from Day 2.
Transportation: Private transport from Cusco to Soraypampa, bus Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu round trip, train to Ollantaytambo and private transfer back to your hotel in Cusco.
Accommodation: 1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes (double room); single room on request.
First Aid Kit: Comprehensive kit including emergency oxygen.
Taxes & Fees: All taxes and permit fees included; no hidden costs.
What's not included
Travel Insurance: Highly recommended.
Meals: First breakfast in Mollepata on Day 1 and last lunch in Aguas Calientes on Day 5.
Sleeping Bag: Available for rent – see options.
Trekking Poles: Available for rent for USD 15.
Tips & Personal Expenses: Tips for the crew (guide, chef, horsemen) are optional and appreciated; personal expenses are not included.
Wayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain: Choose this option when booking if you want to climb Machu Picchu Mountain or Wayna Picchu. As availability is limited, booking in advance is recommended.
Character of the trip
Condition
Demanding
Altitude
High (up to 4,600 m)
Culture / nature
Balanced
Fitness – challenging: Four days of hiking with 9–22 km (5.6–13.7 mi) and up to 8–9 hours per day, including the climb to the Salkantay Pass and long descents. Good fitness, endurance and sure-footedness are required; multi-day hiking experience is recommended.
Altitude – high: The highest point is the Salkantay Pass at 4,600 m / 15,092 ft; the first campsite lies at 4,200 m / 13,780 ft. We recommend arriving in Cusco (3,400 m / 11,155 ft) at least two days before the trek to acclimatize.
Culture & nature – nature-focused: Glaciers, a turquoise lake, cloud forest, waterfalls and coffee farms, combined with the Inca site of Llactapata and Machu Picchu.
Camping, hotel & horses: Three nights in tents and one night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes. Horses carry your duffel bag (max. 6 kg / 13 lb); you only carry a light daypack.
Dates and Prices
Individual Dates
Optional
Sleeping Bag
US$25.00
per person
Wayna Picchu (Huayna Picchu)
Steep climb on narrow Inca steps, with some exposed sections secured by hand ropes. Sure-footedness and a head for heights are required. Spaces are limited, so book early.
US$75.00
per person
Machu Picchu Mountain
Long, steep climb on Inca steps, with views down steep slopes in places. A head for heights is helpful. Spaces are limited, so book early.
US$75.00
per person
Cusco City Tour (half day)
Public tour – the private tour is available under “Day Tours”.
US$20.00
per person
Sacred Valley Tour (full day)
Public tour – the private tour is available under “Day Tours”.
US$25.00
per person
Groups of 5 or more: contact us for special rates and tailor-made options.
Travel Information
Regulations
Entry times are strictly enforced by the Ministry of Culture. We secure permits for the 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM slot to ensure the best lighting and fewer crowds.
Good to know
Acclimatization: We recommend arriving in Cusco at least two days before the trek.
What to bring
Daypack: A comfortable backpack for your daily essentials.
Original Passport: Mandatory; bring your ISIC card if you claim a student discount.
Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support, plus sandals or light shoes for camp.
Clothing: Rain jacket and pants or a poncho, a complete change of clothes, warm layers (fleece, beanie, gloves) and thermal clothing for the cold nights.
Protection: Sunscreen, after-sun cream, hat and insect repellent.
Gear: Metal or Nalgene water bottle, headlamp with spare batteries, personal first-aid kit and medications, small towel, toilet paper and optional walking poles (must have rubber tips).
Extras: Snacks, camera with spare batteries (they drain faster in the cold) and some Peruvian soles for drinks and emergencies.