Salkantay Trek

5 days | 05 days in Salkantay Trek
  • Dificulty
    Moderate
  • Duration
    5 Dias
  • Altitude
    3600 m.s.n.m
Price
 
From$500

Departure & Return
Cusco

Departure Time
3:00 am

Group Size
Máx. 10 personas

Language
Español / Inglés

Tour Description

Statistics of the day:

  • Distance: 10 km walking in Machu Picchu
  • Highest altitude: 2,430 meters above sea level at Machu Picchu
  • Lowest altitude: 2,050 meters above sea level at Aguas Calientes
  • Route: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
  • Difficulty: Easy; mostly walking

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – Salkantay Trek 5 Days will take us through Peru’s most dramatic landscapes. We will hike high mountain passes, cross glacial streams, and explore lush cloud forests. This trek will challenge our endurance while rewarding us with stunning views and cultural encounters.

We will follow trails that lead to the Salkantay Pass at 4,650 meters above sea level, the highest point of the trek. Along the way, we will visit remote villages, waterfalls, and tropical valleys filled with diverse flora and fauna. We will enjoy local cuisine prepared at campsites by professional chefs and rest in comfortable tents each night.

ItineraryIncludes ExcludesPhotosFaqsReviews

Itinerary

Day 1Cusco – Mollepata - Soraypampa – Humantay Lake

We will pick up from your Cusco hotel at 6:00 AM. and drive to Mollepata, 2,976 meters above sea level. We will stop for breakfast in this charming Andean village. Afterward, we will hike approximately 16 km toward Humantay Lake, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and glacial streams. The trail will lead us to Soraypampa, located at 3,900 meters above sea level, where we will set up camp, enjoy dinner, and rest under starry skies.

Day 2Soraypampa - Huayracmachay - Collpapampa

We will start early after breakfast and climb toward the Salkantay Mountain Pass, the trek’s highest point at 4,650 meters above sea level. The hike will reveal breathtaking glacial landscapes and snow-capped peaks. After reaching Huayracmachay, we will pause for lunch while enjoying panoramic mountain views. The trail will descend into lush cloud forests to reach Collpapampa, where we will set up camp, have dinner, and rest after approximately 22 km of trekking.

Day 3Collpapampa – Playa Sahuayaco – Santa Teresa

We will depart after breakfast and hike through tropical cloud forests filled with rivers, waterfalls, and orchids. We will stop at Playa Sahuayaco for lunch while enjoying the natural pools. The trail will continue toward Santa Teresa at 1,500 meters above sea level, crossing small villages and diverse vegetation. Upon arrival, we will explore Colcamayo village and its famous hot springs. We will enjoy dinner and overnight stay in Santa Teresa after hiking approximately 16 km.

Day 4Santa Teresa – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes

We will leave Santa Teresa after breakfast and walk along rivers to the Hidroelectrica train station. The trail will follow scenic rail tracks with views of waterfalls and tropical forests. We will enjoy lunch at Hidroelectrica before hiking the final stretch to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, we will check into our hotel and enjoy dinner, then have free time to explore the town or visit the hot springs. We will have walked approximately 16 km  on this day.

Day 5Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

We will take an early bus to Machu Picchu and enter the Inca citadel after the security checkpoint. Our guide will show terraces, temples, ceremonial plazas, and iconic sites like the Intihuatana, Temple of the Sun, and Temple of the Three Windows. After the guided tour, we will return to Aguas Calientes for lunch. In the afternoon, we will take the train to Ollantaytambo and then drive back to Cusco, arriving around 10:00 PM. after a total day filled with history, culture, and stunning views.

Price
From$500
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Pay Safety With Us

Your safety is our top priority. With strict safety protocols, comprehensive travel insurance, and 24/7 support, you can travel with peace of mind knowing you are in safe hands.




Why Choose Us?

  • Safe and Secure Travel Experiences
  • 24/7 Support During Your Trip
  • Years of Industry Experience
  • Reliable Transportation

Includes

  • Pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Cusco
  • Private transportation to the Salkantay trailhead
  • Camping equipment including tents and dining tents
  • Professional chef to prepare meals during the trek
  • Mules and muleteers to carry camping equipment and supplies
  • Breakfast on Days 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5
  • Lunch on Days 1, 2, 3, and 4
  • Dinner on Days 1, 2, 3, and 4
  • Professional, licensed tour guide throughout the trek
  • 1 night accommodation at a hotel in Aguas Calientes
  • Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu citadel
  • Round-trip bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
  • Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Expedition train)
  • First aid kit and basic medical supplies

Excludes

  • Hotel accommodation in Cusco before or after the trek
  • Lunch on Day 5
  • Dinner on Day 5
  • Entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu mountain (optional)
  • Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu mountain (optional)
  • Entrance ticket to Aguas Calientes hot springs (optional)
  • Vistadome train tickets (optional upgrade)
  • Hiram Bingham train tickets (optional upgrade)
  • Personal sleeping bags
  • Personal duffel bags
  • Any private expenses (souvenirs, snacks, drinks, etc.)
  • Travel or medical insurance
  • Tips for guides, muleteers, or staff

Complementaries

  • Umbrella
  • Sunscreen
  • T-Shirt
  • Entrance Fees

Gallery

View of the Salkantay Mountains.
View of Soraypampa and its imposing snow-capped mountains
Tourists walking through Salkantay and its snow-capped mountains

Faq’s

How difficult is the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – Salkantay Trek 5 Days?

We will face moderate to challenging trails, including steep climbs to 4,650 meters above sea level. Fitness and stamina are recommended.

What is included in the Salkantay Trek 5 Days package?

We will provide camping equipment, meals, professional guides, mule support, hotel in Aguas Calientes, entrance to Machu Picchu, and transportation as listed.

Do we need permits for Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu?

We will include Machu Picchu tickets, but Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain tickets are optional and must be purchased in advance.

What should we carry during the trek?

We will carry daypacks with water, snacks, layers of clothing, sun protection, trekking poles, and personal essentials.

What is the best season for the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu?

We will recommend May to September for dry weather and clear views of snow-capped mountains and cloud forests.

Is the trek suitable for beginners?

We will suggest prior physical preparation. While beginners can do it, the high-altitude and long distances require stamina.

How do we reach Machu Picchu after the trek?

We will take a bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and return by train and vehicle to Cusco.

Can we hire mules or porters for personal belongings?

We will provide mule support for camping equipment, but personal items should be limited in weight for your daypack.

Are meals included during the Salkantay Trek 5 Days?

We will serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner on trekking days (Days 1–4) and provide breakfast on Day 5.

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Sort By:RatingDate

Unforgettable Adventure

Couple Traveller

We will always remember the Salkantay Trek 5 Days. The scenery changed daily, from glacial rivers to cloud forests. Our guides shared fascinating Inca history and local stories. Hiking to Machu Picchu after crossing the Salkantay Pass was an unforgettable achievement.

October 21, 2025

Amazing Experience!

Solo Traveller

We will never forget the breathtaking views on the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – Salkantay Trek 5 Days. The guides were professional and friendly. The meals were delicious, and camping was comfortable. Every day offered unique landscapes from snowy peaks to tropical forests.

October 15, 2025