Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu Salkantay Trek Cusco 5D/4N

Overview

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – Salkantay Trek Cusco 5 Days

Our Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu will offer an unforgettable 5-day adventure through diverse Andean landscapes. We will start in high-altitude valleys and gradually descend toward lush tropical forests. We will witness glaciers, lakes, and mountains that showcase Peru’s natural grandeur.

During the Salkantay Trek Cusco, we will pass traditional Andean communities. We will taste fresh tropical fruits like bananas and papaya along the route. We will visit coffee plantations and savor authentic Arabic coffee grown by local farmers. We will also spot colorful orchids and unique wildlife in their natural habitats.

On the 5 Day Salkantay Trek, we will reach the iconic Llactapata Inca trail section. We will see Machu Picchu from a distant viewpoint before entering the ancient citadel. We will experience the natural hot springs of Cocalmayo for relaxation. We will conclude our trek at Machu Picchu, exploring its history and incredible scenery.

We will travel with confidence and flexibility through this second most popular trek to Machu Picchu. We will enjoy a rich journey connecting high mountains, tropical landscapes, and Inca heritage. We will create memories of nature, culture, and adventure that last a lifetime.

Itinerary

DAY 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Humantay Lake – Salkantaypampa

We will start the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu by picking you up from your hotel at 4:30 AM. We will drive for 2 hours to Mollepata, where we will enjoy a hearty breakfast. Then, we will continue one hour to the trailhead to meet our muleteers and cooking team.

The first hike follows an ancient Inca canal for about 3 hours until Soraypampa (3,800 meters above sea level). We will have a welcome lunch prepared by our mountain chef. Later, we will hike 2 more hours to the turquoise Humantay Lake (4,200 meters above sea level) and enjoy spectacular views. Then, we will walk 2 more hours through streams and valleys to reach Salkantaypampa campsite.

At camp, we will admire Salkantay Mountain (6,271 meters above sea level) and the star-filled sky. We will have dinner and rest for the next day.

Day 1 Statistics:

Hiking distance: 14 km
Duration: 6 hours
Camp altitude: 4,150 meters above sea level
Maximum altitude: 4,200 meters above sea level
Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea, dinner
Lodging: Camping
Difficulty: Challenging

DAY 2: Salkantaypampa – Salkantay Pass – Wayracmachay – Collpapampa

We will wake up early with hot coffee or coca tea and admire the snow-capped peaks. After breakfast, we will hike 2 hours to Salkantay Pass (4,630 meters above sea level), the highest point of the trek. We will take photos and explore the surroundings, including the lake at the base of Salkantay Mountain.

We will descend for 3 hours to Wayracmachay (3,800 meters above sea level) for lunch. On the way, we will spot Vizcachas, unique Peruvian chinchilla-like rodents. Then, we will continue 3 hours down to the lush cloud forest and camp near Collpapampa. The scenery changes rapidly from cold highlands to tropical greenery.

Day 2 Statistics:

Hiking distance: 19 km
Duration: 9 hours
Camp altitude: 2,800 meters above sea level
Maximum altitude: 4,630 meters above sea level
Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea, dinner
Lodging: Camping
Difficulty: Challenging

DAY 3: Collpapampa – Lucmabamba – Playa

We will begin the day with breakfast and enjoy mountain views from Collpapampa. We will hike along narrow trails beside rivers, cross wooden bridges, and pass waterfalls. The trail continues through banana plantations until reaching the village of Playa (2,000 meters above sea level).

After lunch, we will visit a local coffee farm and taste freshly roasted coffee. We will learn the coffee-making process from beans to cup and explore organic plantations. Later, we will have the option to relax at the nearby Cocalmayo hot springs.

Day 3 statistics:

Hiking distance: 16 km
Duration: 6 hours
Camp altitude: 2,750 meters above sea level
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Camping
Difficulty: Moderate

DAY 4: Playa – Llactapata – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes

Today will be demanding with a 24 km hike. We will hike 3 hours uphill to Llactapata, part of the original Inca Trail. We will enjoy spectacular views of Machu Picchu from this vantage point.

We will continue to Ahobamba valley for lunch at a local family home. Then, we will walk along the railroad tracks to Hydroelectric and reach Aguas Calientes. We will check into our 3-star hotel, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the Machu Picchu visit.

Day 4 statistics:

Hiking distance: 24 km
Duration: 9 hours
Maximum altitude: 2,840 meters above sea level
Camp/Hotel altitude: 2,000 meters above sea level
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: 3-star hotel

DAY 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

We will wake up early and take the first bus to Machu Picchu at dawn. We will explore temples, palaces, plazas, and Inca enclosures with our expert guide. We will have the option to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain if tickets are available.

After the guided tour, we will return to Aguas Calientes for lunch. We will take the train to Ollantaytambo and private transport back to Cusco, arriving around 7:30 PM. We will celebrate completing the Salkantay Trek Cusco 5D/4N.

Day 5 statistics:

Machu Picchu visit: 3 hours
Altitude: 2,430 meters above sea level
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: N/A
Difficulty: Easy

Includes

INCLUSIONS:
- Night-before briefing with our professional guide about your Salkantay Trek Cusco 5D/4N.
- Private minivan from Cusco to the trailhead.
- Expedition tourist train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
- Transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco with Guiding Cusco in a comfortable minivan.
- Bus tickets from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
- Professional bilingual guide, trained in local culture and Inca history.
- 2-hour guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel.
- Machu Picchu entry tickets.
- Humantay Lake entrance tickets.
- Salkantay Pass entrance tickets.
- 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners.
- Meals adapted to vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or special dietary needs.
- Cold boiled water provided to fill your travel containers.
- First aid kit available throughout the trek.
- Duffle bag for 5 kg (11 lbs) of personal items including clothing and sandals.
- Cooking team and muleteers to carry camping and cooking equipment along the trek.
EXCLUSIONS:
- Last lunch outside the trek package.
- Personal expenses during the tour.
- Bottled water (cold boiled water is provided at camps).
- Walking sticks (available for rent).
- Sleeping bag (available for rent).
- Air mattress (available for rent).
- Tips for staff on the trail (optional but appreciated; important for cooks and muleteers).

What to bring

THINGS TO CARRY:
- Essentials for Your Backpack (Day Hikes):
- - Original passport.
  - Small, comfortable backpack (recommended ≤25 liters).
  - Water storage: Camelbak or 2-liter water bottle (bring 2 liters for first morning).
  - Comfortable hiking boots with good soles.
  - Trekking poles.
  - Rain gear: jacket, pants, waterproof gloves, poncho.
  - Sun protection: sunscreen, sun hat.
  - Warm hat and gloves for cold mornings and nights.
  - Camera, extra batteries, and memory cards.
  - Alcohol gel and hand sanitizer.
  - Toilet paper and wet wipes.
  - Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, and tips.
- Items for Your Duffel Bag (Porters Carry up to 5 kg / 11 lbs):
- 4–5 long-sleeve or absorbent t-shirts.
- 3 comfortable hiking/walking pants.
- 5 sets of underwear.
- 5 pairs of hiking socks.
- 1 warm jacket for cold nights.
- Comfortable camping shoes or sandals.
- Quick-drying camping towel; small hand towel.
- Soap in a sealed container.
- Battery charger sufficient for 6 days.
- Plastic bags to separate clean and dirty clothes.
- Sleeping bag (-10°C / 14°F) – bring your own or rent from Guiding Cusco.
- Earplugs for better sleep at night.
- Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, personal hygiene items.
- Sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Personal medication.
- First aid kit: Band-Aids, moleskin, etc.

Price

IMPORTANT

Availability:

- The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu operates any day from March through January.
- We stop operating in February for the rainy season, route maintenance, and campsite upkeep.

Standard Price 2025 – 2026:

- Group Price: US$ 530.00 per person
- Required Prepayment: US$ 265.00 per person
- Balance in Cusco: US$ 265.00, usually paid 2–3 days before the trek starts
- Small group adventure guaranteed to operate with just 2 people

Payment Options:

- Online payment via Openpay (5% additional charge)
- Payment in Cusco or directly to staff with no additional charge

Accommodation in Aguas Calientes:

- The last night is in a 3-star hotel, shared room in Aguas Calientes (instead of camping).
- Upgrades available for single rooms or higher hotel standards for an extra fee.

Extra Hikes Around Machu Picchu (Optional Upgrades):

- Huayna Picchu Mountain: US$ 70.00
- Machu Picchu Mountain: US$ 70.00
- Huchuy Picchu Mountain: US$ 50.00
- Single room supplement in Aguas Calientes: US$ 35.00
- Extra night in Aguas Calientes: US$ 60.00
- Vistadome train (Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo): US$ 70.00