Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days is one of the most impressive adventure routes to reach the Inca citadel. This journey combines high mountain landscapes, turquoise lakes, towering snow-capped peaks, Andean valleys, and high jungle areas, creating a complete experience for trekking and nature lovers.
During the trek, you will visit the beautiful Humantay Lake, located at the foot of snow-capped mountains and considered one of the most breathtaking landscapes in Cusco. You will also cross the majestic Salkantay Pass, hike along trails surrounded by nature, and descend into the warmer areas of the Cusco high jungle.
The journey concludes with a guided visit to Machu Picchu, one of the modern wonders of the world. After several days of trekking, arriving at this historic sanctuary becomes a unique reward filled with emotion, culture, and unforgettable landscapes.
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days Tour Itinerary
CUSCO – MOLLEPATA – CHALLACANCHA – SORAYPAMPA – HUMANTAY LAKE
Our adventure begins at approximately 5:00 a.m. with a pick-up from your hotel in Cusco and departure towards the Mollepata Valley. During the journey, we will enjoy the first Andean landscapes, passing through agricultural areas and small traditional villages of the region. Along the way, we will stop for breakfast before continuing to the starting point of our trek.
Around 9:30 a.m., we will begin the hike from the Mollepata area, following a trail surrounded by nature and stunning mountain scenery. We will gradually make our way to Soraypampa, where we will take a break to enjoy lunch and settle into our accommodation for the night.
In the afternoon, after a short rest, we will start the hike to Humantay Lake, one of the most impressive landscapes along the route, known for its turquoise waters and the snow-capped mountains that surround it. After enjoying the scenery and taking photographs, we will return to Soraypampa to have dinner and rest at the lodge, preparing for the next day of adventure.
- Hiking time: approximately 5 hours
- Distance: 11 km / 6.8 miles
- Weather: Cool with windy conditions.
- Altitudes:
Cusco: 3,350 m.a.s.l.
Mollepata: 2,900 m.a.s.l.
Challacancha: 3,600 m.a.s.l.
Soraypampa: 3,900 m.a.s.l.
Humantay Lake: 4,200 m.a.s.l. - Accommodation: Mama Andrea Eco-Lodge – cabin in Soraypampa
SORAYPAMPA – SALKANTAY PASS – HUAYRACMACHAY – CHAULLAY
At 5:00 a.m., you will wake up with a coca tea. After breakfast, you will begin the most challenging section of the entire route.
You will depart from Soraypampa and gradually ascend for approximately 1 hour through the valley until reaching Salkantay Pampa (4,200 m / 13,779 ft). Here, you will take a short break to catch your breath and admire the impressive glacier massif in front of you.
You will continue for another 2 hours and 30 minutes across rocky terrain until reaching the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft), the highest point of the trek. From here, you will enjoy spectacular views of Salkantay Mountain (6,271 m / 20,574 ft), the second-highest mountain in Cusco, as well as Humantay Mountain (5,400 m / 17,716 ft).
After taking photographs, you will begin descending along a gravel path towards Huayracmachay, where you will have lunch. In the afternoon, you will continue the descent towards the mountain jungle, where the landscape changes as native vegetation appears and, if you are lucky, you may spot condors flying above the valley.
You will arrive at Chaullay (2,900 m / 9,514 ft) around 4:00 p.m. You will be served an afternoon snack with hot chocolate, coffee, cookies, and popcorn. Afterwards, you will have dinner and rest at your accommodation.
Hiking time: approximately 8 hours
Distance: 19 km / 11.8 mi
Weather: Cool with windy conditions
Altitudes: Soraypampa: 3,900 m.a.s.l. / Salkantay Pass: 4,630 m.a.s.l. / Chaullay: 2,900 m.a.s.l.
Accommodation: Salkantay Eco-Hostel, spacious room with private bathroom in Chaullay
CHALLWAY – COLPAPAMPA – PLAYA SAHUAYACO
At 5:00 a.m., you will wake up with a coca tea. After breakfast, you will begin the most challenging section of the entire route.
You will depart from Soraypampa and gradually ascend for approximately 1 hour through the valley until reaching Salkantay Pampa (4,200 m / 13,779 ft). Here, you will take a short break to catch your breath and admire the impressive glacier massif in front of you.
You will continue for another 2 hours and 30 minutes across rocky terrain until reaching the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft), the highest point of the trek. From here, you will enjoy spectacular views of Salkantay Mountain (6,271 m / 20,574 ft), the second-highest mountain in Cusco, as well as Humantay Mountain (5,400 m / 17,716 ft).
After taking photographs, you will begin descending along a gravel path towards Huayracmachay, where you will have lunch. In the afternoon, you will continue the descent towards the mountain jungle, where the landscape changes as native vegetation appears and, if you are lucky, you may spot condors flying above the valley.
You will arrive at Chaullay (2,900 m / 9,514 ft) around 4:00 p.m. You will be served an afternoon snack with hot chocolate, coffee, cookies, and popcorn. Afterwards, you will have dinner and rest at your accommodation.
Hiking time: approximately 8 hours
Distance: 19 km / 11.8 mi
Weather: Cool with windy conditions
Altitudes: Soraypampa: 3,900 m.a.s.l. / Salkantay Pass: 4,630 m.a.s.l. / Chaullay: 2,900 m.a.s.l.
Accommodation: Salkantay Eco-Hostel, spacious room with private bathroom in Chaullay
PLAYA SAHUAYACO – LLAQTAPATA – HYDROELECTRIC STATION – AGUAS CALIENTES
After breakfast at 7:00 a.m., you will begin hiking along an ancient Inca trail. You will ascend for approximately 2 hours until reaching the archaeological site of Llaqtapata, arriving around 9:30 a.m. Here, your guide will share the history of this site, and if the weather is clear, you will have a distant view of Machu Picchu.
At 10:00 a.m., you will descend towards the Aobamba Valley and continue to Hydroelectric Station (1,900 m / 6,234 ft). You will arrive around 12:30 p.m. and have lunch at 1:00 p.m.
From there, you can choose how to reach Aguas Calientes: take the train (30 minutes, additional cost) or continue walking along the Urubamba River. If you choose to walk, you will pass through high jungle vegetation, orchids, and the archaeological site of Intihuatana. You will also enjoy views of the mountains surrounding Machu Picchu. You will depart around 2:00 p.m. and arrive in Aguas Calientes approximately at 5:30 p.m.
After checking in at the hotel, you will have dinner at a tourist restaurant at 7:00 p.m. At 8:00 p.m., your guide will explain the details of your Machu Picchu visit scheduled for the following day.
- Hiking time: approximately 7 hours
- Distance: 21 km
- Weather: Warm
- Altitudes:
Sahuayaco Beach: 2,100 m.a.s.l.
Llaqtapata: 2,840 m.a.s.l.
Hydroelectric Station: 1,900 m.a.s.l.
Aguas Calientes: 2,000 m.a.s.l. - Accommodation: Puma’s Inn Hotel or similar, room with private bathroom in Aguas Calientes
AGUAS CALIENTES TOWN – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
The final day begins very early. You will have breakfast at 5:00 a.m., and at 5:30 a.m. you will leave the hotel and head to the Aguas Calientes bus station. At 6:00 a.m., you will board the tourist bus and, after approximately 30 minutes, arrive at the entrance of Machu Picchu (2,400 m / 7,874 ft) around 6:30 a.m.
At 7:00 a.m., the guided tour begins. For approximately 2 hours, you will explore the main sectors while your guide explains the history, architecture, and importance of the sanctuary. Around 9:00 a.m., the guided visit ends, and you will have free time for photos, depending on your circuit and ticket schedule.
Around 11:00 a.m., you will return to Aguas Calientes by bus or walking. At noon, you will have free time for lunch (lunch is not included).
At 5:30 p.m., you will arrive at the train station, and at 6:00 p.m., you will take the train to Ollantaytambo. You will arrive around 7:50 p.m. where private transportation will be waiting for you to continue to Cusco. You will arrive at the Historic Center of Cusco around 9:30 p.m.
- Hiking time: approximately 3 hours in Machu Picchu.
- Distance: 5 km.
- Weather: Warm.
- Altitudes:
Aguas Calientes: 2,000 m.a.s.l.
Machu Picchu: 2,400 m.a.s.l.
Cusco: 3,350 m.a.s.l.
Salkantay Trek 5 Days Map
What’s Included?
The tour includes
- Pre-trek briefing with your guide at our office, 1 or 2 days before the hike.
- Pick-up in Cusco and tourist transportation to Challacancha, the starting point of the trek.
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English).
- Cook to prepare meals throughout the route.
- Full meals: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners.
- Vegetarian menu or special dietary requirements at no additional cost.
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket.
- Boiled water to refill your bottle starting from the first lunch.
- Horse handlers and horses for transporting food, cooking equipment, and supplies.
- Transportation of personal luggage up to 7 kg / 15 lb by horse.
- Duffle bag provided during the pre-trek briefing.
- Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen supply.
- Return train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and tourist transportation to Cusco.
- 4 nights of accommodation in simple, double, matrimonial, or triple rooms, according to your request:
- Night 1: Cabins in Soraypampa.
- Night 2: Eco-hostel in Chaullay.
- Night 3: Wooden domes in Sahuayaco Beach.
- Night 4: Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Not Included
- Personal items.
- Entrance ticket to Humantay Lake.
- First breakfast in Mollepata.
- Last lunch in Aguas Calientes.
More Information About the Trek
Recommended Personal Items Checklist
Although many travelers think the climate in this part of South America is always warm, temperatures can vary significantly during the Salkantay Trek. In higher altitude areas, the cold can be intense, especially at night, while the high jungle sections usually have a milder and more humid climate.
For this reason, we recommend reviewing this checklist before starting the 5-day Salkantay Trek. Bringing the right equipment will help you enjoy a more comfortable, safe, and organized experience throughout the hike. If you do not have any of these items, you can purchase or rent them in Cusco before departure, as the city has specialized trekking equipment stores.
Documents
- Original passport
- Student ID card, if applicable
- Copies of your travel insurance documents
Essential Items
- Small daypack
- Sleeping bag
- Reusable water bottle
- Water purification tablets or filter
- Energy snacks such as cookies, candies, chocolates, or cereal bars
- Cash for personal purchases, souvenirs, or tips
Clothing and Footwear
- Trekking shoes and comfortable sandals
- Warm clothing for cold nights: thermal jacket, gloves, scarf, wool socks, and hat
- Waterproof jacket and rain poncho
- Lightweight or technical hiking clothing: pants, socks, shorts, and trekking shirts
- Swimwear
- Hat or cap for sun protection
Health and Personal Protection
- Basic personal first aid kit with bandages and personal medications
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
Personal Hygiene
- Quick-dry towel
- Dental hygiene kit
- Biodegradable soap
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Toilet paper
Recommended Accessories
- Headlamp
- Sunglasses
- Camera with memory card and extra batteries
- Trekking poles with rubber tips (optional)
- Plastic bags to separate wet clothes or protect personal belongings
* We recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 days before the tour for proper acclimatization and ensuring you are in good general health before starting the trek.
Does the tour include a visit to Humantay Lake?
Yes, on the first day, you will hike to Humantay Lake, one of the most impressive natural attractions along the route.
What is the highest point of the 5-day Salkantay Trek?
The highest point of the trek is the Salkantay Pass, located at 4,630 m.a.s.l. (15,190 ft), where you can enjoy impressive views of Salkantay Mountain.
How difficult is the 5-day Salkantay Trek?
It is a moderate to challenging trek. A good level of physical fitness is recommended, as well as spending at least 2 days acclimatizing in Cusco before starting the tour.
Where do you spend the nights during the trek?
During the 5-day Salkantay Trek, accommodation is arranged as follows: the first night in cabins at Mama Andrea Eco-Lodge in Soraypampa, the second night at Salkantay Eco-Hostel in Chaullay, the third night in wooden domes at Majestic Sky Domes Eco-Lodge in Sahuayaco Beach, and the fourth night at a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Is the Machu Picchu entrance ticket included?
Yes, the entrance ticket to Machu Picchu is included in the tour program.
Is luggage transported during the trek?
Yes, transportation of up to 7 kg / 15 lb of personal luggage by horse is included. A duffle bag is provided during the pre-trek briefing.
What meals are included in the tour?
The program includes 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners during the trek. Vegetarian meals or special dietary requirements can also be requested at no additional cost.
How do you return to Cusco after the tour?
The return journey is by train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, followed by tourist transportation back to Cusco.
What is the best time of year to do the Salkantay Trek?
The best season is usually from April to October, when there is less rainfall and better conditions for enjoying the mountain landscapes.
Important
- Spaces are assigned continuously among all authorized tour operators along the route, so availability may sell out without prior notice.
- We recommend confirming your reservation as early as possible to guarantee your spot.
- Please note that a minimum of 2 people is required to book this trek.
- We specialize in group travel experiences, so if you are traveling with friends, family, or children, please contact us to receive our special offers.
- If you would like a PRIVATE TOUR, request your quote by email at: info@incredibleperutours.com or via WhatsApp: +51 984525006
Exclusive Prices for Salkantay to Machu Picchu 5 Days / 4 Nights
This service operates under a semi-private format: the group travels only with friends or family members, without being combined with other travelers. All prices include the services detailed in the included section.
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult (17 years or older) | USD 580 |
| Student or child (4 – 17 years) | USD 560 |
| Child (0 – 3 years) | Free when traveling with parents |
Optional Services
The following services can be added to the tour at an additional cost, up to one day before departure, at our main office in the Historic Center of Cusco.
- Trekking pole rental for the entire route: USD 15 per pair.
- Huayna Picchu entrance ticket: USD 75. Maximum capacity of 400 people per day. Request at the time of booking, subject to availability.
- Machu Picchu Mountain entrance ticket: USD 75.
- Maximum capacity of 400 people per day.
- Request at the time of booking, subject to availability.
- Cusco airport pick-up and transfer to your hotel: USD 10 per person.
- Hotel pick-up and transfer to Cusco airport: USD 10 per person.
- Vistadome train service from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo: USD 40 per person.
