If you are an adventure enthusiast looking to experience one of the world’s most stunning trekking routes, the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is the perfect choice. This 5-day journey takes you through majestic mountains, mystical cloud forests, and the lush Peruvian jungle, culminating at the legendary Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. From the very first day, you will be mesmerized by the breathtaking Humantay Lagoon, a turquoise gem nestled among snow-capped peaks. The following day, you will challenge yourself to reach the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft), the trek’s highest point, where you will witness the awe-inspiring Salkantay Mountain, revered as a sacred peak by the Incas.
The adventure continues with a descent into the cloud forest, where the rich biodiversity and warmer climate contrast sharply with the icy heights of the previous days. On Day 4, the trail leads to the fascinating Llactapata archaeological site, where you will get your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu, filling you with excitement and anticipation. Finally, on the last day, you will explore the Wonder of the World, enjoying a guided tour that unveils the history and mysteries of this ancient city. For thrill-seekers, there is also the option to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, offering stunning panoramic views of the Inca sanctuary.
If you seek an authentic, challenging, and unforgettable experience, the Salkantay Trek awaits you. Embark on this once-in-a-lifetime journey through the heart of the Andes!
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is one of the most breathtaking trekking routes in the world, combining snow-capped mountains, cloud forests, and the lush Peruvian jungle in a 5-day journey. The adventure begins with a visit to the Humantay Lagoon, with its stunning turquoise waters, followed by the challenging ascent to Abra Salkantay (4,638 m.a.s.l.), the highest point of the trek. From there, the trail descends into the Santa Teresa Valley, where the climate shifts, and the vegetation becomes denser, allowing travelers to explore coffee plantations and tropical fruit orchards.
On the fourth day, the route passes through the Llactapata archaeological site, offering a first glimpse of Machu Picchu before arriving in Aguas Calientes. Finally, the fifth day is dedicated to a guided tour of Machu Picchu, where you can explore its temples and terraces and take optional hikes to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. This trek is the perfect alternative to the Inca Trail, ideal for those seeking a challenging adventure, surrounded by spectacular landscapes and an authentic connection with nature and Inca history.
Our adventure begins with an early pickup from your hotel at 4:00 a.m., followed by a 3-hour drive through the valleys of Anta and Mollepata to Challacancha. We will make a stop in Mollepata for an optional breakfast and a short break before heading to the starting point of our trek.
From Challacancha, we will begin our trek to Soraypampa (3,869 m.a.s.l.), a 3-hour hike surrounded by stunning views of Salkantay Mountain. At Soraypampa, we will have lunch and rest before hiking to the breathtaking Humantay Lagoon (4,221 m.a.s.l.), a 2-hour ascent to this turquoise lake reflecting the glaciers of Humantay Mountain.
As the sun sets, we will return to our Sky Camp, enjoy a hot dinner, and spend the night under a clear, star-filled sky.
We will wake up early at 5:00 a.m. with a warm coca tea to help us acclimate before enjoying an energizing breakfast. Then, we will embark on the most challenging section of the trek: the ascent to Salkantay Pass (4,638 m.a.s.l.), the highest point of the route. This climb takes about 4 hours, and once at the summit, we will be rewarded with breathtaking views of Salkantay, Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo peaks.
From the pass, we will descend on a winding path to Huayracmachay, where we will enjoy a well-deserved lunch and rest with panoramic valley views. In the afternoon, we will continue into the cloud forest, a drastic change in landscape with lush vegetation and warmer temperatures. After a 6-hour descent, we will arrive at Chaullay Camp (2,870 m.a.s.l.), where we will have dinner and rest.
Today, we venture deeper into the high jungle. After breakfast at 6:00 a.m., we begin our trek through the Santa Teresa Valley, a trail lined with rivers, waterfalls, and coffee, banana, and avocado plantations. Along the way, we will taste exotic fruits such as passion fruit and granadilla.
We will pass Collpapampa, known as the "Cloud Forest Summit," where we can spot colorful birds, including Peru’s national bird, the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock. Continuing towards La Playa, we will stop for lunch and visit a local organic coffee farm to learn about the cultivation and roasting process and enjoy a cup of the purest coffee in the region.
After a moderate trekking day, we will reach our Lucmabamba camp, enjoy dinner, and prepare for our final approach to Machu Picchu the next day.
After breakfast, we will start a 2-hour ascent to the Llactapata Inca site (2,800 m.a.s.l.), where we will have our first view of Machu Picchu from a unique perspective. Our guide will provide insights into its historical importance, and you will have time to take incredible photos.
From Llactapata, we will descend to Aobamba, where we will have lunch. We will then continue to the Hidroeléctrica train station, where you can either take a train ($34 USD) or walk 3 more hours along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes (2,040 m.a.s.l.). Upon arrival, we will check into our hotel, and you will have free time to explore the town or relax in the hot springs.
Today is the highlight of our trek. We will wake up early to catch the first bus to Machu Picchu (2,430 m.a.s.l.), ensuring we arrive before the crowds. Once inside, we will enjoy a 2-hour guided tour, exploring the most important temples, terraces, and structures of the Inca city.
After the guided tour, you will have free time to explore on your own or hike one of the optional mountains:
After exploring Machu Picchu, we will descend to Aguas Calientes, take the train to Ollantaytambo, and then board a private transport back to Cusco, arriving around 6:00 p.m..
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days is available year-round. However, we recommend booking between April and October when the weather is more stable, allowing for clearer views and a more enjoyable trekking experience.
Important: Due to high demand, reservations must be made at least 3 months in advance to secure entry tickets to Machu Picchu and additional services.
Book in advance and get ready for an unforgettable experience in Machu Picchu!
If you're planning to do the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days, here you'll find answers to the most common questions about this route. This section will help you prepare better and understand key details before embarking on this incredible adventure.
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is one of the best alternatives to the Inca Trail. This route combines spectacular landscapes, from snow-capped mountains to the lush jungle, allowing you to experience different ecosystems before reaching Machu Picchu. It is also less crowded than the Inca Trail and does not require special permits months in advance.
The Salkantay Trek lasts 5 days and 4 nights. You will cover approximately 72 km (44.7 miles), crossing high-altitude passes and descending into the cloud forest before reaching Machu Picchu.
This trek is rated as moderate to challenging, due to long hiking days, steep ascents, and high altitudes. It is recommended to have good physical condition and proper acclimatization in Cusco before starting the trek.
The highest point on the trek is Abra Salkantay (4,638 m / 15,213 ft), followed by Humantay Lake (4,221 m / 13,845 ft). After that, the trail gradually descends until reaching Machu Picchu (2,430 m / 7,972 ft).
Yes, it is recommended to spend at least 2 to 3 days in Cusco before the trek to allow your body to adapt to the altitude. You can use this time to do short hikes like Rainbow Mountain or Sacred Valley tours.
The best season for this trek is between April and October, when the weather is drier and there’s less rain. The rainy season (November to March) can make the trails muddy and slippery.
The tour usually includes:
The following items are not included:
The climate varies depending on altitude:
To improve your endurance, you should:
Yes, but it is not recommended. The route is challenging and less marked than the Inca Trail. A certified guide ensures safety, provides cultural and historical information, and takes care of all logistics.
On Day 4, we arrive in Aguas Calientes, where we spend the night in a hotel. On Day 5, we take a bus or hike to the entrance of Machu Picchu, where we have a guided tour before returning to Cusco by train and bus.
Yes, but permits are limited and must be reserved in advance.
The daily hiking time varies, but on average, expect to walk between 5 and 8 hours per day, depending on terrain and altitude.
You are allowed up to 7 kg (15.4 lbs) for the mule transport, while everything else must fit in a daypack (maximum 5 kg / 11 lbs).
Some camps offer cold showers, and on Day 3, there are optional hot springs where you can relax.
Yes, as long as you follow the guide’s instructions. It’s important to stay hydrated, listen to your body, and take precautions against altitude sickness.
The menu typically includes soups, meats, pasta, fresh vegetables, and desserts. There are also vegetarian and vegan options, but you must inform us in advance.
Reservations must be made at least 3 months in advance, especially during high season. A 50% deposit is required, as Machu Picchu entrance tickets are non-refundable.
If you are looking for an unforgettable adventure, the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is the perfect choice!
To ensure a safe and comfortable experience on the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, it is essential to bring the right gear. Below is a list of essential items you should pack:
Having the right gear will make your Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu much more comfortable and enjoyable. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the Peruvian Andes!
To ensure a safe and well-organized experience, we have established the following policies and conditions. Please read them carefully before making your reservation.
If you need to cancel your reservation, the following conditions apply:
If you wish to modify your tour date (valid only for private tours), the following conditions apply:
If you have any questions or need more information about the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days, please contact us:
Please review these policies before booking to avoid any inconvenience. We are here to help you plan your expedition to Machu Picchu!
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