Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 days
Cusco, cradle of the Incas, invites you to explore its history and culture in the heart of the Andes.
Description of the trip
Enjoy an unforgettable experience with the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 days, one of the most spectacular trekking routes in Peru and a perfect alternative to the classic Inca Trail. This trek combines breathtaking Andean landscapes, lush nature, vibrant culture, and the thrill of reaching Machu Picchu after hiking one of the most beautiful trails in South America.
Throughout this adventure, you will cross high valleys, mountain passes, turquoise lagoons, tropical rainforest, and traditional communities, enjoying an authentic experience close to nature. The 5-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is ideal for adventurers seeking real contact with the Andes and who want to experience the thrill of reaching the Inca citadel via a unique and impressive route.
✅ What does the 5-day Salkantay Trek Tour include?
During this tour you will experience:
Humantay Lake – On your first day, you will depart from Cusco to Challacancha, passing through Mollepata, and then arrive at the camp in Soraypampa. Here you will visit Humantay Lake with its incredible turquoise waters, ideal for acclimatizing and admiring spectacular views.
Salkantay Pass – Ascend to the highest point of the trek (approximately 4,600 m), crossing high mountain landscapes, snow and wind, and then descend into lush valleys and cloud forests.
High jungle / Cloud forest – Descent into warmer climates. On the intermediate days, you will walk through areas with lush vegetation, rivers, Quechua communities, and possibly enjoy hot springs.
Hotel in Aguas Calientes – A night’s rest in Aguas Calientes (the town at the foot of Machu Picchu) before the big day.
Guided tour of Machu Picchu – On the morning of the last day, you will ascend by bus (or on foot if you prefer) to the citadel to enjoy a guided tour, visit the temples, terraces, and plazas, learn about Inca history, and watch the sunrise over the mountains. Then return to Cusco by train/bus.
📅 Daily departures | 🚶 Hiking level: Moderate – Challenging
👉 The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 days is perfect for those looking for a trek full of stunning landscapes, Andean culture, and a deep connection with nature.
Book your Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 days now and experience an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Peruvian Andes.
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5-day itinerary
Mollepata – Challacancha - Soraypampa
Optional: you can take an additional hike to Laguna Humantay, a natural jewel of turquoise waters guarded by the snow-capped mountain of the same name. This hike takes approximately 3 hours and promises truly unforgettable views.
Includes
- Transportation from Cusco to Challacancha
- Lunch and dinner
- Official tourist guide
- Camping domes
Soraypampa – Paso Salkantay - Collpapampa
Después del desayuno, iniciaremos nuestra caminata hacia el Paso Salkantay, disfrutando durante el trayecto de una vista impresionante del majestuoso nevado Salkantay.
Luego comenzaremos el descenso, donde el paisaje cambiará por completo: pasaremos de las alturas andinas a un entorno más verde y húmedo, rodeado de abundante vegetación y vida silvestre.
Nuestra ruta nos llevará hasta Collpapampa, donde se encuentra nuestro campamento. Este día descansaremos en medio de un bosque tropical, con un clima cálido y la compañía de la naturaleza (y algunos curiosos mosquitos).
Includes
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Camping domes
- Official tourist guide
Collpapampa - Wiñaypoco - Lucmabamba
Today we will descend into a beautiful tropical forest, where we will be able to appreciate the great diversity of orchids, bromeliads, and other native species, as well as observe plantations of coffee, cacao, and local fruits.
During the tour, we will meet the rural families of Wiñaypoco, Granadilla, and Lucmabamba, communities full of warmth and tradition, where our camp is located.
In the afternoon, we will share a special moment with a local family, learning about the cultivation and artisanal processing of coffee, one of the most authentic experiences of the journey.
Optional: visit to the hot springs of Santa Teresa, prior coordination with the guide for transportation.
Includes
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Camping domes
- Official tourist guide
Lucmabamba - Llactapata - Aguas Calientes
Today we will walk along a section of the ancient Inca Trail until we reach the archaeological site of Llactapata, a place that offers breathtaking landscapes and a special connection with the Andean flora and the traces left by the Inca culture.
From this point, we will enjoy a privileged view of Machu Picchu Mountain and the majestic Vilcanota Canyon. Then, we will continue our hike to the Hidroeléctrica train station, finally heading to the town of Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, where we will spend the night.¿
Includes
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Overnight stay in Agua Calientes
- Official tourist guide
Machu Picchu - Cusco
After several days of hiking, we will finally enjoy the most eagerly awaited reward: visiting the majesticcitadel of Machu Picchu. Very early in the morning, we will board the first bus to the summit to witness the magical sunrise over the Andean mountains.
During the guided tour, we will explore the main areas of Machu Picchu: temples, altars, enclosures, and terraces that reveal the grandeur and wisdom of the Inca culture.
At the end, we will descend to the town of Aguas Calientes, where we will say goodbye to this unforgettable adventure before boarding the train back to the city of Cusco.
Includes
- Transfer to places to visit
- Admission ticket
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Official tourist guide
What does the trip include?
Includes
- Private transportation from your hotel in Cusco to Mollepata
- Tourist train from Machu Picchu town to Ollantaytambo and bus to Cusco.
- Hotel in the town of Aguas Calientes
- Camping domes 2 nights
- Entrance to Salkantay National Park and Machu Picchu
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English)
- Camping equipment
- Tea time and snacks every day
- Emergency horse (from Marcoccasa to Chaullay)
- First aid kit and oxygen tank
Not included
- Food not mentioned
- Services or activities not specified.
- Insurance and tips
Prices Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu 5 days
Why choose our 5-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu?
Expert guides in high mountain and Andean culture.
Impressive routes with unique landscapes every day.
High-quality camping equipment and full logistical support.
An authentic and safe experience, recommended by adventurers from around the world.
FAQ – Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 days
1. What does the 5-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu include?
Includes transportation, expert guide, all meals, camping, basic equipment, entrance to Machu Picchu, and return train ticket.
2. How much does the 5-day Salkantay Trek cost?
The average price ranges from $530 to $540 USD, depending on the agency, type of camp, and services included.
3. What is the difficulty level of the Salkantay Trek?
This is a high-difficulty trek, recommended for travelers who are in good physical condition and have previous experience with long hikes.
4. What is the itinerary for the 5-day Salkantay Trek?
Day 1–3: Hike through Soraypampa, Humantay Lake, and Salkantay Pass.
Day 4: Route to the hydroelectric plant.
Day 5: Guided tour of Machu Picchu.
5. When is the best time to do the Salkantay Trek?
The dry season (April–October) is ideal due to its firm trails, stable weather, and better mountain views.
6. Do I need a permit to hike the Salkantay Trail?
It does not require permits like the Inca Trail, but you do need to book with an agency to guarantee logistics, camping, and entry to Machu Picchu.
7. What to bring on the 5-day Salkantay Trek?
Thermal clothing, waterproof clothing, hiking boots, poncho, snacks, flashlight, water bottle, and personal items.
8. How cold is the Salkantay Trek?
Nights in Soraypampa can reach -5°C, so warm clothing and a good sleeping bag are required.
9. Is the 5-day Salkantay Trek safe?
Yes, provided that it is done with professional guides and following the recommendations for acclimatization and appropriate equipment.
10. What is the difference between the Salkantay Trek and the Inca Trail?
The Salkantay is more challenging and scenic, does not require permits, and offers high mountain landscapes, while the Inca Trail is more archaeological and regulated.
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