Tour Details
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 05 Days hike is now very famous and visited by many travelers from different countries because it offers far more spectacular views across different altitude zones: beautiful, impressive glaciers of the Andes mountain range, small fresh-water rivers, subtropical areas with abundant flora and fauna, and you’ll also see traditional high-Andean communities.
What’s included?
- ✅ Bus transfer from the hotel in Cusco – Mollepata.
- ✅ Bilingual guide (English and Spanish).
- ✅ Meals (04 breakfasts, 04 lunches, and 04 dinners).
- ✅ Horses (for equipment only).
- ✅ Train tickets Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu) – Cusco (Ollantaytambo).
- ✅ Entrance ticket to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
- ✅ Dining tent with tables and chairs.
- ✅ Kitchen tent.
- ✅ Tents.
- ✅ 01 night in a hostel in Aguas Calientes.
What’s not included?
- ⛔ Round-trip bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
- ⛔ First breakfast.
- ⛔ Last lunch (in Aguas Calientes).
- ⛔ Sleeping bag.
- ⛔ Entrance to Humantay Lagoon.
Important Recommendations
It is recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before to acclimatize to the altitude. Bring comfortable walking clothes, sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle.- ➡️ Bring a small backpack with clothes for the 5 days.
- ➡️ Personal hygiene items.
- ➡️ Wear comfortable shoes—trekking shoes are recommended.
- ➡️ Bring personal medicines and original passport.
- ➡️ Water bottle and purification tablets.
- ➡️ Rain gear in the rainy season (October to March).
- ➡️ Headlamp, camera, and batteries.
- ➡️ Warm clothing for the first and second day.
- ➡️ Swimsuit (if you want to visit the hot springs).
- ➡️ Insect repellent.
- ➡️ Sunscreen.
- ➡️ Sun caps.
- ➡️ Toilet paper, small towel.
- ➡️ Snacks: Cookies, chocolates, etc.
- ➡️ Horses (to carry tent, food, and kitchen equipment)
- ➡️ Trekking poles.
- ➡️ Bring a sleeping bag.
- ➡️ Extra expenses.
Meeting point: Pick-up from your hotel or coordinated meeting point in Cusco’s historic center.
Tour itinerary: Cusco – Mollepata – Marcco Qasa – Humantay Lagoon – Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Huayraqmachay – Chaullay – Colpapampa – Sahuayaco – Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco.
Important: The Salkantay Trek is completed on a fixed 5-day itinerary with medium to high-demand hikes, requiring prior acclimatization.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Marcco Qasa – Humantay Lagoon – Soraypampa
Departure from Cusco at 4:30 a.m. to Mollepata (2,900 m a.s.l.). Five-hour hike to the Soraypampa campsite (3,900 m a.s.l.) with views of the Humantay snow peak (5,480 m a.s.l.). In the afternoon, a 1-hour ascent to Humantay Lagoon, exploration, and return to camp. Tea time, dinner, and overnight.Estimated hiking time: 6 to 7 hours.
Distance: 16 km.
Camp altitude: 3,900 m a.s.l.
Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Huayraqmachay – Chaullay
Breakfast and a 4-hour ascent to Salkantay Pass (4,600 m a.s.l.), the highest point of the trek, with views of Apu Salkantay (6,271 m a.s.l.). Descent to Huayraqmachay for lunch and continue to Chaullay (2,750 m a.s.l.). Tea time, dinner, and overnight.Estimated hiking time: 8 to 9 hours.
Distance: 21 km.
Camp altitude: 2,750 m a.s.l.
Day 3: Chaullay – Colpapampa – Sahuayaco – Lucmabamba
Hike through the high jungle passing Colpapampa and observing waterfalls, orchids, and hot springs in the Santa Teresa river valley. Arrival at Lucmabamba (2,400 m a.s.l.) for lunch. Free afternoon to visit coffee, coca, and fruit plantations. Option to visit the Cocalmayo hot springs (extra cost).Estimated hiking time: 5 to 6 hours.
Distance: 16 km.
Camp altitude: 2,400 m a.s.l.
Day 4: Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes
Three-hour ascent along an Inca trail to Llactapata, with a panoramic view of Machu Picchu. Two-hour descent to Hidroelectrica for lunch. Two and a half hour hike to Aguas Calientes (2,000 m a.s.l.). Dinner and lodging.Estimated hiking time: 8 to 9 hours.
Distance: 18 km.
Lodging altitude: 2,000 m a.s.l.
Day 5: Machu Picchu – Cusco
Early breakfast and 1-hour ascent to Machu Picchu to watch the sunrise. Two and a half hour guided tour through Inca temples and palaces. Descent to Aguas Calientes to take the train to Ollantaytambo and return transport to Cusco.End of services.
Photo Gallery
Discover the beauty of the city of Cusco through these images that capture the essence of this unique experience.
Practical Information
Tour Data
- Duration: 5 days and 4 nights
- Hiking distance: Approximately 92 km in total
- Maximum altitude: 4,600 meters (Salkantay Pass)
- Difficulty: High – requires good physical condition and prior acclimatization
- Minimum age: From 12 years old
- Maximum group: 18 people
What to Bring
- ID or passport
- Warm layered clothing (cold mornings, sunny afternoons)
- Windbreaker or rain jacket
- Hat or cap and sunglasses
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Water bottle or reusable canteen
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Sleeping bag (available to rent)
- Trekking poles (recommended)
- Cash (Peruvian soles) for tickets and purchases
Health Recommendations
- Arrive in Cusco at least 2–3 days earlier for proper acclimatization
- Drink coca infusions or take altitude sickness medication as advised by a doctor
- Stay hydrated throughout the trek
- Walk at a steady pace to avoid exhaustion
- Not recommended for people with severe heart or respiratory issues without medical authorization
- Use sunscreen even on cloudy days
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation before 7 days: 50% of total cost
No show: No refund
Frequently Asked Questions
What fitness level do I need?
This trek is of high difficulty. It requires good physical condition, previous experience with long hikes, and acclimatization to altitude. The days can exceed 8 hours of hiking over uneven terrain at high altitude.
What is the best time to do this trek?
The Salkantay Trek can be done year-round, but the dry season (May to September) offers clear skies and better views. In the rainy season (December to March) the landscape is greener, but trails can be wet or slippery.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it is advisable to book at least 1 month in advance, especially during high season (June to August), to secure guides, campsites, and lodging in Aguas Calientes.
What happens if it rains during the trek?
The trek is not canceled due to rain. It’s essential to bring a rain poncho or windbreaker and protect your gear in waterproof bags. Rain can add a special touch to the scenery but also increases the difficulty of the route.
Is the entrance to Machu Picchu included?
Yes, the package includes the entrance ticket to Machu Picchu. If you want to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you must request it in advance and pay an additional cost, subject to availability.
Is the Cusco Tourist Ticket required?
No, the Salkantay Trek does not require the Cusco Tourist Ticket. However, specific site entries along the route and the Machu Picchu entrance are included.
Is there an option to rent equipment?
Yes, you can rent a sleeping bag and trekking poles in advance. There is also the possibility of hiring support horses for certain sections of the trek, with prior coordination.