Secure your spot at Machu Picchu 2026 today with our special early-booking rate.

Book now
Book
Trekking

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days

5 Days / 4 Nights5.0 · 35 reviews on TripadvisorCusco, Perú
  • Panoramic view of the Machu Picchu citadel and Huayna Picchu mountain, the final destination of the scenic Salkantay Trek in the Peruvian Andes.
  • Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days
  • Panoramic view of the stone structures of Machu Picchu with thick white clouds swirling around the surrounding green mountains and Huayna Picchu peak.
  • Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days
  • Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days
  • Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days
  • Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days
  • Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days

Overview

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu (4 Days) is an easily accessible trek for everyone, with no current permit limitations or restrictions. Connecting the town of Mollepata, Cusco with Machu Picchu, the Salkantay Trek is an ancient treasure located off the traditional beaten path. Like the Inca Trail, it offers a stunning contrast where massive, snow-capped glacial mountains merge with the lush, abundant tropical jungle.

Highlights

  • Punto de encuentro:
    Recojo desde su hotel en Cusco muy temprano en la mañana.
  • Itinerario general:
    Cusco – Mollepata – Marcco Qasa – Laguna Humantay – Soraypampa – Paso Salkantay – Huayraqmachay – Chaullay – Colpapampa – Sahuayaco – Lucmabamba – Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco.
  • Importante:
    El tour incluye transporte, alimentación completa durante la ruta, guía especializado y entradas a los sitios indicados.

Itinerary

  1. 1Day 1Cusco – Mollepata – Marcco Qasa – Soraypampa

    Early pickup from your hotel in Cusco and transfer by tourist transportation to Mollepata, where we will enjoy breakfast. Continuation to Marcco Qasa, the starting point of the trek.
    A progressive hike with spectacular views of the Andes until reaching the Soraypampa campsite (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), located at the foot of the Salkantay glacier.
    Tea time, dinner, and overnight stay at the campsite.

    • Hiking time: 5–6 hours
    • Approximate distance: 8.7 miles (14 km)
  2. 2Day 2Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa

    After breakfast, the hike begins toward the stunning Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,780 ft), one of the most iconic landscapes of the tour. Free time for photographs and an explanation from the guide. Return to the Soraypampa campsite for lunch. Free afternoon to rest and acclimate.

    • Hiking time: 3–4 hours
    • Approximate distance: 3.7 miles (6 km)
  3. 3Day 3Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Huayraqmachay – Chaullay

    The most challenging day of the trek. A gradual ascent to the Salkantay Pass (4,600 m / 15,091 ft), the highest point of the journey, offering spectacular views of the Apu Salkantay (6,271 m / 20,574 ft).

    Descent toward Huayraqmachay for lunch, followed by a continuation to the Chaullay campsite (2,750 m / 9,022 ft).

    • Hiking time: 8–9 hours
    • Approximate distance: 13 miles (21 km)
  4. 4Day 4Chaullay – Colpapampa – Sahuayaco – Lucmabamba – Aguas Calientes

    A hike through the high jungle, surrounded by lush vegetation, waterfalls, orchids, and local wildlife. After lunch in Sahuayaco, a vehicle transfer to Hidroelectrica followed by a walk of approximately 2.5 hours to Aguas Calientes, where you will stay overnight in a hotel.

  5. 5Day 5Machu Picchu – Cusco

    Very early departure to ascend to Machu Picchu and enjoy the sunrise. A guided tour of approximately 2 hours through the main sectors of the Inca citadel. Free time for photographs. Return by train to Ollantaytambo and transfer by tourist bus to the city of Cusco. End of services.

What’s included

Included

  • Bus transfer from your hotel in Cusco – Mollepata.
  • Bilingual guide (English and Spanish).
  • Meals (03 breakfasts, 03 lunches, and 03 dinners).
  • Horses (for equipment only).
  • Train tickets from Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu).
  • Entrance ticket to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
  • Dining tent with tables and chairs.
  • Kitchen tent.
  • Tents.
  • 01 night at a hostel in Aguas Calientes.

Not included

  • First breakfast.
  • Last lunch (in Aguas Calientes).
  • Sleeping bag.
  • Entrance fee to Humantay Lake (S/20).
  • Bus tickets up and down from Machu Picchu town (Aguas Calientes).
  • Entrance fee to the hot springs.
  • Extra expenses not mentioned.

What to bring

  • It is recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 2 days in advance to acclimate to the altitude. Bring comfortable walking clothes, sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle.
  • Carry a small backpack with clothes for the 4 days.
  • Personal toiletries.
  • Wear comfortable shoes; trekking boots/shoes are recommended.
  • Carry personal medications and your original passport.
  • Water bottle and purification tablets.
  • Rain jacket or poncho during the rainy season (October to March).
  • Flashlight, camera, and extra batteries.
  • Warm clothing for the first and second days.
  • Swimsuit (if you wish to visit the hot springs).
  • Insect repellent.
  • Sunblock or sunscreen.
  • Sun hats.
  • Toilet paper and a small towel.
  • Snacks: Cookies, chocolates, etc.
  • Trekking poles.
  • Bring a sleeping bag.

FAQ

Does this Salkantay tour include meals during the entire route?

Yes, the tour includes full meals during the trekking days, with hot meals served at the campsites and established points along the route. This allows you to maintain the energy necessary to tackle the demanding trekking days until reaching Machu Picchu.

Which is the most demanding section of the Salkantay trek?

The most demanding section takes place on the second day, during the ascent to the Salkantay Pass, located at an altitude of 4,650 meters (15,255 ft). This day features the highest elevation and the greatest incline of the journey, so good prior acclimatization and a steady walking pace are recommended.

Do you sleep in campsites or hotels during the tour?

During the tour, you spend two nights in campsites located in Soraypampa and Chaullay, while the third night is spent in a hotel in Aguas Calientes. This combination allows you to live the trekking experience while resting properly before visiting Machu Picchu.

Is the visit to Humantay Lake included in the itinerary?

Yes, Humantay Lake is part of the first day's itinerary. From the Soraypampa campsite, an additional hike is made to visit this turquoise-colored lake, considered one of the most impressive natural attractions of the Salkantay trek.

Does the tour include a guide and tickets to Machu Picchu?

Yes, the tour includes a specialized guide throughout the entire route and a guided visit to Machu Picchu on the fourth day, featuring an approximately two-hour tour of the citadel's main sectors before the return to Cusco.

What our travellers say

  • Hans-Kristian H

    We booked the Salkantay trek through hahatrips and had an amazing time Haha Trips was great at explaining and planning our Salkantay trek. Helped whit renting sleeping bags and did it all at a good price. Wilson is a friend of ours🤠 - he is always ready to help and very responsive However it is not hahatrips you are on the trek whit but another travel agency called KB Adventures which we were surprised about - they are however really great as well and we had a fantastic trek whit a great group of people😎

    Tripadvisor · Aug 2023
  • Anghie R

    Excelente tour Muy buena agencia, de verdad la recomiendo un montón! Wilson siempre estuvo dispuesto a resolver mis dudas e incluso a ayudarme con ciertos inconvenientes que tuve, siempre fue cordial, muy amable y comprensivo en todo momento 😃 Tuve una hermosa experiencia en Cusco, muchas gracias!

    Tripadvisor · Aug 2023
  • Laura V

    Great organization! Wilson is a great person! My friend had to recover from being sick and Wilson helped us with his flexibility and new ideas for visiting MachuPicchu. We went to MachuPicchu in two days and enjoyed the great organization. From hotel to transport and the guides were really great! I would definitely recommend this travel agency. Big thanks for everything!

    Tripadvisor · Jun 2023
  • Claus Santa

    Sehr empfehlenswert Wir haben bei Wilson von HaHa Trips die 5 Tage Salkantay Tour gebucht. Wilson war sehr informativ und hilfreich. Alle Fragen wurden per WhatsApp sofort beantwortet. Die Organisation der ganzen Unternehmung war tadellos.

    Tripadvisor · May 2023
  • Joe G

    Great and Cheap! The prices of this tour company will have you going ‘HAHA’, because it’s so cheap! We did both the 2D1N Machu Picchu and the Rainbow Mountain tours. Well organised and lots of fun. Wilson is great, would highly recommend.

    Tripadvisor · May 2023
  • 552wimg

    The best touring company in Cusco! This was my first time in Peru, and it did not disappoint. Ha ha tours are true professionals! I booked a package to trek the old Inca Trail. Our guide was Ronny Pillco, who led the expedition! He shared a world of historical knowledge and was a true professional! Everything was top-not ch, from the cook Rene, to the guides and porters and our female porter! Everyone was always smiling and trying to help having us have the greatest experience! I truly recommend HAHA TOURS! Price-quality are unmatched

    Tripadvisor · May 2023
  • Maxwell B

    5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu Wilson was very helpful with everything. He gave me the information needed for the Salkantay 5-day trek to Machu Picchu. Whenever I had a question he provided everything I needed with a quick response. Very professional.

    Tripadvisor · May 2023
  • Carla C

    El mejor servicio de tour! Llegue a esta agencia gracias a la recomendación de un amigo y desde entonces, Wilson me apoya brindándome el servicio de tour. Es una empresa seria que se preocupa por brindarle comodidad a los turistas y siempre están haciéndole seguimiento al servicio que te brindan. Además, me encantó la flexibilidad que la empresa proporcionó en términos de tiempo y lugares a visitar. Recomiendo a cualquier persona que busque una experiencia turística excepcional.

    Tripadvisor · Apr 2023
  • Benjamin P

    Excelente tour de la Ciudad de Cusco con Venturia y Ruben Excelente tour de la ciudad de Cusco con Venturia y Ruben, el tour guy. Ruben me fue a buscar al hotel, y caminamos toda la ciudad por unas 3 horas. Fuimos al mercado, a las iglesias principales, y las calles mas interesantes de Cusco. La pase super bien con Ruben, y hasta fuimos a almorzar en un lugar muy pintoresco y cerca de la plaza principal de Cusco. Ruben sabe mucho de la historia de la catedral de Cusco, 100% recomendado.

    Tripadvisor · Apr 2023
  • Christian Stocker

    Amazing Great experience; we did the Salkantay trail for 5 days all meals and accommodation included for only £30 a day; everything went perfectly!

    Tripadvisor · Mar 2023
Our tours

You may also like

FromUS$540

Book now
Need help?