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Salkantay Trek 5 Days
The perfect alternative to the Inca Trail in its full version
The Salkantay Trek 5 days is the perfect route for travelers who have more time. Get ready to complete one of the most spectacular treks that can be done in Peru in 5 stages.
If you have additional time in your trip, and you are thinking of doing a trekking route to Machu Picchu away from everything and in contact with the Andean communities, this is your ideal route. A 5-day guided trek, with which you will cross snow-capped mountains, Andean landscapes, tropical forests, and even dense jungle.
Here we tell you all the details:
Tour details
Included
- Informative briefing the day before at 07:00 P.M.
- Duffle bag to carry up to 5 kilos on horses during the trekking
- Professional Spanish/English speaking guide
- Professional chef and cooking equipment
- Horses to transport luggage
- Pick up at the lodge
- Private transportation
- 4 breakfasts
- 4 lunches
- 4 dinners
- 3 nights camping
- 1 night hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes
- Machu Picchu Ticket
- 2-hour guided tour in Machu Picchu
- First aid kit and oxygen bottle
- Return trip to Cusco by train or by car
Not included
- Entrance fee to the Humantay lagoon (20 soles)
- Travel insurance
- Breakfast DAY 1
- Lunch DAY 5
- Dinner DAY 5
- Entrance fee and transportation to the hot springs (20-25 soles)
Important information
To guarantee the conservation of Machu Picchu, 4 different itineraries have been designed within the citadel. When you make your reservation, you will be assigned the best itinerary and schedule available.
⛰️In case of including the extra to visit an additional area (Huayna Picchu, Huchuy Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain), in addition to the general entrance fee, an additional entrance fee will be included in your reservation (subject to availability).❌ It is not possible to visit two of the additional zones on the same day due to lack of time.
⚡ The availability of tickets to Machu Picchu is very limited and booking two to three months in advance is recommended. Especially if you are traveling in high season.
💡 To learn more about tickets and circuits available in Machu Picchu please contact us.
Cancellation policy
If you cancel more than 48 hours before the start of the tour you will receive a refund of the total amount of the reservation except 55 USD per person (cost of the entrance to Machu Picchu). The entrance tickets to Machu Picchu are nominative and non-transferable. After this time, or in case of no-show for the tour, you will not be entitled to a refund.
Extras: Entrance Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu / Entrance Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu / Entrance Machu Picchu + Machu Picchu Mountain are non-refundable.
Tour itinerary
PREVIOUS DAY
Briefing in Cuzco
The day before the departure of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, the coordinator will visit you at your accommodation or the place you indicate to do the briefing. A small meeting in which he will explain all the details and will tell you the time and pick up point.
PREVIOUS DAY
Briefing in Cuzco
The day before the departure of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, the coordinator will visit you at your accommodation or the place you indicate to do the briefing. A small meeting in which he will explain all the details and will tell you the time and pick up point.
DAY 1 Cusco - Soraypampa - Humantay Lagoon - Soraypampa
Initial elevation: 10892 ft. (3320 m.)
Highest elevation: 13779 ft. (4200 m.)
Elevation of the campsite: 12795 ft. (3900 m.)
Difficulty: moderate
Pick up in Cusco
The guide will pick us up at our accommodation in Cuzco between 4:30 and 5:15 in the morning. When the whole group is together, we will begin a journey of several hours by car, in which we will enjoy the spectacular snowy landscapes of the Salkantay or Humantay mountains.
We will stop in Mollepata to have breakfast and regain strength. We will continue our journey by car for another hour until we reach the starting point of our trek.
Start of the Salkantay trek
Around 9:30 in the morning we will be ready to start the trek to Soraypampa. This first part of the trail will take us through some deep valleys. After 2 hours of hiking, we will arrive at the incredible Humantay Lagoon, its blue-green waters make it one of the most impressive places in the Andes. We will have time to explore and the guide will explain its significance.
Soraypampa Camp
After visiting the lagoon, we will begin our 2-hour descent to the exclusive Soraypampa Camp. Once we arrive, we will enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by the cooks and we will be able to rest in the glass cabins. In the afternoon, we will hike to the Salkantay viewpoint where we will appreciate the sunset. We then will return to the camp, and have tea and dinner.
DAY 1 Cusco - Soraypampa - Humantay Lagoon - Soraypampa
Initial elevation: 10892 ft. (3320 m.)
Highest elevation: 13779 ft. (4200 m.)
Elevation of the campsite: 12795 ft. (3900 m.)
Difficulty: moderate
Pick up in Cusco
The guide will pick us up at our accommodation in Cuzco between 4:30 and 5:15 in the morning. When the whole group is together, we will begin a journey of several hours by car, in which we will enjoy the spectacular snowy landscapes of the Salkantay or Humantay mountains.
We will stop in Mollepata to have breakfast and regain strength. We will continue our journey by car for another hour until we reach the starting point of our trek.
Start of the Salkantay trek
Around 9:30 in the morning we will be ready to start the trek to Soraypampa. This first part of the trail will take us through some deep valleys. After 2 hours of hiking, we will arrive at the incredible Humantay Lagoon, its blue-green waters make it one of the most impressive places in the Andes. We will have time to explore and the guide will explain its significance.
Soraypampa Camp
After visiting the lagoon, we will begin our 2-hour descent to the exclusive Soraypampa Camp. Once we arrive, we will enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by the cooks and we will be able to rest in the glass cabins. In the afternoon, we will hike to the Salkantay viewpoint where we will appreciate the sunset. We then will return to the camp, and have tea and dinner.
DAY 2 Soraypampa - Salkantay Pass - Colpapampa
Hiking distance: 11,8 mi. (19 km.)
Initial elevation: 12795 ft. (3900 m.)
Highest elevation: 15141 ft. (4615 m.)
Elevation of the campsite: 9186 ft. (2800 m.)
Difficulty: moderate
Salkantay Pass
On the second day of the trek, we will wake up early, drink coca tea, and start trekking. Today we will reach the highest point of the trail: the Abra Salkantay, at 15190 feet (4,630 m) of altitude. From there we will enjoy spectacular views of the valleys and the imposing snow-capped peaks of the Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo mountains. You won't know where to look!
Huayracmachay - Colpapampa
Then, we will start walking downhill for 2 hours until we reach Huayracmachay where we will have lunch. Later, we will continue walking for 3 more hours until we reach Colpapampa where we will have a coca tea and dinner. We will also have the opportunity to rent a hot shower from the locals for 10 soles. It is time to relax and recharge our batteries for the next day.
DAY 2 Soraypampa - Salkantay Pass - Colpapampa
Hiking distance: 11,8 mi. (19 km.)
Initial elevation: 12795 ft. (3900 m.)
Highest elevation: 15141 ft. (4615 m.)
Elevation of the campsite: 9186 ft. (2800 m.)
Difficulty: moderate
Salkantay Pass
On the second day of the trek, we will wake up early, drink coca tea, and start trekking. Today we will reach the highest point of the trail: the Abra Salkantay, at 15190 feet (4,630 m) of altitude. From there we will enjoy spectacular views of the valleys and the imposing snow-capped peaks of the Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo mountains. You won't know where to look!
Huayracmachay - Colpapampa
Then, we will start walking downhill for 2 hours until we reach Huayracmachay where we will have lunch. Later, we will continue walking for 3 more hours until we reach Colpapampa where we will have a coca tea and dinner. We will also have the opportunity to rent a hot shower from the locals for 10 soles. It is time to relax and recharge our batteries for the next day.
DAY 3 Chaullay - Sahuayaco - Hot springs - Santa Teresa - Lucmabamba
Hiking distance: 12,43 mi. (20 km.)
Initial elevation: 9186 ft. (2800 m.)
Highest elevation: 9186 ft. (2800 m.)
Elevation of the campsite: 5118 ft. (1560 m.)
Difficulty: moderate
Sahuayaco Beach
The third day of our trek starts early in the morning for breakfast. Then we will start the 5-hour hike to the small village of La Playa Sahuayaco through the Santa Teresa Valley. We will stop for lunch, rest for a while, and a private bus will pick us up to take us to Lucmabamba, where we will spend the night.
Arriving at our camp, we will have the option to visit the thermal baths located in Cocalmayo (Santa Teresa) which are not included in our package, and return to our camp at 6.00 PM, for our tea and dinner.
DAY 3 Chaullay - Sahuayaco - Hot springs - Santa Teresa - Lucmabamba
Hiking distance: 7,45 mi. (12 km.)
Initial elevation: 9186 ft. (2800 m.)
Highest elevation: 9186 ft. (2800 m.)
Elevation of the campsite: 5118 ft. (1560 m.)
Difficulty: moderate
Sahuayaco Beach
The third day of our trek starts early in the morning for breakfast. Then we will start the 5-hour hike to the small village of La Playa Sahuayaco through the Santa Teresa Valley. We will stop for lunch, rest for a while, and a private bus will pick us up to take us to Lucmabamba, where we will spend the night.
Arriving at our camp, we will have the option to visit the thermal baths located in Cocalmayo (Santa Teresa) which are not included in our package, and return to our camp at 6.00 PM, for our tea and dinner.
DAY 4 Lucmabamba - Llactapata - Hidroeléctrica - Aguas Calientes
Hiking distance: 7,45 mi. (12 km.)
Initial elevation: 5118 ft. (1560 m.)
Highest elevation: 6561 ft. (2000 m.)
Elevation of the campsite: 6561 ft. (2000 m.)
Difficulty: moderate
Lucmabamba - Llactapata
After breakfast, we will begin a 3-hour hike along an Inca trail until we reach Llactapata. We will enjoy the ruins and the views of Machu Picchu.
Hidroeléctrica - Aguas Calientes
Afterwards, we will walk for 2 hours until we reach Hidroeléctrica. We will have a nutritious lunch and rest. Then, we will continue on foot for about 3 hours. Following the path left by the train line, we will finally reach the town of Aguas Calientes.
Aguas Calientes
Once in Aguas Calientes we will have free time to rest or walk around the town before dinner.
On the fourth night of the Salkantay Trek, we will stay in a hostel with a private room and bathroom. We will go to bed early and recharge our batteries, because the next day one of the most special moments of our trek awaits us: The imposing fortress of Machu Picchu!
DAY 4 Lucmabamba - Llactapata - Hidroeléctrica - Aguas Calientes
Hiking distance: 7,45 mi. (12 km.)
Initial elevation: 5118 ft. (1560 m.)
Highest elevation: 6561 ft. (2000 m.)
Elevation of the campsite: 6561 ft. (2000 m.)
Difficulty: moderate
Lucmabamba - Llactapata
After breakfast, we will begin a 3-hour hike along an Inca trail until we reach Llactapata. We will enjoy the ruins and the views of Machu Picchu.
Hidroeléctrica - Aguas Calientes
Afterwards, we will walk for 2 hours until we reach Hidroeléctrica. We will have a nutritious lunch and rest. Then, we will continue on foot for about 3 hours. Following the path left by the train line, we will finally reach the town of Aguas Calientes.
Aguas Calientes
Once in Aguas Calientes we will have free time to rest or walk around the town before dinner.
On the fourth night of the Salkantay Trek, we will stay in a hostel with a private room and bathroom. We will go to bed early and recharge our batteries, because the next day one of the most special moments of our trek awaits us: The imposing fortress of Machu Picchu!
DAY 5 Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco
Hiking distance: 3,72 mi. (6 km.)
Initial elevation: 6561 ft. (2000 m.)
Elevation of the campsite: 7874ft. (2400 m.)
Difficulty: moderate
Aguas Calientes
Last day! We will get up at 4 am to enter Machu Picchu early and appreciate the magnificent sunrise. We will prepare breakfast and head to the Ruins Bridge for 30 minutes. You can decide whether to walk up to Machu Picchu or take the bus for $12 USD.
Machu Picchu
After showing the documentation, we will start walking for an hour to the main gate of Machu Picchu. At the citadel, we will have a 2.5 hour guided tour in which we will discover the fascinating history of the site.
In addition, by booking in advance, you can include in your reservation the extra Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain and visit one of these two additional areas. These accesses are available as extras, and only one is allowed per visit, as there is not enough time to visit both areas.
Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo - Cuzco
The way back to Aguas Calientes can be done by panoramic train + bus or only by bus.
RETURN TO CUSCO BY TRAIN + BUS 🚆🚐 (RECOMMENDED✅)
By booking this option you will be able to include in your reservation the extra Huayna Picchu or Huchuy Picchu (subject to availability) and visit one of these two additional areas. These areas are only available if you select to return to Cusco by train.
Finally, you will return on foot or by bus (not included) to Aguas Calientes, take the opportunity to stroll around the town and have lunch in one of its restaurants.
In the afternoon, you will take the panoramic train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (schedule according to availability) in a journey of an hour and a half. Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo a private transport will be waiting to take you back to the center of Cuzco, where you will arrive at approximately 22:00.
RETURN TO CUSCO BY BUS 🚐.
If you decide to return only by bus you will have less time for your visit to Machu Picchu, and at 12:00 you will have to head to Hidroeléctrica, walking again the 3 hours that separate it from Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, transportation will be waiting to take you to Cuzco.
🚀Howlanders Tip
If you are thinking of selecting to return to Cuzco by bus, we recommend that you stay one more night in Aguas Calientes, and return to Cusco the next day. This way, you will be able to fully enjoy Machu Picchu.
⚠️ The exact train schedule and entrance to Machu Picchu (circuit and timetables) are subject to availability.
What to bring to Salkantay Trek 5 Days
- Passport and migration card (given by the Immigration Officer upon arrival)
- Sleeping bag (-15°C)
- Walking sticks
- Medium trekking backpack (20 litres)
- Waterproof pants
- Thermal clothing
- Waterproof jacket
- Warm jacket
- Hat or cap
- Hiking boots (waterproof if possible)
- Poncho for the rain
- Sneakers or sport shoes
- Sandals / flip flops
- Swimsuite
- Flashlight and batteries
- Refillable water botle
- Personal hygiene products and medication
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Snacks
- Camera and charger
- Pocket money in soles or USD
Where does the tour Salkantay Trek 5 Days start
Cuzco is the main tourist city of Peru and is very well connected. If your starting point is Lima you can get a bus (24 hours trip) or take a plane that has a route of one hour. The flight options vary between low cost airlines such as Peruvian Airlines, LCP or StarPeru, or other airlines such as Latam or Avianca. If you arrive from Arequipa, the bus trip is ten hours. If you decide to travel by plane, the only airline that offers direct flights is Latam. If you arrive from Puno the best option is to do it by bus, a journey of six and a half hours. We also offer a trip on a tourist bus that stops at the most important places on the route. The departure is at 7:00 am and you will arrive in Cusco at 5:30 pm.
