What is the size of the group?

In order to better enjoy this route, groups are reduced to a maximum of 8 travelers.

Do the guides carry oxygen tanks and first aid kits?

Yes, the guides are prepared for any unforeseen event, so they always carry what is known as a "spray" to mitigate altitude sickness in case it is necessary, as well as a first aid kit to make small cures.

Is there a vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, etc. food option?

Yes, any type of menu adapted to special diets is available: vegetarian, vegan, food intolerant, etc. If you want to request a special diet simply leave a note in the space provided during the booking process.

Is it possible to do the trek during the month of February?

For safety reasons we do not do the Salkantay Trek during the month of February, coinciding with the rainy season in the Andes. Heavy rain causes dangerous roads, landslides, swollen rivers and unsafe walking conditions. In addition, some routes are closed to avoid accidents.

Are there showers in the camps?

During the Salkantay Trek Sky Lodges you will have access to hot water showers on days 1 and 3 of the tour. The Sky Domes Soraypampa Camp has private bathrooms with solar hot water showers. On the third and last night of the tour, you will sleep in a three star hotel in Aguas Calientes in a private room with hot water shower.

Is it necessary to carry a sleeping bag for the Salkantay Trek Sky Lodges?

A sleeping bag is required for at least the second night of the tour. Sky Dome Chaullay Camp does not have warm clothes or bedding. If you are not traveling with your sleeping bag, you can rent one as an extra.

How is the sleeping bag available for rent?

The sleeping bag available as an extra is a mummy style goose down sleeping bag suitable for the low temperatures reached during the tour.

Is water included in the tour?

The tour includes filtered and boiled water suitable for drinking and your bottles will be refilled at each meal. You should bring a refillable water bottle and enough water for the first day of the trek.

How is this tour different from the classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu?

The Salkantay Trek Glamping Sky Lodge and the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu are two versions we offer at Howlanders to explore the classic Salkantay route. The main differences lie in the type of accommodation included along the route and the group size.On nights 1 and 2 of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu tour, you will stay in more basic campsites without showers. The trek will be done in groups of up to 16 travelers plus the guide.Meanwhile, on nights 1 and 2 of the Salkantay Trek in Sky Domes, you will sleep in more comfortable Eco Domes. The domes on the first night feature private bathrooms with hot water showers. The trek will be done in smaller groups of up to 8 travelers plus the guide.

Soraypampa Camp

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Salkantay Trek Glamping Sky Lodge

The Salkantay route to Machu Picchu with small groups + glamping experience in Eco Domes

(8 reviews)

Cusco

4 days

Spanish and English

Starts: From your accommodation in Cuzco between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m.

Ends: To the center of Cuzco between 20:00 and 22:00

Flexible cancellation policy

Briefing

Looking for an unforgettable way to trek to Machu Picchu? The Salkantay Trek Glamping Sky Lodge is the top choice for adventurers who crave the classic Salkantay experience—with a twist of luxury. Swap traditional camping for cozy, eco-friendly domes and enjoy a more personal journey with a small group of up to 8 travelers.

Ever dreamed of exploring Peru in the most epic way possible? 🌟 Here’s your chance! Guided by a professional mountain expert, you’ll cover 60 km over 3 thrilling stages, all leading to the grand finale: the awe-inspiring Inca city of Machu Picchu.

✨ Small group—just 8 people! ✨

Check out the full itinerary below and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime! 😊

Tour details

Included

Entrance Machu Picchu
All transportation during the tour
Bilingual English/Spanish guide
2 nights of lodging at Sky Dome Camp
1 night of lodging in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Transport of your luggage between accommodations (maximum 7kg including sleeping bag).
All meals* (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, 3 snacks)
Daily tea service
Water
Expedition Train Aguas Calientes-Ollantaytambo

Not included

Breakfast DAY 1
Lunch DAY 4
Dinner DAY 4
Entrance to the Humantay Lagoon
Bus Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu
Sleeping bag (available as EXTRA)
Walking poles (available as EXTRA)

Important information

🏩 Lodging:

Soraypampa Sky Domes Camp (DAY 1).

The camp's Eco Domes are 6 meters in diameter and have a room with comfortable single beds armed with blankets and pillows, as well as a private bathroom with shower (with hot water) and a terrace with unique views. The domes use only solar energy and the power of the solar water heater will be subject to the weather. The camp has domes for 2, 3 and 4 people (single beds). You will also have access to common areas such as the dining room where dinner and breakfast will be served.

Sky Dome Chaullay Camp (DAY 2)

The Eco Domes of the camp are 3 meters in diameter and have only single beds for sleeping. The second night you will need a sleeping bag. This camp has shared bathrooms without shower, and a common dining area where you will be served dinner and breakfast.

3 Star Hotel in Aguas Calientes (DAY 3)

The third night you will sleep in a 3 star hotel in Aguas Calientes with private room and bathroom with hot water shower.

Accommodations are in double, triple, or quadruple rooms, so if you are traveling alone we offer the option of private accommodation at an additional cost. If you would like to receive more information please contact us.

🚆 Train :

The tour includes return by train Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo in Expedition category.
The train return schedule is subject to availability being the departures from Aguas Calientes between 13:30 and 19:00.

Cancellation policy

If you cancel more than 60 days before departure, 70% of the total cost will be refunded (excluding additional tickets and extras).

If you cancel 60 to 31 days prior to departure, 50% of the total cost will be refunded (excluding additional tickets and extras).

If you cancel 30 days or less prior to departure, it is non-refundable.

Tour itinerary

DAY 1 Cusco - Mollepata - Challacancha - Lago Humantay - Soraypampa

Walking Distance: 9.3 miles (15 km)

Estimated Walking Time: 7-8 hours

Starting Elevation: 12,467 ft (3,800 m)

Maximum Elevation: 13,780 ft (4,200 m)

Campsite Elevation: 12,467 ft (3,800 m)

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Accommodation: Sky Lodge Soraypampa Camp

4 : 30 AM

Pick up in Cusco

The experience begins with an early transfer from your hotel in Cusco, between 04:30 and 05:00. After a two-hour drive to Mollepata (2803 m.a.s.l.), you will have breakfast at a local restaurant while the guide shares tips for the trek. Then, you will continue to Challacancha, where you will meet the support team (chef and muleteers) to begin the Salkantay Trek in Sky Domes.

snow-capped mountains in the salkantay trekking sky domes

Soraypampa - Lunch

After checking equipment, you will begin a gradual hike to Soraypampa (3900 m), home to the exclusive Sky Domes where you will spend the first night. The trek from Challacancha starts on flat terrain, with views of Andean glaciers and a restored Inca Canal. Near the camp, the terrain becomes steeper.

Upon arrival, staff will greet you with freshly brewed Peruvian coffee or tea. You will settle into your Sky Dome and then enjoy a lunch prepared with fresh local ingredients in the camp dining room.

Hike to Humantay Lake

After lunch, you will hike to the Humantay glacier lake, at 4200 m.a.s.l. (13780 ft.) and 3 km (1.86 miles) from the camp. The round trip takes about three hours, ideal to do it at your own pace and appreciate the beauty of the Andes.

At the lagoon, you can enjoy the views while the guide explains its importance in Andean mythology.

Sky Lodge Camp Soraypampa

You will then descend to the camp, where you will enjoy dinner at sunset. At the end of the day, you will settle into your Sky Dome to rest under the stars of the Andean sky.

DAY 2 Soraypampa - Salkantay Pass - Huaracmachay - Chaullay

Walking Distance: 11.8 miles (19 km)

Estimated Walking Time: 8-9 hours

Starting Elevation: 12,467 ft (3,800 m)

Maximum Elevation: 15,255 ft (4,650 m)

Campsite Elevation: 9,022 ft (2,750 m)

Difficulty Level: Moderate to High

Accommodation: Sky Lodge Chaullay Camp

Breakfast at Sky Lodge Camp Soraypampa

An epic day on the Salkantay Trek. You will wake up with the sun's rays illuminating your Sky Dome and the majestic Salkantay peak in the background. You will start the day with coffee or tea and a protein-rich Andean breakfast, perfect for the hike to the Salkantay Pass, at 4630 m.a.s.l.

Abra Salkantay Pass

You will hike the famous "Path of the Seven Serpents", named after the seven curves that lead to the Salkantay Pass, at 4650 meters above sea level. Although the altitude makes this stretch challenging, you will advance calmly following the guide's indications to catch your breath and enjoy the views of the majestic Andean peaks.

Salkantay, the second highest peak in Cusco, is a sacred mountain in Andean mythology, known as "Apu" or Father in Quechua. Locals perform rituals such as the K'intu, using three coca leaves to seek blessings.

Goal achieved! At the summit, you will have time to admire the impressive peaks of Humantay, Taucarhuay and Pumasillo.

Huacarmachay - Lunch

Once you have enjoyed the views and are ready to continue, you will descend 7 km to the camp at Huacarmachay, where you will break for lunch. This camp, located at 3850 m.a.s.l., is located in a valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains.

The crew will serve you a freshly prepared Andean meal - full belly, happy heart!

Amazon Rainforest

After lunch, you will leave the Andes to enter the Peruvian Amazon rainforest. You will walk 8 km in about three hours at a leisurely pace, while experiencing a drastic change in topography as you descend. The temperature will increase slightly during this part of the trek.

The guide will tell you about the various species of plants, animals and birds, many of them native to the region.

Sky Lodge Chaullay Camp

End of the day's trek! Upon arrival at the camp in Chaullay (2900 m.a.s.l.), the team will help you settle into your Sky Dome, where you will spend the second night of the tour. Later, you will join the group to enjoy dinner in the dining room. A well-deserved rest awaits you.

DAY 3 Chaullay - LLuscamayo - Loreta La Playa Sahuayaco - Hidroeléctrica - Aguas Calientes

Walking Distance: 9.9 miles (16 km)

Estimated Walking Time: 7-8 hours

Starting Elevation: 9,514 ft (2,900 m)

Maximum Elevation: 9,022 ft (2,750 m)

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes

Breakfast at Sky Lodge Camp Chaullay

At 6:00 a.m., our team will wake you up with a gentle tap on the door of your Sky Dome. You'll enjoy a cup of coffee before breakfast is served.

The third day of this comfort version of the Salkantay trek is more relaxed. You will hike through the Santa Teresa Valley, known for its numerous farms. After crossing the Lluscamayo River, you will head towards La Playa for about six hours.

Hidroelectrica - Lunch

The route is full of waterfalls and passes through avocado, banana and coffee plantations. In this region, it is common to see the Cock of the Rock, Peru's national bird.

Afterwards, you will continue the route to Hidroeléctrica, where the team will serve you lunch.

Aguas Calientes

After lunch, you will walk along the railway to Aguas Calientes for about 2 hours. You will spend the third and last night of the tour in Aguas Calientes in a hotel with private room.

DAY 4 Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo - Cuzco

Walking Distance: 2.5 miles (4 km)

Estimated Walking Time: 1-2 hours

Maximum Elevation: 8,858 ft (2,700 m)

Difficulty Level: Easy to Medium

Visit to Machu Picchu

You will go to the main entrance of Machu Picchu, where your physical passport will be checked along with your entrance ticket (included in the tour).

You will tour highlights such as the ceremonial site, the agricultural sector and the remains of the royal barracks.

After the guided tour, you will have time to explore and enjoy the sights. If you booked an additional hike (subject to availability), the guide will indicate the starting point.

Breakfast in Aguas Calientes

Early in the morning, after breakfast at the hotel, the guide will pick you up to start the trek to Machu Picchu. The day before the guide will give you all the necessary details to coordinate today. You will meet him at the hotel at the indicated time, depending on the access schedule assigned to enter the citadel.

Aguas Calientes

After enjoying the views, you will leave the citadel and walk to Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time to have lunch or explore the town.

Return to Cusco

You will then take a train to Ollantaytambo. At the station, our representative will be waiting for you to transfer you back to your accommodation in Cusco.

What to bring to Salkantay Trek Glamping Sky Lodge tour

During this tour you will hike at different altitudes, so you can expect the temperature to change quickly, especially at high altitude. From Howlanders we recommend the 3 layer system, so you can quickly adapt to the weather conditions.

This is the recommended packing list, please note if you need to bring anything else. Remember that the tour offers a luggage transfer service, a duffel bag is provided in which you can leave up to 5 kg, so you can walk lighter.

Daypack (20 L approximately)
Reusable water bottle
Cash in Peruvian soles
Winter sleeping bag (available for rent)
Trekking poles (available for rent)
Goretex jacket or rain poncho
Warm jacket
Hiking boots (waterproof if possible)
Flashlight or headlamp and batteries
Two long-sleeved hiking shirts
Two short-sleeved T-shirts
Tights or trekking pants
Shorts
Underwear for 4 days
Pajamas
Three pairs of hiking socks
Gloves
Hat
Cap or hat
Swimsuit and small towel (if you plan to visit the hot springs)
Sandals or shoes for resting
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Extra snacks
Passport (required to enter Machu Picchu)

Where does the tour Salkantay Trek Glamping Sky Lodge start

The tour includes pick up from your accommodation in Cusco at the beginning of the tour. Remember to tell us in the booking form or by email the name of your accommodation so we can coordinate the pick up with the guide.

Questions & Answers

What is the size of the group?
In order to better enjoy this route, groups are reduced to a maximum of 8 travelers.
Do the guides carry oxygen tanks and first aid kits?
Yes, the guides are prepared for any unforeseen event, so they always carry what is known as a "spray" to mitigate altitude sickness in case it is necessary, as well as a first aid kit to make small cures.
Is there a vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, etc. food option?
Yes, any type of menu adapted to special diets is available: vegetarian, vegan, food intolerant, etc. If you want to request a special diet simply leave a note in the space provided during the booking process.
Is it possible to do the trek during the month of February?
For safety reasons we do not do the Salkantay Trek during the month of February, coinciding with the rainy season in the Andes. Heavy rain causes dangerous roads, landslides, swollen rivers and unsafe walking conditions. In addition, some routes are closed to avoid accidents.
Are there showers in the camps?
During the Salkantay Trek Sky Lodges you will have access to hot water showers on days 1 and 3 of the tour. The Sky Domes Soraypampa Camp has private bathrooms with solar hot water showers. On the third and last night of the tour, you will sleep in a three star hotel in Aguas Calientes in a private room with hot water shower.
Is it necessary to carry a sleeping bag for the Salkantay Trek Sky Lodges?
A sleeping bag is required for at least the second night of the tour. Sky Dome Chaullay Camp does not have warm clothes or bedding. If you are not traveling with your sleeping bag, you can rent one as an extra.
How is the sleeping bag available for rent?
The sleeping bag available as an extra is a mummy style goose down sleeping bag suitable for the low temperatures reached during the tour.
Is water included in the tour?
The tour includes filtered and boiled water suitable for drinking and your bottles will be refilled at each meal. You should bring a refillable water bottle and enough water for the first day of the trek.
How is this tour different from the classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu?
The Salkantay Trek Glamping Sky Lodge and the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu are two versions we offer at Howlanders to explore the classic Salkantay route. The main differences lie in the type of accommodation included along the route and the group size.
On nights 1 and 2 of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu tour, you will stay in more basic campsites without showers. The trek will be done in groups of up to 16 travelers plus the guide.
Meanwhile, on nights 1 and 2 of the Salkantay Trek in Sky Domes, you will sleep in more comfortable Eco Domes. The domes on the first night feature private bathrooms with hot water showers. The trek will be done in smaller groups of up to 8 travelers plus the guide.

from ‌

Salkantay Trek Glamping Sky Lodge

Cusco, 4 days

Flexible cancellation policy

(8 reviews)