Salkantay Trek Glamping Sky Lodge
The 4-day Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu in a small group with glamping accommodation
🚨 Tickets to Machu Picchu sell out fast! 🚨 Book in advance.
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 37 miles (60 km) over 3 thrilling stages, all leading to the grand finale: the awe-inspiring Inca city of Machu Picchu.
Check out the full itinerary below and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime! 😊
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Tour details
Included
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket (depending on selected option)
- Spanish/English professional guide
- All transportation during the tour
- Return by tourist train
- 2 nights of lodging at Sky Dome Camp
- 1 night of lodging in a private room in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
- Transport of your luggage between accommodations (maximum 7kg including sleeping bag).
- Fullboard (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, 3 snacks)
- Daily tea service
- Water
Not included
- Day 1 breakfast
- Lunch and dinner on day 4
- Entrance to the Humantay Lagoon
- Bus Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu
- Sleeping bag (available as EXTRA)
- Walking poles (available as EXTRA)
Important information
🎟️ The tour is available with or without a Machu Picchu entrance ticket, depending on the selected option. If you choose the option with entrance, you’ll be assigned the best available time slot and ticket type.
🚶🏻 If you book the tour without a ticket, the guided visit to Machu Picchu will only be included if there’s a group available at your time and route. Otherwise, a private guide will be offered at an additional cost.
🏩 Accommodations:
- Day 1 – Sky Domes Soraypampa Camp: Eco domes 20 feet (6 meters) in diameter with rooms featuring 2, 3, or 4 single beds with blankets. Includes a private bathroom with hot shower and a terrace with views. The camp also offers a shared dining area.
- Day 2 – Sky Dome Chaullay Camp: Eco domes 10 feet (3 meters) in diameter with 2, 3, or 4 single beds without blankets. A sleeping bag is required. This camp has shared bathrooms without showers and a communal dining room.
- Day 3 – Hotel in Aguas Calientes: On the third night, you’ll stay at a hotel in Aguas Calientes with a private room and bathroom featuring a hot water shower.
⛰️ If you’d like to include an entrace ticket to an additional area (Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain), book private accommodation, or customize your tour, please contact us.
Cancellation policy
If you cancel at least 72 hours in advance, we will refund the total amount minus 210 USD per person. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made less than 72 hours in advance or for no-shows.
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
Tour briefing
The day before the tour begins, you’ll have a meeting with your guide and the rest of the group to prepare for the trek and clear up any questions. During the briefing, you’ll be given the exact pickup time based on your accommodation.
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, located at 9,196 feet (2,803 m), 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 porters) to begin the Salkantay Trek in Sky Domes.
Soraypampa - Lunch
After checking equipment, you will begin a gradual hike to Soraypampa, located at 12,795 ft.(3,900 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 hike1,86 miles (3 km) to the Humantay glacier lake, at 13780 ft. (4,200 m). 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 15,190 feet (4,630 m).
Abra Salkantay Pass
You will hike the famous "Path of the Seven Snakes", named after the seven curves that lead to the Salkantay Pass, at 15,255 feet (4,649 m)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 12631 feet (3,850 m)., 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 5 miles (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, located at 9,514 feet (2,900 m), 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
Breakfast in Aguas Calientes
After breakfast at the hotel, your guide will meet you to begin the journey to Machu Picchu. The day before, the guide will provide all the necessary details to coordinate today’s activities. You’ll meet them at the hotel at the scheduled time, depending on your assigned entrance time to the citadel.
Visit to Machu Picchu
You'll head to the main entrance of Machu Picchu, where your passport and entry ticket will be checked.
If you’ve booked the tour including the entrance ticket, you’ll take the guided tour according to your ticket’s itinerary. If you’ve booked the tour without the entrance, the guided tour is included only if there’s a shared group available; otherwise, a private guide will be offered at an additional cost.
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 onboard the iconic train to Ollantaytambo. At the station, a tranfer will be waiting for you to bring 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 11 lb (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 Machu Picchu ticket is included in the Salkantay Trek Glamping Sky Lodge?
It depends on the option you select when booking:
If you choose the without ticket option, the entrance to Machu Picchu is not included.
If you choose the with ticket option, we’ll book the best available circuit and time slot at the time of your reservation.
Which is the best Machu Picchu ticket?
There’s no “best” ticket—each circuit offers a different experience. If you're not sure which one to choose, we recommend checking out this post where we explain the differences between them.
What if Machu Picchu tickets are sold out?
You still have a few options:
You can book the Inca Trail, which uses a different ticket allotment.
You can try to get one of the few last-minute tickets that sometimes become available, or buy a ticket in person at the Aguas Calientes ticket office.
Keep in mind these options are not guaranteed and you might not get access to Machu Picchu. If you decide to try this route, contact us so we can help adjust your tour (for example, by removing the return train in case you need to stay an extra night in Aguas Calientes).
How far in advance should I book the tour?
As early as possible. Machu Picchu tickets often sell out months in advance, especially during high season. You can:
Book the tour with the entrance ticket included, or
Buy your ticket separately on the official Machu Picchu website, and then book the tour without the ticket.
If I already have a ticket, is the guided tour included?
Yes, as long as your ticket (circuit and time slot) matches the tour schedule. If not, we’ll offer you the option to add a private guided visit at an extra cost.
Will I be able to take the classic Machu Picchu photo?
That depends on the circuit we’re able to book. We’ll always try to get the one that includes the iconic photo spot, but due to limited availability, we can’t guarantee it.
Can I customize the Salkantay Trek Glamping Sky Lodge?
Absolutely! If you have something specific in mind or any special needs, just get in touch and we’ll help you make it happen.
Can I add tickets to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?
Yes, but due to high demand, these tickets can’t be added during the online booking process. Contact us and we’ll help include them, or you can buy them directly on the official ticket site.
Do you offer discounts for students or minors?
Yes! Students under 25 with a valid student ID can get a $20 USD discount. Just reach out to us before booking and we’ll apply it.
Where can I read more about the Salkantay Trek experience?
Our travelers have shared their experiences in our blog. We highly recommend checking it out to get a better feel for the adventure.
Do you offer special meal options (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free...)?
Yes, we do. Just let us know in the comment box when booking and we’ll make sure it’s arranged.
What’s the difference between the 4-day and 5-day Salkantay Trek?
The 5-day version allows you to hike at a more relaxed pace. On the 4-day tour, you’ll cover more distance on Day 3. If you’d like to dive deeper into the differences, check out this post.
Is the Salkantay Trek a difficult hike? Do I need to be in shape?
Yes, it’s a challenging route, especially due to the altitude on the first few days. We recommend reading this article to understand the difficulty level and decide if it’s right for you.
How big are the groups on the Salkantay Trek Glamping Sky Lodge?
Groups are small, with a maximum of 8 travelers, so you can enjoy a more personal and immersive experience.
What’s the difference between this tour and the classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu?
At Howlanders, we offer two versions of the Salkantay Trek: the classic one and the Glamping Sky Lodge. The main differences lie in the type of accommodation and group size.
On the classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, nights 1 and 2 are spent in more basic campsites, and there are no showers. You'll hike in groups of up to 16 travelers plus a guide.
On the Salkantay Trek Glamping Sky Lodge, you'll stay in comfortable eco-domes on nights 1 and 2. The domes on the first night include a private bathroom with hot shower. You’ll also hike in a smaller group of no more than 8 travelers plus your guide.
Is there internet at the campsites?
At the Sky Lodge campsites, Wi-Fi is available but comes with an extra cost. It’s a good option if you want to stay connected, though we recommend enjoying the natural disconnection of the trek.
Salkantay Trek Glamping Sky Lodge tour reviews with Howlanders
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