Salkantay Trek 5 Days – Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

(16 Reviews)
  • Length Of The TourFive Days
  • Group SizeUpto 9 People
  • Max. Altitude4,650 meters (15,250 feet) - Abra Salkantay Pass
  • DifficultyChallenging

Salkantay Trek 5 Days Tour Details

The Salkantay Trek Cusco is a thrilling five-day journey. It takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes in South America. The trek culminates at the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. 

This route offers a memorable blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and adventure. This makes it one of the most sought-after treks in the world.

Over five days, we will explore snow-capped mountains, descend into tropical cloud forests, and relax in soothing hot springs. This trek offers a unique opportunity to experience Peru’s diversity. With the support of a tour guide and proper preparation, it promises to be a safe and rewarding adventure.

Our trek begins at an early hour, with the starting point near Mollepata. We will acclimate to high altitudes while sipping coca tea. As we ascend the Salkantay Pass, sitting at 4,650 meters above sea level (15,250 feet), we will pass awe-inspiring glaciers and rugged peaks. The terrain will shift as we descend into warmer climates filled with rivers, waterfalls, and lush forests.

A Journey of Adventure, Discovery, and Lasting Memories

Whether hiking in the dry season or the rainy season, preparation will be key. We will carry duffel bags for personal belongings. We recommend you wear sturdy hiking boots for support on the trails. Also, we recommend you bring essentials like insect repellent and an aid kit to ensure a comfortable journey.

On the final day, we will arrive at Machu Picchu early in the morning. We will be ready to explore its ancient architecture and learn about its history. Those seeking extra adventure can climb Huayna Picchu Mountain for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. After visiting the citadel, we will return to Cusco, reflecting on the life-changing experience we’ve shared.

For your peace of mind, we highly recommend having travel insurance throughout the trek. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, the 5 Day Salkantay Trek offers exciting challenges. It also provides opportunities for discovery and showcases breathtaking natural beauty. It is an experience that will stay with you long after you leave the Andes.

Salkantay Trek 5 Days Includes
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    Professional guide in English and Spanish
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    Transportatiton to the start of the trail
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    Entrance to Machu Picchu
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    Our signature campsites. Firsr Night -Soraypampa: Our incredible glass cabins. Second and Third Nights - Colpapampa and Lucmabamba: Private domes
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    Last night in an ensuite room in Aguas Calientes
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    Sleeping mattress
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    Meals cooked by an experienced chef: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners, and snacks!
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    Delicious food rich in carbohydrates and suitable for trekking
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    Vegetarian/special diet options available
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    5 Kgs. per trekker (weights to be carried by horses)
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    Horse ( to carry cooking equipments)
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    First aid kit including oxygen bottle
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    Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
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    Bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
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    Duffle bags
Salkantay Trek 5 Days Excludes
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    Breakfast on day 1
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    Lunch on Day 5
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    Entrance to Salkantay ( 20 soles )
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    Entrance to the thermal springs in Aguas Calientes (10 soles)
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    Bus to the hot springs
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    Sleeping bags. These can be rented in our office for the entire trek (US$ 20) every sleeping bag is washed prior to each use
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    Tips for the guide, cooks, and wranglers

What to Expect from Salkantay Trek 5 Days ?

The 5 Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu offers a thrilling adventure through some of Peru’s most diverse landscapes, from towering snow-capped peaks to lush tropical jungles. You can expect to hike to high altitudes, crossing the Salkantay Pass at 4,650 meters (15,250 feet) and then descending into cloud forests filled with waterfalls, rivers, and vibrant plant life. Along the way, you’ll pass coffee plantations and remote villages, giving you a deeper connection to the Andean environment and culture.

The trek culminates with a visit to the ancient Machu Picchu citadel, where you’ll explore its stone terraces, temples, and plazas. For those seeking additional adventure, an optional climb to Huayna Picchu Mountain provides sweeping panoramic views. Each day will involve early mornings, comfortable camps, and delicious meals prepared by your team.

Proper preparation, including hiking boots, duffel bags, travel insurance, and essentials like insect repellent, will ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. This trek challenges and rewards in equal measure, leaving you with unforgettable memories and a profound connection to the Andes.

Salkantay Trek 5 Days Itinerary

Day 1Cusco - Mollepata - Soraypampa

We will begin the first day of the 5 Day Salkantay Trek by picking you up from your hotel in Cusco at 4:30 am. Our journey will take us through scenic Andean towns like Izcuchaca and Limatambo before reaching Mollepata. Mollepata is at 2,900 meters (9,500 feet) around 7:30 am.

Here, we will enjoy breakfast and drop off 6 kilos of personal belongings, which will be carried by our team of riders. After breakfast, we will take a one-hour shuttle ride to Challacancha, the starting point of our hike, at 3,380 meters (11,090 feet).

From Challacancha, we will hike for approximately three hours, taking in spectacular views of the Andean landscape. Around 1:30 pm, we will arrive at Soraypampa, located at 3,900 meters (12,800 feet). Here, we will enjoy our first lunch and set up camp, surrounded by breathtaking mountains. After lunch and a short break, we will embark on an afternoon hike to Humantay Lake.

The ascent to Humantay Lake will take about an hour and a half. Upon reaching the lake, sitting at 4,220 meters (13,850 feet), we will be rewarded with the sight of its shimmering turquoise waters. It is snuggled by the towering Humantay Mountain behind it. After spending time soaking in the beauty and capturing photos, we will descend for 40 minutes back to our camp at Soraypampa.

We will arrive in time for tea at 6:00 pm, followed by a delicious dinner prepared by our chef. As the night falls, we will settle into our cozy glass cabins, where we can stargaze under the Andean sky. This peaceful night will give us the rest we need to prepare for the challenges and rewards of the next day.

Day 1 Trek Statistics

• Total walking distance: 12 km (7.4 miles)
• Campsite altitude: 3,900 meters (12,800 feet) at Soraypampa
• Highest point: 4,220 meters (13,850 feet) at Humantay Lake
• Hiking time: Approximately 5 hours
• Terrain: Moderate ascent with stunning mountain views

Day 2 Soraypampa - Salkantay Pass - Colpa Pampa

We will start our second day of the 5 Day Salkantay Trek with a nutritious breakfast at 5:00 am. By 5:30 am, we will leave Soraypampa and begin a three-hour climb. We will be hiking to the highest point of the trek, Abra Salkantay Pass, at 4,650 meters (15,250 feet).

This challenging ascent will reward us with stunning views of the snow-capped peaks. This includes Salkantay, Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo. As we hike through Salkantaypampa and Soyrococha, we will stop to admire a small, serene lake reflecting the surrounding mountains.

After reaching the summit of the Salkantay Pass, we will begin a three-hour descent towards Huayracmachay. This serene place is at 3,800 meters (12,470 feet). Here, we will rest and enjoy a hearty lunch while taking in the first signs of the changing landscape. The shift from high-altitude peaks to greener valleys will become more evident as we continue our journey.

In the afternoon, we will descend further into the Andean cloud forest for another three hours. We will be heading towards Colpapampa, our second campsite. As we approach, we will notice waterfalls and lush vegetation, marking our transition into warmer, more tropical terrain. We will arrive at Colpapampa, located at 2,900 meters (9,500 feet), just in time to relax before dinner.

Our day will end with a warm meal and a peaceful night in our domes, surrounded by the sounds of nature. This will be one of the most rewarding days of the trek, with breathtaking views and diverse landscapes shaping our journey toward Machu Picchu.

Day 2 Trek Statistics

  • Total distance: 22 km (13.7 miles)
  • Highest point: Abra Salkantay, 4,650 meters (15,250 feet)
  • Campsite altitude: Colpapampa, 2,900 meters (9,500 feet)
  • Hiking time: Approximately 10 hours
  • Terrain: High-altitude pass to cloud forest trails

Day 3Ccolpa Pampa - Playa Sahuayaco

We will begin the third day of the 5 Day Salkantay Trek with breakfast at 6:00 am. Shortly after, we will set off on a hike through the Andean jungle, passing through a series of ascents and descents. This part of the trek offers a change in scenery, with lush vegetation, waterfalls, and tropical plants surrounding the trail.

Along the way, we will pass through coffee plantations, fields of orchids, and various plants known for their medicinal properties. We will immerse ourselves in the rich biodiversity of the region.

After about five and a half hours of hiking, we will arrive at Playa Sahuayaco, where we will enjoy a well-deserved lunch. This area marks our transition to warmer climates and denser vegetation. For those seeking additional relaxation, there will be an option to visit the thermal baths of Cocalmayo in Santa Teresa. It is a soothing experience not included in the trek package. After some time to unwind, we will return to our campsite around 6:00 pm.

Our day will conclude with tea followed by a delicious dinner prepared by our chef. The evening will be a chance to rest and recharge in preparation for the final leg of our Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, as we edge closer to the legendary Inca citadel.

Day 3 Trek Statistics

  • Total distance: 14 km (8.7 miles)
  • Campsite altitude: Playa Sahuayaco, 2,100 meters (6,890 feet)
  • Hiking time: Approximately 5.5 hours
  • Terrain: Lush jungle with rolling ascents and descents

Day 4Playa Sahuayaco - Llactapata - Aguas Calientes

We will start our fourth day of the 5 Day Salkantay Trek with breakfast at 6:30 am. Afterward, we will begin our two-hour ascent towards Llactapata, an archaeological site that offers the first glimpse of Machu Picchu in the distance. This part of the trail provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, giving us a sense of excitement as we approach the Inca citadel.

From Llactapata, we will descend for another two hours toward the Hidroelectrica Station, where we will stop for lunch at a local restaurant. After recharging, we will continue our trek along the scenic path that follows the train tracks toward Aguas Calientes.

This three-hour walk will take us through the lush Urubamba River valley, with towering cliffs and tropical greenery on either side.

By late afternoon, we will arrive in Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu, and settle into a comfortable hotel. After a well-earned rest, we will gather for dinner at 6:30 pm at a local restaurant. The evening will give us time to relax and reflect on the journey so far, with excitement building for the grand finale of the trek—our visit to Machu Picchu on the final day.

Day 4 Trek Statistics

  • Total distance: 18 km (13.7 miles)
  • Highest point: Llactapata, 2,650 meters (8,694 feet)
  • Hiking time: Approximately 6 hours
  • Terrain: Mountain trails, river valleys, and rainforest paths

Day 5 Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco

The final day of the 5 Day Salkantay Trek begins early with a morning visit to the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu. We will arrive at the citadel just as the sun rises over the surrounding mountains, creating a magical atmosphere.

Our guided tour will take us through the citadel’s temples, terraces, and ancient stone structures, revealing the history and significance of this Wonder of the World. After the tour, you will have free time to explore further, take photos, or simply enjoy the moment in this sacred place.

For those who booked an additional climb to either Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain, you will embark on your ascent at the designated time. These climbs provide spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and the citadel below, adding an extra layer of adventure to your experience. After your time at Machu Picchu, we will return to Aguas Calientes, where you can explore the town or relax before catching the train back to Ollantaytambo.

Our train departs at 2:55 pm, offering a scenic ride through the beautiful Sacred Valley. Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, our staff will transfer us by bus back to Cusco, completing our incredible journey. We will arrive in Cusco in the evening. You will be filled with memories of breathtaking landscapes, cultural discoveries, and personal triumphs along the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu.

Day 5 Trek Statistics

  • Highest point: Huayna Picchu, 2,720 meters (8,920 feet)
  • Guided tour duration: 2 hours
  • Train departure: 2:55 pm from Aguas Calientes
  • Total travel time back to Cusco: Approximately 4 hours
  • Terrain: Stone terraces, ancient paths, and scenic railways

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16 Reviews
Sort By:RatingDate

Anna Petrova

Family Traveller

A well-organized and enriching experience. Our family loved every moment of the trek!

January 31, 2025

Chen Wei

Family Traveller

A well-paced trek for families with a mix of adventure and cultural insights. My parents and I enjoyed every moment!

January 28, 2025

Amira El-Sayed

Couple Traveller

Incredible landscapes and fantastic company. Our group bonded over the challenges, and Luan Travel made everything seamless.

January 27, 2025

Katrina Müller

Group Traveller

We came as a group of friends, and it was the best decision ever. The trek was challenging but so rewarding!

January 24, 2025

Emma Johansson

Family Traveller

Perfect for families who love nature and adventure. The guides made sure everyone, including my kids, felt safe and enjoyed the trek.

January 23, 2025
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