▷Classic Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu 5 Days | Mountain Peru
Camps & Hotel
Acomodation
From 0°C to 19°C
Temperature
4,600 m | 15,090 ft
Max. Altitude
All year, except (February)
Availability Dates
Overview: Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days
Why Choose the Salkantay Trek?
Discover the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu—an epic alternative to the Inca Trail. Explore Humantay Lake, jungles, hot springs & the Lost City of the Incas.
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is a 5-day, 4-night adventure through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Peru. Recognized by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine as one of the 25 Best Treks in the World, this trail is the most popular alternative to the Classic Inca Trail.
Throughout the journey, you will: First, visit the stunning Humantay Lake at the base of Apu Humantay Mountain. Next, hike to the foot of the towering Salkantay Mountain (6,271 m / 20,700 ft). Then, cross dramatic high mountain passes above 4,600 meters (15,000 ft). Afterwards, trek through the lush high jungle, where you’ll discover waterfalls, streams, and tropical fruits. Later, relax in the soothing Cocalmayo hot springs after a rewarding day of hiking. In addition, enjoy a traditional coffee tour and taste freshly brewed organic Peruvian coffee. Following this, walk part of the historic Inca Trail (Llactapata) with breathtaking panoramic views of Machu Picchu. Finally, end your adventure with a guided tour of the legendary Lost City of the Incas—Machu Picchu. Overall, the trek combines high-altitude adventure, cultural immersion, and natural beauty. Supported by horses, high-quality camping gear, and nutritious meals, it offers an unforgettable journey through diverse ecosystems—from snowy peaks to cloud forests—leading to one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Trip Summary
Trip Type: Hiking, adventure, history, culture and nature
Trip Length: 5 Days/ 4 Nights
Group Size: 2-12 Hikers
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging, but rewarding hike.
Weather: Dry season (Cold & sunny days) – Rainy season (Changeable weather)
Hiking Distance: 48.5 km.
Daily Itinerary-Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu 5 Days
Day 1: Cuzco – Soraypampa- Humantay lake-Salkantaypampa/Soyrococha.
Early morning pick- up from your hotel or accommodation in Cusco at approx. 4:30 A. M. You will then begin the 3.5-hour drive to the trail head in Soraypampa. You will pass through the small town of Mollepata and continue to Soraypampa for breakfast. After breakfast, your trek will start by visiting Humantay Lagoon, where you will hike approximately 1.5 hours along a steady uphill. After enjoying this magical and crystalline lake, you will make your way back down by the same path to the main trail. Your hike will continue for 2 more hours to the Salkantaypampa where you will get your first views of Salkantay peak and where you will have your lunch. After enjoying lunch and siesta you will carry on ascending through a winding trail until you get to the campsite at Soyroqocha, where you will enjoy a warm dinner.
Hiking Distance: 8 Km /5 miles (5 to 6 hours)
Campsites Altitude: Night 1: 4,400 m (14,435 ft)
Accommodation: Tents
Day 2: Salkantaypampa/Soyrococha – Wayracmachay-Colpapampa.
After an early breakfast, you will get ready to test your physical condition, because today is your big day and the day you have to tackle Salkantay Pass, located at a dizzying height of 15,157 feet (4,620 m). Take heart, it will take just 2 hours or so to get to the highest pass, then take your time to appreciate the towering majesty of the glacier cap, some views of the Andes, and others mountain chains. After a well-deserved rest, we will descend the mountain slowly until we reach Huayracmachay, where you will have lunch nearby. Then you will continue downhill surrounded by flora and fauna to the campsite at Colpapampa.
Hiking Distance: 16 km/9.5 miles (7-9 hours)
Campsites Altitude: Night 2: 2770 m (9,087 ft)
Accommodation: Tents
Day 3: Colpapampa— Playa-Lucmabamba-Santa Teresa (Hot-spring).
After a healthy breakfast, the trail continues down the valley into the high jungle. Today, you will enjoy a gentler trail and a warmer climate as you walk along the banks of the Santa Teresa River through the dense bamboo trees, past waterfalls, coffee farms, fruit plantations and you will have chances for birdwatching. You will have lunch in Lucmabamba. It will be a day full of culturally significant learning experiences. After having lunch, you will take our van in order to head to the Thermal bath (Hot springs) in Santa Teresa, where you will enjoy your medicinal bath (Optional). Following Hot-Spring, we will have coffee tour where you will taste our organic coffee. We will pitch up our tent in Lucmabamba.
Hiking Distance: 18 km/ 11 miles (6-7 hours)
Campsites Altitude: Night 3:1,550 m (5,086 ft)
Accommodation: Tents
Day 4: Lucmabamba –LLactapata- Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes.
After your delicious breakfast, you will start hiking up to Llactapata for around 3 hours where you will see the 7 wonder of the world, Machu Picchu from far distance. From the site start descending to Hidroelectrica which is still surrounded by jungle vegetation. Of course, we will explore the site before descending to the Rio Aobamba and continuing to Hidroelectrica, where we enjoy our last lunch with our cook. From there (Hidroelctrica), we take the train to Aguas Calientes. Once in town, we check into our hotel, have dinner, and spend the night.
Hiking Distance: 12 km /7.45 miles (3-3.5 hours)
Campsites Altitude (Hotel): Night 4: 2,000 m (6,561 ft)
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
Day 5: Private Machu Picchu Tour – Return to Cuzco.
Day 5 will be one of the more remarkable and busy day, because you will visit one of the 7 new wonders in the world and thus, after enjoying your delish breakfast, you will need to wake up early and will walk to Aguas Calientes town in order to go up to Machu Picchu sanctuary with your guide by bus and you will have a memorable walking tour through the “lost city of the Incas” and let yourself be swept away by the magical landscape that surrounds this important ruin. You will have 2 hours guided tour by your speaking English guide. Finish up with last photos and then return to Aguas Calientes town for the return trip to Cusco. Note: you will take your train for the return trip with the Expedition train to the Ollantaytambo train station where you will catch our private van back to Cusco and your hotel. You can expect to arrive at your hotel by 19:00 pm.
Hiking Distance: Walking tour in MP for 2 hours
Upgrade options:
Climb Huayna Picchu for views over the ruins or add an extra day in Machu Picchu.
Inclusions for Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu 5 Days
Included
- Pre-departure briefing in our office or your hotel.Time to be determined by the company.
- Private Accommodation:3 nights camping on the Salkantay trek and 1 night of accommodation in a three-star hotel in Aguas Calientes. The hotel we book will be listed on your invoice. Upgrading hotels are always possible at additional cost.
- Camping equipment:Dining and kitchen tents, tents for 2 people, tables, chairs, and cooking gears (all carried by the horses).
- Inflatable mattress: Air mattresses which add a lot of comfort to sleep and rest.
- Rain ponchos and duffel bags.
- Transportation:You will be provided with all transportation for this trek. A roundtrip bus ticket is included from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu Inca City and return.
- Train Ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo: On Day 5, you will return on the Expedition Class Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival at the station, our private van will transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco.
- Train ticket from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes
- Professional Guides:English speaking, professionally educated guides. All of our guides studied English and tourism at Cusco National University. They all grew up in the Cusco region, and are committed to teaching others about their heritage.
- Trekking Chef:A chef and his assistant, specialized in cooking on the trail, will prepare all of your delicious meals to replenish your energy along the trail.
- Horseman and his assistant which is in charge of leading horses and taking care all the camping equipment.
- Pick up and drop off in your hotel.
- Cargo Mules:On day 1 and 2, cargo mules will carry all camping equipment and your personal baggage allowance (7 kgs/15.4 lbs). On days 3, 4 and 5 your duffel bags will be carried by car or train to your destination.
- Meals:5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners (vegetarian, vegan, or special menus are available at no extra cost), 4 Snacks, 4 happy hours. All these meals are prepared by our Chef.
- Water:We will provide you water for your morning hike every day and again during lunch. We suggest to bring your camel bag and extra energy drinks for this trek, because being well hydrated is the key to feeling great in the mountains.
- Wake-up tea. Hot herbal tea brought to your tent, each morning before breakfast.
- Products for hygiene:You will be provided with a towel paper, soap and hand sanitizer before each meal to clean your hands.
- We provide hot water buckets every evening so you can wash and feel refreshed.
- Entry ticket to Machu Picchu Archeological Site (Circuit 2 or 3)
- Entry ticket to Salkantay trail.
- Entry ticket to Humantay Lake
- Hot Springs in Santa Teresa (Optional)
- First-Aid Kit:Our guides have received training in first aid from physicians. Our guides will bring an emergency oxygen bottle, as well.
Not Included
- Sleeping Bags: You can rent one from our company if you do not have your own. Our sleeping bags are effective and durable to protect from low temperatures.
- Walking Sticks: You can rent a set from our company if you would like.
- Last Day:Lunch in Aguas Calientes.
- Tips for our staff: Tipping is of course 100% voluntary and should only be done if you feel like your guide, porters, horse men and Chef have done an amazing job for you.
- Personal riding horse available; extra horses can be rented as needed. This service will only be available the first 2 days of the trek, as those are the most challenging ones.
Aditional Upgrades
- Rentals: Sleeping bag: $ 20 USD
- Rentals:Walking Sticks (pair): $ 20
- Huayna Picchu Mountain: $65 USD per person (2-hour round-trip climb).
- Machu Picchu Mountain: $65 USD per person (3-hour round-trip climb).
- Vistadome Train (one way): $40 USD per person.
Price for Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu 5 Days
To book the Classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, an initial payment of $ 200 USD per person is required. The remaining balance can be paid online or in person at our office in Cusco. The deposit can be made via We Travel, Western Union or MoneyGram. If you rent camping and hiking gear, upgrade tours or receive a discount of the total price our sales team will email you the updated remaining balance payable at our Cusco office.
For Group Tour (Shared Service) Salkantay Trek 5 Days
Price per Person:
Adults: From $675 USD Students and Children: From $635 USD
Note.
- We need a minimum of 3 people to run the tour
- 4+ People, please contact us for a special price
- If you book this tour for more than 2 people, ask for it and get a discount for this tour. “This condition applies only if you are part of a single group (For 3 + people booking at the same time) and does not apply to groups organized by the travel agency.”
- Children 17 years old or less, the discount is $40 USD (To receive the child discount you must send us a copy of the child’s passport).
- For a private tour, please request a quote by emailing incavisiontours@gmail.com or info@incavisiontours.com.
Student Discount:
To qualify for the student discount, one must be 25 years old or less at the time of entering Machu Picchu and you must submit a valid university ID with your booking. The ID must include your name, photo, and expiration date. Cards without an expiration date will not be accepted. Please bring the original student ID with you on the tour to pass the checkpoint.
Payment method
Pay via We Travel
Please note that We Travel charges a fee ranging from 1.5% to 3.9 % (depending on the type of currency used) for online deposits. For payment made via bank transfer a 2% fee will be applied which the client is responsible for. The fee is for the use of We travel’s secure payment gateway. Please, notify incavisiontours@gmail.com or info@incavisiontours.com after payment has made through, We Travel.
Pay via Western Union
Please note that Western Union charges a variable fee for online deposits, depending on your nationality and location. Western union payments should be addressed to the following receiver:
- Full Name: Jaime Cusi Huaman
- Address: APV. Jardines Del Inca C-10, Cusco – Perú
Pay via MoneyGram
Please note that MoneyGram charges a variable fee for online deposits, depending on your nationality and location. MoneyGram payments should be addressed to the following receiver:
- Full Name: Jaime Cusi Huaman
- Address: APV. Jardines Del Inca C-10, Cusco – Perú
Please remember to send us the tracking code (MTCN) in order to pick up the deposit and confirm your booking. Once your payment is made via Western Union or MoneyGram, please notify ours sales team.
In the event you need to cancel your trip, cancellation fees will be assessed as outlined in our cancellation policy. If canceling, you may not transfer your deposit to another person’s trek/tour. See Inca Vision Tours ‘Terms and Cancellation Policy
Optional Upgrades (Need to book in Advance):
There are several optional upgrades you can include in this trip. Below is a quick list of prices.
Huayna Picchu Mountain: $65 USD per person (2-hour round-trip climb).
Machu Picchu Mountain: $65 USD per person (3-hour round-trip climb).
Note: You can only hike one of these mountains, and it must be done after the guided tour of Machu Picchu due to time limitations.
Vistadome Train (one way): $40 USD per person.
Walking Stick: One pair for $15 USD.
Extra Single Tent: $40 USD
Huayna Picchu | Machu Picchu Mountain
Huayna Picchu, the mountain overlooking Machu Picchu, is a 45-minute hike to the top, located next to the Machu Picchu Inca city. The descent can be steep, so it may not be suitable for those afraid of heights. This hike can be done after your Machu Picchu tour.
Machu Picchu Mountain requires a 3-hour round-trip hike. Due to its popularity, reservations should be made at least one month in advance. Please note that weather conditions are beyond our control.
Train: On our four-day Inca Trail journey to Machu Picchu, a return train ticket on the Expeditions Train is included, offering comfort and scenic views. For an enhanced experience, you can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for the return trip, which features larger windows, comfortable seating, a glass roof, and onboard entertainment, including shows and a complimentary snack.
Hotel: If you are doing overnight tours or treks that lead to Machu Picchu, you will be provided accommodation in a 3 star ★★★ hotel (Intipunku hotel or similar) in Aguas Calientes. For upgrades or cancellation, please enter your request in the special request box above. If you are booking a Peru Package Tour for 5 or more days, please contact our sales team.
Room Types: Matrimonial (1 bed for 2 people); Double (2 single beds), Single (1 bed for 1 person). If you wish to add extra beds, please specify in the special request box above.
Additional Night in Aguas Calientes: Stay an extra night after your 5-day hike to relax, explore Machu Picchu further, or visit the hot springs. Ideal for those planning to climb Huayna Picchu the next day. Contact us at info@incavisiontours.com or incavisiontours@gmail.com for options and prices.
What to Bring for Salakntay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days
Gear List
Important Reminder: For this trek you will need one hold-all or duffel bag, which we will provide. However, you will be carrying your small day pack while hiking. Please pack as light as possible. A light backpack is key to feeling great!
- Passport (very important)
- Valid student card (if you booked as a student).
- Good daypack (25-30Lt): The smaller, the more confortable.(very important)
- 2L Camelbaks or reusable water bottles
- At least 1 liter of water for the first day until lunch, and after that we will supply you with boiled water for the rest of the hike.
- One pair of comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles) and a pair of sandals. (very important)
- Wicking/Hiking Breathable T-shirts (2-3 Short Sleeve T-shirts and 1-2 Long Sleeve T-shirts) and 2- Hiking Pants & Leggings– remember you will always treasure these photos, wear something you love.
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho, warm jacket, down jacket, fleece or sweater, scarf, wool hat, sunglasses, gloves and 4 pairs of socks
- Small travel towel & Bathing suits for the hot springs (Optional on your own in Aguas Calientes-Santa Teresa )
- Sun protection cream and sun hat (very important)
- Insect Repellent
- Camera/ Cellphone with extra Power Bank (very important)
- Ear plugs (optional)
- Flashlight or head lamp with spare batteries (very important)
- Extra Snacks (Energy bars, energy drinks, fruits, electrolytes, etc.).
- Extra Money in Cash & Cards for souvenirs, drinks, meals, tips, and emergency situations (can be in Soles or USD).
Other items
- Sleeping bag (or you can rent one from us)
- Sleeping bag liner and inflatable pillow (optional)
- Large plastic bags to organize your items and keep them clean and dry during your tour.
- Trekking poles with rubber tips (or you can rent a pair from us)
Toiletries
- Face moisturizer, toilet paper
- Hand Sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Personal medications prescribed by your doctor (to prevent headaches, stomach issues, heart problems, etc.).
- First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc
Departure Dates-Classic Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu 5 Days | Montain Peru
This classic Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days is available almost all year around, this tour is only closed every February due to heavy rainy season and landslides during this month. On the other hand, Peru usually celebrates annual festivities, special events, special occasions and activities such as: The Feast of the Sun, Easter Sunday procession, Folkloric Parade, Carnival, Christmas Day, Bullfighting, and so on, occasionally, unforeseen events such as: Solar and Lunar eclipses would be a surprising experience for you. For this reasons, Inca Vision Company guarantees your departure dates.
Check Here for Availability & Event Dates!
