Salkantay Trek 5 Days 4 Nights to Machu Picchu
PRICE FROM
$310.00 USD
price per person in group service
Cusco | Humantay Lake | Salkantay Pass | Santa Teresa | Llactapata | Aguas Calientes | Machu Picchu | Cusco
Duration of the trip:
5 Days
Physical Level:
Advanced
Altitude:
4650 m.a.s.l
Group Size:
10 people
Type of Tour:
Trekking
| Overview - Salkantay Trek 5 Days 4 Nights to Machu Picchu
The Salkantay Trek 5 Days 4 Nights to Machu Picchu is one of the best alternative treks in Peru and a top-rated hiking experience in the Andes. This scenic route combines high mountain landscapes, glacier views, turquoise lakes, cloud forests, and jungle valleys before reaching the world wonder of Machu Picchu.
Unlike the Classic Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu does not require limited government permits, making it one of the most accessible and popular trekking routes from Cusco.
During this 5-day adventure, hikers cross the impressive Salkantay Pass (4,650 m / 15,255 ft) — the highest point of the trek — surrounded by snow-capped peaks, including the majestic Salkantay Mountain. The journey also includes a visit to the stunning Humantay Lake, one of the most photographed natural attractions in Peru.
As the trek continues, the landscape transforms dramatically from alpine terrain to tropical cloud forest. You will pass waterfalls, coffee plantations, and traditional Andean communities before arriving in Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.
The experience ends with a guided tour of the Machu Picchu Archaeological Sanctuary, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, where you will explore its temples, terraces, and sacred sectors with an expert guide.
Detailed Itinerary – Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu
📍 Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Challacancha – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake
Your Salkantay Trek adventure begins with early hotel pick-up in Cusco between 4:30 am and 5:00 am. We travel by tourist transport to Mollepata for breakfast, then continue to Challacancha, the official starting point of the trek.
The first hike follows a scenic Andean valley with views of the towering Salkantay and Humantay mountains. After approximately 3 hours of trekking, we arrive at Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft) for lunch.
In the afternoon, we hike to the breathtaking Humantay Lake, one of the most beautiful glacial lakes in Peru. After enjoying panoramic views and taking photos, we return to camp.
Hiking time: 6–7 hours
Distance: 12 km
Overnight: Soraypampa campsite
📍 Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Huayracmachay – Chaullay
Day 2 is the most challenging and rewarding day of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu.
After early breakfast, we begin the ascent to Salkantay Pass (4,650 m / 15,255 ft), the highest point of the trek. From the summit, you will enjoy spectacular views of the Salkantay Glacier and surrounding Andean peaks.
After reaching the pass, we descend toward Huayracmachay for lunch, then continue into the cloud forest as the landscape gradually changes from alpine terrain to lush greenery.
Hiking time: 8–9 hours
Distance: 18 km
Overnight: Chaullay campsite (2,900 m)
📍 Day 3: Chaullay – Collpapampa – La Playa / Santa Teresa
Today the trek enters the tropical zone of the Santa Teresa Valley. This section of the Salkantay Trek 5 Days 4 Nights features rivers, waterfalls, coffee plantations, and fruit orchards.
You will experience a dramatic change in climate and vegetation as we descend deeper into the jungle landscape. There may be an optional visit to a local coffee farm to learn about traditional coffee production in the region.
In the afternoon, we arrive in Santa Teresa. Optional visit to the Cocalmayo hot springs (not included).
Hiking time: 6–7 hours
Distance: 16 km
Overnight: Campsite or basic lodge in Playa Sahuayaco
📍 Day 4: Playa Sahuayaco – Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Aguas Calientes
After breakfast, we transfer to Lucmabamba to begin hiking along part of the original Inca Trail network.
We ascend for approximately 3 hours to the archaeological site of Llactapata, where you will enjoy a unique panoramic view of Machu Picchu from a different angle — one of the highlights of the Salkantay Trek route.
After lunch, we descend to Hidroelectrica and walk along the railway to Aguas Calientes (approximately 3 hours).
Hiking time: 7–8 hours
Overnight: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
📍 Day 5: Machu Picchu Guided Tour – Return to Cusco
The final day of the Salkantay Trek 5 Days 4 Nights tour is dedicated to exploring Machu Picchu.
After early breakfast, we will walk to the Machu Picchu Archaeological Sanctuary. Enjoy a guided tour of approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, visiting the Main Plaza, Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana, Temple of the Three Windows, and other important sectors of the Inca citadel.
After the guided tour, you will have free time to explore and take photos.
In the afternoon, you may choose your preferred return option to Cusco:
Return by Train (Faster & More Comfortable Option)
Take the tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, followed by tourist transportation back to Cusco. This option is the most comfortable and reduces travel time.
Return via Hidroelectrica (Budget Option)
Walk from Aguas Calientes to Hidroelectrica (approximately 2.5 to 3 hours along the railway). From Hidroelectrica, the tourist bus departs at 2:30 pm and travels back to Cusco. This option is more economical but involves a longer travel day.
Please note that return options vary in price depending on the service selected.
For detailed price differences between return options, please see the Pricing section.
What Is Included?
🥾 Included in Both Options (Bus or Train Return)
✔ Pre-trek briefing the night before departure
✔ Hotel pick-up in Cusco
✔ Tourist transportation to trailhead (Day 1)
✔ Professional English/Spanish-speaking trekking guide
✔ Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu Archaeological Sanctuary
✔ 3 nights camping accommodation
✔ 1 night hotel in Aguas Calientes
✔ All meals during the trek (4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners)
✔ Trekking chef and cooking equipment
✔ Muleteers and horses for camping equipment
✔ 6 kg personal belongings carried by horse (per person)
✔ First aid kit and oxygen tank
🚶♂️🚐 Included – Bus Return via Hidroelectrica (Full Tour Price: USD $310)
✔ Guided visit to Machu Picchu (2–2.5 hours)
✔ Walk from Aguas Calientes to Hidroelectrica
✔ Tourist bus from Hidroelectrica to Cusco (departure approx. 2:30 pm)
🚆 Included – Train Return Option (Full Tour Price: USD $380)
✔ Guided visit to Machu Picchu (2–2.5 hours)
✔ Tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Expedition service or similar)
✔ Tourist transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
What Is Not Included?
✘ Sleeping bag rental (USD $15)
✘ Trekking poles rental (USD $15)
✘ Breakfast on Day 1
✘ Lunch on Day 5
✘ Bus down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes (USD $12 one way / USD $24 round trip)
✘ Entrance to Cocalmayo hot springs (approx. USD $5)
✘ Huayna Picchu Mountain permit (USD $75, subject to availability)
✘ Vistadome train upgrade
✘ Travel insurance
✘ Tips for guide, cook, and muleteers (optional but appreciated)
Salkantay Trek 5 Days 4 Nights to Machu Picchu (Prices for 2025 and 2026)
Pricing & Booking Information
Group Service
- Return via Hidroelectrica (Bus Option)
From USD $310.00 per person (cash price) - Return by Tourist Train (Comfort Option)
From USD $380.00 per person (cash price)
Includes:
Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu Professional English/Spanish trekking guide 4 nights accommodation (3 camping + 1 hotel in Aguas Calientes) All meals during the trek (except first breakfast and last lunch) Trekking chef and equipment Horse support for camping gear Hotel pick-up & transfers
$20 discount available for students (with valid ID) and children
Service is subject to availability.
Please always inquire about availability for your preferred travel dates.
Online card payment available.
A small processing fee applies to card payments.
Due to limited Machu Picchu entrance availability, advance booking is highly recommended.
Premium Service – Sky Domes Lodge Experience
From USD $650.00 per person
(Minimum 2 travelers required)
Upgrade your Salkantay Trek experience with exclusive Sky Domes Lodge accommodation, offering panoramic mountain views, greater comfort, and enhanced service.
Includes:
Accommodation in Sky Domes Lodge Private bathroom (subject to availability) Comfortable beds & upgraded service All standard inclusions of the Salkantay Trek
Service is subject to availability.
Please always inquire about availability for your preferred travel dates.
Private Service
Private Salkantay Trek available upon request.
Flexible departure date Private transportation Personalized guiding Ideal for couples, families, and small groups
Request your private Salkantay Trek quote via WhatsApp.
➕ Optional Upgrades & Extra Costs
The following services are not included in the standard Salkantay Trek package but can be added upon request:
💤 Sleeping Bag Rental
High-quality sleeping bag suitable for cold mountain temperatures.
USD $15 per person (entire trek)
🥾 Trekking Poles Rental
Professional walking poles to improve stability and reduce knee impact during the hike.
USD $15 per person (pair for the entire trek)
🚆 Train Upgrade – Vistadome Service
Upgrade from Expedition to Vistadome Train for panoramic windows and enhanced comfort.
USD $40 – $60 per person (subject to availability)
🏔️ Huayna Picchu Mountain
Optional hike to Huayna Picchu Mountain (limited permits available).
USD $75 per person
Advance booking required (very limited availability)
🚌 Bus Down from Machu Picchu
If returning via Hidroelectrica, you may add:
Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
USD $12 one way
USD $24 round trip
♨️ Cocalmayo Hot Springs (Santa Teresa)
Entrance fee not included.
Approx. + USD $5 per person
🛏️ Single Room Supplement (Hotel Night)
Depending on hotel category
🐎 Additional Horse for Personal Belongings
If you require extra weight support during the trek.
USD $30 per day
⚠️ All upgrades are subject to availability at the time of booking.
Payment Options
To secure your booking, we offer flexible payment options:
50% deposit online to confirm your reservation Remaining balance paid in Cusco (cash recommended) Full payment by card available upon request
Once we receive your booking details, we will send you a secure payment link via WhatsApp or email (+ 5%).
Required Information for Booking
To confirm your reservation, please send us:
Full name (as in passport)
Passport number
Nationality
Date of birth
Hotel name in Cusco
WhatsApp number (including country code)
(Essential for coordinating your hotel pick-up and Machu Picchu entry ticket.)
Cancellation & Refund Policy – Salkantay Trek 5 Days 4 Nights
Due to the advance purchase of Machu Picchu entrance tickets and train tickets, cancellations are subject to the following conditions:
Machu Picchu entrance tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable once purchased. Train tickets are also subject to railway company cancellation policies.
Cancellation Policy
More than 7 days before departure:
Partial refund available, excluding Machu Picchu entrance ticket and train ticket costs.
7 days or less before departure:
No refund. All services are considered confirmed and non-refundable.
Please note: Once Machu Picchu entrance tickets are issued under your name and passport number, they cannot be modified or refunded.
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover unexpected cancellations.
Packing List for Salkantay Trek 5 Days
🧥 Clothing (Layering System Recommended)
✔ 2–3 moisture-wicking t-shirts
✔ 2 trekking pants
✔ Warm fleece or insulated jacket
✔ Down jacket (very important for cold nights)
✔ Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
✔ Thermal base layer (top and bottom)
✔ Gloves, scarf, and warm hat
✔ Sun hat or cap
✔ Comfortable underwear & hiking socks
⚠️ Nights can drop below 0°C at Salkantay Pass.
🥾 Footwear
✔ Good quality trekking shoes (water-resistant recommended)
✔ Comfortable sandals or sneakers for Aguas Calientes
✔ Extra socks
🎒 Daypack (Small Backpack 20–30L)
You will carry this during the hike.
✔ Passport (required for Machu Picchu entry)
✔ Water bottle (reusable recommended)
✔ Sunscreen (high SPF)
✔ Sunglasses
✔ Snacks
✔ Camera or phone
✔ Personal medication
✔ Basic toiletries
✔ Toilet paper & hand sanitizer
🛌 Optional but Recommended
✔ Sleeping bag (can be rented – USD $15)
✔ Trekking poles (can be rented – USD $15)
✔ Power bank
✔ Swimsuit (for Cocalmayo hot springs)
✔ Towel
✔ Small amount of cash (for tips or extras)
🎒 Duffel Bag (Carried by Horses – 6 kg Included)
You can pack your extra clothes and personal items here. It will be given back to you at each campsite.
❌ Do Not Bring
✘ Large suitcases
✘ Heavy unnecessary items
✘ Valuables you don’t need
Contact us by email to check availability, request detailed information, and receive your secure payment link. Our team will reply within a short time to assist you with your booking.
Booking
Salkantay Trek 5 Days
Starting from
$ 310.00 USD
per person
Group & private options available
Contact us on WhatsApp to check availability, private options, and confirm your booking.
BRIEF CONDITIONS
• 50% deposit required
• Secure payment link provided (+ 5%)
• Balance paid in Cusco
Why Choose Us for your Salkantay Trek?
Choosing the right operator makes all the difference. Here’s why travelers trust us for their adventure to Machu Picchu:
🏔️ Local & Experienced Team
We are a local Cusco-based company with experienced professional guides who know the Salkantay route inside and out.
👨🍳 High-Quality Meals on the Trail
Enjoy freshly prepared, nutritious meals made by our trekking chef — even in the mountains. Vegetarian and special diets available.
🐴 Comfort & Proper Equipment
We include horses to carry camping equipment and up to 7 kg of your personal belongings, making your hike more comfortable.
🎟️ Guaranteed Machu Picchu Entry
Your entrance ticket to Machu Picchu is included and secured in advance (subject to availability).
🛌 Small Groups = Better Experience
We operate with small groups to ensure personalized attention and a safer, more enjoyable trek.
💰 Transparent Pricing
No hidden costs. Clear inclusions and optional upgrades so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
🚆 Flexible Return Options
Choose between a budget return via Hidroelectrica or a more comfortable train return — you decide what fits your travel style and budget.
🧑⚕️ Safety First
Our guides carry a first aid kit and oxygen tank, and are trained to handle altitude-related situations
FAQs – Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about the Salkantay Trek 5D/4N, including entrance tickets, guided visits, weather conditions, altitude information, and important travel recommendations to help you plan a smooth and unforgettable visit to Machu Picchu.
How difficult is the Salkantay Trek?
The Salkantay Trek is considered moderate to challenging. The highest point is Salkantay Pass at 4,650 m (15,255 ft). Good physical condition is recommended, but no technical climbing experience is required.
What is the best season to do the Salkantay Trek?
The best time to do the trek is during the dry season (April to October). These months offer clearer skies, better mountain views, and safer trail conditions.
The rainy season (November to March) is still possible, but expect muddy trails and occasional heavy rain. January and February are the wettest months.
Do I need to book Machu Picchu tickets in advance?
Yes. Machu Picchu tickets are limited and often sell out weeks or months in advance, especially during high season (May–September). We recommend booking early to secure availability.
What is the difference between bus return and train return?
• Bus return (via Hidroelectrica) is more budget-friendly but involves additional walking and a longer return journey.
• Train return is faster, more comfortable, and recommended if you prefer less travel time.
How many people are in each group?
We operate with small groups to provide better service, safety, and a more personalized trekking experience.
Is altitude sickness a concern?
Yes, altitude can affect some travelers. We recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 days before the trek to acclimatize. Our guides carry oxygen and a first aid kit for safety.
What should I pack for the trek?
Essential items include:
Warm jacket (temperatures drop below 0°C at night)
Rain jacket or poncho
Good trekking shoes
Sunscreen and hat
Reusable water bottle
Passport (required for Machu Picchu entry)
A detailed packing list is provided after booking.
What meals are included?
All meals during the trek are included (except breakfast on Day 1 and lunch on Day 5). Our trekking chef prepares fresh, nutritious meals daily.
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