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 Peru’s most spectacular multi-day trekking experiences, combining high-altitude mountain scenery, glacial landscapes, cloud forest, tropical valleys, and an unforgettable final visit to Machu Picchu.
Named after the impressive Salkantay Mountain, the journey reaches approximately 4,650 meters (15,256 ft) at Salkantay Pass, where hikers experience dramatic views of glaciers and some of the most powerful landscapes in the Vilcabamba mountain range.
Unlike the Classic Inca Trail, this trekking route does not depend on the same limited Inca Trail permit system, offering travelers greater flexibility when choosing a departure date. However, Machu Picchu admission must still be reserved in advance, particularly when travelers prefer a specific official circuit or route.
One of the greatest attractions of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is the extraordinary change in ecosystems. The journey begins among cold high-Andean valleys and snow-covered peaks before gradually descending into cloud forest filled with orchids, waterfalls, coffee plantations, tropical vegetation, and warmer mountain valleys.
The experience also includes remarkable natural and cultural highlights such as Humantay Lake, Salkantay Pass, Llactapata, and the approach through Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes, before concluding with a professionally guided visit to Machu Picchu.
With professional guiding, trekking support, prepared meals, horse assistance for equipment and personal belongings, trekking accommodation, and two return options to Cusco, this 5 Day Salkantay Trek is designed for active travelers looking for a complete Andean adventure without following the traditional Classic Inca Trail.
Booking
Salkantay Trek 5 Days
Starting from
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 (+7%)
• Balance paid in Cusco
Salkantay Trek 5 Days Itinerary
Cusco – Mollepata – Challacancha – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake
Early Pickup in Cusco
Your Salkantay Trek 5 Days begins with pickup from your hotel or coordinated accommodation in Cusco from approximately 4:30 a.m.
Travel by tourist transportation through Izcuchaca and Limatambo before arriving in Mollepata at approximately 7:30 a.m.
Mollepata – Breakfast & Trek Preparation
In Mollepata, you will stop for breakfast before continuing toward the trailhead. Breakfast on Day 1 is not included and is paid separately.
The local entrance covering the Mollepata trekking area and Humantay Lake is also paid separately.
This is also where you can organize up to approximately 5 kg of personal belongings to be transported by the muleteer team during the trekking portion of the journey.
Transportation to Challacancha
After breakfast, continue by vehicle for approximately one hour to Challacancha at 3,380 meters (11,089 ft), where the hiking portion officially begins.
Hike to Soraypampa
Begin walking through the high-Andean valley with increasingly impressive views of Humantay and Salkantay.
After approximately three hours, arrive at Soraypampa at 3,900 meters (12,795 ft) around early afternoon.
Enjoy an included lunch and settle into the first trekking accommodation before preparing for the afternoon hike.
Humantay Lake – 4,220 m
In the afternoon, begin the uphill hike toward Humantay Lake.
The ascent takes approximately 1½ hours and reaches around 4,220 meters (13,845 ft).
At the lake, enjoy time to appreciate the turquoise glacial water, surrounding mountain scenery, and views toward the Humantay glacier before beginning the descent.
Return to Soraypampa
Descend for approximately 40 minutes toward Soraypampa.
Around the evening, enjoy tea time followed by dinner prepared by the trekking chef before resting for the demanding mountain crossing on Day 2.
Day 1 Trekking Information
Distance: approximately 12 km / 7.45 mi
Hiking time: approximately 5 hours
Highest point: Humantay Lake – approx. 4,220 m / 13,845 ft
Overnight: Soraypampa
Difficulty: Moderate – Challenging
Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Huayracmachay – Colpapampa
Early Breakfast at Soraypampa
Begin the second day at approximately 5:00 a.m. with breakfast before preparing for the most demanding stage of the trek.
Ascent Toward Salkantay Pass
Leave Soraypampa and begin the approximately three-hour climb toward the highest point of the entire route.
Along the way, pass through Salkantaypampa and Soyrococha while enjoying views of Salkantay, Humantay, Tucarhuay, Pumasillo, and the surrounding high-Andean landscape.
Salkantay Pass – 4,650 m
Reach Salkantay Pass at approximately 4,650 meters (15,256 ft).
Take time to rest and appreciate the dramatic glacier and mountain scenery surrounding one of the most important high points of the Salkantay Trek.
Descent to Huayracmachay
After the pass, begin a long descent of approximately three hours toward Huayracmachay at around 3,800 meters (12,467 ft).
Here, enjoy an included lunch and rest before continuing into a completely different ecosystem.
Entering the Cloud Forest
After lunch, continue descending for approximately another three hours.
The cold alpine landscape gradually gives way to greener valleys, denser vegetation, and the upper edge of the cloud forest.
Colpapampa Campsite
Arrive at Colpapampa at approximately 2,900 meters (9,514 ft) and settle into the second trekking accommodation.
Enjoy dinner and rest after completing the longest and most physically demanding hiking day of the journey.
Day 2 Trekking Information
Distance: approximately 22 km / 13.67 mi
Hiking time: approximately 10 hours
Maximum altitude: Salkantay Pass – 4,650 m / 15,256 ft
Overnight: Colpapampa
Difficulty: Challenging
Colpapampa – Cloud Forest – Playa Sahuayaco
Breakfast in Colpapampa
Begin the day with breakfast at approximately 6:00 a.m. before continuing deeper into the warmer cloud-forest environment.
Hiking Through the Tropical Valley
Today’s route combines gentle ascents, descents, and flatter sections as you follow the valley toward Playa Sahuayaco.
After the demanding mountain crossing of Day 2, this stage provides a completely different experience surrounded by increasingly lush vegetation.
Coffee, Orchids & Tropical Vegetation
Along the way, observe coffee plantations and a remarkable variety of tropical and cloud-forest vegetation, including orchids, begonias, bromeliads, and plants traditionally used by local communities.
The warmer climate and dense vegetation demonstrate the dramatic environmental transition that makes the Salkantay route so diverse.
Arrival at Playa Sahuayaco
After approximately five to five and a half hours of hiking, arrive at Playa Sahuayaco.
Enjoy an included buffet lunch followed by time to rest in the warmer tropical surroundings.
Optional Cocalmayo Hot Springs
When time and operating conditions allow, travelers may coordinate an optional visit to the Cocalmayo Hot Springs.
The entrance fee and transportation to Cocalmayo are not included and are paid separately.
Evening & Overnight
Around 6:00 p.m., enjoy afternoon tea followed by dinner before resting in Playa Sahuayaco.
Day 3 Trekking Information
Distance: approximately 12 km / 7.45 mi
Hiking time: approximately 5–5½ hours
Overnight: Playa Sahuayaco
Difficulty: Moderate
Playa Sahuayaco – Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes
Breakfast in the Tropical Valley
Wake in the warmer tropical environment and enjoy breakfast before beginning one of the most scenic hiking days of the trek.
Lucmabamba & Ascent to Llactapata
Continue toward Lucmabamba and begin the approximately three-hour hike toward the archaeological site of Llactapata.
The route climbs through dense vegetation and historic mountain pathways while gradually revealing impressive views across the valley.
Llactapata Archaeological Site
Reach Llactapata, an archaeological site located in a strategic position overlooking the surrounding mountains.
When conditions are clear, this area offers a distant panoramic view toward Machu Picchu, providing an exciting first glimpse before reaching Aguas Calientes.
Descent to Hidroelectrica
After visiting Llactapata, descend for approximately two hours toward the Hidroelectrica sector.
Upon arrival, enjoy an included lunch at a local restaurant before preparing for the final walking section of the day.
Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes
Continue on foot along the railway corridor through a lush tropical valley for approximately three hours.
The relatively gradual terrain follows the Urubamba River toward Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Arrive in Aguas Calientes, check into your hotel, and enjoy time to rest after four consecutive days of trekking.
Dinner is included at a local restaurant before preparing for the Machu Picchu visit the following morning.
Day 4 Trekking Information
Distance: approximately 20 km / 12.43 mi
Hiking time: approximately 9 hours
Overnight: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Difficulty: Challenging
Machu Picchu Guided Visit – Return to Cusco
Early Morning in Aguas Calientes
Begin the final day with breakfast at the hotel and prepare for your scheduled visit to Machu Picchu.
Depending on your confirmed entrance time and preference, you may walk uphill to the archaeological sanctuary or purchase the shuttle bus separately.
Guided Machu Picchu Experience
Enter Machu Picchu with your professional guide for an approximately 2 to 2½ hour guided visit.
The exact archaeological sectors visited depend on the official Machu Picchu circuit and route confirmed with your entrance ticket. Your guide will provide historical, cultural, and architectural interpretation while following the authorized one-way route.
Because each official route provides access to different sectors, the tour does not guarantee entry to every monument inside Machu Picchu.
Optional Mountain Tickets
If you have reserved an additional ticket for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, the timing of your standard guided visit must be coordinated with the entrance schedule printed on the additional ticket.
These optional mountain routes have limited availability and should be requested well in advance.
Option 1 – Return via Hidroelectrica
After your Machu Picchu experience, return to Aguas Calientes and begin the approximately 2½ to 3 hour walk toward Hidroelectrica.
The return tourist bus departs from Hidroelectrica at approximately 2:30 p.m. for the overland journey to Cusco.
Option 2 – Return by Tourist Train
Travelers choosing the train option return to Aguas Calientes and board the confirmed tourist train toward Ollantaytambo.
Standard service is normally Expedition, Voyager, or a similar tourist category depending on railway availability.
Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, continue by tourist transportation back to Cusco.
IMPORTANT
Machu Picchu Circuit 2 is currently sold out through November. At the moment, availability for Circuit 2 remains only for selected dates in December.
If you are planning to visit Machu Picchu before December, we can still arrange the best available alternative route, prioritizing Circuit 3 or Circuit 1, depending on availability for your travel date.
For travelers visiting in December, we strongly recommend booking as early as possible, as Circuit 2 is the most requested route and remaining spaces can sell out quickly.
All Machu Picchu tickets are subject to official availability at the time of booking. Once your reservation is confirmed, we will inform you of the circuit and entrance time assigned to your visit.
What Is Included?
Pre-Trek Preparation
Transportation – Start of the Trek
Professional Trekking Team
Accommodation
Meals During the Program
Safety Support
Machu Picchu
Bus Return via Hidroelectrica
Train Return Option
What Is Not Included?
Local Entrance & First Breakfast
Personal Trekking Equipment
Optional Services
Machu Picchu Additional Services
Final-Day Meals
Additional Costs
Booking
Salkantay Trek 5 Days
Starting from
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 (+7%)
• Balance paid in Cusco
Salkantay Trek 5 Days Pricing
Choose the return option that best fits your travel style on our Salkantay Trek 5 Days 4 Nights to Machu Picchu. The Hidroelectrica return offers the most economical option, while the tourist train provides a faster and more comfortable journey back toward Cusco.
2026 Group Service
Includes the return walk to Hidroelectrica and tourist bus transportation to Cusco.
Includes tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and onward transportation to Cusco.
Student & Child Discount
Eligibility must be confirmed before tickets are purchased. Valid documentation must be provided when required.
Local Fees
Optional Trekking Equipment
Available when additional personal weight support is required beyond the standard allowance.
Machu Picchu Extras
Separate advance entrance ticket required and subject to very limited availability.
Separate ticket required and subject to available entrance schedules.
Optional shuttle transportation between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu. Travelers may otherwise use the pedestrian route.
Train Upgrade
Upgrade from the standard return train. Final supplement depends on railway availability, schedule, and travel date.
Hotel Room Options
Travelers requesting a private single room in Aguas Calientes will receive the applicable supplement before booking.
Private Salkantay Trek
Final rate depends on number of travelers, selected return service, hotel category, and travel date.
Private departures include dedicated guiding and a trekking operation organized specifically for your reservation.
Payment & Booking
A 50% deposit is required to confirm the reservation and begin securing the Machu Picchu ticket and other required services.
The remaining balance can be paid in Cusco before departure.
Online card payment is available through a secure payment link. A 5% processing fee applies to online card transactions.
Information Required for Booking
- Full name exactly as shown on passport
- Passport number
- Nationality
- Date of birth
- Preferred departure date
- Selected return option: Hidroelectrica or train
- Hotel or accommodation in Cusco
- WhatsApp number with country code
Price Guarantee
Once your reservation and selected services have been confirmed, the agreed tour price will remain unchanged.
Additional charges apply only when you request optional equipment, extra tickets, railway upgrades, room changes, additional horse service, or another modification to the original reservation.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
A partial refund may be available for cancellations requested more than 7 days before departure.
Machu Picchu tickets, railway reservations, transaction fees, and other services already purchased or considered non-refundable will be deducted from the refundable amount.
Cancellations made 7 days or less before the scheduled departure are non-refundable because the principal trekking and travel services have already been confirmed.
Salkantay Trek 5 Days Packing List
Prepare carefully for your Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu. During the journey you will experience cold high-altitude conditions, strong mountain sun, possible rain, humid cloud forest, and warmer tropical valleys before reaching Machu Picchu.
Documents & Money
Trekking Clothing
Footwear
Daypack Essentials
Sun, Rain & Insect Protection
Camping & Personal Care
Electronics
Important for Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu does not allow backpacks or bags larger than 40 × 35 × 20 cm. On Day 5, carry only a compact bag that complies with the official regulations or leave larger belongings in the available storage facilities.Prepare for 4,650 Meters
The trek reaches approximately 4,650 meters (15,256 ft) at Salkantay Pass. We strongly recommend spending at least 2 days acclimatizing in the Cusco region before beginning the trek.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.
Why Choose Our Salkantay Trek 5 Days?
The Salkantay Trek 5 Days combines high-altitude adventure, glacial landscapes, tropical cloud forest, archaeology, and Machu Picchu in one complete trekking experience.
Begin the adventure with a hike to the spectacular turquoise waters of Humantay Lake before taking on the main Salkantay crossing.
Experience the highest and most challenging point of the trek surrounded by glaciers, snow-covered mountains, and dramatic high-Andean scenery.
Travel from cold alpine valleys into lush cloud forest, tropical vegetation, coffee-growing areas, and the warmer valleys approaching Machu Picchu.
Muleteers and horses transport shared trekking equipment and approximately 5 kg of approved personal belongings per traveler during the supported section of the route.
Hike through the Llactapata archaeological area and, when weather conditions are clear, enjoy a remarkable distant view toward Machu Picchu.
Select the economical Hidroelectrica bus return or upgrade to the faster tourist-train option according to your travel style and budget.
Travel with a professional guide, trekking chef, muleteer team, first-aid equipment, emergency oxygen, and organized accommodation throughout the journey.
After four days crossing some of Peru’s most diverse landscapes, complete the adventure with a professionally guided visit to the legendary Inca city.
Salkantay 5 Days to Machu Picchu – Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is the Salkantay Trek 5 Days?
What is the highest point of the Salkantay Trek?
How many days should I acclimatize before the trek?
Is Humantay Lake included?
How long is the hardest day?
Where do we sleep during the trek?
Do horses carry my belongings?
What should I carry in my daypack?
Is a sleeping bag included?
Are trekking poles recommended?
Is breakfast included on Day 1?
How many meals are included?
Can I visit Cocalmayo Hot Springs?
Do we visit Llactapata?
How do we reach Aguas Calientes?
Is Machu Picchu entrance included?
Which Machu Picchu circuit will I visit?
Can I explore Machu Picchu freely after the guided tour?
How long is the guided Machu Picchu visit?
Is the bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu included?
Can I add Huayna Picchu?
Can I add Machu Picchu Mountain?
What are the two return options to Cusco?
How long is the walk from Aguas Calientes to Hidroelectrica?
What train service is used for the train-return option?
Can I upgrade to a panoramic train?
How large can my backpack be inside Machu Picchu?
Do I need travel insurance?
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