Salkantay Trek 5 Days
Salkantay Trek 5 Days
Salkantay Trek 5 Days
Salkantay Trek 5 Days
Salkantay Trek 5 Days
Salkantay Trek 5 Days
Salkantay Trek 5 Days
Salkantay Trek 5 Days
Salkantay Trek 5 Days
Salkantay Trek 5 Days

Salkantay Trek 5 Days

A 5 Days & 4 Nights journey starting from USD 495 per person.

5 Days & 4 Nights
Duration
High-Andean trekking and cultural adventure
Usually 8-12 participants
De 10 a 19 personas
Maximum group size
16 - 99 years
Age range for participants
English
Guide language
Difficult
Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness.

Tour Description

The Salkantay Trek 5 Days 4 Nights is one of the most scenic and rewarding hiking adventures in Peru, offering an unforgettable alternative route to Machu Picchu. This spectacular trek combines snow-capped mountains, turquoise glacial lakes, high-altitude mountain passes, cloud forests, and tropical valleys, creating a diverse and immersive experience through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Andes.

During this adventure, you will visit iconic destinations such as the stunning Humantay Lake, famous for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, and the impressive Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the trek at 4630 m / 15,190 ft. As you descend from the high Andes into the edge of the Amazon rainforest, you will discover waterfalls, lush vegetation, coffee plantations, and the warm valleys of Santa Teresa, where travelers can optionally relax in the renowned Cocalmayo Hot Springs.

With a duration of 5 days and 4 nights, this trek is recommended for travelers with good physical condition who are looking for a challenging and authentic trekking experience. The journey concludes with a guided visit to the magnificent Machu Picchu Citadel, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and the ultimate reward after an incredible adventure through the Peruvian Andes.

Discover

Highlights

  • Enjoy a high-Andean trek through glacier views, cloud forest and the approach to Machu Picchu with a local team that understands the route, timing and altitude.
  • Visit key places such as Cusco, Mollepata, Soraypampa, Humantay Lake, Salkantay Pass, cloud forest valleys, Llactapata or Hidroelectrica, Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
  • Travel with a clear plan, organized pickup, practical guidance and support before the tour begins.
  • Learn about the landscape, history, local culture and natural environment from an experienced guide.
  • Make the most of the day or trek with a pace that balances discovery, photos, rest stops and safety.
Overview

Trip Details

Duration: 5 Days & 4 Nights
Price: From US$495 per person
Accommodation: Tourist campsite
Group size: De 10 a 19 personas
Maximum altitude: 4630 m / 15,190 ft
Difficulty level: Difficult

At a glance

Trip Summary

  • Day 1 Cusco → Mollepata → Soraypampa → Humantay Lake → Quiswarniyoc
  • Day 2 Quiswarniyoc → Salkantay Pass → Wayracmachay → Chaullay
  • Day 3 Chaullay → La Playa → Santa Teresa
  • Day 4 Santa Teresa → Hydroelectric Station → Aguas Calientes
  • Day 5 Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu → Ollantaytambo → Cusco

Important: We recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 days before the trek begins to properly acclimatize to the altitude.

Before the tour begins, our team confirms the pickup time, meeting point and final recommendations according to your hotel location and travel date. Please review your equipment the evening before, keep your documents accessible and prepare a small daypack with water, layers, sun protection and personal essentials.

Daily Schedule

Itinerary

Day 1

Cusco → Mollepata → Soraypampa → Humantay Lake → Quiswarniyoc

We will pick you up from your hotel at 04:30 am.

We will travel in our mobility 2 hours to the town of Mollepata where we will have our light breakfast.

Then we will continue with our trip to the Cruzpata community where the cook, the mules will be waiting for us to take our camping equipment.

We will walk 2 and a half hours to Soraypampa town, where we will spend the first night of the expedition and from this area it is already possible to appreciate the spectacular landscape of the Humantay lake.

At the end of the lunch we will take a short walk to the Humantay lagoon (1 hour and 30 minutes uphill) which is on the Salkantay trek circuit and today is one of the very famous attractions in Cusco.

Today’s food: lunch and dinner.

Places to Visit

  • Humantay Lake
  • Salkantay Viewpoint

Day Details

  • Departure time: 05:00 hrs
  • Hiking time: Approximately 4 hours
  • Meals: Lunch and dinner
  • Accommodation: Mountain Sky Hut
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Camp altitude: 4000 m / 13,123 ft

06:00 a.m we will have our breakfast, then we will start walking up the hill until we reach the highest point of the trek(salkantay pass), also from here you can already see the Amazon high jungle full of flora and fauna of this ecological floor.

From the Salkantay pass we will start to descent towards Wayracpunku where we will have a small break for lunch.

Then, our trip will continue entering the high jungle, where we will observe the typical tropical forest vegetation full of different types of trees and finally we will arrive at our next Chaullay camp.

Today’s food: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Places to Visit

  • Salkantay Pass
  • Wayracmachay
  • Chaullay

Day Details

  • Departure time: 05:00 hrs
  • Hiking time: Approximately 8 hours
  • Maximum altitude: 4630 m / 15,190 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Accommodation: Andean campsite
  • Difficulty: Difficult

Note: This is the most demanding day of the entire trek due to the altitude.

After breakfast we will start our downhill walk into the high jungle. Here we will be lucky enough to see different types of wild vegetation such as orchids, begonias, teas, timber trees and also domestic coffee, banana, orange and more plantations.

After 5 hours of long walk we will arrive at the small town of Playa, where we will have a short rest (lunch), later we will continue with our walk towards the town of Santa Teresa to have our next night of camping.

In this town we will have enough time to explore and go to the thermal medicinal waters of Cocalmayo, an excellent place to relax.

Today’s food: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Places to Visit

  • La Playa
  • Santa Teresa
  • Cocalmayo Hot Springs

Day Details

  • Departure time: 06:30 hrs
  • Hiking time: Approximately 5 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Accommodation: Tourist campsite
  • Difficulty: Moderate

There our breakfast will be waiting for us ready to taste and then we will continue our journey towards Machu Picchu town.

Arriving at Machu Picchu town, it will take us approximately 7 hours walk, over the railroad, passing by the Hydroelectric power station.

We will spend the night in a hotel in Machu Picchu Pueblo.

Today’s food: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Places to Visit

  • Hydroelectric Station
  • Aguas Calientes

Day Details

  • Departure time: 08:00 hrs
  • Hiking time: Approximately 6 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, box lunch and dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
  • Difficulty: Moderate

Today we will start at 04:30 am to go up to the Inca city of Machupicchu. It will take us 30 minutes ascending by bus until reach Machupicchu citadel.

Our guided tour will last 2 hours visiting the most important points of this wonder. Then, we will have free time to explore more on our own or to climb the Huaynapicchu.

After all, we will begin to descend to the town of Aguas Calientes to go to the train station that will take us back to Ollantaytambo and there, outside the train station, our staff will be waiting to take you to the city of Cusco.

End of the Salkantay trek 5 days and our service.

Places to Visit

  • Machu Picchu
  • Aguas Calientes
  • Ollantaytambo

Day Details

  • Departure time: Early in the morning
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Difficulty: Moderate

This program operates in the Andes, where weather, road conditions, local regulations and visitor controls can occasionally affect timing. The route order may be adjusted by the guide when needed to improve safety, avoid crowds or respond to operational conditions. Any adjustment is made with the goal of protecting the quality of the experience.

What's Included

Inclusions

Includes

  • Professional English Speaking Tour Guide
  • Assistant Tour Guide for groups of 9+
  • Chef
  • Mules to carry cooking and camping equipment and 7kg of your personal items.
  • Pick-up from your hotel
  • Transportation by bus to Challacancha
  • Return transportation by train and bus to Cusco
  • Water (excluding the first 4 hours of the trek when you need to bring your own)
  • 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Afternoon Snacks and 4 Dinners. If you have a dietary request such as vegetarian food please let us know.
  • Dining tent with tables and chairs
  • 4 man tent for every 2 trekkers
  • 3 star hotel for final night
  • Sleeping mattress
  • Oxygen bottle
  • First aid kit
  • Entrance to Machu Picchu
  • Return bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes

Not Included

  • Sleeping Bag (Can be hired from us)
  • Breakfast on Day 1 and lunch and dinner on Day 5
  • Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain
  • Tips
  • Travel Insurance – you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of your trip.
Optional Extras

Upgrades

You can personalize this experience with optional services depending on availability and the type of trip. Common upgrades may include private transportation, a private guide, extra hotel nights in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, walking poles for trekking routes, upgraded accommodation where applicable, airport transfers or additional guided visits before or after the main program.

Optional services are quoted separately so the final plan matches your schedule, comfort level and travel style.

Plan with confidence

Helpful Information

We recommend arriving in Cusco at least one or two days before the tour when your itinerary involves altitude, hiking or long travel days. Drink plenty of water, avoid heavy meals the night before and keep a flexible mindset because mountain weather can change quickly.

For the best experience, travel with only what you need for the day, protect yourself from strong sun and cold wind, and follow your guide’s instructions at viewpoints, archaeological sites and trail sections.

To reserve Salkantay Trek 5 Days, send us your preferred travel date, number of travelers and any special requirements. Our team will confirm availability, explain the next steps and provide clear payment instructions.

Once your reservation is confirmed, you will receive the essential details for pickup, preparation, what to bring and how to contact us before departure. We recommend booking early during high season, holidays or when the tour includes limited-entry sites.

Price: From US$495 per person

Choosing Salkantay House Travel means traveling with a local team that understands the routes, the culture and the practical details that make a tour feel smooth from beginning to end. We focus on clear communication, responsible operations and carefully organized experiences rather than rushed, generic departures.

Our guides bring the landscape to life with context, stories and practical support, while our operations team helps coordinate timing, transportation and preparation. The result is a more comfortable, informative and memorable way to explore the Salkantay route and Machu Picchu.

Night 1 — Lodge

Mountain Sky Hut

Exclusive mountain lodge in Quiswarniyoc with sunset views from the Salkantay viewpoint.

Night 2 — Andean Hut

Chaullay Camp

Overnight stay in traditional Andean huts after crossing the Salkantay Pass.

Night 3 — Camping

Santa Teresa Camp

Warm-weather campsite with an optional visit to the Cocalmayo hot springs.

Night 4 — Hotel

Aguas Calientes Hotel

Comfortable stay in Aguas Calientes before visiting Machu Picchu.

Get in touch

Inquiry now

Ready to experience Machu Picchu? Let our expert team take care of every detail, from entrance tickets and train arrangements to transportation and guidance, so you can focus on enjoying one of the world most breathtaking destinations. With years of experience, personalized assistance, and hundreds of happy travelers every year, we make your visit simple, safe, and unforgettable. Reserve your Machu Picchu tour today and secure your place at Peru’s most iconic wonder before availability runs out.

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Customer Reviews

5.0
based on 20 reviews
20

Emily Carter

Verified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent

An Unforgettable Salkantay Trek

We traveled from Canada and booked the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. Everything was organized very well from the briefing in Cusco to our final visit to Machu Picchu. Our guide was friendly, patient, and extremely knowledgeable about the mountains and local culture. The trek was challenging, especially around Salkantay Pass, but the team always made sure everyone felt comfortable. The scenery was incredible and arriving at Machu Picchu at the end made the whole experience unforgettable.

Daniel Brooks

Verified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent

Perfect First Visit to Machu Picchu

We came from the United States for our first trip to Peru and booked our Machu Picchu visit through the agency. Communication was clear before the tour and all the transfers, train arrangements, bus tickets, and guiding were coordinated smoothly. Our guide at Machu Picchu explained the history in a very interesting way and gave us enough time for photos and questions. It was a stress-free experience and exactly what we hoped for.

Sophie Martin

Verified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent

Beautiful Day in the Sacred Valley

We are from France and really enjoyed our Sacred Valley tour. The landscapes were beautiful and the guide gave us a great introduction to Inca history and local traditions. Pisac and Ollantaytambo were especially impressive. The transport was comfortable, the schedule was well managed, and the staff answered our questions quickly before the trip. It was one of the best days of our stay in Cusco.

Oliver Bennett

Verified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent

Excellent Choquequirao Adventure

We traveled from the UK and chose the Choquequirao trek because we wanted a quieter and more adventurous route. It was definitely demanding, but the organization was excellent. Our guide knew the trail very well, kept a good pace for the group, and shared fascinating information about the archaeological site. The scenery was spectacular and reaching Choquequirao with very few other visitors around was a special experience.

Laura Schmidt

Verified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent

Great Introduction to Cusco

We visited from Germany and booked a Cusco city tour shortly after arriving. It was a great way to understand the city before continuing to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Our guide was very knowledgeable and explained the relationship between Inca and colonial history clearly. Sacsayhuaman was a highlight for us. Everything started on time and the tour felt relaxed and well organized.

Rachel Wilson

Verified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent

Amazing Five Day Salkantay Experience

We came from Australia and completed the five-day Salkantay Trek. The entire experience was better than expected. The mountain views were incredible, the meals were very good, and our guide was supportive throughout the trek. He explained what to expect each day and helped everyone manage the altitude. We especially loved the change in landscapes as we descended toward the warmer valleys. Finishing with Machu Picchu was the perfect ending.

Marco Bianchi

Verified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent

Smooth and Well Organized Machu Picchu Trip

We traveled from Italy and booked a Machu Picchu tour with the agency. All the logistics were explained clearly and every part of the journey went smoothly. The train and transfers were well coordinated, and our guide met us exactly as arranged. Machu Picchu was even more impressive than we imagined. We appreciated having enough time to enjoy the site instead of feeling rushed.

Hannah Fischer

Verified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent

A Fantastic Sacred Valley Experience

We visited Peru from Switzerland and spent a full day exploring the Sacred Valley. The agency did a very good job organizing the tour and the guide made the history easy to understand. We enjoyed the different stops and the views throughout the valley. Ollantaytambo was our favorite place. Communication was professional from the beginning and the day ran exactly as planned.

Thomas Jensen

Verified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent

One of the Best Treks We Have Done

We are from Denmark and have done several multi-day hikes, but the Salkantay Trek was one of the most memorable. The route was beautiful and varied, and the team worked hard to keep everything running smoothly. Our guide was excellent and paid attention to how everyone was feeling at altitude. The group atmosphere was very positive and reaching Machu Picchu after several days of hiking felt incredibly rewarding.

Isabella Romero

Verified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent

Wonderful Experience in Cusco and Machu Picchu

We traveled from Spain and used the agency for several services in Cusco and our Machu Picchu visit. It was very convenient having one team help coordinate everything. The guides were punctual, friendly, and professional. We especially appreciated the explanations during our visit to Machu Picchu and the recommendations for places to see in Cusco. Everything felt well planned and easy.

Need help from our travel specialists?

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Why Book with Salkantay House Travel

  • Clear booking conditions with no surprise reservation fees.
  • Fair prices and guidance to choose the best option for your trip.
  • Responsible local operations designed with care for travelers and destinations.
  • 20 published traveler reviews with an average rating of 5.0 out of 5.
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Why choose us?

Small groups

Travel with a more personal rhythm, fewer people, and the comfort of a carefully guided experience.

Dedicated attention

Our local team stays close before and during your tour so you can focus on enjoying Peru.

Secure booking

Plan your tour with clear information, reliable assistance, and protected reservation support.

Years of trust

We connect travelers with Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu through thoughtful local service.

Flexible routes

Choose tours planned around your pace, travel style, and the places you most want to experience.

Local support

Get clear answers from a Cusco-based team that understands the routes, timing, and details that matter.

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