Tour Description
The 5-Day Salkantay Trek is an epic journey designed for adventurous travelers who want to experience the raw, untamed beauty of the Andes. Recognized by National Geographic as one of the world's best treks, this route takes you far off the beaten path, bypassing the crowded Inca Trail to offer a deeper, more spiritual connection with nature.
Your adventure begins with a hike to the stunning turquoise waters of Humantay Lake before facing the ultimate physical challenge: crossing the Salkantay Pass at 4,600m (15,091ft) right beneath the towering glaciers. From this frozen, high-altitude alpine environment, the trail descends dramatically into the high jungle (cloud forest), where the landscape transforms entirely. You will walk through lush valleys filled with wild orchids, waterfalls, and coffee plantations.
On the final days, you will follow the Urubamba river, hike along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes, and culminate your journey with an unforgettable sunrise visit to the lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu.
Highlights
- Humantay Lake: Start your trek with a visit to one of Peru's most beautiful glacial lakes.
- Salkantay Pass: Conquer the highest point of the trek, feeling the sheer power of the Salkantay glacier.
- Cloud Forest: Experience dramatic climate changes as you hike into the tropical Amazonian basin.
- Llaqta Pata: Discover a remote Inca ruin that offers a unique rear-view perspective of Machu Picchu.
- Machu Picchu: Reward your physical efforts with a guided tour of the magnificent Inca citadel.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake
- 04:30 AMEarly pick up from your hotel in Cusco and drive to Mollepata for breakfast.
- 09:00 AMArrive at the trailhead in Challacancha and begin the hike to Soraypampa.
- 12:00 PMLunch at the Soraypampa base camp.
- 02:00 PMHike up to the stunning Humantay Lake (4,200m) for acclimatization and photos.
- 05:00 PMReturn to Soraypampa for dinner and a freezing but beautiful night under the stars in glass igloos or tents.
Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Chaullay
- 05:30 AMWake up with a hot cup of coca tea and breakfast.
- 07:00 AMBegin the challenging ascent to the Salkantay Pass.
- 11:00 AMReach the Salkantay Pass (4,600m). Enjoy the views and participate in an Andean offering to the mountains.
- 01:00 PMDescend to Wayracmachay for a hot lunch.
- 05:00 PMContinue descending into the cloud forest until reaching the Chaullay campsite.
Day 3: Chaullay – Lucmabamba (Coffee Tour)
- 06:00 AMBreakfast at the campsite in the warm jungle environment.
- 07:30 AMHike through the Santa Teresa valley, crossing rivers, waterfalls, and passion fruit farms.
- 12:00 PMArrive at La Playa for lunch.
- 02:00 PMShort walk to Lucmabamba campsite. Participate in a local coffee roasting and tasting tour.
- 05:00 PMOptional visit to Cocalmayo hot springs (transportation extra). Dinner at the camp.
Day 4: Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Aguas Calientes
- 06:00 AMEarly breakfast and start climbing an original portion of the Inca Trail.
- 09:00 AMArrive at the Llactapata archaeological site for a distant, unique view of Machu Picchu.
- 12:00 PMDescend to the Hydroelectric station for lunch.
- 02:30 PMWalk along the train tracks through the jungle to Aguas Calientes.
- 05:30 PMCheck into your hotel in Aguas Calientes. Final group dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 5: Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco
- 04:30 AMEarly wake up and breakfast at the hotel.
- 05:30 AMTake the first bus up to the Machu Picchu citadel.
- 06:30 AMEnter Machu Picchu just as the sun rises. Enjoy a 2-hour guided tour.
- 09:00 AMFree time to explore on your own or hike Huayna Picchu (if booked in advance).
- 01:00 PMTake the bus down to Aguas Calientes and board the return train to Ollantaytambo.
- 06:00 PMBus transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco, dropping you off near the main square.
Included
- Pre-departure briefing in Cusco
- Pick up from your hotel and transportation to the trailhead
- English-speaking professional mountain guide
- Entrance tickets to the Salkantay Trail and Machu Picchu
- Chef and cooking equipment (all meals on the trek included)
- Mules and muleteers to carry camping equipment and 5kg of your personal items
- Camping equipment (tents, dining tent, chairs, tables)
- 1 Night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Return train ticket to Ollantaytambo and bus to Cusco
Not included
- Sleeping bag and walking sticks (can be rented)
- Entrance to Humantay Lake (approx. 20 Soles)
- First breakfast and last lunch in Aguas Calientes
- Entrance to Cocalmayo Hot Springs
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain tickets
- Gratuities for the guide, cook, and muleteers
What to bring
- Good quality, broken-in hiking boots
- Sleeping bag rated for -10°C (14°F)
- Layers of clothing for extreme temperature changes (thermal wear, fleece, down jacket)
- Rain gear (poncho or waterproof jacket/pants)
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Insect repellent and strong sunscreen
- Original passport (required for Machu Picchu entry)
Expert Tips
- Spend at least 2 full days in Cusco before starting the trek to acclimatize to the altitude.
- Pack light. The mules carry a strict maximum of 5kg of your belongings, which must include your sleeping bag.
