Overview
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is one of the most scenic and adventurous routes in Peru. This 5-day experience perfectly blends breathtaking Andean landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and deep Inca heritage. You’ll trek beneath the sacred snow-capped Mount Salkantay (6,264 m / 20,551 ft), explore the Humantay Lagoon, and descend into the lush tropical jungle before reaching the legendary Machu Picchu.
Highlights
- Hike one of the most beautiful alternative routes to Machu Picchu.
- Enjoy the stunning turquoise waters of Humantay Lagoon.
- Cross the high Andean pass of Salkantay (4,650 m).
- Discover lush coffee plantations in Lucmabamba.
- Experience both the Andes and the Amazon rainforest.
- End your adventure at the majestic Machu Picchu.
Itinerary
Begin early from Cusco and drive through beautiful Andean valleys to Marcoccasa (3,400 m). Meet your muleteers and trekking team, then start hiking towards Soraypampa (3,900 m), with impressive views of Humantay (5,217 m) and Salkantay (6,264 m).
Optional hike to Humantay Lake (4,220 m) for breathtaking photos.
🕓 Hiking time: 6 hours
🏕️ Camping at Soraypampa
Ascend to the highest point of the trek, Salkantay Pass (4,650 m), surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. Then descend through tropical valleys filled with lush vegetation until you reach Rayampata (3,350 m), your next campsite.
🕓 Hiking time: 7–8 hours
🏕️ Camping at Rayampata
Today you’ll explore the coffee-growing region of Santa Teresa Valley. Walk through Chaullay, Wiñaypoco, and La Playa, observing orchids, fruit trees, and local life. In Lucmabamba (2,000 m), visit a rural family to learn about coffee cultivation from seed to cup.
🕓 Hiking time: 7 hours
🏕️ Camping at Lucmabamba
Trek along an original Inca Trail section to Llactapata (2,650 m), an archaeological site with spectacular views of Machu Picchu and the Vilcanota Canyon. Then descend to Hidroelectrica, have lunch, and continue walking or take the train to Aguas Calientes (2,050 m) for an overnight stay.
🕓 Hiking time: 6 hours
🏨 Overnight in Aguas Calientes
After an early breakfast, take the bus to Machu Picchu (2,400 m). Enjoy a guided tour exploring temples, terraces, and the mysteries of the Inca Empire. Later, descend to Aguas Calientes, have lunch, and return to Cusco by train and bus.
🕓 Hiking time: 3 hours
🎯 End of the tour in Cusco
Includes & Excludes
The Cost Includes
- Orientation meeting at our offices with your guide 1 or 2 days before the start of the trek at 7:00 pm, to be confirmed at the
- time of booking.
- Transfer from the hotel office to the town of Mollepata (Marcoccasa).
- Transport from Chaullay to Lucmabamba. (Day 3)
- Train from Estación Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes.
- Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
- Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, then transfer to your hotel in Cusco.
- Overnight in a private room in a hotel in Aguas Calientes (Marco Wasi, Inka Tower or similar according to availability).
- Entrance to Machu Picchu site.
- Professional bilingual English-Spanish guide (for a French-speaking guide, please contact us in advance).
- Private camping domes for the first night, with bathroom and showers.
- High-quality camping equipment (Professional Tents Eureka! Timberline 4 or Doite Himalaya, for 2 people with mattresses).
- Camping equipment, dining tent, kitchen, with tent shelters and toilets.
- Meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks). Please notify the agency in case of allergies or special diet such
- as vegetarian.
- Cook and kitchen equipment.
- Muleteers and mules for transporting camping equipment and your personal belongings. (maximum 7 kg/15lb per person)
- Rescue horse. (2 people)
- First aid kit and oxygen bottle.
- Cold, boiled water during the all trek.
The Cost Excludes
- Breakfast of the 1st day and lunch of the 4th day in Aguas Calientes.
- Sleeping bag. (if you don’t have one, you can rent one from our agency)
- Bus down Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes (cost $12.00USD). You can also descend on foot which takes about 1 hour.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Original passport
- Small daypack (max 25L)
- Comfortable hiking boots
- Warm clothing and rain jacket
- Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Reusable water bottle (2L)
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Personal medication
- Extra cash (for souvenirs, water, or tips)
It’s a moderate to challenging trek due to the altitude and long walking days. Good physical condition is recommended.
No permit is required, unlike the Inca Trail. However, early booking is advised.
The Salkantay Pass reaches 4,650 meters (15,255 ft) above sea level.
Some travelers may experience mild symptoms; it’s best to acclimate in Cusco for at least 2 days before the trek.
You’ll stay in quality campsites, a cozy lodge, and a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Yes, limited charging is available at certain camps and lodges.
Absolutely! We accommodate dietary preferences with prior notice.
The trek continues with appropriate gear; safety is always our top priority.
The dry season (April–October) offers the best conditions.
Yes! We can organize private treks for groups, families, or couples upon request.
