← Back to Peru Experiences
Cusco · Peru
Ultimate Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu 5-Days
Starting From
From $742.82 per person
Current Project Expedition rate
Experience inventory, live availability and secure booking provided by
Project Expedition
The Experience
What your day looks like
The Salkantay Trek is the second most popular route to Machu Picchu after the Inca Trail and it’s not difficult to see why. Along the way, discover coffee farms, waterfalls, and the Inca ruins. Spend nights in exclusive glamping tents, Andean huts, and camping sites before the grand finale: a guided tour of Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
At a Glance
The experience, in brief
- Conquer Salkantay Pass, explore Machu Picchu and Humantay Lake.
- Comfort in Nature: glamping and real camping Experience.
- Take part in a Pachamanca barbecue and coffeemaking activity
- Stylish Return: Travel back on the Vistadome panoramic train
Your Itinerary
Your day, step by step
Day 1
Cusco
Transportation. Cusco - Soraypampa - Humantay Lake - Salkantay Glamp Campsite Start the Salkantay trek with a pick up from the door of your hotel around 4:30 a.m. and head to Mollepata for breakfast before starting the hike.
Continued
Cusco
Hiking at Humantay Lagoon. The trail leads you up to the dazzling Humantay Lake (4,200 m), where you’ll have time to rest and enjoy the scenery.
Continued
Cusco
Hiking. Afterward, descend to Soraypampa for lunch, then continue a steady climb to the Salkantay Glamp campsite (4,150 m). End the day with dinner and a peaceful night under the stars. - Distance: 12 km / 7.4 miles - Duration: 6 hours - Highest Altitude: 4,200 m/ 13,799 ft
Continued
Cusco
Camping. - Overnight at Glamping under million stars. - Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea & dinner.
Day 2
Cusco
Hiking at Salkantay. Salkantaypampa – Wayrampunku – Collpapampa After a warm wake-up drink and breakfast, begin the steady climb to the Salkantay Pass, the trek’s highest point at 4,630 m (15,190 ft). From the top, take in sweeping mountain views and pause by a hidden lake before starting the descent.
Continued
Cusco
Hiking. After a well-earned lunch at Wayracmachay (3,800 m / 12,467 ft), begin the final stretch: a three-hour descent that takes you from the dry, cold highlands into the warm and humid cloud forest. This rapid shift in climate and scenery is one of the trek’s most unique experiences. Your day ends in Collpapampa, where we’ll spend the night in Andean huts beside the village. - Distance: 18 km / 11.2 miles - Duration: 9 hours - Highest Altitude: 4,630 m/ 15,190 ft
Continued
Cusco
Camping. - Overnight at Andean huts under million stars. - Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea & dinner.
Day 3
Cusco
Local Flavor. Collpapampa - Pachamanca and Coffee cooking class - Llactapata Start the morning with an easy walk through cloud forest paths lined with waterfalls, wooden bridges, and fruit plantations. By midday, you’ll reach Lucmabamba, where a traditional Pachamanca lunch is prepared underground with hot stones. While the food cooks, visit local coffee farms and enjoy a fresh cup right at the source.
Continued
Cusco
Hiking at Patallacta. Later, the adventure continues on a steady climb along the Inca Trail toward Llactapata. This mountaintop site not only holds ancient ruins but also offers a remarkable first view of Machu Picchu from a distance. Tonight, you’ll camp facing the citadel, with the chance to watch the sun set and rise over its peaks. - Distance: 16 km / 10 miles - Duration: 6 hours - Highest Altitude: 2,770 m/ 9,022 ft
Continued
Cusco
Camping. - Overnight at Patallacta Campsite. - Meals: Breakfast, snacks, pachamanca lunch, coffee experience & dinner.
Day 4
Cusco
Hiking. Llactapata - Hydroelectric - Aguas Calientes Start the morning with coffee in hand and a stunning view of Machu Picchu from your campsite. After breakfast, descend for two hours through the forest to Hidroelectrica, where you’ll enjoy one last meal prepared by your trekking chef before saying goodbye to the team. The journey continues with a relaxed walk along the railway beside the Urubamba River. Along the way, you’ll pause at the Mandor Gardens, a quiet spot filled with orchids, exotic birds and lush vegetation.
Continued
Machu Picchu Town
Hot Springs. By late afternoon, arrive in Aguas Calientes. Settle into your 3 star hotel, take time to rest or soak in the hot springs, and finish the day with dinner at a local restaurant as you prepare for your Machu Picchu visit. - Distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles - Duration: 6 hours - Highest Altitude: 2,000 m/ 6,561 ft
Continued
Cusco
- Accommodation: 3 star Hotel - Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch & dinner.
Day 5
Cusco
Hiking at Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu (Arrive with the first ones) Today is the most important day of the Salkantay trek, visiting one of the new seven wonders of the world. Start the day with an early bus ride to Machu Picchu, arriving in time to see the first light over the citadel. Explore its temples, terraces, and plazas on a guided tour, then take some free time or hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (if you've booked your entrance tickets in advance). - Duration: 2-3 hours in Machu Picchu - Machu Picchu Altitude: 2,430 m/ 7,972 ft
Continued
Cusco
Trains. Finally return to Aguas Calientes for lunch, then board the Vistadome train back to Ollantaytambo. From there, a private transfer will bring you to Cusco, where you’ll arrive in the evening around 19:30.
Before You Go
What to know before booking
Included
- A safety briefing held one day prior to the tour, - Certified professional tour guide - Admission tickets for the Salkantay Trek and Machu Picchu - Hotel pickup and drop-off and round-trip bus to Machu Picchu - Comfortable Vistadome or 360° panoramic train - A duffle bag (up to 7 kg/11 lb) and muleteers to transport all camping equipment - Provided gear includes a sleeping pad, pillow, rain poncho and hand towels - Emergency equipment such as a satellite phone, first-aid kit and oxygen tank for added safety
Not Included
- Sleeping bags, air mattress, or trekking poles (can be rented) - Last day Lunch in Aguas Calientes - Huayna Picchu or Montaña entrance tickets
What to Bring
Passport Rain gear Sun protection Warm layers (fleece / long-sleeved tops) Personal medication Camera, extra batteries Head torch Extra snacks, power bars, chocolate Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips (small change is useful for paying to use the villagers' toilets on the first day)
Restrictions
Solo travelers are welcome, however, a minimum of two travelers booked is needed for this tour to run
Meeting & Pickup
We’ll pick you up from your accommodation in the first day of the tour: - Cusco Historic Center: around 4:30 a.m.
Planning Notes
Hotel pickup offered: Yes Confirmation: Manual By Business
Featured Travel