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Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days
from ice to jungle

5 days / 4 nights Challenging Max. 12 travelers 4.9 (184 reviews)

One route, all of the Andes

Walk from ice
to jungle.

The Salkantay Trek is a journey of extraordinary contrasts. In five days you cross a high mountain pass, sleep facing a glacier, walk through cloud forest and reach Machu Picchu on a trail few people know.

Our version improves the classic: truly small groups, hand-picked campsites, expedition cooks and a pace that lets you be present. Machu Picchu entrance, official guide and train return are included.

START / ENDCusco, Peru

MAX. ALTITUDE4,630 m

BEST SEASONApr — Oct

DISTANCE74 km

Your route day by day

Five days.
A lifelong memory.

DAY 1

Cusco — Soraypampa — Humantay Lake

Pick-up at 4:30 am and drive to Mollepata for breakfast. We continue to Soraypampa (3,900 m), our camp facing Mount Salkantay. In the afternoon we hike to Humantay Lake (4,200 m), a turquoise mirror beneath the glacier.

7 km · 4 h · 4,200 m

DAY 2

Salkantay Pass — Chaullay

The big day. We zigzag up to the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m), surrounded by glaciers, with an offering to Pachamama. Then we descend into the valley and the cloud forest to Chaullay.

22 km · 9 h · 4,630 m

DAY 3

Chaullay — La Playa — Lucmabamba

We walk among waterfalls, orchids and banana and passion-fruit farms. In the afternoon we visit an organic coffee farm and, optionally, the Cocalmayo hot springs.

16 km · 6 h · 2,000 m

DAY 4

Llactapata — Hidroeléctrica — Aguas Calientes

We climb an original Inca path to Llactapata, with a distant view of Machu Picchu. We descend to Hidroeléctrica and walk along the river to Aguas Calientes. Night in a hotel.

18 km · 7 h · 2,700 m

Llactapata — Hidroeléctrica — Aguas Calientes

DAY 5

Machu Picchu — Cusco

We take one of the first buses for a 2–3 hour guided tour. Free time, then train to Ollantaytambo and bus to Cusco (arrival approx. 9:30 pm).

3 h visit · Return 9:30 pm

Everything under control

What is included

Pre-trek briefingProfessional bilingual guideTransport Cusco – Soraypampa3 nights camping + 1 night hotelAll meals on the trail (4B, 4L, 4D)Machu Picchu entrance ticketBus up to Machu PicchuExpedition train return + bus to CuscoMules for 7 kg of personal gearFirst-aid kit and oxygen

Not included

First breakfast and last lunchSleeping bag (rental available)Cocalmayo hot springsTips

Rest is part of the journey

Nights with
their own identity.

We choose every stay for its location, warmth and connection with the landscape. Your camp is ready when each day ends.

NIGHT 01 · DOME FACING SALKANTAY

NIGHTS 02–03 · ECO CAMP

NIGHT 04 · HOTEL IN AGUAS CALIENTES

Double roomPrivate and readyThermal comfortHigh-mountain gearHot showerNights 2, 3 and 4

Before you go

Essential information

Physical preparation

We recommend 6–10 km hikes in the weeks before and two acclimatization days in Cusco.

Weather and season

April to October brings drier days. Temperatures range from −5 °C to 24 °C.

Packing list

After booking you receive a detailed list. Bring layers, broken-in boots and a 25 L daypack.

Frequently asked questions

Answers to travel with peace of mind.

01Do I need previous trekking experience?

It is not essential, but reasonable fitness is. The itinerary has a gradual ascent and our guides adapt the pace to the group.

02What if I get altitude sickness?

All our guides are trained in mountain first aid. We carry oxygen and check oxygen saturation daily.

03Can I request special meals?

Yes. We prepare vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and allergy-friendly options if you tell us when booking.

04How do Machu Picchu tickets work?

We arrange the included entrance. We recommend booking early because daily capacity is limited.

4.9★★★★★184 verified reviews

“Every day was better than the one before. Our guide didn’t just know the route: he knew when to make us laugh, when to leave us in silence and where to watch the best sunrise of our lives.”

Marina & LucasArgentina · Salkantay Trek 5D

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FromUS$ 590