Salkantay Trek Classic – 5 Days to Machu Picchu
The amazing 5-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu was ranked among the Top 25 Treks in the World by National Geographic Adventure Travel. This spectacular route runs alongside sections of the original Inca paths, combining the dramatic Andean landscapes with lush subtropical cloud forest.
The Salkantay Trek is considered the second most popular route to Machu Picchu after the Inca Trail, offering breathtaking views, diverse ecosystems, encounters with local communities, and a final rewarding arrival at the legendary Lost City of the Incas.
Trek Highlights
- Majestic Mount Salkantay (6,271 m)
- Crossing the Salkantay Pass (4,650 m)
- Stunning Andean and cloud forest scenery
- Rich flora and wildlife, including orchids and hummingbirds
- Encounters with local Andean villages
- First view of Machu Picchu from Llactapata ruins
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World
Language
English, Spanish
Altitude
4,200 msnm
Transportation
Private van
Difficulty
Easy to Moderate
Itinerario
Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco and drive through the Andes to Mollepata, where you can have breakfast and buy last supplies. Continue by bus to Challa Cancha, the starting point of the trek. Hike for about 3.5 hours through Andean valleys to Soraypampa (3,800 m), where you’ll have lunch. In the afternoon, hike up to the stunning Humantay Lake, a turquoise glacial lagoon, before returning to camp.
Accommodation: Camping at Soraypampa
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, begin a steep 2-hour hike towards the Salkantay Pass (4,650 m), the highest point of the trek. From here, you’ll be surrounded by the sacred mountains Salkantay and Humantay, with breathtaking views of the Andean peaks. Descend to Huayracmachay for lunch, then continue through lush vegetation to reach the camp at Chaullay (2,900 m).
Accommodation: Camping at Chaullay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This day takes you deeper into the cloud forest, with views of waterfalls, orchids, palms, bromeliads, butterflies, and exotic birds. Descend gradually along the valley following the Salkantay River until reaching La Playa (2,050 m). This campsite is more populated; those seeking quieter options may arrange to camp in Santa Teresa.
Accommodation: Camping at La Playa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you have two route options:
Relax Option: Drive to Hidroelectrica (not included), have lunch, then walk 3 hours along the railway tracks to Aguas Calientes.
Adventure Option: Hike up to the Inca ruins of Llactapata, offering the first panoramic view of Machu Picchu from across the valley. Then descend to Hidroelectrica for lunch before continuing 3 more hours along the railway to Aguas Calientes.
Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, take the bus to Machu Picchu for a guided tour through its most iconic sectors: Temple of the Sun, Main Plaza, Royal Palace, Intihuatana, Temple of the Three Windows, Sacred Rock, and agricultural terraces.
After the guided visit, enjoy free time to explore on your own before returning to Aguas Calientes. In the afternoon, board the train to Ollantaytambo and transfer back to Cusco.
Meals: Breakfast
Incluye
- Hotel pick-up and transport to trailhead
- Professional bilingual trekking guide
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
- Train ticket (Expedition class) from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Bus tickets (Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes)
- Horses for camping equipment and personal belongings
- Camping tents (2 people per tent), dining tent, kitchen tent
- Sleeping mat
- Meals as specified in itinerary (vegetarian option available)
- Cook and kitchen team
- Emergency first aid kit with oxygen bottle
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Dinner in Aguas Calientes
- Transfer Ollantaytambo – Cusco
No incluye
- Domestic and international flights
- Breakfast on Day 1, lunch/dinner on Day 5
- Sleeping bag (available for rent)
- Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu Mountain
- Entrance fee to Aguas Calientes hot springs
- Extra horses for additional luggage
- Tips for guides, cooks, and porters
- Personal expenses
Recomendación
- Original passport (student ID if applicable)
- Trekking poles with rubber tips
- Sleeping bag (recommended for cold nights)
- Comfortable trekking boots
- Light backpack (30–40L)
- Warm clothing & rain gear
- Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen & insect repellent
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Snacks: energy bars, chocolate, fruits
- Swimsuit (for hot springs)
- Cash (Peruvian soles & USD)
- Personal toiletries & toilet paper
Preguntas frecuentes
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