Tour to Salkantay + 5-Day Trek in Machu Picchu

Itinerary for the 5-Day / 4-Night Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu:

DAY 1: Cusco – Challacancha – Humantay – Soraypampa

Visit to Humantay Lake

The adventure begins early with pickup in Cusco and transfer to Mollepata, where we will make a short stop for an optional breakfast before continuing to Challacancha, the starting point of the Salkantay trek. There, you will meet the support team, and we will begin a moderate hike of approximately 3 hours toward Soraypampa, surrounded by Andean landscapes and views of the snow-capped Salkantay Mountain.

Upon arrival at the camp in Soraypampa, you will settle into the domes and enjoy lunch before continuing with the round-trip hike to Humantay Lake, one of the most stunning lakes in the Andes, famous for its turquoise waters and glacier backdrop. You will have free time to rest, take in the scenery, and take photos.

At the end of the afternoon, we will return to camp, where a hot dinner awaits and you will spend your first night resting under the starry Andean sky.

Important details for Day 1 of the 5-day Salkantay trek:

• Day 1 hiking difficulty: Moderate, with approximately 6 hours of hiking total, divided into two sections: about 3 hours before lunch and another 3 hours after lunch.
• Starting altitude: 3,800 m / 12,467 ft
• Humantay Lake altitude: 4,200 m / 13,780 ft
• Camp altitude: 3,900 m / 12,795 ft

DAY 2: Soraypampa – Abra Salkantay – Wayraqmachay – Chawllay

Abra Salkantay: The highest point of the trek

The second day begins early in Soraypampa with hot coca tea and breakfast at camp, preparing for the most challenging day of the Salkantay trek. We will begin the ascent of approximately 3 hours to Abra Salkantay (4,630 m), the highest point of the route, crossing the famous “Path of the 7 Serpents” and enjoying spectacular views of the snow-capped peaks of Salkantay, Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo.

After a break at the summit, we will begin descending toward Huayracmachay, where we will have lunch surrounded by Andean scenery. We will then continue hiking for about three and a half hours into the cloud forest, watching the landscape gradually change from high mountain terrain to lush vegetation.

By the end of the day, we will arrive in Collpapampa, where dinner and rest await at the Mountain Sky View campsite, surrounded by nature.

Important details for Day 2:

• Day 2 hiking difficulty: Challenging
• Hiking distance: 23.5 km / 14.60 miles
• Total hiking time: 9 to 11 hours
• Starting altitude: 3,900 m / 12,795 ft
• Minimum altitude: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft
• Maximum altitude: 4,630 m / 15,190 ft
• Camp altitude: 2,950 m / 9,678 ft

DAY 3: Chayllay – Lucmabamba – Santa Teresa

From Cloud Forest to High Jungle

The third day of the Salkantay trek begins in the cloud forest, with breakfast at camp before setting out on a scenic hike through the Santa Teresa Valley. Along the way, we will pass landscapes filled with rivers, waterfalls, orchids, and plantations of bananas, coffee, and avocados, with the chance to spot the cock-of-the-rock, Peru’s iconic national bird.

Upon reaching Zona Propiedad, we will take private transportation to La Playa, where we will enjoy a coffee experience by visiting local coffee farms and learning about the growing, roasting, and brewing process. Afterward, we will continue to Lucmabamba, where we will have lunch and settle into the exclusive Super Jungle Domes, surrounded by lush nature.

The afternoon is free to rest, explore the surroundings, or optionally visit the Cocalmayo hot springs (not included). In the evening, we will have dinner in Lucmabamba and rest in the peaceful surroundings of the high jungle.

What you should know about Day 3 of the 5-day Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu:

• Day 3 hiking difficulty: Moderate
• Hiking distance: 17 km / 10.5 miles
• Total hiking time: 5 to 6 hours
• Starting altitude: 2,950 m / 9,678 ft
• Minimum altitude: 2,000 m / 6,562 ft
• Maximum altitude: 2,950 m / 9,678 ft
• Accommodation altitude: 2,000 m / 6,562 ft

DAY 4: Santa Teresa – Llactapata – Aguas Calientes

First View of Machu Picchu

After breakfast in Lucmabamba, we begin one of the most exciting stages of the Salkantay trek: the ascent to Llactapata, following a section of the original Inca Trail. After approximately 2 hours of hiking, we will arrive at this archaeological site, where you will explore its Inca ruins and enjoy your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu—one of the most memorable moments of the entire route.

We will then descend to Aobamba for lunch and continue on to Hidroelectrica, where you will see an impressive 250-meter artificial waterfall. From there, you may choose either to take the train to Aguas Calientes (not included) or continue walking for about 3 hours alongside the railway tracks, surrounded by jungle scenery.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, we will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and spend the night in a hotel, preparing for the visit to Machu Picchu the next day. During the rainy season, the hike through Llactapata may be suspended for safety reasons depending on trail conditions.

Important information for Day 4:

• Day 4 hiking difficulty: Challenging
• Hiking distance: 25 km / 15.53 miles
• Total hiking time: 8 to 9 hours
• Starting altitude: 2,000 m / 6,562 ft
• Minimum altitude: 1,800 m / 5,906 ft
• Maximum altitude: 2,800 m / 9,186 ft
• Accommodation altitude: 2,040 m / 6,693 ft

DAY 5: Machu Picchu – Cusco

Guided Tour of Machu Picchu and Return to Cusco

The final day begins very early with a visit to Machu Picchu in the first hours of the morning, when the citadel still has a quieter, more special atmosphere. You will enjoy a guided tour of approximately 2 hours through its main archaeological sectors, discovering the history and legacy of one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

If you would like an additional experience, you may choose an optional hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, both ideal for breathtaking panoramic views. We recommend reserving these permits several months in advance due to high demand.

After the visit, you will descend to Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time for lunch. In the afternoon, you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo and then private transportation to Cusco, bringing this unforgettable Salkantay adventure to an end. Arrival time may vary depending on train availability.

• Day 5 difficulty: Easy
• Optional mountain hikes difficulty: Moderate to challenging

The Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu includes:

• Briefing one day before the tour.
• Experienced professional guide in English and Spanish.
• First aid equipment available upon request in case of emergency.
• Satellite phone for guide use.
• 01 duffel bag: during the briefing session, a duffel bag will be provided where you may carry your belongings up to a maximum weight of 7 kg. This will be transported by horses and delivered at the campsites.
• 1 rain cover for your backpack (rainy season).
• Accommodations:
  • Day 1: Double dome with shared bathroom, no shower
  • Day 2: Mountain Sky View double accommodation with private bathroom and hot shower
  • Day 3: Super Jungle Domes double accommodation with private bathroom and hot shower
  • Day 4: Hotel in Aguas Calientes (Royal Inti Inn, Chacana, or similar)
  • Rooms are shared for 2 people.
• Meals
  • 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners
  • Filtered water available for refills at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
  • Wake-up tea
  • Tea time or Happy Hour: This means that during the trek, every afternoon before dinner, our cooks will serve popcorn, cookies, coffee, hot chocolate, tea, and hot water. After a long day of hiking, you won’t have to wait until dinner to relax, warm up, and enjoy a delicious snack.
  • Daily trail snacks
  • One cloth snack bag (1 per person, reusable)
• Permits and entrance fees
  • Entrance ticket for the Salkantay trek
  • Entrance ticket to Humantay Lake
  • Entrance ticket to the Machu Picchu archaeological site
• Transportation
  • Day 1: In the morning, we will pick you up at your hotel and travel in our transport to Challacancha, the starting point of the hike.
  • Day 3: Transportation mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Day 5: Bus ticket for the ascent from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
  • Day 5: Transportation from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco.
  • Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Day 5) in Expedition or The Voyager category. (Train upgrades are available at an extra cost).
  • Transportation of personal belongings (maximum allowed weight: 7 kg). Delivered at each campsite.
  • Electricity depending on accommodation type:
  • First night: service available during limited hours — from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Day 1) and from 4:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. (morning of Day 2).
  • Second, third, and fourth nights: electricity available all day.

The price of the Salkantay trek does not include:

• Transfers from hotels outside the city of Cusco (please ask about extra costs for pickups from the Sacred Valley or other locations).
• Tip for the guide.
• Sleeping bags (extra US$ 25). Our sleeping bags are high-quality, durable, and designed to protect you in temperatures as low as -18°C (0°F). They are mummy-shaped and include an inner liner for added warmth and hygiene. Each sleeping bag is thoroughly cleaned after every use.
• Trekking poles (US$ 20).
• Bus ticket for the descent from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes on Day 5.
• Beverages, except water available for refills at the campsites.
• Train from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes (Day 4) – Optional (the guide and group complete this section as part of the hike).
• Breakfast, lunch, dinner, or any other meal not specified in the itinerary.
• Additional costs or delays beyond our control: landslides, bad weather conditions, itinerary changes due to safety concerns, illness, pandemics, government policy changes, political instability, strikes, natural disasters, etc.
• If you would like to add an additional hike, please mention it at the time of booking. Entrance ticket for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain: please check availability with Guru Explorers.

What to Bring to the Salkantay Trek?

• Documents and Money
  • Valid passport
  • Extra cash (Peruvian soles recommended)
• Health and Personal Care
  • Personal medications
  • Sunscreen SPF 70+ or higher
  • Insect repellent
  • Water bottle or camelback
• Accessories and Equipment
  • UV-protection sunglasses
  • Medium-sized hiking backpack (15 to 25 liters)
  • Snacks: energy bars, chocolate, dried fruit, etc. We will provide daily snacks during the trek, but we recommend bringing extra if you prefer specific types of snacks or would like additional supplies during the hike.
  • Camera with charger
  • Power bank
  • Flashlight and batteries
  • Sleeping bag (rental option available in advance)
• Clothing
  • Comfortable mountain boots or hiking shoes for long walks, preferably waterproof, especially during the rainy season. If you buy new footwear, do not use it for the first time on the trek—wear it beforehand to make sure it fits well and does not cause discomfort. Remember, you will need maximum comfort for several hours of hiking each day.
  • 1 extra pair of lightweight shoes
  • Socks
  • Thermal pants
  • Hiking pants (preferably waterproof if traveling between October and March)
  • Shorts
  • Long- and short-sleeve shirts
  • Thermal jacket
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Rain poncho
  • Neck scarf or buff
  • Wool or waterproof gloves
  • Wool hat
  • Hat that protects your face and neck

What considerations should you have when doing the Salkantay Trek?

• The Salkantay trek includes luggage transportation between campsites. On Days 1, 2, and 3, muleteers and pack mules will carry your duffel bag, which will only be returned to you upon arrival at each campsite. On Day 4, this luggage will be transported by van and then by train. Throughout the trek, each passenger must carry only their personal daypack with essentials for the day, such as water, snacks, warm clothing, and items needed for immediate use.
• Please use a trekking backpack. Machu Picchu does not allow entry with backpacks larger than 25 liters. Larger bags may cause problems and could put your tour at risk without any possibility of refund. (We recommend bringing the smallest backpack possible.)
• It is possible to upgrade your train ticket category. (Please ask about available options.)
• Train schedules and Machu Picchu entry times may vary depending on availability. (We strongly recommend booking as far in advance as possible.)
• For transportation, please note that access is sometimes limited due to narrow city streets; if this happens, your guide will suggest a nearby pickup point.
• If the reservation is made for 1 person, the dome must be shared with one other person. If you would like a private dome, please ask about pricing.
• Minimum age: 12 years old, accompanied by an adult.
• Remember that, since these are outdoor activities, the natural features of the landscape may vary depending on weather conditions and the natural daylight. Each visit is an authentic experience, where nature reveals itself in unique and unrepeatable ways.

Not allowed:

• Pets
• Smoking.
• Large suitcases or bags.

Difficulty:

• Moderate – High

Not recommended for:

• Pregnant women, people with heart conditions, high or low blood pressure, injuries, joint pain, or lack of physical fitness, adults over 70 years old, or people with specific medical conditions, who must provide a medical certificate authorizing their participation.
• People with vertigo: although the route does not involve dangerous cliffs or extreme technical sections, as with any mountain hike involving elevation changes, there are areas with elevated trails and deep views that may cause discomfort for those sensitive to this type of environment. For this reason, we do not recommend this trek for people with vertigo.

Important considerations:

• To book the tour, it will be necessary to pay a deposit of 250 USD per person. With this we will be able to make the purchases of the entrance tickets to the attractions and the trains. The difference must be paid before 30 days from the start date of the tour.
• The passport information provided must be accurate and up to date on the date of the tour. If you have changed your passport, notify the new data 14 days in advance, otherwise there will be an additional charge of 15 USD.
• In the event that the passenger decides to abandon the walk during the journey, he will be responsible for the extra expenses that may be incurred, such as food or transportation. However, you will have the option to rejoin the group on the last day for the visit to Machu Picchu and return to the city of Cusco.
• There will be no refund in case of delayed flights; train delays, bad weather or other external factors.

Cancellation Policies:

• Take the following into account:
  • The deposit is non-refundable.
  • There are no refunds for entrances to Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain.
• Cancellations within 30 or more days in advance, will receive 50% of the amount paid, not including the deposit or extra tickets such as Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu.
• Cancellations within 29 days in advance or less will not be subject to refunds.

Date changes:

• Date changes are subject to the availability of train tickets and entrance to Machu Picchu.
• For date changes notified 15 days or more in advance, an additional charge of 130 USD will apply.
• It will not be possible to make date changes 14 days or less in advance.

Force Majeure Policy:

• Guru Explorers values your time and makes every effort to follow the itinerary. However, it may be affected by force majeure events such as weather conditions, rain, natural disasters, protests, roadblocks, or other circumstances beyond our control. In such cases, no refunds or compensation will be provided, as these are unforeseeable and unavoidable situations. Nonetheless, we will do everything possible to offer efficient alternatives and solutions for your enjoyment. Any additional costs resulting from changes or alternative activities will be the responsibility of the client and not Guru Explorers.