Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu | 5 Days 4 Nights
Overview
Experience one of the most epic tourism adventures in Cusco with our Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. Recognized by National Geographic as one of the best hiking routes in the world, this breathtaking 5-day, 4-night expedition is the perfect alternative to the Classic Inca Trail, offering a similar level of challenge but with much wilder and more diverse natural landscapes.
During this exciting trek, ideal for nature lovers, you will witness the splendor of the Peruvian Andes. You will hike surrounded by snow-capped peaks, visit the beautiful Humantay Lagoon, cross the imposing Salkantay Pass, and descend into the warm cloud forest ecosystems, teeming with orchids and crystal-clear waterfalls.
This is one of the most comprehensive and fascinating tours in Cusco. The journey culminates with a guided exploration of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, rewarding all your effort. Secure your booking and embark on an unforgettable journey to discover the greatest tourist attractions of Cusco, Peru!
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 – Cusco, Mollepata, Soraypampa and Humantay Lagoon
Trip to Challacancha and Hike
We begin our adventure with a pick-up from your hotel at approximately 5:00 a.m. We will board our transport to the town of Mollepata (a 2.5-hour drive), where we will enjoy a nutritious breakfast. Then, we will continue by car to Challacancha to officially begin our hike. We will hike for 2 to 3 hours along a beautiful trail and an ancient Inca canal until we reach Soraypampa, where we will have lunch.
Humantay Lagoon and Camp
In the afternoon, we will take advantage of the opportunity to make an acclimatization hike to the impressive Humantay Lagoon, located at 4200 meters above sea level (the ascent takes about 2 hours and the descent 1 hour). We will return to our base camp in Soraypampa (3850 meters above sea level) to enjoy dinner and spend our first night under the stars.
Day 2 – Soraypampa, Nevado Salkantay Pass and Chaullay
The Great Ascent
Very early in the morning, after a hearty breakfast, we will depart from our camp to face the greatest challenge of the route. We will ascend for approximately 4 hours towards the Salkantay Pass (4,620 m.a.s.l.), the highest point of the entire trek. At the summit, we will take a short break to enjoy spectacular views and observe the sacred stone cairns known as "Apachetas."
Descent and Second Camp
After marveling at the mountain range, we will descend for approximately 2 hours to the Wayracmachay area, where we will enjoy lunch. With renewed energy, we will continue hiking for about 3 hours downhill to reach Chaullay, the site of our second camp. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3 – Chaullay, Collcapampa, Sawayaco (The Beach) and Santa Teresa
Hike through the Cloud Forest
After breakfast, we depart from Chaullay at approximately 7:00 a.m. We will continue our hike towards Collcapampa, passing along narrow trails where the climate and landscape change dramatically. We will enter the cloud forest, characterized by its abundant flora, different types of orchids, and beautiful waterfalls.
Arrival at Santa Teresa and Hot Springs
After a 5-hour hike, we will arrive at Sawayaco, also known as "La Playa" (The Beach), where we will have lunch. Afterward, we will take transportation (approximately 45 minutes) to the town of Santa Teresa (1645 m.a.s.l.). We will settle in around 3:00 p.m. After a short rest, you will have the option to visit the relaxing medicinal hot springs located 4.5 km away (entrance fee not included). Return for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4 – Santa Teresa, Hydroelectric Plant and Aguas Calientes
Hike to the Hydroelectric Plant
At 8:00 a.m., after enjoying breakfast, we will travel by car from Santa Teresa to the Hydroelectric Plant area. From there, we will begin a pleasant, flat hike alongside the train tracks for approximately 3 hours.
Arrival in Aguas Calientes
The hike through the rainforest will eventually lead us to the town of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). Here, we will have lunch and settle into comfortable accommodations to rest. We will enjoy dinner and spend the night.
Day 5 – Machu Picchu Citadel and Return to Cusco
Exploration of the Inca Citadel
We will wake up very early (5:30 hrs.) to have breakfast and then we will ascend to the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu by bus (the trip takes 30 minutes; remember that this bus ticket is not included). We will enter the citadel and have a guided tour of 2 and a half hours, touring the most important areas. At the end, you will have 2 hours free to take photographs and explore Machu Picchu on your own.
Return to Cusco
When you go down to Aguas Calientes, you will have free time for lunch (not included). Finally, you must show up at the station half an hour before the departure of your train to the town of Ollantaytambo. There the return bus will be waiting for you that will take you to the city of Cusco, ending this amazing adventure.
What's Included?
Included
- Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco.
- Tourist transportation (Cusco – Mollepata – Challacancha).
- Muleteers and mules (assigned exclusively for camping and cooking equipment).
- Horseback transport of personal belongings (maximum 6 kg per person).
- Complete camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, tables, chairs, etc.).
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish/English).
- Safety equipment: First aid kit and oxygen tank.
- Meals on the trail: 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners.
- Specialized trekking cook.
- Accommodation: 1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes Pueblo.
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu Picchu.
- Return tourist train ticket (Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo).
- Transfer by tourist transport (Ollantaytambo – Cusco).
Not Included
- Sleeping bag (Required, available as an optional rental for USD 30 for the entire tour).
- Bus up to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary (Day 5).
- Last lunch of the trip (Day 5 in Aguas Calientes).
- Entrance to the Santa Teresa Hot Springs (Day 3).
- Extra horse for luggage (Optional, available for USD 120, maximum 15 kg).
- Tips for support staff.
- Extra expenses not mentioned in the itinerary.
Recommendations
- Bring your original passport or valid ID (required for the train and Machu Picchu).
- Bring cash (useful for bus tickets to Machu Picchu, entrance fees to hot springs, lunch at the end of the trip, and personal expenses).
- Rent or bring a good sleeping bag resistant to low temperatures (nights in Soraypampa are very cold).
- Dress in layers: extremely warm clothing for the Salkantay Pass and very light and breathable clothing for the days in the cloud forest (Santa Teresa / Aguas Calientes).
- Wear waterproof hiking boots or shoes that have been broken in.
- Use mosquito repellent; essential from the third day onward.
- Use sun protection (hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen).
- Bring swimwear and a small towel if you wish to enjoy the hot springs in Santa Teresa.
FAQs
This route is classified as difficult, with a level of difficulty similar to the Inca Trail. The main challenge is the second day, when you ascend to the Salkantay Pass at 4,620 meters above sea level.
The tour includes transport of up to 6 kilos of your personal belongings on pack horses. If you need to carry more luggage, you can rent an extra horse (up to 15 kilos).
Yes, the sleeping bag is not included and is mandatory for camping. You can bring your own or rent one from us (approximate cost of USD 30 for the entire excursion).
No, the ecological bus tickets to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary are not included. You can buy them on your own or, if you prefer and you are in good physical condition, walk up.
The first three nights you'll enjoy camping in nature (Soraypampa, Chaullay, and Santa Teresa). The fourth night you'll rest comfortably in a guesthouse or hotel in the town of Aguas Calientes.
Yes, the itinerary includes a beautiful acclimatization hike to the spectacular Humantay Lagoon (4200 m) during the afternoon of our first day of expedition.