Salkantay Expedition

5 days 4 destinations

Discover this experience

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu will guide you through one of the most fascinating alternative routes to Machu Picchu, crossing spectacular mountain passes, turquoise glacial lakes, and emerging ecosystems from the high Andes to the tropical rainforest.

Difficulty

Moderate

Starting price

USD 1,600.00

USD 2,000.00

Ideal length

5 days

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Experience highlights

1

Obtenga acceso interno a algunos de los sitios históricos y místicos más venerados del Perú, que cobran vida gracias a guías privados especializados y expertos en bienestar seleccionados.

2

Celebre la mitología y las tradiciones antiguas del Perú a través de ceremonias especiales, cocina tradicional y experiencias culturales hiperlocales.

3

Camine por cañones, ande en bicicleta por bosques y despierte en un campamento privado de tiendas de campaña de lujo a orillas de un lago, maravillándose con la belleza natural del Perú en todo momento.

4

Conozca a las comunidades andinas, desde el pueblo quechua hasta los uroaymaras del lago Titicaca, aprendiendo sobre sus costumbres y formas de vida únicas.

Itinerary

Day-by-day plan

Day 1

Cusco to Soraypampa – Humantay Lake Adventure

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Your journey begins with an early departure from Cusco heading deep into the Andes toward the starting point at Soraypampa. The drive itself offers beautiful views of the changing mountain scenery as you prepare for the first day on the Salkantay Trek.
You hike toward the breathtaking Humantay Lake, a stunning turquoise glacial lagoon nestled between towering peaks. The trail is moderate and gives you time to enjoy the dramatic landscape and take plenty of photos along the way.
By late afternoon you reach your first campsite where comfortable domes are already set up. A warm dinner and a cozy night in nature help you rest and get ready for the big pass the next day of your 5 day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu.

Distance hiked

10-12 km – 5-6 hours

Highest altitude

3,800 m

Lowest altitude

3,300 m

Route

Cusco – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – First dome camp

Day 2

Ascent to Salkantay Pass – The Highlight Day

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Day two will be the hardest part of Salkantay Trek as you steadily ascend to Salkantay Pass, which is at 4,630 m. The route is taken along mountainous terrain with amazing glacier and snow-covered mountainous scenery at every single turn.
To summit the pass is an unbelievable sense of accomplishment and some of the most dramatic views of the whole walk. A rest has been taken, and now you start the arduous descent into the lower and more fertile valleys.
In the afternoon we go to the second dome camp where the crew has all prepared. A warm meal and a warm bed could help you rejuvenate after such a tough yet memorable day on this Salkantay Trek 5 days.

Distance hiked

18 km – 7-8 hours

Highest altitude

4,630 m (Salkantay Pass)

Lowest altitude

2,900 m (camp)

Route

First dome camp – Salkantay Pass – Second dome camp

Difficulty level

Challenging

Day 3

Descent into the Jungle – Coffee Farm & Hot Springs

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Landscapes are quite different today when you start in warmer, greener climbs and into the commencement of the jungle area. The trail gets softer and lovely tropical plants are encircling you.
You go to a local coffee farm where friendly families will demonstrate to you the entire mechanism of coffee growing and production. It is an awesome cultural experience that identifies with the locals that live along the Salkantay Trek.
In the late afternoon you arrive at the natural hot springs to take a relaxing bath after the last hard days. you pass the night in your third house of nice domes, and are relieved and refreshed.

Distance hiked

16 km – 6-7 hours

Highest altitude

3,200 m

Lowest altitude

2,200 m

Route

Second dome camp – Coffee farm – Hot springs – Third dome camp

Difficulty level

Moderate

Day 4

Tropical Landscapes to Aguas Calientes

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On day four, it will be a less vigorous day as you will still be moving on the green tropical terrain towards the town of the falls, Aguas Calientes. Mostly the trail is downhill with stunning scenery of the river and the forest around.
You enjoy the changing vegetation and warmer weather as you approach Machu Picchu. The walk comes as a relief after the days up high and you find time to look back at the days you have gone through.
In the afternoon you arrive in Aguas Calientes and check into a comfortable 3-star hotel. You have time to rest, explore the small town and prepare for your early visit to Machu Picchu the next morning.

Distance hiked

10 km – 4-5 hours

Highest altitude

2,200 m

Lowest altitude

2,040 m

Route

Third dome camp – Aguas Calientes

Difficulty level

Easy

Day 5

Machu Picchu Sunrise – Guided Visit & Return

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You start very early for your guided visit to Machu Picchu, experiencing the site in the quiet morning light. Your professional guide shares the history and secrets of the ancient citadel while you explore the terraces, temples and plazas.
The tour allows you time to explore the magic of the place at your own leisure and have one final walk around. It becomes even more memorable when one hikes the whole Salkantay Trek to get there.
You ride the scenic Vista Dome train in the afternoon in the same direction that you took in the morning in the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo and then on by yourself to Cusco and finally complete your 5 day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu.

Activities duration

6 hours

Distance walked

6 km

Highest altitude

2,430 m (Machu Picchu)

Lowest altitude

2,040 m

Route

Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Difficulty level

Easy

Day 6

Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

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Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Route

Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Included

What's included and not included

Included

  • Transportation from Cusco
  • Professional trekking guide
  • All entrance fees
  • 3 nights in comfortable domes
  • 1 night in carefully selected 3-star hotel
  • Full trekking support team
  • Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Vista Dome service)
  • Bus transfers to and from Machu Picchu
  • All meals during the trek

Not included

  • Personal expenses

Preparation

What to bring

Passport

Passport

Original passport or ID for entrance control.

Hiking Footwear

Hiking Footwear

Comfortable shoes with good grip for uneven terrain.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What makes the 5 day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu different? +

This trek follows a scenic alternative route to Machu Picchu, combining high mountain landscapes, jungle environments, and cultural experiences in one complete journey.

What are the main highlights of the Salkantay Trek 5 days? +

Highlights include Humantay Lake, the Salkantay Pass at 4,630 m, jungle landscapes, a local coffee farm visit, natural hot springs, and Machu Picchu.

Where do we stay during the trek? +

You stay 3 nights in comfortable domes along the trek and 1 night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes.

Is the Salkantay Trek physically demanding? +

The trek ranges from moderate to challenging. Day 2 is the most demanding due to the climb to Salkantay Pass, while other days are easier.

What type of landscapes will I experience? +

You will pass through high Andes mountains, glacial areas, and tropical jungle, experiencing a wide variety of ecosystems in one trek.

Is Machu Picchu included in the tour? +

Yes, the final day includes a guided visit to Machu Picchu, followed by free time to explore on your own.

What kind of cultural experiences are included? +

You visit a local coffee farm where families share their process of growing and producing coffee.