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Salkantay Hike To Machu Picchu

5 reviews

120 hrs

From

1.161.398 ARS

Did you miss out on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu? Don't let any adventure slip by and immerse yourself in the Salkantay route, offering breathtaking views of valleys, meadows, glaciers, cloud forests, and jungles.

As you journey along, you'll encounter stunning turquoise lagoons nestled among mountains and snow-capped peaks, with the opportunity to relax in excellent hot springs at your journey's end.

Renowned as one of the top treks globally, the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu offers everything an adventure enthusiast could dream of. And what could be a more fitting conclusion than experiencing one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World?

Tour Description

Day 1: CUSCO - MOLLEPATA – SORAYPAMPA

After picking you up from your hotel in Cusco, we will embark on a 3-hour bus journey to Mollepata, situated at an elevation of 2,803 meters. Here, you'll have the chance to rest before starting a 3-hour uphill trek to Soroypampa, where our first campsite awaits.

Enjoy a lunch break with breathtaking views of the towering snow-capped Humantay (4,120m/13,500 ft) and Salkantay (6,271m/20,575 ft) peaks. This campsite is unique, offering glass-roofed igloos for stargazing at night.

Once settled, we will embark on a trek to Humantay Lagoon. This uphill trail takes about 4 hours round trip, offering magical views of snow-capped mountains mirrored in clear waters.

Located at 4,200 meters above sea level, Humantay Lagoon is a perfect spot to explore the Andes. We return to Soroypampa for a delicious dinner and overnight stay.

Distance walked: 13 Kilometers.

Day 2: SORAYPAMPA – SALKANTAY PASS – COLPAPAMPA

After breakfast, we begin a 1.5-hour hike to Salkantay Pampa, offering panoramic views of the Vilcanota mountain range at 4,620 meters. "Salkantay" translates to "Wild Mountain" in Quechua.

Continue ascending for another 2.5 hours to reach the trek's highest point, the Salkantay Pass, at 4,650 meters (15,200 feet), flanked by the majestic Salkantay and Tucarhuay mountains.

Keep an eye out for Andean condors soaring above. The views here are stunning, with mountains and clear lagoons painting a spectacular natural scene.

Descend through a beautiful cloud forest to Huayracpunku (Huayracmachay) for lunch, then continue a 3-hour trek into the jungle to reach Colpapampa campsite (2,700 meters/9,800 feet).

This campsite features igloo-shaped cabins with transparent roofs, perfect for stargazing. Dinner and overnight stay included.

Distance walked: 26 Kilometers.

Day 3: COLPAPAMPA – LUCMABAMBA

After breakfast, begin hiking through the upper rainforest, crossing the Lluskamayo River via streams, and entering the cloud forest. The trail descends into more populated rural zones.

Continue the Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu through the Santa Teresa River Valley, rich with lush vegetation. Pass fields of bananas, avocados, and passion fruit, along with coffee plantations producing some of the world's best organic coffee. Bid farewell to the horses and staff at the Llactapata Inca Trail.

After lunch, reach the next campsite in Lucmabamba at 2,062 meters after a 5-hour trek. Enjoy igloos with transparent roofs for stargazing. Dinner and overnight stay.

Distance walked: 14 kilometers

Day 4: LUCMABAMBA – HYDROELECTRIC PLANT – AGUAS CALIENTES

After breakfast, a 3-hour ascent takes you to the Llactapata Pass, at 2,736 meters. Here, enjoy your first views of the southeastern side of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu and visit the Llactapata archaeological site for a short rest.

The journey to Machu Picchu continues with a 2-hour descent through coca and banana plantations, arriving at the hydroelectric dam for lunch. Proceed with a 3-hour walk along railway tracks to Aguas Calientes for an overnight stay.

Check into your hotel and join the last group dinner with your guide to discuss the next day's Machu Picchu excursion.

Distance walked: 15 kilometers

Day 5: MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

Enjoy breakfast and catch the early bus to Machu Picchu to witness the sunrise over the ancient city. Visit the " Guardhouse" area with your guide for a 30-minute exploration.

Participate in a 1-hour guided tour, and then choose to either continue exploring with the guide or independently. Optional: climb Huayna Picchu or visit the Sun Gate, the end of the Inca Trail. Explore this world wonder at your leisure.

In the afternoon, return to Aguas Calientes by bus to collect train tickets for your journey back to Cusco. After a 1.5-hour ride, arrive at the Ollantaytambo train station, where transportation will take you to your hotel in Cusco.

What’s included?

What’s included:

* Meeting with the guide one day before the tour begins * Professional English/Spanish-speaking guide * Private bus from Cusco to the starting point of the trek * Horses and cowboys * Cook * Camping equipment (igloos, sleeping mats, tables and chairs, dining and kitchen tent) * Good food (4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners) * Personal belongings maximum 6 kg * First aid kit and oxygen tank * 1 night of standard accommodation in Aguas Calientes (Comfort Service) * Round-trip bus tickets to the entrance of Machu Picchu (Comfort Service) * Entrance tickets to Salkantay, Humantay Lagoon, and Machu Picchu * Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco * Hydroelectric train to Aguas Calientes (Comfort Service)

What’s NOT included:

* Meals on the last day in Aguas Calientes * Entrance and visit to the hot springs * Tips for the team * Sleeping bag * Extra horse with rider * Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu * Travel insurance

Frequently Asked Questions

The Salkantay Trek is a moderately challenging adventure tour due to its altitude and elevation changes. The highest point is the Salkantay Pass, at approximately 4,630 meters above sea level, with sections of high-altitude hiking, uneven terrain, and varying Andean climate. The trek covers approximately 60–74 kilometers over 4–5 days to reach Machu Picchu. Good physical condition and basic mountain hiking experience are recommended. Acclimatizing for 2–3 nights in Cusco reduces the risk of altitude sickness. Staying hydrated, maintaining a steady pace, using trekking poles, and wearing layers of clothing will enhance your experience.

According to the tour operator, the tour package typically includes: transfer from Cusco to the trailhead, a bilingual professional guide, camping equipment or domes, mules/horses to carry the duffel bag, meals during the trek, treated water, a briefing, a first-aid kit and emergency oxygen, and entrance to Machu Picchu with a guided tour. The return train and transfer to Cusco are often also included. It typically does not include: sleeping bag, trekking poles, travel insurance, extra drinks, the last meal in Aguas Calientes, entrance to Huayna Picchu/Machu Picchu Mountain (optional), tips, and personal expenses.

The best time for this trek to Machu Picchu is during the dry season (May to September), with clearer skies and a lower chance of rain. April and October are shoulder seasons with variable weather. From November to March is the rainy season: the trails can be slippery and foggy, although the landscape is lush and green. At higher altitudes, nights are cold (near or below freezing), and days can be mild with high solar radiation. Pack layers of clothing, a raincoat, sunscreen, and a hat. During peak season, it's advisable to book in advance due to high tourist demand.

For this trekking trip in Peru, we recommend: a 20–30 L daypack, sleeping bag (approximately -10°C), thermal layers, fleece, waterproof jacket, trekking pants, mid-calf boots, camping sandals, hat, gloves, headlamp, water bottles or hydration pack, energy snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, personal first-aid kit, lightweight towel, power bank, passport, and cash in soles. The tour operator usually provides a duffel bag (5–7 kg limit) carried by mules/horses; you only carry your daypack. Additional luggage can be safely stored at your hotel in Cusco during the trek.

The classic 5-day/4-night itinerary is typically: Day 1 Cusco–Soraypampa and hike to Humantay Lagoon; Day 2 ascent to Salkantay Pass (4,630 m) and descent to Chaullay/Collpapampa; Day 3 cloud forest trek to Lucmabamba (local coffee); Day 4 Llactapata–Hydroelectric Plant–Aguas Calientes; Day 5 guided tour of Machu Picchu and return by train/bus to Cusco. Accommodation may be in campsites or domes, with basic toilets and limited showers. Hot meals are included, and vegetarian/vegan options are available upon request. A certified guide, first-aid kit, and oxygen are provided. Electricity and cell service may be limited along the route.

Questions

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Date

Number of people

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Cost Level

Average

Difficulty Level

Moderate

Traveler Class

Couple With friends

Type of Activity

Hiking & Trekking Train ride Wildlife watching Birding

Cancellation Policy

General terms

Type of interest

Archaeology Culture and history Nature and Wildlife Mountains