5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu With Small Group Hiking
by Salkantay Trekking
Overview
The Salkantay trek is a well-known alternative route to the Inca Trail, offering a varied landscape over five days. The hike begins with views of snow-covered peaks such as Humantay, then moves through different ecosystems including the Cloud Forest. Along the way, trekkers follow part of the original Inca Path. This small-group hike includes three nights camping in mountain locations and one night in a 3-star hotel at Aguas Calientes. The itinerary includes a visit to an organic coffee farm in the high-jungle valleys and ends with a visit to Machu Picchu. The trek covers the Salkantay and Humantay Lake trails and crosses the Salkantay Pass. The package includes all transportation needed during the trek, hotel pickup and drop-off, meals from breakfast to dinner (except on the last day for lunch and dinner), and a professional mountain guide. Equipment such as backpack covers, camping gear including private dining tents, and safety items like walkie-talkies, oxygen, satellite phones, and first aid kits are provided. The entrance fee for Machu Picchu (Circuit 2 or alternatives if unavailable) and one-way bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu are included. The return trip to Cusco is by panoramic train (Expedition or The Voyager). The group is supported by an expert chef, porters, and horsemen. Optional horseback rides are available on the first and second days but are not included. Travel insurance, trekking poles, and sleeping bags must be arranged separately. Participants should arrive in Cusco at least two days before the trek for altitude acclimatization. A pre-departure briefing is held the day before the hike at 5:00 PM. The trek is physically demanding and suitable for those in good health. Children aged 12 and older may join if accompanied by an adult. Vegetarian and vegan meal options can be requested in advance.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Hotel Pickup in Cusco
The journey starts early with a pickup from the hotel in Cusco at approximately 5:00 a.m.
120 min
Mollepata and Challacancha Start
Travel to Mollepata for breakfast before proceeding to Challacancha (3,800 m / 12,467 ft), which is the trek's starting location.
120 min
Meet Team and Hike to Soraypampa
Meet the trekking team before beginning a 7 km (4.35 miles), roughly three-hour hike along an ancient Inca canal, passing through a glacial valley until reaching Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), where Sky Camp is located.
180 min
Afternoon Hike to Humantay Lake
After lunch, undertake a round-trip hike of about three hours to Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,780 ft), known for its turquoise waters and glacier backdrop.
180 min
Dinner and Overnight at Sky Camp
Return to enjoy dinner and spend the night in a panoramic dome with direct views of Apu Salkantay.
600 min
Breakfast with Apu Salkantay View
Wake up to views of Apu Salkantay while drinking coca tea and having an energy-rich breakfast before starting the ascent to Abra Salkantay (4,630 m / 15,190 ft).
60 min
Ascent to Abra Salkantay Summit
Complete a three-hour, 7 km (4.35 mile) climb along the 'path of the seven snakes' to reach the summit, where views of the Andes and Apu Salkantay can be observed.
180 min
Descent to Huayracmachay and Collpapampa
Hike downward for approximately three hours until reaching Huayracmachay (3,850 m / 12,631 ft) where lunch is served amid natural surroundings. Later, proceed into the cloud forest where warmer temperatures and more abundant vegetation appear. Along this path, tropical plants, birds, and waterfalls can be observed before arriving at Collpapampa (2,850 m / 9,350 ft).
180 min
Dinner and Rest at Mountain Sky View Camp
End the day with dinner and rest at Mountain Sky View Camp, surrounded by natural scenery.
600 min
Morning Start in Santa Teresa Valley
The day starts at about 6:00 a.m. with breakfast accompanied by hot mate tea prior to beginning the trek through Santa Teresa Valley.
60 min
Trail to Zona Propiedad and Vehicle Transfer
Follow a gently descending trail passing rivers, waterfalls, orchids, and plantations of banana, coffee, and avocado, with chances to see the Cock-of-the-Rock bird, until reaching Zona Propiedad where a vehicle awaits to take travelers to La Playa.
240 min
Visit to Organic Coffee Farm
Upon arrival, guests explore an organic coffee farm to understand the Andean coffee production method and to taste its distinctive flavor.
120 min
Lucmabamba-Jungle-Domes
After the activity, the group continues to Lucmabamba (2,000 m / 6,562 ft) for a typical lunch and to settle into the Super Jungle Domes. The afternoon is free for exploring the area. The day ends with dinner and rest amid natural surroundings.
600 min
Start-Hike-to-Aguas-Calientes
Following breakfast, the last day of hiking begins, heading toward Aguas Calientes.
60 min
Llactapata-Inca-Site
In the morning, the route ascends for two hours along a preserved part of the Inca Trail until arriving at Llactapata (2,700 m / 8,858 ft), an archaeological location offering views of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu. The guide shares information about the Inca civilization, and visitors have free time to explore and take photographs.
180 min
Ahobamba-Lunch-Hidroeléctrica
Next, the group descends for ninety minutes until reaching Ahobamba for a lunch break. After lunch, they walk another thirty minutes to reach Hidroeléctrica, located at 1,800 m / 5,906 ft elevation. Along the way, they pass a 250-meter tall artificial waterfall that supplies energy to the city of Cusco.
120 min
Hidroeléctrica-Train-or-Hike
At Hidroeléctrica, there is an option to take the train to Aguas Calientes or continue hiking for three hours along the tracks through the jungle. Along the way, the Intihuatana, an ancient Inca solar stone connected to agricultural cycles, can be seen.
180 min
Aguas-Calientes-Dinner-Hotel
Upon arriving in Aguas Calientes, dinner is served at a local restaurant, followed by overnight accommodation in a comfortable hotel.
600 min
Early-Visit-Machu-Picchu
On this day, the group visits Machu Picchu early in the morning, climbing to the archaeological site to witness sunrise before the crowds.
120 min
Guided-Tour-Machu-Picchu
A two-hour guided tour explores key areas of the citadel including temples, houses, terraces, and water channels. The advanced Inca engineering, including a hydraulic system, is highlighted. Afterward, there is an option to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain with advance reservation.
120 min
Lunch-Aguas-Calientes-Train
After returning to Aguas Calientes for lunch, the group boards the scenic train to Ollantaytambo.
120 min
Return-to-Cusco
Private transportation then takes the group back to Cusco, concluding the Andean trek.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Additional info
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