The 5-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is a historic and secluded trail situated in the same area as the Inca Trail, where towering snow-covered mountains blend with vibrant tropical rainforests.
Regarded as one of the top treks globally, the Salkantay Trek showcases a range of Peruvian landscapes, from deserts and jungles to mountain crossings and clear blue lagoons.
This trek near Salkantay leads close to massive, awe-inspiring snow-clad peaks, offering an immersion into nature at its most pristine. Importantly, it allows exploration of over 15 distinct ecosystems all within a span of 5 days. Additionally, this Salkantay Trek provides chances for cultural and ethnic interactions, which the local communities continue to uphold and observe.
Group Size: Small groups limited to a maximum of 10 participants.
You’ll commence the Classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu by departing from Cusco at approximately 4:30 am in our private van. We’ll head to Mollepata town (2,900 meters), reaching our destination by around 8:00 am. Upon arrival, we’ll take a break for any final supplies, a brief stretch, and restroom facilities. We’ll then continue our journey upwards in the private van to the starting point of our trek at Challacancha.
Upon reaching Challacancha, we’ll rendezvous with our support team, unload our equipment onto horses and mules, and begin our hike towards Soraypampa (3,900 m) by 9:00 am. During this segment of the Salkantay trek, if weather permits, we’ll be treated to panoramic views of the stunning Salkantay and Humantay mountains. By midday, we’ll pause for a traditional Peruvian lunch. Following lunch, our path will lead us further up to Humantay Lake, characterized by its turquoise waters situated at the glacier’s base. Upon returning to our camp, your tents will be set up and dinner will be served.
Accommodation: Campsite in Soraypampa
Today on our Salkantay trek, you’ll witness a dramatic shift in nature, transitioning from rugged alpine terrains to snow-capped peaks and tropical zones. After enjoying a nourishing breakfast crafted by our local Salkantay trekking chef, we’ll embark on the most challenging segment of the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu. Our hike will commence around 7:00 am as we head towards Salkantay Pampa, then veer left towards the towering face of Salkantay. By midday, we’ll reach the trek’s pinnacle at an altitude of 4,600 meters.
The vistas from this vantage point are simply awe-inspiring, encompassing not only the Salkantay glacier (6,264 m) but also the neighboring peaks and valleys below. Around 1:00 pm, we’ll pause for lunch at a location known as Wayraqmachay. Following a 3-hour trek, we’ll arrive at our campsite in Challway (2,920 m). Upon reaching the camp, the Salkantay trekking team will have your tents prepared and your duffel bags ready. Later in the evening, we’ll unwind from the day’s trek and enjoy a communal dinner at our camp in Challway.
Accommodation: Campsite in Challway
After enjoying a delectable homemade breakfast, you’ll kick off the shortest yet most exhilarating day of your Salkantay journey. Today, you’ll be treated to some of the most breathtaking vistas along your Salkantay trekking path to Machu Picchu. We’ll begin our Salkantay hike through the high-altitude jungles. After approximately 5 hours, we’ll reach Playa Sahuayaco near the town of Collpabamba, passing through an elevation referred to as the “eyebrow of the Amazon.” Here, you’ll encounter an abundance of waterfalls, fruit-bearing trees, and a rich variety of flora and fauna.
With any luck, we might catch a glimpse of the iconic Andean bird, the “Cock of the Rocks,” adding to the day’s natural splendor. Upon reaching Playa Sahuayaco, we’ll take a break to rest and enjoy lunch.
In the afternoon, after trekking downstream for a few more hours, we’ll arrive at the town of Lucmabamba, our final campsite and the starting point of the Inca Trail to Llactapata.
Here, you’ll have the opportunity to visit a local organic coffee farm, where you can explore orange and avocado plantations and sample freshly brewed coffee. During your time at the coffee farm, you’ll receive a brief overview of the region’s coffee history and its significance to the area.
Around 3 pm, we’ll board local transportation for a half-hour ride to Cocalmayo, where you can indulge in a relaxing soak in the natural hot springs.
We’ll return to camp feeling rejuvenated and ready for dinner, prepared with the fresh fruits and vegetables we harvested today.
Accommodation: Campsite in Lucmabamba
This morning, our Salkantay trek will involve a gradual ascent lasting about 2 hours to reach the archaeological site of Llactapata. This impressive site has historical ties to both Machu Picchu and Sayacmarka. After exploring Llactapata, we’ll descend towards the Hydro-Electrica (hydro station), which will take approximately 1.5 hours. From there, a leisurely 3-hour walk will lead us to the town of Aguas Calientes, where we’ll check into our hotel for the night. Later in the evening, we’ll reconvene for a group dinner at one of the local restaurants in town.
Accommodation: Golden Sunrise Machu Picchu Hotel *** or similar
On our final day of the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu route, we’ll begin early with a wake-up call at around 5:00 am for breakfast.
We’ll then catch one of the first buses to Machu Picchu to avoid the main crowds and witness the citadel bathed in the morning’s first light. Our guide will commence the day with a tour of the most significant sites, altars, and structures within Machu Picchu.
Throughout the tour, you’ll gain insights into the history of this remarkable place and the ancient cultures that once inhabited it. If you’re still up for more adventure after the past few days, this is the perfect opportunity to ascend either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
Once you feel satisfied with your exploration of Machu Picchu, a bus will transport you back to Aguas Calientes for lunch. After lunch, we’ll board the train to Ollantaytambo and then continue our journey to Cusco in our private van, marking the conclusion of our Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu.
SERVICE |
PRICE |
| Sleeping bag adequate for the temperature of minus 10°C | $25.00 |
| Walking stick highly recommended! | $15.00 |
| Single supplement | $70.00 |
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Daypacks can be any size for hiking, but we always say the smaller, the better. Inside Machu Picchu, bags larger than 25L will not be allowed in. If it is larger, you will need to store it outside citadel gates. But don´t worry, they have a secure storage facility.
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