Full itinerary of the Ultimate Salkantay Trek 5 days 4 nights

Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Salka Glamp

We will pick you up from your hotel around 4:30 am (depending on your location) for a three-hour scenic drive to the trailhead. On the way, we’ll stop in the town of Mollepata to enjoy a delicious breakfast before continuing to the starting point, where you’ll meet your porters and horsemen.

The adventure begins with a three-hour hike to Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,779 ft), where you’ll have time to rest, explore, and take in the incredible turquoise waters. We then hike downhill for about an hour to Soraypampa (3,600 m / 11,811 ft), where our chef will be waiting with a lunch made from fresh, local ingredients.

After lunch, the trail continues uphill for two hours to Salka Glamp (4,150 m / 13,615 ft), the highest point of the day. Here, you might spot Andean geese (also known as “love birds”), deer, and the curious rabbit-like vizcacha that lives among the rocks.

You’ll spend the night at the exclusive Salka Glamp Campsite, a peaceful spot with beautiful views of Salkantay Mountain. After a warm, freshly prepared dinner, you can relax and enjoy a sky full of stars before settling into your cozy tent for the night.

• Hiking Distance: 12 km / 7.5 mi
• Duration: 6 hours
• Campsite Altitude: 4,150 m / 13,615 ft
• Highest Altitude: 4,200 m / 13,779 ft
• Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea, dinner
• Accommodation: Salka Glamp Campsite
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 2: Salkantaypampa – Wayracmachay – Collpapampa

You’ll wake up bright and early with a cup of coffee or coca tea in your tent, while taking in the spectacular views of the mountains. After breakfast, we’ll set off for a two-hour ascent to the Salkantay Trek’s highest point, the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft).

At the top, we’ll take some time to explore, enjoy the area, and even visit a beautiful lake at the base of Salkantay Mountain (6,270 m / 20,574 ft). From there, we follow a 3-hour descent to the lunch place at Wayracmac

hay (3,800 m / 12,467 ft), where you can spot the vizcacha, a type of Chinchilla only found in Peru.

After a well-deserved lunch, we’ll get ready for the day’s final stretch, three more hours downhill that’ll take us from the cold highlands into the lush cloud forest. You’ll feel the change almost instantly as the weather becomes warmer, more humid, and the landscape greener.

For the night, you’ll stay in comfortable Andean huts, offering a cozy and unique experience surrounded by the greenery and tranquility of the cloud forest. The campsite is next to the village of Collpapampa.

• Hiking Distance: 18 km / 11.2 mi
• Duration: 9 hours
• Campsite Altitude: 2,770 m / 9,087 ft
• Highest Altitude: 4,630 m / 15,190 ft
• Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea, and dinner
• Accommodation: Andean huts
• Difficulty: Challenging

Day 3: Collpapampa – Llucmabamba – Llactapata

Enjoy a leisurely morning in the village while admiring the views of the mountains you left behind. After breakfast, we’ll prepare for the most beautiful day of the trek, hiking toward the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu. You’ll follow narrow paths along the river, cross wooden bridges, pass waterfalls, and walk through granadilla and banana plantations until you arrive at Lucmabamba (2,000 m / 6,561 ft) for lunch.

Today’s lunch is a special highlight of the Salkantay Trek. After hiking for about 3 hours and taking a van for the last stretch, you’ll participate in a Pachamanca Barbecue, an ancient traditional underground stone cooking method. After burying the food, you’ll visit organic coffee farms, where you’ll prepare and enjoy your own cup of coffee. While the food cooks for about 45 minutes, you can relax and explore. Then, you’ll sit down to enjoy delicious Pachamanca.

Once energized, we’ll prepare for a 3-hour climb along the Inca Trail to Llactapata, a small Inca citadel located on a mountaintop at 2,750 m (9,022 ft). Here, you’ll catch your first glimpse of Machu Picchu from a distance. This site, originally discovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911, was lost to history until its recent rediscovery.

You’ll camp right in front of Machu Picchu, and if the weather allows, witness the sunrise and sunset over the citadel from your tent.

• Hiking Distance: 16 km / 10 mi
• Duration: 6 hours
• Campsite Altitude: 2,750 m / 9,022ft
• Highest Altitude: 2,770 m / 9,022 ft
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Camping
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 4: Llactapata – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes

The first thing you’ll see today is Machu Picchu on a mountain right in front of you, while your trekking team serves you a cup of coffee or coca tea. After breakfast, enjoy an easy 2-hour downhill hike to the Hidroelectrica station. Here, you’ll have your last meal with the trekking chef, say goodbye to the team, and begin the final stretch of the Salkantay Peru Trekkers to Aguas Calientes.

The last part of the trek is a 3-hour hike along the railway, following the Urubamba River upstream. This section is rich in history. You’ll stop at Mandor Botanical Gardens, where Hiram Bingham met a farmer named Arteaga, who led him to Machu Picchu in 1911. During this stop, you’ll visit Arteaga’s farm, home to various endemic birds like the Rupicola Peruviana (cock-of-the-rock), parrots, toucans, hummingbirds, and orchids.

Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes, your guide will take you to your hotel, where you can shower, explore the town, or relax in the hot springs. In the evening, you’ll have dinner at a local restaurant and prepare for the most important day of the Salkantay trek.

• Hiking Distance: 14 km / 8.7 mi
• Duration: 6 hours
• Aguas Calientes Altitude: 2,000 m/ 6561 ft
• Highest Altitude: 2,840 m / 9,318 ft
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 5: Explore Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco

Today is the highlight of the Salkantay Trek: visiting Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. This remarkable city, abandoned for reasons still unknown in the 16th century, was once part of the great Inca Empire. You’ll wake up early, have breakfast at the hotel, and take the first buses up to Machu Picchu to catch the sunrise.

Your tour guide will lead you through the most famous temples, palaces, and plazas, sharing the mysteries of this spectacular Inca city perched on an impossible mountain peak. The guided tour lasts about 3 hours, including time to stop and snap photos at the viewpoints. If you pre-book tickets, you can also climb Huayna Picchu or Montaña (Machu Picchu Mountain). Remember, you’ll need extra time for these hikes.

In Machu Picchu, we include Circuit 2 by default, as it is the most comprehensive; however, if it is sold out, we will offer the best option available, which can be Circuit 3 or Circuit 1. We strongly suggest that all guests secure their Machu Picchu trip as early as possible, as tickets to Machu Picchu are sold on a first-come, first-served basis, and the best circuits and schedules sell out first.

After your visit, you’ll take the bus back to Aguas Calientes, have lunch, pick up your bags from the hotel, and board the Panoramic train to Ollantaytambo. From there, a private van will take you back to Cusco. The Peru Trekkers Team will drop you off at your hotel around 7:30 pm.

• Tour Duration: 2-3 hours in Machu Picchu
• Machu Picchu Altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
• Meals: Breakfast (hotel)
• Difficulty: Easy

Included

• Safety briefing the day before the tour
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• All transportation during the tour
• Professional tour guide
• Return on the Panoramic Vistadome Train or 360° Train
• Round-trip bus to Machu Picchu
• Entry tickets to the Salkantay Trek and Machu Picchu
• Muleteers to carry all camping equipment
• Experienced chef to prepare meals
• 1 night at Salka Glamp Campsite for a luxurious experience under the stars (Day 1)
• 1 night at Andean huts in Collpapampa (Day 2)
• 1 night in comfortable tents at Llactapata, with views of Machu Picchu (Day 3)
• 1 night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes (Day 4)
• All meals on the trail, except lunch on the last day
• Water and daily snacks
• Pachamanca barbecue and coffee experience on Day 3
• Duffle bag for up to 8 kg (17 lb) of personal belongings
• First-aid kit, satellite phones, and oxygen supply
• Pillow, sleeping pad, rain poncho, hand towels

Not Included

• Sleeping bag, air mattress, trekking poles (you can rent them from us)
• Last day lunch
• Entry to Huayna Picchu or Montaña Machu Picchu (optional)
• Travel Insurance

Salkantay Trek 5 days Packing List

When you sign up for the Salkantay Trek, you will hike Peru’s second-most popular route and the most challenging trek to Machu Picchu. You’ll be walking from high altitudes into jungle areas. The terrain varies with unpredictable weather, so you must be well-prepared.

It’s important to note that you won’t carry all your belongings on this trek; you will only take essentials for the tour and leave the rest of your luggage in Cusco. We will provide a duffle bag for 7 kilos of your items, including your sleeping bag and air mattress. Mules carry these duffle bags for the first two days, and then our porters will transfer them to the hotel in Aguas Calientes.

You will also have a daypack, which must be with you at all times while hiking, containing the essentials for the day. We recommend a maximum of 5 to 8 kilos in your daypack.

Essentials

• Original passport: Required for Machu Picchu. Keep it safe and dry in a plastic bag or waterproof case.
• Student ID: Only if you booked with the student discount. Send it to booking@perutrekkers.com to confirm eligibility.
• Backpack: We recommend a 25-35 liter a maximum weight of around 5–8 kg, lightweight, for carrying all your essentials.
• Water container: Camelbak or bottles totaling 2 liters. Insulated ones help keep water cool.
• Hiking boots: Lightweight and waterproof. Break them in beforehand to avoid blisters.

What to pack in the daypack?

• Plastic Ponchos: Provided by Peru Trekkers. You’ll still need a rain jacket; ponchos are only for heavy rain. Please return the ponchos with your duffle bag after the trek.
• Sunscreen and Lip Balm: You’ll be exposed to direct sun; bring or buy the right sunscreen in Cusco.
• Toilet Paper: Local toilets usually charge one sol; always have toilet paper in your daypack.
• Insect Repellent: Essential after the second day in jungle areas; wear long sleeves.
• Rain Jacket and Warm/Winter Jacket: Mornings can be very cold; you’ll remove layers as you warm up.
• Snacks: Energy bars, granola bars, chocolate, and candies are good for extra energy.
• Water Container: Bring enough water for the first half-day; we’ll provide water after the first lunch. A 2-liter container, camel bag, or reusable bottle is best.
• Flashlight or Headlamp: Useful during hikes or at night around the campsite; a headlamp keeps your hands free.
• Hat: A sun hat for daytime and a warm hat for nights. Gloves are recommended for cold mornings and nights.
• Sunglasses: The sun in Salkantay can be intense.
• Extra Cash: About 600 soles (200 USD), with some small coins. This covers toilets, souvenirs, drinks, snacks, and any tips you wish to give.
• Personal Medication: Band-Aids, Diamox, Pepto-Bismol, ibuprofen, Imodium, motion sickness pills, and feminine products.
• Devices: Camera and/or phone for photos.

What to pack in the duffle bag:

• Sleeping Bag (-10°C Rating): Bring your own or rent from us.
• Hiking Boots: Lightweight and waterproof. Break them in beforehand to avoid blisters.
• Sandals: Comfortable footwear for around the campsite.
• Six Pairs of Wool Hiking Socks
• Four Pairs of Light Socks: For nights or wearing with sandals.
• 6+ Pairs of Underwear: Extra in case they get wet.
• 2 or 3 Hiking Pants: Breathable materials are ideal. Leggings also work well.
• 1 Sweatpant: For nights and early mornings.
• 5 Sets of T-Shirts: Long-sleeve shirts are recommended.
• Tissues or Wet Wipes: To freshen up after a long day.
• Bathing Suit (Optional): If you plan to visit the hot springs in Aguas Calientes.
• Trekking Poles: Bring your own or rent from us.

Salkantay Trek 5 Days FAQs

What is Salkantay?

Salkantay is the second-highest mountain in the Cusco region, with 6,271m / 20,574 ft. It is located in the west-northwest Vilcabamba Mountain, 60 km from Cusco in the Peruvian Andes’ mid-range. Salkantay means “Savage Mountain” and is considered a sacred deity that has controlled the weather and fertility of locals since the Inca Times.

Salkantay was first climbed in 1952 by a French-American expedition. Due to its location on the Amazon border, shape, and steepness, Salkantay Mountain is considered very difficult to climb.

What is Salkantay Trek?

The proximity of Salkantay to Machu Picchu and ancient trails make this a perfect Alternative Trek called the Salkantay Trek.

The Salkantay trek can be done in a 4 or 5-day trek to Machu Picchu, reaching a maximum of 4,630m /15,190ft high, the Salkantay Pass. National Geographic’s Adventure Travel Magazine named this trek among the 25 Best Treks in the World.

How long is the Salkantay Trek?

Salkantay Trek can be done in many ways, depending on your itinerary or your chosen operator. The most popular tours are 4 and 5 days; shorter than four days can be too challenging, and longer schedules usually include city tours, Sacred Valley tours, and not the hike itself.

• Salkantay Trek 4 days and 3 nights.- The hike starts in Soraypampa, visits the amazing Humantay Lake and Salkantay pass, and arrives at Machu Picchu after 3 days of the hike. On the last day, you will visit Machu Picchu and return to Cusco on the panoramic trains (Vistadome or 360°). The Total hiking distance is 44km/28 mi, and this doesn’t include the walking tour around Machu Picchu
• Salkantay Trek 5 days and 4 nights.- The ultimate Salkantay Trek starts in Soraypamapa Village, arrives at Humantay Lake, Salkantay Pass, and allows camp for 1 night in Llaqtapata, a unique archeological site located on a mountain top right in front of Machu Picchu. The total hiking distance is 60km/38 mi for the 4-day hiking tour. On the 5th day, this is a walking tour of Machu Picchu.

Is Salkantay Trek worth it?

Definitely! The Salkantay Trek gives you that unique sense of achievement that other hikes can’t match. This journey is a great combination of natural beauty and archeological sites, making the trek complete; it starts high in the mountains, where cold temperatures and snow-capped mountains dominate the landscapes, and ends at the high jungle or Cloud Forest. In any case, it’s a great opportunity to witness unique views, climates, and weather changes throughout the journey, with the added chance to camp in front of Machu Picchu.

How high is Salkantay Trek?

It’s important to note the difference between Salkantay Mountain, which is 6,271 m (20,574 ft), and the highest pass reached during the trek, the Salkantay Pass, which is 4,630m /15,190 ft.

•  First campsite: 3,900 m / 12,795 ft
•  Second campsite: 2,770 m / 9,087 ft
•  Third campsite: 2,750 m / 9,022 ft
•  Last night at Aguas Calientes: 2,000 m / 6,561 ft

How is the weather in the Salkantay Trek?

The Salkantay Trek weather varies throughout the year depending on whether you are hiking during the dry season (April to October) or the wet season (November to March). The temperatures will rise slightly during the wet season, as is summer in the Southern Hemisphere. The trek goes through different ecosystems and altitudes, which means you get a radical change in weather. The minimum temperature can reach 0°C in the mountains and a maximum of 24°C in the cloud forest.

Is it very cold on the Salkantay trek?

Yes. Temperatures can drop to 0°C / 32°F and sometimes below that level, especially in winter (May to August). The coldest it can get is during the first night because you will be close to Salkantay Mountain and Humantay Peak.

Can it be hot on the Salkantay trek?

After you’ve passed the highest point, you will reach the edge of the jungle. This means you will get a warmer day. On a sunny normal day, it can reach up to 24° C and, in rare cases, up to 30°C. The rainy season (November to March) is where you usually get the highest temperatures.

Salkantay Trek weather day by day:

Day 1: During the first day of the trek, the temperatures will be from 18°C/64°F maximum during daytime and will drop below 0 °C/ 32°F at night. It’s essential to have warm clothes as the temperature will drop when the sun sinks or gets cloudy. High places like Humantay Lake are always chilly, even with the sun.

Day 2: The second day offers 2 completely different climates. The first part of the day until lunch, you will hike through the Salkantay Pass, the highest and most challenging part of the trek; this part is usually bright and sunny; however, if rain falls, the temperature will drop to very cold, and you will need to wear jackets, hats, gloves.

The temperature will increase in the second part of the day as we enter below the tree line (below 3000m). Here, we will start descending quickly to the second campsite in the Cloud Forest. The temperatures will be from 24°C/75°F during the day and 10°C/ 50°F at night.

Day 3: You will be hiking through the tropical cloud forest all day during the third day. You must wear light clothes, protect yourself from the sun and mosquitoes, and have plenty of water. At night, temperatures can be around 10°C/ 53°F

Day 4: The last day of hiking starts as the day before in the Cloud Forest as we lower even more until we reach Aguas Calientes town with an average temperature range between 12ºC/54ºF and 24ºC/75ºF

Day 5: During the 5th day, you will visit Machu Picchu in the tropical mountain forest with warm and humid weather almost all year round.

Salkantay Trip: What To Expect from this Trek?

When you choose Salkantay, you are signing up for the most challenging trek we have to Machu Picchu, and you must be prepared for long hours of hiking in sunny, cloudy, rainy, chilly weather—camp during the first night under freezing point weather and no electricity or cellphone service.

Not every day is freezing; it is cold on day one and half of day 2. Also, after the second campsite, there is a cell phone signal and wifi at specific points.

Which Salkantay trek should I take?

There are so many tours to Machu Picchu and Salkantay that travelers might have difficulty deciding which one to take.

Among the most important factors to consider is price; you should not choose the lowest prices, as they have hidden costs, and you will end up paying more or having a bad experience. The regular price of the Salkantay trek varies between 450 USD and 650 USD. This cost should include 3-star hotels, meals, porters, transportation, and an English-speaking certified tour guide.

It’s essential to book your tour with a company with a good reputation; this is a hiking tour at a high altitude and slippery terrain, and you should trust the company and tour guides.

Peru Trekkers provides experienced tour guides, expert chefs, and comfortable camping equipment; plus, we include a Coffee tour, Pachamanca cooking, and a Panoramic Vistadome train on the last day for a great price.

How to prepare for the Salkantay Trek?

The Salkantay Route is doable by anybody; however, you need a moderate fitness level to finish the trek. You don’t need to be an expert hiker but have a somewhat active life; if not, you must prepare before this trip to avoid bad experiences.

You do not need to train months in advance. However, you must go on occasional hikes for about an hour or 2 and increase the frequency and duration as you get closer to the tour departure. Some hours in the gym, jogging, or spinning will also help.

We recommend hiking on weekends or at least twice a month on short treks, including uphill.

Is altitude sickness a problem? What should I do to avoid altitude sickness?

Altitude sickness is real and can affect anybody, whether they are expert hikers or not. Below are some recommendations to avoid altitude sickness:

•  Arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before your trek departure; this will help you to adapt to the altitude before your trek; during these first days, you should do activities that are not exhausting or that don’t include several hours of hiking: we recommended Cusco City Tour, Sacred Valley tour, or Maras Moray.

•  You should avoid tours like Rainbow Mountain, including several hiking hours, which are very high. This tour is perfect after the Machu Picchu trip.

•  Bring altitude medicine like Diamox or others recommended by your doctor.

•  During the first days in Cusco, eat light and drink lots of water; Coca tea will help.

Where to book the Salkantay Trek tour in Cusco?

Machu Picchu is the most important tourist destination in South America and Peru; we have limited entrances to this Sanctuary. We have 2 train companies, Aguas Calientes town and Machu Picchu, which receive thousands of visitors daily. You must always book your tour in advance to consider these and other factors.

Booking your tour early will allow us to choose the best train schedules, hotels, and Machu Picchu entry shifts.

When is the best time to hike the Salkantay and visit Machu Picchu?

The best time to visit Machu Picchu is from April to November, which is the dry season. April and November are the shoulder months, and a weather increase is expected.

January and February are months to avoid this trek due to the heavy rainy season and the risk of landslides. During these months, we recommend the Lares trek.