Overview
The Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu is one of Peru's most famous hikes and boasts the best alternative route to the Inca Trail. On this 5-Day adventure, you will experience the wildest range of eco-systems. Watch towering snow-capped peaks like Humantay, make a dramatic transition to venture into the Cloud Forest, and pass a section of the Inca Path.
If you want to be off the main route to Machu Picchu, close to remote towns, and Peru’s hypnotic nature, this Salkantay Trek is for you.
• Join a small-group trek with the Kings of the Salkantay Trail
• See Humantay Lake and beat the Salkantay Pass
• Spend three nights in exclusive accommodations in the middle of the mountains
• Visit an organic coffee farm in the High-jungle valleys
• Explore the World best UNESCO site: Machu Picchu
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Mobile ticket
- Hotel pickup offered
What's included
Meals: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners (we cater to every dietary restriction)
3 nights camping accommodation (Sky Camp, Andean Huts, Jungle Domes)
Hotel pickup and drop-off
All entrance fees (Salkantay Trek & Machu Picchu)
Experienced Mountain Guide
Duffle Bag for 7kg of your personal gear (carried by the horses)
Safety: First aid kit, oxygen supply, and emergency satellite phones
One way bus between Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu
Tourist Class Train Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo
Extras: Trekking poles, sleeping bag, backpack cover and rain poncho
All Private Transport and transfers during the tour
Water, Tea Time, and daily snacks on the trail
Expert chef, porters, and horsemen
1 night in a 3-star hotel at Aguas Calientes
Private Camping Facilities & Equipment (dining rooms, kitchen, tables, and chairs)
Pre-departure briefing (One day before your trek at 17:00hrs)
Lunch and Dinner on Day 5
Train Transfer from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes (Optional)- $35
Huayna Picchu Mountain Hike (Can be booked, subject to availability)
Machu Picchu Mountain Hike (Can be booked, subject to availability)
Travel Insurance (Recommended)
Gratuities for the staff (Optional)
Meeting and pickup
Pickup is offered for all travelers.
Good to know
- Keep in mind this hike is a challenging trek. Travelers must be in good health and physical shape to fully enjoy every moment of this adventure.
- It's recommended that you arrive in Cusco at least two days before the trek to adjust to the altitude.
- You will have a briefing session, which will be held in our main office in Cusco at 5:00 pm, one night before the tour begins. These meetings last approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
- Our travel specialists will send you a message from +51 974 727 031 via WhatsApp for easy and efficient communication. Contact us now, and let's get started planning your unforgettable adventure!
What to expect
Day 1 Cusco - Challacancha - Soraypampa - Humantay Lake - Sky Camp
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Salkantay Trail
6 hours Admission ticket included
Start with an early pickup and a drive to Mollepata, where you'll get an optional breakfast before continuing to Challacancha, the trek's starting point. The first-morning walk will be about 3 hours and will take you to your first accommodation, the Sky Camp of Soraypampa. After an energizing lunch at the facilities, the afternoon trek goes to the famous Humantay Lake, known as the jewel in the mountains. The 3-hour round trip will allow you, on this first day, to soak in the impressive Andean scenery and the lake reflections before you head down for a tasty dinner and well-earned sleep.
Day 2 Soraypampa - Salkantay Pass - Chaullay - Andean Huts
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Salkantay Trail
10 hours Admission ticket included
Today is the toughest day, but you’ll be greatly rewarded with fantastic views and the most wonderful scenery. After breakfast, you’ll be heading for 3 hours up to the Salkantay Pass, where you’ll spend some time taking photos of the incredible landscape and recovering your energy. Next, you’ll hike downhill to the lunch spot through the cloud forest before continuing on your way to the edge of the jungle. Amidst exotic scenery, you'll get to Chaullay, where you’ll spend the night in your Andean Hut.
Day 3 Chaullay - Colpapampa - La Playa - Lucmabamba - Jungle Domes
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Salkantay Trail
6 hours Admission ticket included
The adventure continues by hiking through the jungle of the Santa Teresa Valley, where you’ll observe a lush landscape of rivers, waterfalls, orchids, and many plantations, including banana, coffee, and avocado. You’ll get to our Jungle Domes camp at lunchtime for a rest before you get to enjoy a free afternoon to explore your surroundings and visit an organic coffee farm. You’ll get a good night’s rest this evening, listening to the sounds of nature all around.
Day 4 Lucmabamba - Llactapata - Hidroelectrica - Aguas Calientes
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Salkantay Trail
9 hours Admission ticket included
Today, things get more exciting as you hike along a part of the original Inca Trail. You’ll walk up for 2 hours to the Inca archaeological site of Llactapata and enjoy your first glimpse of Machu Picchu. You’ll also learn about the site’s history before beating the next stretch.
Next, you’ll walk downhill to lunch before making your way to Hidroelectrica. From here, you can continue on foot to Aguas Calientes for about 3 hours or board a train for an extra fee. Tonight, you’ll be dining in a restaurant and sleeping in a hotel before the grand day tomorrow.
Day 5 Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco
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Machu Picchu
4 hours
This day is to crown your journey at one of the World's Seven Wonders, Machu Picchu. To beat the crowds, you'll kick off early to the Citadel and get in for the first lookover. You'll enjoy a 2-hour guided tour of the site and learn everything there's to know about it, including a visit to the most important nooks and sectors. If you book any additional hikes to the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountains, there's plenty more time to explore at your pace. You'll later return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and catch your train to Ollantaytambo. From there, our private transport will take you back to your hotel in Cusco, where you can rest and reflect on this unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Times are local to the experience (America/Lima).
Additional Information
- KEEP IN MIND THIS HIKE IS A CHALLENGING TREK. TRAVELLERS HAVE TO BE IN GOOD HEALTH AND PHYSICAL SHAPE TO FULLY ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF THIS ADVENTURE.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
FAQs about Salkantay Classic Trek 5 Days from Cusco
Can I cancel Salkantay Classic Trek 5 Days from Cusco for free?
No. All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
How long does it take?
It takes about 5 days.
Is pickup offered?
Pickup is offered for all travelers.
What's included?
- Meals: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners (we cater to every dietary restriction)
- 3 nights camping accommodation (Sky Camp, Andean Huts, Jungle Domes)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- All entrance fees (Salkantay Trek & Machu Picchu)
- Experienced Mountain Guide
- Duffle Bag for 7kg of your personal gear (carried by the horses)
- Safety: First aid kit, oxygen supply, and emergency satellite phones
- One way bus between Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu
What's not included?
- Lunch and Dinner on Day 5
- Train Transfer from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes (Optional)- $35
- Huayna Picchu Mountain Hike (Can be booked, subject to availability)
- Machu Picchu Mountain Hike (Can be booked, subject to availability)
- Travel Insurance (Recommended)
- Gratuities for the staff (Optional)
Which places does it visit?
It visits Salkantay Trail, Machu Picchu.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English, Spanish.
Operated by Salkantay Trekking















