Salkantay Classic Trek to Machu Picchu
The ultimate 5-day adventure crossing the towering Salkantay pass and descending into the lush jungle before reaching Machu Picchu.
Tour Type
Group Tour | Adventure
Duration
5 Days / 4 Nights
Elevation
Up to 4,600 m / 15,090 ft
Difficulty
Moderate
Departure
Hotel
Destination
Andes Trekking
Latitude
-13.3333
Longitude
-72.5333
Tour Overview
The 5-Day Salkantay Trek is an epic journey designed for adventurous travelers who want to experience the raw, untamed beauty of the Andes. Recognized by National Geographic as one of the world's best treks, this route takes you far off the beaten path, bypassing the crowded Inca Trail to offer a deeper, more spiritual connection with nature.
Your adventure begins with a hike to the stunning turquoise waters of Humantay Lake before facing the ultimate physical challenge: crossing the Salkantay Pass at 4,600m (15,091ft) right beneath the towering glaciers. From this frozen, high-altitude alpine environment, the trail descends dramatically into the high jungle (cloud forest), where the landscape transforms entirely. You will walk through lush valleys filled with wild orchids, waterfalls, and coffee plantations.
On the final days, you will follow the Urubamba river, hike along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes, and culminate your journey with an unforgettable sunrise visit to the lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu.
Highlights
- Humantay Lake: Start your trek with a visit to one of Peru's most beautiful glacial lakes.
- Salkantay Pass: Conquer the highest point of the trek, feeling the sheer power of the Salkantay glacier.
- Cloud Forest: Experience dramatic climate changes as you hike into the tropical Amazonian basin.
- Llaqta Pata: Discover a remote Inca ruin that offers a unique rear-view perspective of Machu Picchu.
- Machu Picchu: Reward your physical efforts with a guided tour of the magnificent Inca citadel.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake
04:30 AM
Early pick up from your hotel in Cusco and drive to Mollepata for breakfast.
09:00 AM
Arrive at the trailhead in Challacancha and begin the hike to Soraypampa.
12:00 PM
Lunch at the Soraypampa base camp.
02:00 PM
Hike up to the stunning Humantay Lake (4,200m) for acclimatization and photos.
05:00 PM
Return to Soraypampa for dinner and a freezing but beautiful night under the stars in glass igloos or tents.
Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Chaullay
05:30 AM
Wake up with a hot cup of coca tea and breakfast.
07:00 AM
Begin the challenging ascent to the Salkantay Pass.
11:00 AM
Reach the Salkantay Pass (4,600m). Enjoy the views and participate in an Andean offering to the mountains.
01:00 PM
Descend to Wayracmachay for a hot lunch.
05:00 PM
Continue descending into the cloud forest until reaching the Chaullay campsite.
Day 3: Chaullay – Lucmabamba (Coffee Tour)
06:00 AM
Breakfast at the campsite in the warm jungle environment.
07:30 AM
Hike through the Santa Teresa valley, crossing rivers, waterfalls, and passion fruit farms.
12:00 PM
Arrive at La Playa for lunch.
02:00 PM
Short walk to Lucmabamba campsite. Participate in a local coffee roasting and tasting tour.
05:00 PM
Optional visit to Cocalmayo hot springs (transportation extra). Dinner at the camp.
Day 4: Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Aguas Calientes
06:00 AM
Early breakfast and start climbing an original portion of the Inca Trail.
09:00 AM
Arrive at the Llactapata archaeological site for a distant, unique view of Machu Picchu.
12:00 PM
Descend to the Hydroelectric station for lunch.
02:30 PM
Walk along the train tracks through the jungle to Aguas Calientes.
05:30 PM
Check into your hotel in Aguas Calientes. Final group dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 5: Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco
04:30 AM
Early wake up and breakfast at the hotel.
05:30 AM
Take the first bus up to the Machu Picchu citadel.
06:30 AM
Enter Machu Picchu just as the sun rises. Enjoy a 2-hour guided tour.
09:00 AM
Free time to explore on your own or hike Huayna Picchu (if booked in advance).
01:00 PM
Take the bus down to Aguas Calientes and board the return train to Ollantaytambo.
06:00 PM
Bus transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco, dropping you off near the main square.
Includes
- Pre-departure briefing in Cusco
- Pick up from your hotel and transportation to the trailhead
- English-speaking professional mountain guide
- Entrance tickets to the Salkantay Trail and Machu Picchu
- Chef and cooking equipment (all meals on the trek included)
- Mules and muleteers to carry camping equipment and 5kg of your personal items
- Camping equipment (tents, dining tent, chairs, tables)
- 1 Night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Return train ticket to Ollantaytambo and bus to Cusco
Excludes
- Sleeping bag and walking sticks (can be rented)
- Entrance to Humantay Lake (approx. 20 Soles)
- First breakfast and last lunch in Aguas Calientes
- Entrance to Cocalmayo Hot Springs
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain tickets
- Gratuities for the guide, cook, and muleteers
What to bring
- Good quality, broken-in hiking boots
- Sleeping bag rated for -10°C (14°F)
- Layers of clothing for extreme temperature changes (thermal wear, fleece, down jacket)
- Rain gear (poncho or waterproof jacket/pants)
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Insect repellent and strong sunscreen
- Original passport (required for Machu Picchu entry)
Pro Travel Tips
- Spend at least 2 full days in Cusco before starting the trek to acclimatize to the altitude.
- Pack light. The mules carry a strict maximum of 5kg of your belongings, which must include your sleeping bag.
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