Ultimate Salkantay Trek - 5 Days

From £406£81 per day Save 10%

Who is this trip for

Genders

  • Female45%
  • Male55%

Average age

35
12 Min99 Max

Start / End

  • Cusco
  • Cusco

Physical rating

4/5

Group size

2 - 12

Meals included

13

Highlights

  • Entrance ticket to Salkantay and Machu Picchu
  • The variety of scenery: See natural bridges, lush green valleys, snow-capped mountains, waterfalls, wildlife, verdant farmland and humid, orchid filled, cloud forests.
  • Pachamanca Barbecue & Coffee Tour
  • Return on the Panoramic trains (Vistadome or 360°)
  • One night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
  • The breath-taking panorama of the Andean mountain range from Vilcabamba to Salkantay

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Summary

The Ultimate Salkantay Trek 5 days 4 nights takes you to explore the second most popular route to Machu Picchu after the Classic Inca Trail 4 days. Highlights include Humantay Lake, hike around snow-capped mountains, the cloud forest, visit organic coffee farms, participate in a Pachamanca barbecue, camping at Llaqtapata, finish the trek in awe-inspiring Machu Picchu. The panoramic train is included in this trip making it one of the best value out there! A pre trip meeting is held on the evening prior to the trip so you must be in Cusco by then at the latest.

Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Cusco – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Salkantaypampa

    Start the Salkantay Trek with a pick-up from your hotel’s door around 4:30 am (depending on your location) and drive for 3.5 hours to the trailhead at Soraypampa (3600 m / 11811 ft) – arriving approximately at 8:30 am. Once in Soraypampa, surrounded by mountains, you will enjoy the first perfect breakfast prepared by your chef, then meet the team of porters, horsemen chef-led by the tour guide to later start the Salkantay TreXperience!

    The first part starts with a 2-hour walk up until you reach the stunning glacial lake of Humantay (4200 m / 13779 ft). Once at the lake, you will have time to explore the surroundings and relax, enjoying this spectacular turquoise water lake’s beautiful vistas. Then continue down to the lunch place for two more hours, where the chef is waiting to serve you a delicious meal prepared using local organic products from the area. Along the way, you will see various flora and fauna, such as the Andean goose (the love birds), deer, and vizcachas (which look a lot like a rabbit).

    After lunch, you will continue for two more hours along a beautiful valley with meandering streams until reaching Salkantay Pampa (3900 m/12795 ft). This basecamp offers you an unobstructed view of Salkantay Mountain and the sky at night. Get ready for dinner, stargaze, and sleep under a million stars.

    Campsite Altitude: 3900 m/12795 ft Highest altitude: 4200 m / 13779 ft Distance: 12 km / 7.4 miles Duration: 6 hours Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea, dinner Accommodation: Camping under million stars Considered: Moderate

  • Day 2

    Salkantaypampa – Wayrampunku – Collpapampa

    Wake you bright and early with a hot cup of coffee or coca tea, admiring the spectacular views of the snowcapped mountains. After breakfast, you will start the ascent for 2 hours to the Salkantay Trek’s highest point at 4630 m (15190 ft). Once on top, you will take some time to explore and enjoy the area and even visit a beautiful lake at the base of Salkantay Mounatin. It’s then another 3-hour downhill hike to the lunch place at Wayracmachay (3800 m/ 12467 ft). Along the way, it is possible to see Vizcachas (Lagidium Peruanum), a unique type of Chinchilla endemic to Peru.

    After a well-earned lunch, you will get ready for the day’s final stretch, 3-more hours of downhill from the highland where the air is dry and cold, into the lush cloud forest where the weather is warm humid. For sure, this is one of the fastest changes in temperature and landscape that you will experience. The campsite is located next to the village of Collpapampa at 2770m (9087ft).

    Campsite Altitude: 2770 mt / 9087 ft Highest altitude: 4630 m /15190 ft Distance: 18 km/ 11.1 miles Duration: 9 hours Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea, and dinner Accommodation: Camping next to a village Considered: Challenging

  • Day 3

    Day 3: Collpapampa – Llucmabamba – Llactapata

    Enjoy a leisurely time in the village while admiring the view of the mountains you left behind. After breakfast, you will prepare for the most beautiful day of this expedition to the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu, hiking along narrow paths, following the river, passing wooden bridges, waterfalls, granadilla, banana plantations, until you arrive at Lucmabamba (2000 m / 6561 ft) for lunch.

    Today’s lunch is unique and a highlight of the Salkantay Trek. After hiking for about 3 hours, taking a van, the last part, you will get ready to participate in a Pachamanca, an old traditional underground stone barbecue. After burying the food, you will visit the organic coffee farms and prepare your cup. The cooking takes about 45 minutes; then, you sit down to enjoy the different delicacies like the Cuy (Guinea pig), different types of potatoes, fruits, vegetables prepared like locals.

    Once fed and re-energized, get ready for a final 3-hour climb along an ancient Inca Trail to Llaqtapata, a small citadel located in a mountain top at 2750m (9022ft), where you will catch the first glimpse of Machu Picchu from a distance. This place was discovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911 and lost again until recently. You will be camping right in front of Machu Picchu; when you open your tent, you will be able to see the sunrise and sunset over Machu Picchu if the weather allows.

    Campsite Altitude: 2,750 m / 9022ft Distance: 16 km / 9.9 miles Duration of hike: 6 hours Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Accommodation: Camping in front of Machu Picchu Difficulty: Moderate

  • Day 4

    Llactapata – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes

    Open your tent, and the first you see is Machu Picchu in another mountain in front of you while your trekking team offers you a cup of coffee or coca tea. After breakfast, it’s an easy 2-hour downhill to the hydroelectric station. You will have the last brunch with the trekking chef, say goodbye to them, and hike the final stretch of the Salkantay TreXperience to Aguas Calientes.

    The last part it’s a 3-hour hike along the railway, following the Urubamba river upstream. This section of the Trek is steeped in history as you will stop at Mandor Botanical gardens, visited by Hiram Bingham, who found a farmer named Arteaga living in the area. He will be the first to take the American to Machu Picchu in 1911. You will visit Arteaga’s farm, home to various endemic birds such as the Rupicola Peruviana (locally known as the cock-of-the-rock), parrots, toucans, hummingbirds, and orchids. Once in Aguas Calientes, your guide will take you to your hotel, where you can shower, visit the city, or the hot springs. You will have dinner in a local restaurant as you plan the next and most important day of the Salkantay Trek in the evening.

    Aguas Calientes: 2,000 m/ 6561 ft Distance: 14 km / 8.6 miles Duration: 6 hours Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Accommodation: 3-star hotel Difficulty: Moderate

  • Day 5

    Machu Picchu (Arrive With The First Ones)

    Today is the most important day of the Salkantay Trek. It is visiting one of the world’s new seven wonders, a city abandoned for unknown reasons during the 16th century by the great Inca Empire. Wake up early, have breakfast in the hotel, and take the first buses to catch the sunrise in Machu Picchu. Your tour guide will take you on tour to the most famous temples, palaces, and plazas and explain the mysteries hiding this spectacular Inca city perched in this impossible mountain peak. The guided tour takes about 3 hours, and then you will have time to explore the magical or climb Huayna Picchu or Montaña (Machu Picchu Mountain).

    After finishing with the citadel, you need to take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, have lunch, collect your belongings from the hotel, and take the Exclusive Panoramic train to return Ollantaytambo and our private van to Cusco. The TreXperience Team will drive back to your around 7:30 pm.

    Duration of the tour: 3 – 4 hours Meals: Breakfast (hotel) Difficulty: Easy

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    3 nights camping, 1 nights hotel

  • Meals

    Breakfasts: 5, Lunches: 4, Dinners: 4

    Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.

    Vegetarian options available

  • Local Guide

    Guided

    This adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.

  • Wifi

    Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.

Dates & Prices

  • Aug 25

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  • Sep 25

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  • Oct 25

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  • Nov 25

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    Mon 25 Aug 2025 > Fri 29 Aug 2025Guaranteed Departure
    6+ spaces of 12 left
    £453Best offer£406
    Solo Room from +£60
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    Tue 26 Aug 2025 > Sat 30 Aug 2025Guaranteed Departure
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    Wed 27 Aug 2025 > Sun 31 Aug 2025Guaranteed Departure
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    Thu 28 Aug 2025 > Mon 1 Sep 2025Guaranteed Departure
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Customer reviews & ratings

(4.8 out of 5)
Based on 49 reviews
  • We just funished the most amazing and epic Trek, we ever did in our lives. JJ and Julio were amazing guides, very motivating and very experienced to guide us around all the challengung parts that comes with the end if the rainy season of this trek. Thanks to Amilcar our Chef and Juvenal our head porter to making sure we always had amazing food along the way and our (surprisingly cozy and fancy) tents were always ready.

    Milan Mar, 2025 Verified
  • The Salkantay Trek was a really amazing experience. JJ and Julio were brilliant guides and made the whole experience feel really smooth. They were also very knowledgeable answering all our questions about the region, the trail and the Incas. I wasn't sure what to expect from the "camping" part of the trek but actually it was much more like glamping: with a big tent, comfortable mattress and home comforts. We also ate so well throughout the trek thanks to the team of chefs led by Amilcar! We were also taken care of well needing to just carry our day bags and provided with copious drinking water and snacks at every stop. Our night luggage was carried ahead to the next stop on horseback by a team of porters led by Juvenal. The highlight was definitely the final day at Machu Picchu when our fabulous guides organised all the logistics and toured us around but the trek on the previous 3 days was a wonderful adventure.

    Chris Mar, 2025 Verified

Essential trip information

Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.

Frequently asked questions

  • When is the best time to hike the Salkantay Trek?

    The dry season runs From April to November, this is best for trekking. April and November are also popular as these are shoulder months so can be a little quieter however you may get some rain. January and February there can be very heavy rain and landslide risk. During these months, we recommend the Lares trek.
  • Do I need to bring a sleeping bag?

    Yes, you will need a sleeping bag for camping. These are not included - you may bring your own or you can rent one locally for $20.
  • Will I need to carry all my belongings?

    All you need to carry with you on the trek is a small daypack for your water, snacks, camera, etc. There will be a personal porter for your belongings (they will carry up to a maximum of 7kg). You will be provided with a duffel bag at the briefing (on the night prior to your trek) in which you can pack all your belongings the night before. Please remember this duffel bag also needs to contain your sleeping bag and air mattress.
  • Do you cater to dietary requirements?

    Yes, we can cater for all dietary requirements so please let us know of your needs. We will keep your energy levels high with snacks each day and we also make sure you have tea / coffee every morning to wake up and every afternoon to unwind.
  • What happens if I fall ill while on the Trek?

    In the event a guest requires medical attention while on the trek our staff will be able to assist you. They will carry a medical kit at all times and all our guides have received training in first aid and high mountain rescue. In the extremely rare case of a serious medical emergency you will be evacuated to the nearest medical centre.
  • What should I pack?

    A detailed packing list is included in our brochure, you can download this on this page!
  • Should I do the Inca Trail or the Salkantay?

    If you are booking last minute then the Salkantay is often the best option as permits have more availability. The Inca trail is the Classic trek but the Salkantay has slightly more varied, and really stunning, scenery. It is a little harder, so take this into account also.
  • Is the entrance fee to Machu Picchu included in the cost?

    Yes it is!
  • How Long Is 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, only for the 4 days hiking tour. On the 5th day, this is a walking tour of Machu Picchu.
  • How Cold Is The Salkantay Trek?

    This trek offers different landscapes as well as different ecosystems and temperatures; the weather varies throughout the year depending if you are hiking during the dry season (April to October) or wet season (November to March); the temperatures will rise slightly during the wet season as is summer in the Southern hemisphere. Day 1: During the first day of the trek, the temperatures will be from 18°C/64°F maximum during day time and will drop below 0°C/ 32°F at night time. 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 chili, 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 day time and 10°C/ 50°F at night time. 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.
  • How To Prepare For Salkantay Trek?

    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.
  • 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, when it is the Dry season, April and November are the Shoulders months, and a weather increase is expected. January and February are months to avoid this trek since the heavy rainy season and landslides risk. During these months, we recommend the Lares trek.
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