Ultimate Salkantay Trek - 5 Days

from£423pp
Scroll to explore

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

  • Cross the high Salkantay Pass and finish your journey at Machu Picchu
  • Discover the brilliant turquoise waters of Humantay Lake
  • Stay in glamping tents in Salkantay and camp at Llactapata with views of Machu Picchu
  • Take part in a Pachamanca barbecue and hands-on coffee activity
  • Travel back to Cusco aboard the Vistadome or 360° panoramic train

Speak to our experts

Call or email our experts to find out more and help with ideas and planning.

Travel expertAnna
Travel expertPetra
Travel expertCharlotte
0204 572 1781Make an enquiry

Summary

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Peru’s second most popular route to Machu Picchu. This exhilarating trek takes you deep into the heart of the Andes, where you'll hike past snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes and lush cloud forests. Highlights include the stunning Humantay Lake, the majestic Salkantay Pass, charming coffee farms and of course, the awe-inspiring citadel of Machu Picchu. Perfect for adventurous souls craving a blend of nature, culture and physical challenge—this journey promises unforgettable landscapes and authentic local experiences every step of the way.

Map

Itinerary

  • Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Salkantay GlampingArrival Day

    Begin your adventure with a scenic drive through the Andes and a stop in Mollepata for breakfast. Hike up to the turquoise Humantay Lake, a sacred spot surrounded by snowcapped peaks, and take time to relax and enjoy the views. Afterward, descend to Soraypampa for a freshly prepared lunch. Continue your trek to Salka Glamp, an exclusive campsite with views of Salkantay Mountain. End the day with a warm dinner and stargazing under the clear Andean sky.

  • Day 2: Salkantaypampa – Wayrampunku – Collpapampa

    Wake up with a hot drink in your tent and enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast as the sun rises over the mountains. Begin your climb to the Salkantay Pass, where glaciers tower above the trail and hidden lakes rest at the mountain’s base. Take time to explore this dramatic high-altitude landscape before descending to Wayracmachay for a well-deserved lunch. In the afternoon, continue your trek into the lush cloud forest, where orchids and waterfalls replace the rocky highlands. End the day with a warm dinner and rest in rustic Andean huts, surrounded by greenery and the peaceful sounds of nature.

  • Day 3: Collpapampa – Llucmabamba – Llactapata

    Enjoy breakfast in the village before following forest trails along rivers, wooden bridges, and waterfalls. Arrive in Lucmabamba for a special Pachamanca lunch, an ancient stone-oven cooking method, and taste coffee roasted on local plantations. Afterward, hike the original Inca Trail to reach Llactapata, a mountaintop citadel with views of Machu Picchu. End the day with dinner and overnight camping in front of the Inca city, where you can enjoy sunset and sunrise from your tent.

  • Day 4: Llactapata – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes

    Wake up to Machu Picchu views while sipping coffee or coca tea, then enjoy breakfast with the mountains as your backdrop. Descend toward Hidroelectrica, where you’ll share a final lunch with your trekking chef and team. Continue your journey along the railway following the Urubamba River, visiting Mandor Botanical Gardens to discover orchids, hummingbirds, and the cock-of-the-rock bird. On arrival in Aguas Calientes, check into a hotel, relax in the hot springs if you wish, and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before preparing for the big day.

  • Day 5: Machu Picchu (Arrive With The First Ones)

    Start early with breakfast at your hotel before taking the first bus to Machu Picchu. Enter the citadel at sunrise and enjoy a guided tour of temples, terraces and sacred plazas. Afterward, take time for photos or, if reserved in advance, hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Return to Aguas Calientes for lunch on your own, then board the panoramic Vistadome train through the Sacred Valley. A private transfer brings you back to Cusco, arriving in the evening with unforgettable memories of the Salkantay Trek.

Prices & Availability

    What's Included

    • Meals

      Breakfasts: 5, Lunches: 4, Dinners: 4Vegetarian 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.

    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.

    Important Notes

    1. We strongly recommend you arrive in Cuzco at least 3 days prior to the trek commencing to help you acclimatise to the altitude. This reduces the risk of serious problems with altitude significantly. Salkantay is a challenging trek with a significant increase in altitude on the first day and we would recommend a day trek to higher altitude booked in the days prior. 2. There is a pre-departure briefing the evening before the trip commences in Central Cuzco. 3. Please let us know where you will be staying before and after the trek so we can organise transfers. We are happy to help book accommodation. 4. If you are planning to renew your passport before you travel please let our team know immediately, it is vital these details are correct for Permits. 5. A sleeping bag is required for the trek - if you don't wish to travel with one then they can be hired in Cuzco. 6. At the start of 2023 it is anticipated that Covid restrictions will still be in place in Peru, which means the Sun Gate and Inca Bridge are likely to be closed at Machu Picchu and the visit round the site will be on a controlled route.

    Laundry

    Your hotel in Cusco may have this service, so may be able to do laundry after your trek. Please check with the accommodation if this is available.

    Luggage During the Trek

    The tour operator will provide a personal porter for your belongings (up to a maximum of 7 kg in weight). 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. All you need to carry with you on the trek is a small, light daypack for your water, snacks, camera, etc. so you can relax and enjoy the journey! Our porters also carry all the equipment and food required for the trek. The porters will reach the lunch locations and campsites ahead of you and set everything up so its ready for your arrival

    Luggage storage

    During the trek you do not need to be concerned about where to store your luggage. If you cannot store it at your hotel then the tour operator are happy to look after it for you. Just have your bags ready and clearly identifiable on the morning of your trek, the tour operator will keep them safe and return them to you at the end of your experience when we drop you off at your hotel.

    Packing List

    Trekking Gear * 4 seasons Sleeping bag (sleeping bag can be rented) * Duffel bag or Rucksack (70-80 litres) (we can provide one) * Down Jacket * Daypack (25-30 litres) * Trekking Poles (can be rented) Feet * Socks: 4 pairs of liner socks, synthetic or capilene, 3 pairs heavy weight socks (woollen) to be worn over liner socks. Good socks should not be underestimated! * Trekking Boots: We recommend a good quality boot with a hard lug-cleated sole and ankle support. Boots should be sturdy enough to tackle rough terrain. For this trek a mid-weight leather or Gore-Tex/Cordura style is an excellent choice. If you are buying boots for your trek, make absolutely sure that they are comfortable over a long days walking before leaving the UK. * Sandals (optional): A pair of lightweight shoes or sandals will be very useful for wearing around the camp after the day’s trekking. Clothing & Accessories * T-Shirts- For lower altitudes and on warm days a baggy cotton T-shirt or cotton shirt is a practical item. Highly recommended are synthetic T shirt styles that wick away moisture from the body. They are particular useful above 2500m when, even on warm days, you chill quickly when stopping for rests. * Thermal Underwear- Synthetic polypropylene long johns and long-sleeved vests are highly recommended for other months. They also make ideal sleeping gear. * Waterproof Jacket - Quality waterproof clothing is essential. A proofed nylon or Gore-Tex jacket with hood is a good option. * Fleece jacket or pullover. * Ladies - it’s a great idea to bring a sports bra or two! * 1 pair liner gloves, or warmer gloves in colder months. * Shade hat or baseball cap – some people drape a bandana down the back of their head and then put a baseball cap on to hold it in place. This can be a flexible alternative while keeping the sun off your ears and neck. * Warm wool hat or synthetic hat that covers your ears. * Headlamp: Black Diamond and Petzl both make several good ones. Make sure to bring extra batteries and that they are lithium batteries so that they will last in the colder temperatures. These are indispensable for getting around at night, reading, etc. so, don’t go cheap here. * A neck warmer (optional): is another piece of gear for extra warmth if you feel you will need it Toiletries * Quick drying towel (medium sized) * Toothbrush/paste (preferably biodegradable) * Multipurpose soap/ handwash * Deodorants * Nail clippers * Face and body moisturiser * Feminine hygiene products * Small mirror * Wet wipes * Sanitizers Miscellaneous, but essential!! * Valid Passport * Passport size photos (2 + copies). * Airline ticket saved offline * Luggage Locks (2) * 2 strong plastic garbage bags or dry bags (for laundry and in case of rain) * Refillable water bottle * Durable wallet / pouch for travel documents, money & passport. * Lip balm. At least SPF 20 * Sunscreen. SPF 40 is recommended at higher altitude Personal First Aid Kit Please note our guide will also carry the first aid kit bag during the trek. However, we still recommend you bring your personal first aid kit as well * Extra Strength Excedrin for altitude related headaches. * Ibuprofen for general aches and pains. * Imodium or Pepto bismol capsules for upset stomach or diarrhoea * If you are considering altitude medication PLEASE discuss with your GP before departure. You can buy this over the counter in Cuzco but we strongly recommend against doing this without medical advice. It is essential that you let your tour leader know if you are taking this as it can mask symptoms of more serious problems at altitude. * 1 small personal sized first-aid kit with blister treatments such as mole skin, band-aids, some waterproof tape, anti-infection ointments, etc. Your guides will have more extensive medical gear, but you should have the basics for general use. Optional * 1 pair adjustable trekking poles. Although these are listed as optional, these can be of great support for knees, ankles and hips, especially when going downhill - an underestimated challenge! * Favourite snack foods, keeping in mind weight limits * Extra contacts or glasses * Sleeping bag liner if desired * Hydration bladder with drinking tube and tube insulator * 1 small stainless-steel thermos

    Weight Limits

    The tour operator will provide you with a duffel bag in which you can pack any items that you won’t need to keep with you during the day. Our porters will carry this bag for you throughout the trek. Please note this bag should weigh a maximum of 7 kg including the weight of your sleeping bag and air mattress (if you bring / rent one). When rented from us these two items weigh approximately 3.5 kg. Prior to your trek departure, your equipment may be checked by your trek leader

    Frequently asked questions

    • 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.
    • 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.
    • 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.
    • 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.
    • 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.
    • A detailed packing list is included in our brochure, you can download this on this page!
    • 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.
    • Yes it is!
    • 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.
    • 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.
    • 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.
    • 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.

    Join Our Mailing List

    Your email is secure and we won't send you any spam.

    We use cookies to enhance your experience, analyse site traffic, and for marketing purposes. By clicking "Accept All", you consent to our use of cookies. Learn more

    Ultimate Salkantay Trek - 5 Days | The Holiday People