Duration

5 Days

Best for

Accommodation

Flexible

Group/Private

5 Day Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu

Journey Highlights

  • Hike to vivid turquoise Humantay Lake
  • Cross Salkantay Pass at 4,630 metres
  • Capture rare Machu Picchu panoramas from Llactapata
  • Stay in Sky Camp and Jungle Domes

After acclimating in Cusco, embark on one of the most complete and immersive trekking experiences in Peru.

The 5-day Salkantay Trek is a journey of contrasts, taking you from the icy peaks of the Andes to the lush cloud forest and into the edge of the jungle. Along the way, you will visit the stunning Humantay Lake, cross the impressive Salkantay Pass, explore hidden valleys, and walk ancient trails surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.

Each night, you will rest in carefully selected accommodations, from exclusive mountain domes to a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes, combining adventure with comfort.

Guided by experienced professionals, this trek offers a perfect balance of challenge, nature, and culture, ending with a visit to the iconic Machu Picchu.

Itinerary

Highlights:

  • Scenic drive through the Andes
  • First hike through mountain valleys
  • Visit to Humantay Lake
  • Overnight in Sky Camp domes

Detailed description:

Your journey begins early in the morning with pick-up from Cusco and a scenic drive to Mollepata for breakfast. Then continue to Challacancha, where your trek starts.

The trail leads you through wide valleys surrounded by glaciers and towering peaks. After arriving at Soraypampa and enjoying lunch, you will hike to the spectacular Humantay Lake, known for its vivid turquoise waters.

Return to camp for dinner and spend the night under a sky full of stars in your Sky Camp dome.

Highlights:

  • Trek to the highest point of the route
  • Panoramic mountain views
  • Transition to cloud forest
  • Overnight in Mountain Sky View camp

Detailed description:

After breakfast, begin the most challenging day as you hike to Salkantay Pass (4,630 m). At the top, enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, including the sacred Salkantay peak.

After a break, descend to Huayracmachay for lunch.

In the afternoon, the landscape transforms dramatically as you enter the cloud forest, with warmer temperatures and lush vegetation.

Arrive at Collpapampa for dinner and rest at your campsite.

Highlights:

  • Tropical landscapes and biodiversity
  • Coffee plantations and local culture
  • Overnight in Jungle Domes

Detailed description:

Today’s hike takes you into a tropical environment filled with rivers, waterfalls, and dense vegetation.

Walk through coffee plantations and fruit fields while learning about local agriculture.

After lunch in La Playa, continue to Lucmabamba, where you will arrive at your Jungle Domes accommodation. Enjoy dinner and relax surrounded by nature.

Highlights:

  • Original Inca trail section
  • Unique view of Machu Picchu from Llactapata
  • Walk along the Urubamba River
  • Hotel stay in Aguas Calientes

Detailed description:

After breakfast, hike along an original Inca trail to Llactapata, where you’ll enjoy a rare panoramic view of Machu Picchu.

Continue descending through lush valleys to Hidroeléctrica for lunch.

From there, walk along the railway tracks beside the Urubamba River until reaching Aguas Calientes.

Check into your hotel, relax, and prepare for the final day.

Highlights:

  • Sunrise experience at Machu Picchu
  • Guided tour of the citadel
  • Optional mountain hikes
  • Train and bus return to Cusco

Detailed description:

Wake up early and take the bus up to Machu Picchu to enjoy the site in the early morning light.

Explore the citadel with a guided tour, visiting its most important temples, terraces, and viewpoints.

After the tour, you may explore further or hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (optional).

Return to Aguas Calientes for lunch before taking the train to Ollantaytambo and continuing by bus to Cusco.

What's included

What's included

  • Pre-departure briefing
  • Entrance tickets and permits
  • Professional guide
  • Backpack cover and rain poncho
  • Duffle bag (up to 5 kg per person)
  • Medical kit / First aid kit
  • Wake-up tea, tea time or happy hour, and daily snacks
  • Hygiene products before meals
  • Cargo mules (Days 1, 2 and 3) and muleteers
  • Transportation:
    • Pick-up from your hotel
    • Bus and transfer connections during the tour
    • Train ticket Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
    • Bus ticket (one way) Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu
    • Transport Ollantaytambo – Cusco
  • Accommodation:
    • 3 nights in private camps (Sky Camp & Jungle Domes)
    • 1 night hotel in Aguas Calientes (private bathroom, hot shower, WiFi, breakfast)
  • Meals:
    • 5 breakfasts
    • 4 lunches
    • 4 dinners
    • Water and snacks during the trek
  • Professional communication equipment (walkie-talkies)

Not included:

  • Sleeping bag
  • Trekking poles
  • Lunch in Aguas Calientes (Day 5)
  • Dinner in Cusco (Day 5)
  • Return bus ticket Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
  • Train Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes (optional)
  • Personal expenses or delays beyond our control
From $ 00 USD

5 Day Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu

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What Our Travelers Say

Nazish Ilyas
Nazish Ilyas
Ygor and his team are phenomenal!!! We had the most amazing time in Peru thanks to them. Everything was perfectly planned, organized, and efficient! Ygor helped us with everything even beyond our itinerary and was available at all times whenever we had a question. The level of service was exceptional! We got the full experience in Peru and it was magical. I highly recommend immersion Peru for anyone looking for a travel experience to remember for a lifetime. It was also very affordable. Our tour guides were kind, knowledgeable, and went out of their way to make things easy for us.
Sayra Ilyas
Sayra Ilyas
My trip to Peru would have not been nearly as fun without Immersion Peru! Ygor was very accommodating to my family and I and made our experiences seamless and memorable! He was very helpful in planning out excursions, transportation, and food! I would recommend planning your trip with Immersion Peru if you want to make the most out of your vacation!
 Martine Brouillet
Martine Brouillet
Trip very well organized in the Sacred Valley. All our guides and drivers were there on time and took care of us very well! Ygor ensured that the activities and hotels were in sync with what we wanted. We loved the local restaurants and boutique hotels! Highly recommended!
Iryna Parfyonova
Iryna Parfyonova
We had an amazing experience in Peru. Ygor helped us to organise absolutely everything... All tours, train tickets and itineraries were nicely arranged and timings were perfect.... We would definitely come back. Thank you very much!!!!
Jean-Louis Lepage
Jean-Louis Lepage
The tours were very well organized. Pick up, drop off. The choices of hotels were excellent. What else can I say? Custom service was excellent considering we made changes at the last minute and Ygor was always there to help.
 Roberta Ertel
Roberta Ertel
Viajei ao Valle Sagrado e ao Machu Picchu. Tudo muito organizado, inclusive transfers e bilhetes. Ótimo atendimento e equipe!!