Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu
5D/4N
A famous path through glaciers and jungle that leads to the lost city of the Incas
National Geographic Adventure Travel recommends the Salkantay Trek, which is one of the most beautiful hikes in the world. Go on a one-of-a-kind adventure. In just five days, you’ll see a huge range of landscapes, from the towering, snow-capped peaks of the Andes to the lush highland jungle that surrounds the mysterious citadel of Machu Picchu.
The Salkantay Trek is a better choice for people who love nature and hiking because it doesn’t require limited permits like the classic Inca Trail.
What is it about this route that makes it special?
- Salkantay (6,271 m): One of the most sacred snow-capped mountains in Cusco, considered the Apu protector by ancient Andean cultures.
- Humantay Lagoon: A turquoise mirror of glacial waters surrounded by majestic mountains.
- High jungle: Hikes among coffee plantations, orchids, and tropical landscapes.
- Machu Picchu: The final jewel of the tour, visited on the last day with a specialized guide.
How does it feel?
The Salkantay Trek is a hard hike, but it’s worth it. Every day, you’ll explore new ecosystems, climates, and altitudes, with camps set up in safe and authentic places. The best mix of adventure, culture, and being outside.
While you hike, you’ll be with professional guides, local cooks, packhorses, and a team that cares about your safety. Also, meeting people from the area will help you learn more about how people in the Andes live today.
Ideal for:
- Trekking and adventure lovers
- Travelers looking for less touristy routes
- People in good physical condition and with an exploratory spirit
Length:
4 nights and 5 days
From Cusco to Machu Picchu, with departures every day.
Why go on the Salkantay Trek?
- No limited permits (unlike the Inca Trail)
- Changing landscapes: mountains, lagoons, jungle, and rivers
- Less congested route and more connected to nature
- Authentic cultural experience
- Epic finale: visit Machu Picchu at sunrise
Conclusion
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is more than just a hike. It is a spiritual and visual journey that connects you with the beauty of the Andes and Peru’s ancient history. This is the best choice if you want to see something as beautiful or more beautiful than the Inca Trail.
Take the road less traveled and see Machu Picchu in a new way! An epic adventure between the Amazon rainforest and sacred mountains.
Tour Location
Type of Tour
Duration
Difficulty
Trip Details
Leaving Cusco early in a private car to Mollepata (3,800 m).
- Breakfast on the way. The trek to Collpa Pampa (3,900 m) begins.
- Hike through the Andes and see the magical Humantay Lagoon (4,200 m).
- Staying in a mountain camp with a view of the stars.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
The highest point is 4,200 m.
Approximate distance: 12 km
- The highest point is Salkantay Pass (4,650 m), which has amazing views of the snow-covered Salkantay mountain.
- Going down to the Chaullay Valley (2,900 m) through both Andean and tropical ecosystems.
- Set up camp in the high jungle's warm zone.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
The highest point is 4,650 m.
Approximate distance: 22 km
Walk through cloud forests, waterfalls, and coffee farms. In the afternoon, participate in an optional coffee experience, visiting a local family-run farm to learn how coffee is cultivated, harvested, and processed—then sample a fresh cup of organic Peruvian coffee.
- Eat lunch at La Playa and then go to Santa Teresa.
- You can go to the Cocalmayo hot springs if you want to (there is an entrance fee).
- Overnight in a campsite.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Distance: about 16 km
- Breakfast early. Zipline is an option.
- Take a hike through the valley of the Urubamba River to get to the Hidroeléctrica station.
- Lunch and the last hike (3 hours) to Aguas Calientes.
- Stay in a nice hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Included meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
About 12 kilometers
- Very early breakfast and bus ride to the citadel of Machu Picchu.
- Guided tour (2 hours) of the sanctuary's temples, plazas, and viewpoints.
- Free time to explore or climb Huayna Picchu (optional and with advance admission).
- Return by train and bus to Cusco in the afternoon/evening.
Breakfast included.
Machu Picchu Altitude: 2,430 m
- Transportation from Cusco to Mollepata and back to Cusco
- Professional bilingual guide
- All meals during the trek
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats)
- Cook and muleteers with packhorses
- 1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Entrance to Machu Picchu
- Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes (one way)
- Admission to hot springs or zip-lining (optional)
- Sleeping bag (rental available)
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu (optional)
- Last dinner in Cusco
- Acclimatize in Cusco at least two days beforehand
- Bring trekking clothes, a rain poncho, sunscreen, and a headlamp
- A light backpack with personal items