The Salkantay Trek is a 5-day journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Peru, making it a premier alternative to the Inca Trail. Starting in Cusco, the trek leads adventurers through stunning Andean glaciers, lush jungle, and vibrant local communities. On the first day, marvel at the beauty of Humantay Lake, followed by a challenging ascent to Abra Salkantay on day two. The trail descends through coffee and fruit plantations on day three before offering first glimpses of Machu Picchu from Llactapata on day four. The adventure culminates on day five with an unforgettable guided tour of this iconic citadel.
Activity location
SORAYPAMPA
08640, Mollepata, Cuzco, Peru
Meeting/Redemption Point
SORAYPAMPA
08640, Mollepata, Cuzco, Peru
Check availability
Salkantay Trek: 5 Day Adventure to Machu Picchu
Activity duration is 5 days5d
5d
English
Pickup included
Starting time: 04:00
Price details
€502.57 x 1 Adult€502.57
Total
Price is €502.57€502.57
includes taxes & fees
Until Sat, 4 Apr
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What's included, what's not
What's includedWhat's included
Professional bilingual guide (Spanish–English).
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1 night at a tourist hotel in Aguas Calientes (double or twin room)
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1 night at Soraypampa camp with domes or high-altitude tents.
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Professional chef and kitchen equipment.
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Pack horses/mules to carry camping equipment and food.
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Emergency equipment: first-aid kit and oxygen.
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Transport transfer Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa (start of the trek).
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1 night at fully equipped Chaullay camp.
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Tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Expedition or similar).
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Personal duffel bag provided for the trek.
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Daily briefings and full assistance throughout the trek.
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1 night at Lucmabamba camp with rest areas.
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Hot drinks available during meals (coca tea, muña tea, organic coffee).
What's excludedWhat's excluded
Breakfast on the first day.
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Lunch on the fifth day in Aguas Calientes.
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Additional personal snacks not included in the package.
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Sleeping bag for low temperatures
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Trekking poles.
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Personal backpack, rain poncho, headlamp, and additional accessories.
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Extra porter service to carry more luggage. Transport
What's excludedWhat's excluded
Official bus service between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
What's excludedWhat's excluded
Entrance to Machu Picchu (Subject to space availability, Check with your sales agent)
Know before you book
Not recommended for pregnant travellers
Travellers should have a high level of physical fitness
In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, activities services are not subject to the right of withdrawal. Supplier cancellation policy will apply.
Activity itinerary
Day 1: Cusco • Mollepata • Soraypampa • Humantay Lake
1 stop
Meals: lunch, snacks
Accommodation: Cabins or tents.
SORAYPAMPA
10h
Admission ticket not included
The day begins with hotel pickup in Cusco and a scenic drive to Mollepata, passing through beautiful Andean landscapes. In Mollepata, you’ll enjoy a traditional breakfast while the guide provides an introduction to the itinerary. The journey continues to Soraypampa, the starting point of the trek, where the hike towards Humantay Lake begins. The uphill trail of about 3 km offers stunning views of glaciers and surrounding mountains. Upon reaching the lake, you’ll have time to rest, take photos, and optionally participate in a small Pachamama gratitude ritual. After visiting, the group returns to Soraypampa along the same path. At the eco-camp, a nutritious lunch is served, followed by free time to relax and acclimatise. In the evening, you’ll enjoy a welcome dinner and a briefing for the next day, ending with the chance to stargaze before resting in the cabins or tents.
Day 2: Soraypampa – Abra Salkantay – Huayracmachay – Chaullay
2 stops
Meals: breakfast, lunch, snacks
Accommodation: Camping
Salkantay Trail
10h
Admission ticket not included
The day starts early with a warm coca or muña tea to help with the altitude, followed by a motivational briefing from the guide. After a hearty breakfast in Soraypampa, the hike begins towards Salkantaypampa and then continues up to the Salkantay Pass at 4,650 m, the highest point of the trek. At the top, there is time to rest, take photos, and participate in an optional Pachamama ceremony while enjoying close views of the majestic Salkantay Glacier.
CHAULLAY
2h
Admission ticket not included
The descent then begins towards Huayracmachay, where the landscape shifts from snow-covered mountains to the edge of the jungle. After lunch, the trek continues downhill to Chaullay, passing through lush vegetation, small streams, orchids, and tropical bird habitats. Upon arrival at the camp in Chaullay, there is free time to relax, shower if desired, and unwind after the most challenging day. In the evening, a traditional Andean dinner is served, followed by a briefing for the next day. Before resting, you may be able to enjoy the starry sky and the sounds of the surrounding nature.
Day 3: Chaullay – Collpapampa – La Playa Sahuayaco – Lucmabamba
1 stop
Meals: breakfast, lunch, snacks
Accommodation: Camping
Santa Teresa
10h
The day begins in Chaullay with the sounds of birds and the river. After a hot drink and a nutritious breakfast with fresh local fruits, the hike starts towards Collpapampa through lush vegetation, waterfalls, and narrow forest paths where orchids, begonias, and tropical birds can be seen. The descent continues along humid trails until reaching La Playa Sahuayaco, an agricultural area with plantations of coffee, bananas, avocados, passion fruit, and oranges. After enjoying a regional lunch, the walk continues to Lucmabamba, passing through farmland and small villages. Upon arrival, you’ll participate in a cultural coffee experience, learning about traditional roasting and grinding, and tasting freshly brewed local coffee. In the evening, dinner is served at the camp, followed by a briefing about the next day’s hike to Llactapata, where the first direct views of Machu Picchu appear. The day ends with a comfortable night of rest under the warm tropical climate.
Day 4: Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes
1 stop
Meals: breakfast, lunch, snacks
Accommodation: Basic Hostel
Aguas Calientes
10h
The day begins in Lucmabamba with a warm jungle sunrise and a hot drink to start the morning. After an energetic breakfast, the hike starts with the ascent to Llactapata, an ancient Inca site offering the first panoramic view of Machu Picchu. There is time to explore the ruins, take photos, and learn from the guide about its historical connection to the Inca Trail and agricultural terraces. The descent then continues towards Hydroelectric, following lush trails along the Urubamba River. After a light lunch, the final stretch of the trek leads to Aguas Calientes along the railway, surrounded by dense vegetation and riverside bridges. Upon arrival, travellers check in at their hotel, rest, and prepare their belongings for the next day. In the evening, dinner is served along with a briefing about the visit to Machu Picchu, including schedules, recommended routes, and photography tips. The night in Aguas Calientes is warm and ideal for resting before the long-awaited visit to the citadel.
Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
1 stop
Meals: breakfast
Accommodation: Not included
Santuario Historico de Machu Picchu
7h
Admission ticket not included
The final day starts early in Aguas Calientes, enjoying a light breakfast before heading to Machu Picchu. Travellers can reach the citadel either by bus or by hiking up the mountain trail. Arriving in the early morning allows for stunning views as the mist lifts over the ruins. A guided tour of 2–3 hours explores the most important temples, terraces, and viewpoints while the guide explains Inca history and the cultural connection to the Salkantay Trek. After the visit, the group returns to Aguas Calientes for lunch before taking the train to Ollantaytambo, followed by a private transfer back to Cusco. The tour ends upon arrival in the city, where the guide offers final recommendations for continuing to explore or relaxing after completing the Salkantay adventure.
Location
Activity location
LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
SORAYPAMPA
08640, Mollepata, Cuzco, Peru
Meeting/Redemption Point
PEOPLEPEOPLE
SORAYPAMPA
08640, Mollepata, Cuzco, Peru
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