Experience the classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu in five days, following a route that connects high-Andean mountains, Humantay Lake, the Salkantay Pass, cloud forest landscapes, Llactapata and Aguas Calientes before reaching Machu Picchu.
The journey begins with an early pickup from your hotel or Airbnb in Cusco at approximately 4:30 a.m. Travel toward Mollepata and Challacancha before starting the trek to Soraypampa. During the following days, cross the highest section of the route near the Salkantay massif, descend toward Colpapampa and continue through warmer valleys surrounded by coffee plantations, orchids and bromeliads.
The longer five-day itinerary also includes the route through Llactapata, where on a clear day it is possible to see part of Machu Picchu in the distance, before descending to Hidroeléctrica and continuing to Aguas Calientes. The final day is dedicated to a guided visit to Machu Picchu before returning by train to Ollantaytambo and continuing to Cusco.
Five Days on the Classic Salkantay Route to Machu Picchu
The Salkantay Trek 5 Days follows a varied route from the high Andes toward Machu Picchu, combining mountain landscapes, glacial scenery, cloud forest vegetation and archaeological sites along the way.
The first days take you from Challacancha to Soraypampa and Humantay Lake before crossing the Salkantay Pass at approximately 4,650 meters above sea level. From there, the route descends toward Colpapampa and gradually enters a warmer landscape filled with vegetation.
The additional day allows the journey to continue through Playa Sahuayaco and Llactapata before reaching Hidroeléctrica and Aguas Calientes. This creates a more gradual approach to Machu Picchu and adds another archaeological stop to the trekking experience.
Highlights of the Salkantay Trek 5 Days
- Visit the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake.
- Cross the Salkantay Pass at approximately 4,650 meters above sea level.
- See the snow-covered Salkantay, Humantay and Tucarhuay mountains.
- Experience the transition from high-Andean terrain to the warmer cloud forest.
- Walk through landscapes with coffee plantations, orchids and bromeliads.
- Spend the third night camping in Playa Sahuayaco.
- Visit the archaeological area of Llactapata and, on a clear day, see Machu Picchu in the distance.
- Continue through Hidroeléctrica and Aguas Calientes before the final Machu Picchu visit.
Why choose the 5-day Salkantay itinerary?
The five-day version adds more time to the journey between the cloud forest and Machu Picchu. Instead of moving directly from the lower valleys toward Hidroeléctrica, this itinerary includes another trekking day through Llactapata, creating a longer approach to Aguas Calientes.
From glacial mountains to tropical vegetation
The Salkantay route is marked by constant changes in landscape. Cold mountain environments around Soraypampa and the Salkantay Pass gradually give way to greener valleys, warmer temperatures and the vegetation of the cloud forest before the route reaches Machu Picchu.
Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Challacancha – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake
Your journey begins with pickup from your hotel or Airbnb in Cusco at approximately 4:30 a.m. Travel by bus for around three hours toward Mollepata, located at approximately 2,900 meters above sea level.
During the stop in the Mollepata area, the local entrance or access fee required for this part of the route must be paid separately. Breakfast before the trek is not included.
Continue by bus for approximately one hour toward Challacancha at about 3,380 meters above sea level. This is where the trek begins.
Walk for approximately three hours to Soraypampa, located at about 3,900 meters. After arriving at the first camp, enjoy lunch and take some time to rest before the afternoon hike.
Later, begin the ascent to Humantay Lake. The uphill section takes approximately one hour and thirty minutes. After reaching the lake, enjoy the turquoise water and surrounding mountain scenery before beginning the descent, which takes approximately fifty minutes.
Return to Soraypampa for dinner and the first overnight stay.
Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Colpapampa
The day begins at approximately 5:00 a.m. with breakfast before leaving the camp in Soraypampa.
Begin the climb toward the highest point of the trek, the Salkantay Pass. The ascent takes approximately three hours and reaches around 4,650 meters above sea level. Along the route, pass through Salkantaypampa and Soyrococha while enjoying views of the Salkantay, Humantay and Tucarhuay mountains.
After reaching the pass, begin the descent toward Huayracmachay at approximately 3,800 meters above sea level. This section takes around three hours, and lunch is served after reaching the area.
Continue descending for approximately three more hours as the landscape changes from high-Andean mountain terrain to greener vegetation. Arrive in Colpapampa at approximately 2,900 meters for the second overnight camp.
Day 3: Colpapampa – Lucmabamba
After breakfast at approximately 6:00 a.m., begin the day's walk through the cloud forest. The trekking section takes around five hours and includes ascents, descents and gentler stretches of trail.
As the landscape becomes warmer and greener, see coffee plantations and different varieties of orchids and bromeliads along the route.
Continue toward Playa Sahuayaco, located within the Lucmabamba area, where lunch is served. This is also the area where the third camping night is spent.
During the afternoon, there is the option to visit the Cocalmayo hot springs to relax after the trek. Entrance to the hot springs is not included and must be paid separately.
Day 4: Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes
After breakfast, continue the journey from the Lucmabamba area toward Llactapata. The operating itinerary describes approximately three hours of hiking to reach the archaeological site.
At Llactapata, explore the archaeological area and, when the weather is clear, look across the surrounding landscape toward part of Machu Picchu in the distance.
Continue with an approximately two-hour descent toward Hidroeléctrica, where lunch is served at a restaurant.
After lunch, continue toward Aguas Calientes following the railway route. On arrival, settle into the accommodation and coordinate the evening meal before the Machu Picchu visit the following day.
Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Begin the final day early for the visit to Machu Picchu. According to the arrangements made with your guide, proceed toward the main entrance with your admission ticket and passport ready for check-in.
During the guided visit, explore the Machu Picchu archaeological complex, including its temples, terraces, palaces and agricultural sectors, with time available for photographs.
After visiting Machu Picchu, return to Aguas Calientes. Bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and the Machu Picchu entrance are not included.
Later, board the return train to Ollantaytambo. On arrival, continue with the included transfer from Ollantaytambo station back to Cusco.
Salkantay Trek 5 Days Price and Booking Information
Select your travel date and available service option to check the current price and booking availability for the Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu.
Please note: local entrance fees, optional hot springs admission, equipment rental, Machu Picchu bus tickets and personal expenses are not included unless specifically stated in your confirmed service.
Group Price
What’s Included in the Salkantay Trek 5 Days?
What is included?
- Pre-trek briefing one day before departure.
- Tourist transportation included in the itinerary.
- Professional guide.
- Three nights of accommodation at camps.
- One night in comfortable lodging.
- Four breakfasts.
- Four lunches.
- Four dinners.
- Transportation of up to 5 kg of personal equipment by horses.
- Muleteers.
- Cook.
- First-aid kit.
- Oxygen.
- Entrance to Machu Picchu.
- Return train ticket.
- Transfer from Ollantaytambo station to Cusco.
What is not included?
- Domestic and international flights.
- First breakfast before beginning the trek.
- Final lunch after the Machu Picchu visit.
- Sleeping bag; rental may be available at additional cost.
- Trekking poles; rental may be available at additional cost.
- Local entrance or access fee required during Day 1.
- Entrance to the Cocalmayo hot springs.
- Optional tips.
- Additional entrance fees not expressly included.
- Bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and the Machu Picchu entrance.
- Personal expenses.
What to Know Before Your Salkantay Trek 5 Days
- Duration: 5 days and 4 nights.
- Activity: Multi-day hiking.
- Difficulty: Moderate.
- Maximum altitude: Approximately 4,650 m above sea level at the Salkantay Pass.
- Accommodation: Three nights at camps and one night in comfortable lodging.
- Meals: Four breakfasts, four lunches and four dinners are included.
- Luggage: Up to 5 kg of personal equipment can be transported by horses during the trek.
- Briefing: A pre-trek information briefing is provided one day before departure.
- Landscape: The route moves from high-Andean mountains into the warmer cloud forest before reaching Machu Picchu.
- Footwear: Wear comfortable hiking shoes or sturdy footwear suitable for rocky and uneven terrain.
- Clothing: Bring layers for cold conditions, a wind-resistant jacket and rain protection.
- Daypack: Carry a small backpack for the items you need during each day of hiking.
- Sun protection: Bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
- Personal items: Bring your passport, personal medication, flashlight, towel, toilet paper and insect repellent.
- Water and snacks: Carry water or a hydrating drink for the first day and bring energy snacks.
- Cash: Carry additional Peruvian soles for local fees and personal expenses that are not included.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Salkantay Trek 5 Days
How long is the Salkantay Trek 5 Days?
This itinerary lasts 5 days and 4 nights, beginning with an early departure from Cusco and ending with the Machu Picchu visit and return to Cusco on Day 5.
What is the maximum altitude on the Salkantay Trek?
The highest point of this itinerary is the Salkantay Pass at approximately 4,650 meters above sea level.
Is Humantay Lake included?
Yes. Humantay Lake is visited during the afternoon of Day 1 after reaching Soraypampa.
How difficult is the Salkantay Trek 5 Days?
The tour is classified as moderate. The route includes several hours of hiking on consecutive days and reaches approximately 4,650 meters at the Salkantay Pass.
Where do we sleep during the five-day trek?
The package includes three nights at camps and one night in comfortable lodging. The third camping night is in the Lucmabamba area near Playa Sahuayaco, while the final night is in Aguas Calientes.
How many meals are included?
The service includes four breakfasts, four lunches and four dinners. The first breakfast and final lunch are not included.
How much luggage can the horses carry?
Up to 5 kg of personal equipment per traveler can be transported by horses during the trekking portion of the route.
Do we visit Llactapata?
Yes. Llactapata is visited on Day 4 before descending toward Hidroeléctrica. On a clear day, part of Machu Picchu can be seen in the distance from the area.
Are the Cocalmayo hot springs included?
The itinerary allows an optional visit to the Cocalmayo hot springs during Day 3, but the entrance fee is not included and must be paid separately.
Is the Machu Picchu entrance included?
Yes. Entrance to Machu Picchu is included. Bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and the Machu Picchu entrance are not included.
Is the return train included?
Yes. The return train ticket is included, together with the transfer from Ollantaytambo station back to Cusco.
What should I bring for the Salkantay Trek?
Bring your passport, sturdy hiking footwear, layered clothing, a warm jacket, rain protection, a small daypack, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, insect repellent, personal medication, flashlight, towel, energy snacks, water for the first day and extra Peruvian soles for personal expenses.