Discover the wild beauty of Salkantay in private luxury with this Salkantay Trek Luxury Tour 5 Days to Machu Picchu. Hike to Humantay Lake, cross the powerful Salkantay Pass, walk through the warm cloud forest, and camp at Llactapata facing Machu Picchu from a distance.
This journey blends high mountain adventure with refined comfort: luxury walk-in tents, hot showers, massage support, chef-made meals, an Andean shaman ceremony, Pachamanca, coffee tour, a carefully selected hotel in Aguas Calientes, a private guided visit to Machu Picchu, and a beautiful return on the exclusive Vistadome Observatory Train.
Duration 5 Days / 4 Nights
Activities Trekking, Culture, Adventure
Difficulty Moderate to Challenging
Accommodation Luxury Camping, Hotel
Tour Language English, Spanish
Hiking Distance 64 km / 39.8 mi
Destinations Salkantay, Machu Picchu
Starts/Ends Cusco / CuscoSalkantay Trek Luxury Tour 5 Days to Machu Picchu
The Salkantay Trek Luxury Tour 5 Days / 4 Nights is made for travelers who want the full Salkantay route, Machu Picchu, and private luxury comfort in one unforgettable journey. Hike with your own guide, chef, porter support, massage therapist, private trekking crew, and a 100% Peruvian local team focused on safety, comfort, and warm personal service.
This private luxury route takes you from Humantay Lake to the powerful Salkantay Pass, through the cloud forest, up an ancient Inca path to Llactapata, and finally to Machu Picchu. Sleep at Salkantaypampa, Collpapampa, and Llactapata with luxury camp support, then spend your final night in a carefully selected hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Enjoy walk-in tents, twin or queen camping cots, sheets, blankets, duvets, pillows, hot showers, massage support, a comfortable dining setup, and a warm fireplace at basecamp. Lunches include selected Peruvian beer, soft drinks, water, and coffee; evenings include Peruvian wine and pisco; and at Salkantay Pass, we celebrate with champagne, weather and safety permitting.
On Day 3, enjoy a hands-on Pachamanca, an authentic underground hot-stone barbecue prepared by your chef, and visit a local coffee farm to roast, grind, and prepare your own cup with local hosts. On Day 5, explore Machu Picchu early with a private guide. Circuit 2 is included by default when available, and you may add Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain, depending on availability.
Finish in style on the exclusive Vistadome Observatory Train, with panoramic windows, spacious seats, personal tables, an open-air observatory carriage, live cultural show, baby alpaca fashion show when available, snacks, and beverages included.
Tour Highlights
- Private luxury trek: Travel with your own guide, chef, porter support, massage therapist, and private logistics team.
- Luxury camping experience: Sleep in comfortable walk-in tents with camping cots, duvets, hot showers, massage tent, and basecamp fireplace.
- Pachamanca and coffee tour: Enjoy an underground hot-stone barbecue and prepare your own cup of local coffee.
- Llactapata campsite: Camp facing Machu Picchu and wake up with distant views of the citadel.
- Vistadome Observatory Train: Return with panoramic views, open-air balcony, live cultural show, snacks, and beverages.
Salkantay Trek Luxury Tour 5 Days at a Glance
Day 1: Cusco – Humantay Lake – Salkantaypampa Luxury Campsite
Start with hotel pickup, hike to Humantay Lake, enjoy a fresh lunch prepared by your private trekking chef, and spend your first luxury camping night below Salkantay Mountain.
Day 2: Salkantaypampa – Salkantay Pass – Collpapampa
Wake up with coffee or coca tea, cross Salkantay Pass at 4,630 m / 15,190 ft, celebrate with champagne when conditions allow, and descend into the cloud forest for a peaceful night in Collpapampa.
Day 3: Collpapampa – Lucmabamba – Llactapata
Hike through the cloud forest, visit coffee farms, enjoy a hands-on Pachamanca, and continue along an ancient Inca path to Llactapata, where you camp facing Machu Picchu.
Day 4: Llactapata – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes
Wake up with coffee and distant views of Machu Picchu, hike down to Hidroelectrica, and continue to Aguas Calientes for a carefully selected hotel night.
Day 5: Private Machu Picchu Tour – Vistadome Observatory Train – Cusco
Enter Machu Picchu early with your private guide, explore the citadel, enjoy lunch at Tinkuy Restaurant when included in your service, and return to Cusco on the exclusive Vistadome Observatory Train.
- Machu Picchu entry with Circuit 2 is included by default. If Circuit 2 is sold out for your date, we will secure the best available official alternative: Circuit 1 or Circuit 3. We will confirm your final circuit as soon as tickets are issued.
Included
- Private pre-departure briefing at your hotel in Cusco.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco.
- All transportation during the tour with private support logistics.
- Private professional tour guide and private trekking team.
- Entrance tickets for the Salkantay route and Machu Picchu.
- Round-trip bus tickets at Machu Picchu.
- Return on the exclusive Vistadome Observatory Train.
- 3 nights of luxury camping support on the trail: Salkantaypampa, Collpapampa, and Llactapata.
- Luxury walk-in tents with twin or queen camping cots, sheets, blankets, duvets, and pillows.
- Dining setup with tables, comfortable chairs, private camp service, hot showers, massage tent, massage therapist
- Andean shaman experience and coca leaf reading.
- 1 night in a carefully selected hotel in Aguas Calientes.
- Porter team to carry group equipment, food, and luxury camp setup.
- Personal porter for your duffel bag.
- Trekking chef, fresh meals, snacks, hot drinks, and chef-prepared picnic lunches.
- Selected Peruvian beer, soft drinks, water, and coffee during lunch service on the trail.
- Selected Peruvian wine and pisco during evening service at camp.
- Champagne toast at Salkantay Pass, weather and safety permitting.
- Pachamanca hot-stone barbecue and coffee farm experience on Day 3.
- Lunch at Tinkuy Restaurant by Sanctuary Lodge on Day 5, when included in your confirmed service.
- Safety equipment: oxygen, satellite phone, and full first-aid kit.
Not Included
- Flights to Cusco.
- Personal expenses.
- Dinner in Cusco on the last day.
- Travel insurance, highly recommended.
- Optional hikes: Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
Useful Links Before You Book
- Learn more about Machu Picchu tickets and circuits.
- Want to compare all routes? Visit our Salkantay Trek tours.
- Planning your gear? Review our Salkantay Trek packing list.
Full Itinerary of the Salkantay Trek Luxury Tour to Machu Picchu
Day 1: Cusco – Humantay Lake – Salkantaypampa Luxury Campsite
Your private luxury adventure begins with an early pickup from your hotel in Cusco. We drive through the mountains toward the trailhead, stopping along the way for a fresh breakfast prepared by your trekking chef before continuing to the starting point.
The hike begins with open Andean views and a steady pace toward Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,779 ft). At the lake, take time to enjoy the turquoise water, the sharp mountain peaks, and the peaceful energy of this sacred high-altitude setting.
After the lake, we descend toward Soraypampa, where your private chef will serve a fresh lunch made with local ingredients. In the afternoon, we continue toward Salkantaypampa, one of the closest and most peaceful campsite locations below Salkantay Mountain.
Tonight, you stay at our exclusive Salkantaypampa Luxury Campsite. Your walk-in tent will be ready with twin or queen camping cots, sheets, blankets, duvets, and pillows. Enjoy hot showers, massage support, a comfortable dining setup, coffee surrounded by nature, a warm fireplace at basecamp, and clear Andean skies below one of Peru’s most sacred peaks.
Before dinner, you may take part in an Andean shaman ceremony with coca leaf reading, a meaningful way to connect with the mountain and the living traditions of the Andes. After dinner, enjoy selected Peruvian wine or pisco and rest in your private luxury camp.
- Hiking Distance: 16 km / 9.5 mi
- Duration: 8 hours
- Campsite Altitude: 4,150 m / 13,615 ft
- Highest Altitude: 4,200 m / 13,779 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and tea
- Accommodation: Salkantaypampa Luxury Campsite
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 2: Salkantaypampa – Salkantay Pass – Collpapampa
Wake up with hot coffee or coca tea delivered to your tent and step outside to dramatic views of Salkantay Mountain. After breakfast, we begin the climb to the highest point of the trek, the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft).
At the pass, the Andes feel powerful and wide open: snowy peaks, glacial landscapes, and unforgettable mountain silence. Your guide will give you time to rest, take photos, and celebrate the summit with a champagne toast, weather and safety permitting.
From the pass, we descend toward Wayracmachay for a fresh lunch prepared by your chef. Then the landscape begins to change quickly: the cold highlands give way to greener vegetation, warmer air, and the first signs of the cloud forest.
By late afternoon, we arrive in Collpapampa, a peaceful village surrounded by rivers and lush vegetation. This is the perfect place to rest after the longest hiking day. Your private luxury support continues with a comfortable camp setup, fresh dinner, hot shower access, massage support, and evening drinks.
- Hiking Distance: 18 km / 11.2 mi
- Duration: 9 hours
- Campsite Altitude: 2,770 m / 9,087 ft
- Highest Altitude: 4,630 m / 15,190 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and tea
- Accommodation: Luxury camp support in Collpapampa
- Difficulty: Challenging
Day 3: Collpapampa – Lucmabamba – Llactapata
Today’s trail moves through the warm cloud forest, following rivers, crossing small bridges, and passing waterfalls, orchids, fruit trees, coffee farms, and local villages. The scenery feels greener, softer, and full of life.
In Lucmabamba, lunch becomes one of the best moments of the trek. Your chef will prepare a traditional Pachamanca, an authentic Peruvian underground hot-stone barbecue made with fresh meat, vegetables, fruits, aromatic herbs, and local ingredients. You will participate in the preparation and extraction of the food, turning lunch into a real cultural and culinary experience.
While the Pachamanca cooks, you will visit a local coffee farm with local hosts. Depending on the season, you may harvest coffee, learn the process from plant to cup, roast or grind the beans, and prepare your own fresh cup of Peruvian coffee.
After lunch, we continue for about 3 hours along an ancient Inca path toward Llactapata, a beautiful archaeological site on a mountaintop facing Machu Picchu. Here, you will enjoy your first distant view of the citadel and spend the night in a special campsite facing the mountains.
- Hiking Distance: 16 km / 10 mi
- Duration: 8 hours
- Campsite Altitude: 2,750 m / 9,022 ft
- Highest Altitude: 2,770 m / 9,087 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Accommodation: Luxury campsite facing Machu Picchu
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 4: Llactapata – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes
Wake up facing Machu Picchu from a distance and enjoy coffee as the morning light rises over the mountains. If the weather is clear, this sunrise from Llactapata is one of the most beautiful moments of the entire Salkantay route.
After breakfast, we begin a 2-hour downhill hike to Hidroelectrica. Here, you will enjoy lunch and say goodbye to part of the trekking team before starting the final walking section toward Aguas Calientes.
The last part of the trek follows the railway through a warm, green valley beside the Urubamba River. Along the way, you may see orchids, birds, thick vegetation, and places connected to the early history of Machu Picchu exploration.
Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes, your guide will take you to your hotel. You can shower, relax, explore the town, or enjoy the hot springs before dinner at a local restaurant. Tonight is for rest; tomorrow is Machu Picchu.
- Hiking Distance: 14 km / 8.7 mi
- Duration: 6 hours
- Aguas Calientes Altitude: 2,000 m / 6,561 ft
- Highest Altitude: 2,840 m / 9,318 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Accommodation: Carefully selected hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 5: Private Machu Picchu Tour – Vistadome Observatory Train – Cusco
Today is the highlight of the Salkantay Trek Luxury Tour: your private visit to Machu Picchu. Wake up early, have breakfast at the hotel, and take one of the first buses up to the citadel.
Your private guide will lead you through the most important temples, plazas, terraces, and sacred spaces, sharing the history and meaning of this extraordinary Inca city. The guided tour usually lasts around 3 hours, with time for photos at the best viewpoints.
Circuit note: This tour includes Circuit 2 by default when available. If it is sold out for your date or time, we secure the best official alternative, which may be Circuit 1 or Circuit 3. Booking early gives you the best options.
After the guided visit, and if booked in advance, you may hike Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain. These are optional, require extra tickets, and are subject to availability.
After Machu Picchu, enjoy lunch at Tinkuy Restaurant by Sanctuary Lodge when included in your confirmed service. In the afternoon, board the exclusive Vistadome Observatory Train and enjoy panoramic windows, spacious seats, personal tables, an open-air observatory carriage, live cultural show, baby alpaca fashion show when available, snacks, beverages, and beautiful views on the way back to Cusco.
- Machu Picchu guided tour: Around 3 hours
- Machu Picchu Altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch when included in your confirmed service
- Return: Vistadome Observatory Train and private transfer to Cusco
- Difficulty: Easy
Packing List for the Salkantay Trek Luxury Tour to Machu Picchu
During the Salkantay Trek Luxury Tour, you will have private porter support, so you can hike with a light daypack and enjoy the route with more comfort. TreXperience will provide a duffel bag for your trekking gear; the weight limit for this luxury service is up to 20 kg / 44 lb, unless a different limit is confirmed at booking.
You will also carry a small daypack during the hike. Keep it light and comfortable, with only the items you need during the day: water, rain jacket, warm layer, sunscreen, camera, passport, personal medication, and snacks.
Essentials
On the luxury 5-day Salkantay Trek, you’ll be in remote mountain areas with limited phone signal and far from shops. Bring the right gear so you can enjoy the trek with confidence.
What to Wear?
Layering is key. You will move from cold high mountain areas into warmer cloud forest and then to Machu Picchu’s humid mountain climate. Wear light, breathable layers that you can easily add or remove as the weather changes.
What to Carry in Your Daypack?
Your daypack stays with you throughout the hiking day. It should be light, comfortable, and practical. For Machu Picchu, large backpacks are not allowed inside, so keep your daypack compact and avoid bulky items.
What to Put in the Duffel Bag?
Your overnight items go in your duffel bag, carried by your personal porter. You will usually access your duffel at lunch places or campsites, not during the hiking sections, so keep daytime essentials in your daypack.
What We Provide
TreXperience provides the luxury camping setup, including walk-in tents, twin or queen camping cots, sheets, blankets, duvets, pillows, dining setup, comfortable chairs, hot showers, massage tent, portable toilets when needed, and the support of your private team.
During lunch service on the trail, we also provide selected Peruvian beer, soft drinks, water, and coffee. In the evenings, enjoy selected Peruvian wine and pisco at camp. At Salkantay Pass, we celebrate with a champagne toast, weather and safety permitting.
Optional Rentals
If you need extra gear or special equipment, contact us before departure and we will help you prepare the right setup for your private luxury trek.
You can also review our complete Salkantay Trek packing list.
Salkantay Trek Luxury Tour 5 Days Price and Booking
This Salkantay Trek Luxury Tour to Machu Picchu 5 Days is offered as a private tour only. Prices are in USD and are based on your group size. The service includes private guiding, luxury camping equipment, personal porter support, massage support, chef-made meals, premium camp comfort, Machu Picchu, and the Vistadome Observatory Train return.
The final experience can be adjusted depending on your group size, hotel preference, special requests, and availability of train schedules or upgrades. If you are traveling with family or friends, contact us for a personalized quote.
Private Tour: Price Per Person
| Number of Travelers | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 traveler | US$ 3500 |
| 2 travelers | US$ 2500 |
| 3 travelers | US$ 2200 |
| 4 travelers | US$ 2000 |
| 5 travelers | US$ 1900 |
| 6 travelers | US$ 1800 |
| 7 travelers | US$ 1700 |
| 8 travelers | US$ 1600 |
| 9+ travelers | Contact us for a personalized quote |
Booking and Payment
- Deposit: US$400 per person to secure tickets, hotel, train, and luxury logistics. The remaining balance can be paid online or at our Cusco office.
- The balance can be paid by credit card, PayPal, or wire transfer. Contact us if you need an alternative payment option.
- For each traveler, we require the full name exactly as shown on the passport, passport number, date of birth, passport expiration date, and nationality.
- Please inform us in advance of any vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergies, or other dietary needs.
Student and Child Discount
- US$30 off per person
This discount applies to travelers under 17 and students under 25 with a valid university ID. To qualify, the ID must include:
- Student name, photo, and university name.
- A valid expiration date. Expired IDs will not be accepted.
- ISIC cards are not accepted.
The child discount is applied automatically. Students must send a copy of their university ID when booking; if the ID is not accepted, the adult rate will apply.
Travel Information for the Salkantay Trek Luxury Tour 5 Days
Below you’ll find practical information to prepare for your private luxury Salkantay experience: altitude, weather, packing, luxury camp comfort, Machu Picchu tickets, optional hikes, train return, safety, and responsible travel.
Private luxury tour only
This Salkantay Trek Luxury Tour 5 Days is operated as a private tour only. That means you travel with your own guide, private trekking team, chef, porter support, massage therapist, and private logistics.
This option is ideal for couples, families, friends, honeymoon travelers, and guests who want the full Salkantay route with more comfort, privacy, and attention to detail.
Altitude and acclimatization before the trek
The trek reaches high altitude, with the highest point at Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft). Humantay Lake is around 4,200 m / 13,779 ft, and the first camp is also high, so good acclimatization makes a big difference.
We recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 days before the trek. Eat light, drink plenty of water, avoid heavy alcohol during your first days, and take gentle walks or lower-intensity tours before starting the route.
For medical guidance, you can review this official high-altitude travel advice.
Weather and seasons on Salkantay
Weather changes quickly on the Salkantay route. You may experience cold mornings, strong sun, wind near the pass, rain, and warm humid air in the cloud forest.
- Dry season: April to October, with better chances of clear mountain views and colder nights.
- Wet season: November to March, with greener landscapes and more frequent rain.
Pack layers: base layer, fleece, insulated jacket, waterproof shell, warm hat, gloves, quick-dry clothing, and rain protection. For more detail, read our Salkantay Trek weather guide. You can also check the official Machu Picchu weather forecast before your trip.
Luxury camping setup
This luxury service is designed to make the mountain journey more comfortable without losing the adventure. You will have luxury walk-in tents, twin or queen camping cots, sheets, blankets, duvets, pillows, hot showers, dining setup, comfortable chairs, massage tent, and private camp service.
The first campsite is at Salkantaypampa below Salkantay Mountain. The second camp is in Collpapampa in the warmer cloud forest. The third camp is at Llactapata, facing Machu Picchu from a distance.
Llactapata campsite facing Machu Picchu
Llactapata is one of the biggest highlights of the 5-day Salkantay route. The campsite sits on a mountaintop facing Machu Picchu from a distance. On a clear evening or morning, the views are unforgettable.
This is the main reason many travelers choose the 5-day luxury version instead of the shorter 4-day version. It gives you more time, a better rhythm, and one of the best viewpoints before reaching Machu Picchu.
Premium drinks and summit celebration
During lunch service on the trail, we provide a selected list of Peruvian beer, soft drinks, water, and coffee. In the evenings at camp, we offer selected Peruvian wine and pisco to enjoy with your private dining setup.
At the top of Salkantay Pass, we celebrate your achievement with a champagne toast, weather and safety permitting. This is a meaningful moment to mark one of the strongest highlights of the trek.
Massage and Andean shaman experience
One of the special parts of this private luxury trek is the recovery and cultural experience built into the journey. You will have access to a massage tent and massage therapist during the camping nights, helping your body recover after long hiking days.
You will also take part in an Andean shaman experience with coca leaf reading, a meaningful way to connect with local mountain traditions and the sacred energy of Salkantay.
Pachamanca and coffee tour
On Day 3, you will enjoy a traditional Pachamanca, an authentic Peruvian underground hot-stone barbecue prepared by your chef with fresh meat, vegetables, fruits, aromatic herbs, and local ingredients. You will participate in the preparation and extraction of the food, making it a real cultural and culinary moment.
You will also visit a local coffee farm with local hosts. Depending on the season, you may harvest coffee, learn the process from plant to cup, roast or grind the beans, and prepare your own cup of local coffee.
Machu Picchu tickets and circuits
Your Machu Picchu visit includes a private guided tour and the best available official circuit for your ticket time. We include Circuit 2 by default when available; if it is sold out, we secure the best available alternative, which may be Circuit 1 or Circuit 3.
Since June 1, 2024, Machu Picchu uses three main circuits grouped into several official routes. You can review the official Machu Picchu circuits and routes or the official Tu Boleto platform.
Optional mountain hikes in Machu Picchu
Optional hikes such as Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain require extra tickets booked in advance, and you can usually choose only one.
These hikes are done after the guided tour and are subject to availability. We recommend requesting them when booking your tour.
Vistadome Observatory Train
After Machu Picchu, you return on the exclusive Vistadome Observatory Train. This service offers panoramic seating with wide windows, access to the open-air observatory carriage, live Andean music and traditional dances, complimentary snacks and drinks, and personalized attention during the journey.
It is a beautiful way to finish the trek, with open-air views, photo-friendly spaces, comfortable seating, onboard cultural moments, and the comfort expected after a luxury Salkantay experience.
Food, water, and dietary needs
Your trekking chef prepares fresh meals during the route using local products whenever possible. Meals include breakfasts, picnic-style lunches, dinners, snacks, hot drinks, Pachamanca, and the coffee farm experience.
We provide safe drinking water during the trek. Bring a reusable bottle or hydration system with 1.5 to 2 liters of capacity. If you need vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergy-sensitive, or other special meals, tell us when booking.
Charging, Wi-Fi, and phone signal
Phone signal is limited during much of the trek and usually returns near towns. Some locations may offer Wi-Fi or charging, but it can be slow and shared. Bring a power bank, keep your phone on airplane mode when not needed, and download important information before departure.
For safety, your private team carries communication equipment such as satellite phone or radio, depending on the route and operation.
Responsible travel and fair team treatment
TreXperience is a 100% Peruvian local tour operator. We believe a luxury trek should also be a responsible trek: protecting the route, supporting local families, and treating guides, chefs, muleteers, porters, and support staff with dignity.
Please keep your duffel within the approved weight, avoid single-use plastics, stay on marked paths, carry out trash, and respect local communities. Responsible travel helps protect the Salkantay route for future travelers and local families.
Machu Picchu is part of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu and is also recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, so responsible visitor behavior matters.
If plans change: weather, strikes, or route conditions
Weather, road closures, strikes, landslides, or route conditions can affect travel in the Andes. If needed, we adjust start times, hiking pace, transportation, campsite logistics, or train coordination to prioritize safety and protect the experience.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Our team will keep you informed during briefings and by WhatsApp if operational changes are needed.
FAQs - Salkantay Trek Luxury Tour 5 Days
Is this Salkantay Trek Luxury Tour private?
Yes. This Salkantay Trek Luxury Tour 5 Days is offered as a private tour only. You travel with your own guide, trekking team, chef, porter support, massage therapist, and private logistics.
What makes this tour luxury?
This tour includes a private team, luxury walk-in tents, twin or queen camping cots with sheets, blankets, duvets and pillows, hot showers, dining setup, comfortable chairs, massage tent, massage therapist, Andean shaman experience, coca leaf reading, fresh chef-made meals, premium drinks on the trail, champagne at Salkantay Pass when conditions allow, a carefully selected hotel in Aguas Calientes, private Machu Picchu guiding, and Vistadome Observatory Train return.
How difficult is the Luxury Salkantay Trek 5 Days?
It is moderate to challenging, mainly because of altitude and Day 2, when you cross Salkantay Pass at 4,630 m / 15,190 ft. The private support, better pacing, massage recovery, and luxury camp comfort make the journey smoother, but good fitness and acclimatization are still important.
What is the highest point of the trek?
The highest point is Salkantay Pass at 4,630 m / 15,190 ft, reached on Day 2. This is the most challenging and powerful section of the trek.
How many miles is the Luxury Salkantay Trek?
The total hiking distance is approximately 64 km / 39.8 mi over 5 days. The route starts in the Salkantay area and finishes with your visit to Machu Picchu.
What are the accommodations like?
- Night 1: Salkantaypampa Luxury Campsite below Salkantay Mountain.
- Night 2: Luxury camp support in Collpapampa, in the warmer cloud forest.
- Night 3: Llactapata campsite facing Machu Picchu from a distance.
- Night 4: Carefully selected hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Is massage included during the trek?
Yes. The luxury setup includes massage support during the camping nights, helping you recover after long hiking days and enjoy the route with more comfort.
Is the Andean shaman experience included?
Yes. The tour includes an Andean shaman ceremony with coca leaf reading, a meaningful cultural moment designed to connect you with the Andean worldview and the sacred presence of Salkantay Mountain.
Are drinks included during the trek?
Yes. During lunch service on the trail, we provide a selected list of Peruvian beer, soft drinks, water, and coffee. In the evenings at camp, we offer selected Peruvian wine and pisco. At Salkantay Pass, we include a champagne toast, weather and safety permitting.
Are meals included?
Yes. Meals are included as listed in the itinerary. Your trekking chef prepares fresh meals on the trail, including breakfasts, picnic-style lunches, dinners, hot drinks, snacks, Pachamanca, and the coffee experience. Dinner in Cusco on the last day is not included.
Can you accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or allergies?
In most cases, yes. Please tell us your dietary needs before the trek so the chef can plan properly and prepare separate options when needed.
What is special about Llactapata?
Llactapata is a beautiful archaeological area located on a mountaintop facing Machu Picchu. Camping here gives you a rare distant view of the citadel and, on a clear morning, one of the best sunrise moments of the Salkantay route.
Are Machu Picchu tickets included?
Yes. Your Machu Picchu ticket is included. We include Circuit 2 by default when available. If Circuit 2 is sold out, we will secure the best available official alternative, which may be Circuit 1 or Circuit 3. You can also review our Machu Picchu tickets guide.
Can I hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?
Yes. You can add Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain after the guided tour, depending on availability. These hikes require extra tickets booked in advance, and you can usually choose only one.
Is the Vistadome Observatory Train included?
Yes. The return includes the Vistadome Observatory Train, with panoramic windows, open-air observatory carriage, onboard cultural show, snacks, beverages, and comfortable seating. It is one of the best ways to finish the trek after Machu Picchu.
What do I carry each day, and what does the porter carry?
You hike with your daypack, carrying water, layers, snacks, sun and rain protection, camera, passport, and personal items. Your overnight items go in your duffel bag, carried by your personal porter.
What happens if I feel unwell on the trek?
Tell your guide early. Small symptoms are easier to manage when reported quickly. Your private team carries oxygen, a first-aid kit, and a satellite phone for support and safety throughout the trek.
Will I have cell phone signal on the trek?
Signal is limited in many areas. It is best to plan to be offline during much of the trek and bring a power bank for photos and personal devices. Your team carries communication equipment for safety.
Is tipping required?
Tipping is optional and always up to you. If you want guidance, your guide can explain what is customary for the team during the briefing.