Salkantay Trail 8 Days - Full Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at the Airport – Cusco City Tour

Welcome to Cusco. Upon arrival, our team will pick you up from the airport and take you to a centrally located hotel. If you arrive early, you’ll have free time to rest, settle in, and begin adjusting to the altitude. We recommend booking an early morning flight to Cusco whenever possible.

Your guided City Tour begins at 1:00 p.m. with a walk through the historic center of Cusco. You’ll visit the Plaza de Armas, see the famous 12-angled stone street, and explore Qoricancha, the Temple of the Sun, one of the most important sacred sites of the Inca Empire.

The second part of the tour is by private transport. We’ll drive to Sacsayhuaman, known for its massive stone walls and beautiful views over Cusco. Then visit Qenqo, Tambomachay, and Puka Pukara. If time allows, we’ll also stop at the large white statue of Christ overlooking the city before returning to your hotel.

• Tour Duration: Half-day
• Entry Tickets: Included
• Meals: Not included
• Accommodation: San Agustin International or similar

Day 2: Sacred Valley Tour: Pisac, Moray, Salineras of Maras, Ollantaytambo

After breakfast, we’ll leave your hotel at 7:00 a.m. and travel into the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This day is perfect for acclimatization because it combines beautiful scenery, cultural visits, and gentle walking without the intensity of a full trek.

Our first stop is an alpaca farm, followed by the viewpoint at Taray, where you’ll enjoy wide views of the Sacred Valley, the eastern Andes, and the Urubamba River. Then we continue to Pisac, known for its impressive Inca terraces and lively local market.

After exploring Pisac, we drive to Urubamba for lunch prepared with fresh local ingredients. In the afternoon, visit the circular terraces of Moray and the Salt Mines of Maras, where local families continue using traditional salt-harvesting methods.

Our final stop is Ollantaytambo, one of the most impressive Inca towns in the Sacred Valley. We’ll walk through original Inca streets and explore the archaeological site before returning to your hotel in Cusco around 6:00 p.m.

• Duration: Full-day
• Entry Tickets: Included
• Meals: Buffet lunch
• Accommodation: San Agustin International or similar

Day 3: Cusco – Humantay Lake – Salkantay Basecamp (12 km, 6 hrs)

We’ll pick you up from your hotel at 4:30 a.m. and drive for about 2 hours to Mollepata, where you’ll enjoy breakfast at a local restaurant with views of the mountains. After breakfast, we continue for another hour to the trailhead at Challacancha (3,600 m / 11,811 ft).

Here, you’ll have time to prepare for the hike, warm up, and meet part of our trekking team, including guides, chefs, muleteers, and support staff. The first section is a 3-hour hike to the famous Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,780 ft), one of the most beautiful turquoise lakes in the Andes.

After enjoying the lake, we descend to Soraypampa, where our trekking chef will be waiting with a fresh picnic-style lunch made with local products. After lunch, continue for about 1 hour to our campsite at the base of Salkantay Mountain.

Tonight, you’ll stay at our exclusive Salka Glamp Campsite, located in Salkantaypampa, one of the closest and most peaceful campsite locations below Salkantay Mountain. Away from the usual crowds, you’ll enjoy glamping-style bell tents, clear Andean skies, mountain views, a warm basecamp atmosphere, coffee surrounded by nature, and a freshly prepared dinner.

• Hiking Distance: 12 km / 7.5 mi
• Duration: 6 hours
• Campsite Altitude: 4,150 m / 12,795 ft
• Highest Altitude: 4,200 m / 13,780 ft
• Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea time, and dinner
• Accommodation: Salka Glamp Campsite
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 4: Salkantay Basecamp – Wayracmachay – Collpapampa (18 km, 9 hrs)

Wake up in your glamping tent with hot coffee or coca tea and spectacular views of the mountains. After breakfast, we begin the most challenging and rewarding day of the Salkantay Trail: the 2-hour ascent to the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft).

At the top, you’ll have time to rest, take photos, and feel the power of the Andes. The views include snow-capped peaks, dramatic ridgelines, and the sacred presence of Salkantay Mountain. This is one of the most unforgettable moments of the trek.

From the pass, we descend toward Wayracmachay, where our trekking chef will be waiting with another fresh meal. After lunch, continue downhill as the landscape changes from cold highlands to the green, warmer Cloud Forest.

We arrive at Collpapampa (2,770 m / 9,087 ft), a peaceful village surrounded by vegetation and river sounds. Tonight, you’ll stay in our Andean huts at a locally owned campsite, a calm place to rest after the longest hiking day and connect with the local setting.

• 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, snacks, lunch, tea, and dinner
• Accommodation: Andean huts in the remote village of Collpapampa
• Difficulty: Challenging

Day 5: Collpapampa – Lucmabamba – Llactapata (16 km, 8 hrs)

After breakfast, we continue through the Santa Teresa Valley, following the river through a green landscape filled with waterfalls, orchids, fruit trees, coffee farms, and small villages. This is one of the most cultural and flavorful days of the Salkantay Trail.

In Lucmabamba, our 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’ll participate in the preparation and extraction of the food, making this lunch a real cultural and culinary experience.

While the Pachamanca cooks underground, you’ll visit a local coffee farm with local hosts. Depending on the season, you may help 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 along an ancient Inca path for about 3 hours to the beautiful Llactapata archaeological site, located on a mountaintop facing Machu Picchu. Here, you’ll enjoy your first distant view of the citadel and spend the night camping in front of the mountains.

• Hiking Distance: 16 km / 10 mi
• Duration: 8 hours
• Campsite Altitude: 2,750 m / 9,022 ft
• Highest Altitude: 2,750 m / 9,022 ft
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Camping in front of Machu Picchu
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 6: Llactapata – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes (14 km, 6 hrs)

Start early, open your tent, and enjoy Machu Picchu from a distance for the second time. If the weather allows, you’ll witness a beautiful sunrise over the mountains while enjoying coffee in one of the most special locations of the route.

After breakfast, we begin a 2-hour downhill hike to Hidroelectrica Station, where you’ll enjoy lunch and say goodbye to our trekking team. Then, continue toward Intiwatana, a carved rock connected with the history of the 1911 expedition.

The final hiking section is a 3-hour walk along the railway to Aguas Calientes. This part of the route is full of vegetation, birds, flowers, orchids, and history. Along the way, you may visit the Mandor area, connected to the story of Hiram Bingham and the local farmer Arteaga.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you’ll check into your hotel, enjoy a relaxing shower, and have dinner at a local restaurant before your visit to Machu Picchu the next morning.

• Hiking Distance: 14 km / 8.6 mi
• Duration: 6 hours
• Aguas Calientes Altitude: 2,000 m / 6,561 ft
• Highest Altitude: 2,750 m / 9,022 ft
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Hotel: Ferre Machu Picchu or similar
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 7: Discover Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco

This is the grand day of your Salkantay Trail 8 Days. You’ll wake up early, have breakfast at the hotel, and take one of the first buses to Machu Picchu. The hotel will store your heavier bags so you can enter the citadel with only what you need.

At the entrance, you must show your original passport and entry ticket. During the 2 to 3-hour guided tour, your professional guide will lead you through the most important areas of Machu Picchu, including temples, plazas, terraces, and sacred spaces, while sharing the history and meaning of this extraordinary Inca city.

After the guided visit, and if booked in advance, you can hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. These hikes are optional, require an extra ticket, and are subject to availability.

In Machu Picchu, we include Circuit 2 by default when available. If Circuit 2 is sold out, we will secure the best available option, which may be Circuit 3 or Circuit 1. We strongly recommend booking early because the best circuits and schedules sell out first.

After your visit, take the bus back to Aguas Calientes, have lunch on your own, and board the Vistadome panoramic train to Ollantaytambo. From there, our private van will take you back to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel around 7:30 p.m.

• Tour Duration: 2 to 3 hours in Machu Picchu
• Machu Picchu Altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
• Meals: Breakfast. Other meals not included.
• Accommodation: San Agustin International or similar
• Difficulty: Easy

Day 8: Depart Cusco

After breakfast, we transfer you to the airport or bus terminal according to your schedule. This final service closes your journey with the same care and organization that supported you from your first arrival in Cusco.

Salkantay Trail 8 Days Price and Booking

Join one of our premium small-group departures for a complete Salkantay Trail 8 Days to Machu Picchu experience, including airport pickup, Cusco City Tour, Sacred Valley, hotels, the Salkantay Trek, Machu Picchu, and panoramic train return. If you are traveling with family, friends, or a larger group, contact us for a customized quote based on your group size and travel preferences.

Small-Group Tour: Price Per Person

Private Tour: Price Per Person

Booking and Payment

• Deposit: US$400 per person to secure your booking. The remaining balance can be paid online or at our office in Cusco 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, or other dietary restrictions.

Student and Child Discount

• US$30 off

This discount applies to all travelers under 17 and students under 25 with a valid university ID. To qualify, the ID must include:

• The student’s 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.

Packing List for the Salkantay Trail 8 Days

The Salkantay Trail 8 Days package includes airport pickup, Cusco City Tour, the Sacred Valley, hotels, and a multi-day trek to Machu Picchu. This means you need comfortable clothes for city tours and proper hiking gear for changing mountain weather.

You will experience different conditions: cool mornings in Cusco, sunny days in the Sacred Valley, cold nights near Salkantay Mountain, rain or wind in the high Andes, and warmer weather in the Cloud Forest. Pack smart, travel light, and keep your essentials organized.

What to Pack for the City Tour in Cusco?

On the first day, we pick you up from the airport, bus station, or hotel if you are already in Cusco. We transfer you to a hotel near the center of Cusco, where you’ll have time to unpack and rest before the afternoon City Tour.

For the City Tour, you only need a small backpack with the essentials:

• Small backpack.
• Comfortable clothes and a warm layer.
• Rain jacket or rain poncho in your backpack.
• Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
• Water bottle.
• Snacks.
• Extra cash in Peruvian soles.

What to Pack for the Sacred Valley Tour?

On the second day, you’ll explore the best of the Sacred Valley on a full-day tour. Your suitcase stays at the hotel, and you travel with a small daypack.

• Small and comfortable backpack.
• Comfortable clothes for a full-day tour.
• Warm layer for the morning and afternoon.
• Rain gear.
• Comfortable walking shoes.
• Extra cash for souvenirs, drinks, or personal expenses.

What to Pack for the Salkantay Trek?

Here are the essentials for the Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu:

• Original passport: Valid for at least 6 months after your travel date. A copy will not be accepted at checkpoints.
• Valid student card: Required if you booked with a student discount.
• Comfortable hiking boots: Light, comfortable, waterproof if possible, and already broken in.
• Good-quality daypack: Light, comfortable, and made for hiking.
• Water container: Capacity for at least 2 liters, such as a reusable bottle or hydration bladder.

What to Put in the Daypack

Your daypack stays with you during the day, so pack items you need while hiking. For Machu Picchu, backpack size is restricted, so avoid large or bulky bags.

• Warm clothes for cold mornings.
• Rain jacket or rain poncho.
• Sun protection: sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses.
• Insect repellent.
• Hand sanitizer, toilet paper, and wet wipes.
• Personal medication, band-aids, and blister protection.
• Camera, extra batteries, and headlamp.
• Extra snacks, energy bars, candy, or chocolate.
• Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, showers, and tips.

What to Pack in the Duffel Bag

During the briefing, we will provide one duffle bag to pack up to 8 kg / 17.6 lb of your personal items, including sleeping bag and mattress if you bring or rent them.

Cargo mules and muleteers carry your duffle bag during the trek. You will not have access to these items during the day, only when you arrive at each campsite.

• Sleeping bag. You can rent one from us.
• Air mattress. You can rent one from us.
• Comfortable shoes for camp after hiking.
• Warm jacket, hat, and gloves for cold nights.
• Hiking shirts for the trek.
• Comfortable hiking pants.
• Undergarments and socks.
• Fleece or down jacket for the coldest nights.
• Quick-dry towel and toiletries.
• Power bank or battery charger.
• Plastic or dry bags to separate wet or muddy clothes.

You can also review our complete Salkantay Trek packing list.

Salkantay Trek 8 Days - Travel Information

Below you’ll find practical information to help you prepare for this complete Cusco and Salkantay package. Use this section to plan your acclimatization, packing, expectations, Machu Picchu tickets, and the trekking experience.

Salkantay Trail 8 Days FAQs