Salkantay Trail 8 Days - Full Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at the airport – Cusco City Tour

Welcome to Cusco! On arrival, our team will pick you up from the airport and take you to a centrally located hotel. If you arrive early, you will have free time to relax in the city before the tour (we recommend booking early morning flights to Cusco). Our tour begins at 1:00 p.m. with a walking tour with your guide, visiting the most remarkable places in Cusco City: explore Plaza de Armas, see the 12-angled stone street, and discover the once-gilded Temple of the Sun at Qoricancha.

The second part is by car, a 10-minute drive to Sacsayhuaman, an extraordinary Inca setting made of massive rock walls. After enjoying the upper Cusco views, you will visit the labyrinth of Qenqo, the temple of the water Tambomachay, and the red fort of Puka Pukara. On the way back to your hotel, and if you still have time, we will visit the large white statue of Christ perched up the hill overlooking the city of Cusco. 

• 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

Today, we will leave after breakfast at 7:00 a.m. and drive through the hills of the Sacred Valley.  Our first stop is an Alpaca farm and the viewpoint at Taray, where you can take in amazing views of the Sacred Valley, the eastern Andes, and the Urubamba River.

Next, we go to Pisac, famous for its amazing archaeological site and vibrant handicraft market. We'll go up to see the old terraces and find out how this place used to be an important lookout. Afterward, you will have time to explore the local shops and learn more about Andean culture.

We then drive for about an hour to Urubamba to enjoy lunch made with fresh local ingredients. After lunch, we go to two important places: the round terraces of Moray and the Salt Mines of Maras, where you can see the ancient way of extracting salt.

Our last stop is the lovely town of Ollantaytambo, where we’ll stroll through its original Inca streets and explore the amazing archaeological site. We return to Cusco in the afternoon, arriving at your hotel 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 (12km, 6hrs)

We will pick you up from your hotel at 4:30 a.m. and drive for 2 hours to the town of Mollepata, where we will enjoy breakfast at a local restaurant and admire the amazing views of the mountains. After breakfast, we continue driving for another hour until we arrive at the trailhead at Challacancha (3,600 meters / 11,811 feet). You will have time to prepare for the hike, warm up, and meet our team of porters, chefs, and arrieros.

The first part of the hike starts with a 3-hour walk to the iconic Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,780 ft). The first 2 hours are relatively easy, and the last hour is more challenging as you approach the lake. Upon arrival, you will have time to explore the area, relax amid nature and fresh air, and then return to Soraypampa, where our expert trekking chef will be waiting with freshly prepared picnic meals using local products.

After lunch, you will continue for another hour to our final campsite, located at the base of Salkantay Mountain. You will spend the night in our unique and exclusive Salka Glamp Campsite. You will enjoy our glamping tents, the amazing views of the great Salkantay, and finally eat dinner before sleeping in comfortable tents under the clear Andean sky—perfect for stargazing.

• 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
• Considered: Moderate

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

Wake in your tent with a hot cup of coffee and a spectacular view of the mountains! You will have time to pack and get ready for the day. After breakfast, we'll start with the most challenging part of the Salkantay Trail, a 2-hour ascent to the highest point, the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft). Once you reach the top, you'll take some time to explore and enjoy the snow-capped peak with fantastic views, including the Pumasillo peak and an incredible rock forest. Then, continue a 2-hour descent to Wayracmachay, where your chef will wait for another outstanding meal.

After enjoying the well-earned lunch, we'll continue dropping for 3 hours until arriving at the second campsite near the village of Collpapampa at 2,770m (9,087ft). Along the way, you will see a wide variety of flora and fauna as a result of the fastest and most dramatic changes in temperature in the landscape, from cold, snowy peaks to green tropical areas. We'll set camp and eat dinner before you enjoy the rest of the night.

You will spend this night at our Rustic Andean huts in the remote village of Collpapampa, offering a cozy and authentic Andean lodging experience.

• 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: Rustic Andean huts in the remote village of Collpapampa
• Difficulty: Challenging

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

Today's journey starts at 7:00 after breakfast. We'll take a 3-hour hike along the Santa Teresa Valley, following the white water river from the high mountains of Salkantay, a verdant area home to several waterfalls, orchids, flowers, coffee farms, and small villages. You will arrive right on time in Lucmabamba to participate in a Pachamanca, a traditional underground barbecue. This unique feast is cooked with hot stones and comes with all kinds of meat, vegetables, and even fruits that are buried underground. While waiting for the special meal, you will visit an organic coffee farm, learn the harvesting process, and make your own espresso cup right from the beans.

After the Pachamanca feast, you will continue the second part of the day, following an ancient Inca Trail for 3 hours. This trail will take you up to the beautiful Llactapata archeological site, located right in front of Machu Picchu. Here, we will catch the first breathtaking views of the ruins of Machu Picchu and spend the night in your tents overlooking the immensity 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 (14km, 6hrs)

Start early, open your tent, and witness Machu Picchu for a second time. If the weather allows, you will have the most beautiful sunrise over the Citadel, relax, and get ready for the final and last day of hiking to Aguas Calientes. The first part is a 2-hour downhill hike to Hidroelectrica Station, where you will get lunch to reenergize and say goodbye to our trekking team. Then, you will continue to Intiwatana (sundial rock). Visited by Hiram Bingham during the 1911 expeditions, this carefully carved rock perfectly aligns with the Sundial at Machu Picchu during the winter solstice.

Continue a pleasant 3-hour hike along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes. This part of the hike is full of history, not only because you will be walking around Machu Picchu, but also because the American Explorer Hiram Bingham III used it during the 1911 expedition that led to the discovery of the wonder. You will be able to visit the Mandor Gardens, where Hiram Bingham met a farmer named Arteaga and eventually discovered Machu Picchu, thanks to him. Due to the rich flora and fauna, it's possible to see different species of birds and flowers, including orchids and other endemic species. Upon arrival at Aguas Calientes, you will enjoy a relaxing shower and dinner at a local restaurant.

• Hiking Distance: 14 km / 8.6 miles
• 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

The last and most important day! You'll wake up early, have breakfast in the hotel, and catch one of the first buses to Machu Picchu. The hotel will store your heavy bags so you can go light to get the best of the day. Upon arrival at the checkpoint, you must show your original passport and entry ticket. On this 2 to 3-hour tour, you will explore the most important sites with your tour guide, including plazas, temples, and palaces, following the circuit 2. It'll be a great opportunity to learn about this fantastic place’s history and reveal untold stories with up-to-date information.

Afterward, you'll finish right at the entry point. If you have tickets and extra time, you can hike the famous Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (optional and different from Machu Picchu Citadel). After your visit, you will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, have lunch (not included), and take the Vistadome panoramic train to Ollantaytambo. From here, our private van will take you back to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel around 7:30 pm.

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

Day 8: Depart Cusco

After breakfast, transfer to the airport or bus terminal according to your schedule.

Price for the 8-Day Salkantay Trail

We run small-group tours for a more personal and intimate travel experience. Traveling with a large party or want something exclusive? We offer the Salkantay trek with Machu Picchu 8 days tailored to your preferences. Contact us today, and we’ll send a customized price and design the perfect tour to fit your needs, ensuring an unforgettable journey.

Price per person

• From US$890 - Adults
• From US$860 - Children and students

Booking and payment

• Deposit: US$200 per person (to secure your spot). The balance can be paid online or at our office in Cusco using any credit card, PayPal, or wire transfer. Contact us to discuss alternative payment options.
• The following information is required for each traveler: full name exactly as it appears on the passport (no nicknames), passport number, date of birth, passport expiration date, and nationality.
• Please inform us in advance of any vegetarian, vegan, or other dietary restrictions.

Student Discount

• US$30 off

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

• Student name, photo, and university name.
• A valid expiration date (expired IDs will not be accepted).
• ISIC cards are not valid.

The discount is applied automatically for children. For students, you must submit a copy of your student ID when booking; if your ID is rejected, you will be charged the adult rate.

Camp gear for rent

• Inflatable mattress: US$20 per person
• Single Tent: US$35 per person
• Sleeping bag: US$25 per person
• Trekking Poles: US$20 per person

Packing List for the Salkantay Trail 8 days

The Salkantay Trail 8 Days package includes tours in Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and a multiday hiking trip to Machu Picchu, which means you will need proper gear for all weather and temperatures. The packing list for each tour is different:

What to pack for the City Tour in Cusco?

On the first day, we will pick you up from the airport, bus station, or hotel if you are already in Cusco. We will transfer you to a hotel near the center of Cusco and have time to unpack and rest. You will be in the same hotel for 2 nights.

For the city tour, you only need a small backpack: make sure you have all the essentials for the tour.

• Small backpack
• Warm clothes, appropriate for short hikes
• Rain gear all the time in your backpack
• Sun protection
• Water
• Snacks
• Extra money in cash (soles)

What to pack for the Sacred Valley Tour?

On the second day, you will explore the best of the Sacred in a full-day tour. You will travel in a small backpack, and your suitcase must stay in your hotel. Make sure you have all the necessary stuff with you:

• Small and comfortable backpack
• Comfortable clothes for the day tour
• Warm clothes
• Rain gear
• Comfortable shoes
• Extra money for souvenirs

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 the travel date (a copy will not be accepted).
• Valid Student Card: You will need to send a copy of your ID for verification (if you booked as a student).
• Comfortable hiking boots: light, comfortable, and broken in.
• A good quality daypack: made for hiking, light, small, and comfortable.
• Water container: for at least 2 liters; either a bottle, a camel bag, or aluminum canteens.

What to put in the daypack

Your daypack will always be with you, so you will need to pack personal and handy objects for each day of the trek. For Machu Picchu, the backpack regulation only allows those smaller than 25 liters. If you have a bigger one, please get in touch with us to see if it's possible to bring it along.

• Warm clothes for the mornings
• Rain gear is always with you
• Sun protection (sun cream, hats, sunglasses)
• Insect repellent
• Hand sanitizer, toilet paper, and wet wipes
• Personal medication, band-aids, moleskin
• Camera, extra batteries, head torch
• Extra snacks, power bars, candy, and chocolates
• Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, and tips (small change is useful)

What to pack in the duffel bag

During the briefing day, we will provide you with one duffle bag to pack up to 8 kg (17.6 lb) of your stuff, including sleeping bags and mattresses. If you rent equipment from us, the sleeping bags weigh 2 kg, and the mattress is up to 1 kg. Make sure not to put breakable items.

You don't have to worry about carrying your duffle bags during the trek. Cargo mules and muleteers will take them for you. However, please keep in mind that you won't have access to your items until you arrive at each campsite.

• Sleeping bag (can be rented from us)
• Air mattress (can be rented from us)
• Comfortable shoes for the camp after hiking
• Warm jacket, hat, and gloves to stay warm at night
• 5 sets of t-shirts
• 3 comfortable hiking trousers
• 5 sets of undergarments
• 1 Fleece or a down jacket for the coldest nights
• Quick-dry towels, toiletries
• Powerbank/battery charger
• Plastic bags to keep wet or muddy clothes separate

Salkantay Trek 8 Days - Travel Information

Below you’ll find practical, trip-saving information to help you prepare and feel confident before your great trek to Machu Picchu across the beautiful trails of the Salkantay. Use this section to plan your acclimatization, packing, and expectations—so you can enjoy the experience instead of worrying about the details.

Salkantay altitude & 48-hour acclimatization plan

The Salkantay Trek starts in Cusco, located around 3,300 meters, then follows the trail above 3,800 meters, visits Humantay Lake at 4,200 meters, and the first campsite is around 4,000 meters high. On the second day, you will hike up to 4,630 meters at the Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the trek; after that, you start descending into the cloud forest where the average altitude is 2,600 meters. This means that only on day 1 and day 2 you will be hiking at high altitude, so good acclimatization makes a big difference.

We recommend arriving in Cusco 72 hours, or at least 48 hours, before you trek. On the first day, explore Cusco city and Sacsayhuaman; on the second day, visit the famous Sacred Valley, stopping at Pisac, Moray, and Ollantaytambo. These tours involve short walks at the sites (around 30 to 45 minutes), which helps you adapt faster to the altitude.

In the first days, eat light, take easy walks, and hydrate. Keep meals simple and avoid alcohol. Drink plenty of water and add electrolytes. If you feel a headache or nausea, slow down, rest, try coca tea or basic meds if you normally use them, and tell your guide early—don’t wait until symptoms get worse.

Salkantay weather by month: what to pack and wear

Salkantay weather, and Andes weather in general, is unpredictable. A sunny, warm morning can turn into rain, wind, or cold in minutes—especially at higher passes. No matter the season, plan for sun, rain, wind, cold, and warm tropical conditions as you descend toward the cloud forest.

Bring warm jackets, a hat, gloves, and a raincoat. Pack cold-weather layers for the high areas, and for the final days, pack light clothes for warmer, humid conditions.

• From Apr–Oct it’s drier with sunny days and cold nights; during these months, especially May, June, and July, days can be bright and nights clear, when the temperature can drop below zero degrees Celsius. Snow is possible in high places.
• Nov–Mar is the rainy season, when showers are common, although we might have weeks with no rain. Expect wind at the pass and humidity in the cloud forest.

Pack layers: base, fleece, insulated jacket, waterproof shell, warm hat/gloves, quick-dry pants, and a cozy sleep layer. Always carry a rain cover and dry bags—conditions change fast. A simple rule: if you can remove or add layers quickly, you’ll stay comfortable all day.

Salkantay 5 days vs 4 days: which route fits you?

Both treks follow the same route on the first and second day, with the same campsite. The main difference between the 4-day and 5-day trek is the 3rd campsite at Llactapata before Machu Picchu. This campsite sits on a mountaintop facing Machu Picchu. The view of Machu Picchu is far in the distance, but on a clear morning the sunrise and views are spectacular.

The 4-day trek is a shorter version without Llactapata and, in general, on day 3 the hiking hours are longer, which makes this version a bit tougher, considering that day 1, day 2, and part of day 3 follow the same distance and the same trail. If you prefer a more balanced pace and want that Llactapata viewpoint experience, the 5-day style route is often the better fit.

Both treks are great and beautiful; choose depending on whether you have enough time for a 4 or 5 day trek. If you’re joining our longer Salkantay program, this comparison still helps you understand why the Llactapata camp is such a highlight before Machu Picchu.

Salkantay and Machu Picchu rules: bags, poles, drones: what’s not allowed

During the Salkantay Trek, drones are restricted in popular places like Humantay Lake. It’s possible to use a drone only where there are no other travelers to disturb, but we always recommend coordinating with your tour guide and respecting local rules. You can hike with larger backpacks and trekking poles on the trail.

Machu Picchu does not allow drones, and staff enforce this strictly. Only smaller daypacks are permitted inside; larger bags must be stored outside. Trekking poles, tripods, and selfie sticks may be restricted—bring rubber tips for poles and follow your guide’s instructions at the entrance. Follow your assigned circuit and entry time; re-entry is limited. Use bathrooms before you enter and carry water in a reusable bottle.

Food and water on the trail: what we provide and safe tips

We provide safe meals and boiled/filtered water at meal times—refill your bottle then. Bring 1.5–2 L total capacity, electrolytes, and your favorite snacks (especially if you like eating small amounts often at altitude). Wash or sanitize hands regularly, and avoid drinking from streams.

If you need vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free meals, tell us when booking; we’ll prepare separate options. Eat light the first night and avoid risky street food pre-trek so your stomach stays calm for day one.

Charging, Wi-Fi, and signal on Salkantay: what to expect

Signal usually drops after day one and returns near towns. Some camps offer paid Wi-Fi and limited charging; it’s often slow and shared. Bring a 10–20k mAh power bank, switch to airplane mode, and download maps, tickets, and playlists for offline use.

Share emergency contacts with your guide and keep your phone accessible (not buried in your duffel). Our team carries radio/sat-phone for coordination and emergencies.

Responsible travel on Salkantay: communities, mules and waste

Pack out all trash, carry a reusable bottle, and skip single-use plastics whenever possible. Keep your duffel within the weight limit and avoid extra loads—this helps protect mules and supports fair, safe working conditions.

Ask before photographing people and buy from local families when you can. Stay on marked paths and follow your guide to protect fragile Andean ecosystems and keep the trail clean for everyone.

Bathrooms, showers and hygiene on the trek: what to expect

Expect basic toilets at camps and occasional paid facilities along the trail; carry tissue and hand gel. Some camps offer cold showers and, in a few spots, hot water for a small fee; you’ll have a proper shower in Aguas Calientes before your Machu Picchu visit.

Pack wet wipes and a small quick-dry towel for comfort. A small zip bag for used wipes/tissue is also helpful so you can pack out all waste responsibly.

If plans change: rain, strikes and our contingency plan

Rain, snow, or risk of landslides? We adjust start times, pace, and camp locations to keep you safe. If strikes or road closures affect trains/buses, we may switch to alternative transport where possible, reschedule your Machu Picchu visit when authorities allow, or cancel if circumstances demand.

Travel insurance is strongly recommended. We’ll keep you updated by WhatsApp and during daily briefings, so you always know what’s happening and what the best next step is.

Machu Picchu tickets and circuits after Salkantay: how they work

The Ministry of Culture uses fixed circuits (set routes), each with a specific entry time and curfew. For the Salkantay trek, we aim to book the best available option—often Circuit 2, which is widely considered the most complete because it combines key viewpoints and important buildings. However, these tickets can sell out fast.

If there is no availability for Circuit 2, we will book Circuit 3 or Circuit 1; depending on availability, we will always choose the best tickets available at the time of booking. Please note there is no pre-booking hold; Machu Picchu tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis, and we can only book with names and passport numbers. These details must match your documents, and changes are generally not possible.

• Circuit 1 gives you access to the main viewpoint, the upper part of Machu Picchu, where you will explore the guard house and enjoy the classic views of Machu Picchu from iconic vantage points.
• Circuit 2 gives you access to part of Circuit 1’s viewpoints and part of Circuit 3’s lower sector. This means you reach viewpoints below the guard house and also visit the lower area with key buildings. This makes Circuit 2 the most complete ticket and it sells out fast.
• Circuit 3 gives access to the lower part of Machu Picchu where the most important buildings are located, like the Temple of the Sun and royal quarters.

To get the best circuits, we recommend booking your Salkantay trek as early as possible. If you would like to learn more, we invite you to visit the Official Machu Picchu Circuits & Routes website (Circuit 1/2/3).

Money and tipping on Salkantay: ATMs, cash and extras

Bring soles in small bills for snacks, showers, and tips. ATMs are in Cusco and Aguas Calientes, not on the trail. Tipping is optional but customary; suggested amounts vary by group size, so ask your guide at the briefing if you want a simple guideline.

Keep cash in a zip pouch, carry only what you need each day, and keep a small extra note tucked away for emergencies.

Duffel and daypack guide: weight limits, storage and what to carry

Your duffel is carried by pack animals; keep it within the usual limit (about 7–8 kg including a sleeping bag) and label it clearly with your name. Hike with a 20–25 L daypack for water, layers, sun/rain gear, camera, and personal meds.

Store suitcases in Cusco at your hotel or our office. Keep valuables with you at all times—especially your passport, cash/cards, phone, and any essential medication.

Frequently Asked Questions