Full itinerary of the Ultimate Salkantay Trek 5 days 4 nights

Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Salka Glamp

We will pick you up from your hotel around 4:30 am (depending on your location) for a three-hour scenic drive to the trailhead. On the way, we’ll stop in the town of Mollepata to enjoy a delicious breakfast before continuing to the starting point, where you'll meet your porters and horsemen.

The adventure begins with a three-hour hike to Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,779 ft), where you’ll have time to rest, explore, and take in the incredible turquoise waters. We then hike downhill for about an hour to Soraypampa (3,600 m / 11,811 ft), where our chef will be waiting with a lunch made from fresh, local ingredients.

After lunch, the trail continues uphill for two hours to Salka Glamp (4,150 m / 13,615 ft), our high‑altitude camp for the night. Here, you might spot Andean geese (often seen in pairs, “love birds”), deer, and the curious rabbit-like vizcacha that lives among the rocks.

You’ll spend the night at the exclusive Salka Glamp Campsite, a peaceful spot with beautiful views of Salkantay Mountain. After a warm, freshly prepared dinner, you can relax and enjoy a sky full of stars before settling into your cozy tent for the night.

• Hiking Distance: 12 km / 7.5 mi
• Duration: 6 hours
• Campsite Altitude: 4,150 m / 13,615 ft
• Highest Altitude: 4,200 m / 13,779 ft
• Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea, dinner
• Accommodation: Salka Glamp Campsite
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 2: Salkantaypampa – Wayracmachay – Collpapampa

You’ll wake up bright and early with a cup of coffee or coca tea in your tent, while taking in the spectacular views of the mountains. After breakfast, we’ll set off for a two-hour ascent to the Salkantay Trek’s highest point, the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft). 

At the top, we’ll take some time to explore, enjoy the area, and even visit a beautiful lake at the base of Salkantay Mountain (6,270 m / 20,574 ft). From there, we follow a 3-hour descent to the lunch place at Wayracmachay (3,800 m / 12,467 ft), where you can spot the vizcacha, a rabbit-like Andean rodent related to the chinchilla.

After a well-deserved lunch, we’ll get ready for the day’s final stretch, three more hours downhill that’ll take us from the cold highlands into the lush cloud forest. You’ll feel the change almost instantly as the weather becomes warmer, more humid, and the landscape greener.

For the night, you’ll stay in comfortable Andean huts, offering a cozy and unique experience surrounded by the greenery and tranquility of the cloud forest. The campsite is next to the village of Collpapampa.

• 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
• Difficulty: Challenging

Day 3: Collpapampa – Lucmabamba – Llactapata

Enjoy a leisurely morning in the village while admiring the views of the mountains you left behind. After breakfast, we’ll prepare for the most beautiful day of the trek, hiking toward the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu. You’ll follow narrow paths along the river, cross wooden bridges, pass waterfalls, and walk through granadilla and banana plantations until you arrive at Lucmabamba (2,000 m / 6,561 ft) for lunch.

Today’s lunch is a special highlight of the Salkantay Trek. After hiking for about 3 hours and taking a van for the last stretch, you’ll participate in a Pachamanca Barbecue, an ancient traditional underground stone cooking method. After burying the food, you’ll visit organic coffee farms, where you’ll prepare and enjoy your own cup of coffee. While the food cooks for about 45 minutes, you can relax and explore. Then, you’ll sit down to enjoy delicious Pachamanca.

Once energized, we'll prepare for a 3-hour climb along the Inca Trail to Llactapata, a small Inca citadel located on a mountaintop at 2,750 m (9,022 ft). Here, you’ll catch your first glimpse of Machu Picchu from a distance. This site, originally discovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911, was lost to history until its recent rediscovery.

You’ll camp right in front of Machu Picchu, and if the weather allows, witness the sunrise and sunset over the citadel from your tent.

• Hiking Distance: 16 km / 10 mi
• Duration: 6 hours
• Campsite Altitude: 2,750 m / 9,022 ft
• Highest Altitude: 2,770 m / 9,088 ft
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Camping
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 4: Llactapata – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes

The first thing you’ll see today is Machu Picchu on a mountain right in front of you, while your trekking team serves you a cup of coffee or coca tea. After breakfast, enjoy an easy 2-hour downhill hike to the Hidroelectrica station. Here, you’ll have your last meal with the trekking chef, say goodbye to the team, and begin the final stretch of the Salkantay TreXperience to Aguas Calientes.

The last part of the trek is a 3-hour hike along the railway, following the Urubamba River upstream. This section is rich in history. You’ll stop at Mandor Botanical Gardens, where Hiram Bingham met a farmer named Arteaga, who led him to Machu Picchu in 1911. During this stop, you’ll visit Arteaga’s farm, home to various endemic birds like Rupicola peruvianus (cock-of-the-rock), parrots, toucans, hummingbirds, and orchids.

Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes, your guide will take you to your hotel, where you can shower, explore the town, or relax in the hot springs. In the evening, you’ll have dinner at a local restaurant and prepare for the most important day of the Salkantay trek.

• 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, dinner
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 5: Explore Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco

Today is the highlight of the Salkantay Trek: visiting Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. This remarkable city, abandoned for reasons still unknown in the 16th century, was once part of the great Inca Empire. You’ll wake up early, have breakfast at the hotel, and take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu to catch the sunrise.

Your tour guide will lead you through the most famous temples, palaces, and plazas, sharing the mysteries of this spectacular Inca city perched on an impossible mountain peak. The guided tour lasts about 3 hours, including time to stop and snap photos at the viewpoints. If you pre-book tickets, you can also climb Huayna Picchu or Montaña (Machu Picchu Mountain). Remember, you’ll need extra time for these hikes.

In Machu Picchu, we include Circuit 2 by default, as it is the most comprehensive; however, if it is sold out, we will offer the best option available, which can be Circuit 3 or Circuit 1. We strongly suggest that all guests secure their Machu Picchu trip as early as possible, as tickets to Machu Picchu are sold on a first-come, first-served basis, and the best circuits and schedules sell out first.

After your visit, you’ll take the bus back to Aguas Calientes, have lunch, pick up your bags from the hotel, and board the Panoramic Vistadome train to Ollantaytambo. From there, a private van will take you back to Cusco. The TreXperience Team will drop you off at your hotel around 7:30 pm.

• Tour Duration: 2-3 hours in Machu Picchu
• Machu Picchu Altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
• Meals: Breakfast (hotel)
• Difficulty: Easy

5 day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu Price

We run small group tours for a more personal, intimate experience. If you're traveling with a large party or want an exclusive adventure, we offer the private Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu tailored to your preferences. Contact us today and we'll share a customized price and design the perfect tour to fit your needs—so your journey is unforgettable.

Price per person

• From US$550 - Adults
• From US$520 - Children and students

Booking and payment

• Deposit US$200 per person. The balance can be paid online or at our office in Cusco by credit card, PayPal, or wire transfer. Contact us to see alternative payment options.

Student Discount

• US$30 off

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

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

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

Similar tours you might also like!

• Luxury Salkantay Trek 5 days
• Classic Salkantay trek 4 days
• Salkantay Trek 8 days
• Short Inca Trail 2 days

Salkantay Trek 5 days Packing List

When you sign up for the Salkantay Trek, you’ll hike Peru’s second‑most popular route and the most challenging trek to Machu Picchu. You’ll walk from high altitudes into jungle areas. The terrain and weather can change quickly, so being well‑prepared is essential.

You won’t carry all your belongings on this trek; you’ll take only the essentials for the tour and leave the rest of your luggage in Cusco. We provide a duffle bag for 7 kilos of your items, including your sleeping bag and air mattress. Mules carry these duffle bags for the first two days, then our porters transfer them to your hotel in Aguas Calientes.

You’ll also have a daypack, which stays with you at all times while hiking and holds your daily essentials. We recommend a maximum of 5 to 8 kilos in your daypack.

Essentials

• Original passport: Required for Machu Picchu. Keep it safe and dry in a plastic bag or waterproof case.
• Student ID: Only if you booked with the student discount. Send it to booking@trexperienceperu.com to confirm eligibility.
• Backpack: We recommend a 25–35‑liter lightweight pack; keep it around 5–8 kg for comfort.
• Water container: CamelBak or bottles totaling 2 liters. Insulated options help keep water cool.
• Hiking boots: Lightweight and waterproof. Break them in beforehand to avoid blisters.

What to pack in the daypack?

• Plastic Ponchos: Provided by TreXperience. You’ll still need a rain jacket; ponchos are for heavy rain only. Please return the ponchos with your duffle bag after the trek.
• Sunscreen and Lip Balm: You’ll be exposed to direct sun; bring or buy the right sunscreen in Cusco.
• Toilet Paper: Local toilets usually charge one sol; always carry toilet paper in your daypack.
• Insect Repellent: Essential after the second day in jungle areas; wear long sleeves.
• Rain Jacket and Warm/Winter Jacket: Mornings can be very cold; you’ll remove layers as you warm up.
• Snacks: Energy bars, granola bars, chocolate, and candies are great for extra energy.
• Water Container: Bring enough for the first half‑day; we’ll provide water after the first lunch. A 2‑liter container, hydration bladder, or reusable bottle is best.
• Flashlight or Headlamp: Useful during hikes or at night around the campsite; a headlamp keeps your hands free.
• Hat: A sun hat for daytime and a warm hat for nights. Gloves are recommended for cold mornings and nights.
• Sunglasses: The sun in Salkantay can be intense.
• Extra Cash: About 600 soles (200 USD), with some small coins. This covers toilets, souvenirs, drinks, snacks, and any tips you wish to give.
• Personal Medication: Band‑Aids, Diamox, Pepto‑Bismol, ibuprofen, Imodium, motion sickness pills, and feminine products.
• Devices: Camera and/or phone for photos.

What to pack in the duffle bag:

• Sleeping Bag (-10°C Rating): Bring your own or rent from us.
• Hiking Boots (if not worn): Lightweight and waterproof. Break them in beforehand to avoid blisters.
• Sandals: Comfortable footwear for around the campsite.
• Six pairs of wool hiking socks.
• Four pairs of light socks: For nights or wearing with sandals.
• 6+ pairs of underwear: Extra in case they get wet.
• 2 or 3 hiking pants: Breathable materials are ideal. Leggings also work well.
• 1 pair of sweatpants: For nights and early mornings.
• 5 sets of T‑shirts: Long‑sleeve shirts are recommended.
• Tissues or wet wipes: To freshen up after a long day.
• Bathing suit (optional): If you plan to visit the hot springs in Aguas Calientes.
• Trekking poles: Bring your own or rent from us.

You can’t miss the complete Salkantay trek Packing List.

Salkantay Travel Information

Below you will find useful information to help you prepare better and understand everything before your great trek to Machu Picchu across the beautiful trails of the Salkantay.

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 and you need to acclimatize properly.

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, add electrolytes. If you have a headache, rest, try coca tea or basic meds, and tell your guide.

Salkantay weather by month: what to pack and wear

Salkantay weather—and Andes weather in general—is unpredictable. From a sunny, warm morning, conditions can change in minutes and turn into rain. Despite the season, you should be prepared for all types of weather: sun, rain, wind, cold, and warm tropical conditions.

Bring warm jackets, a hat, gloves, and a raincoat—clothes for cold weather—and for the final days, pack light clothes for tropical warm weather.
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.

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.

Both treks are great and beautiful; choose depending on whether you have enough time for a 4 or 5 day trek—both options are great. 

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 large backpacks and trekking poles.

Machu Picchu strictly forbids drones—there is zero tolerance. Larger bags stay outside. Trekking poles, tripods, and selfie sticks are restricted. 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 meals; refill your bottle then. Bring 1.5–2 L capacity, electrolytes, and favorite snacks. Wash or sanitize hands often. 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.

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

Signal drops after day one and returns near towns. Some camps offer paid Wi‑Fi and limited charging; it’s slow and shared. Bring a 10–20k mAh power bank, switch to airplane mode, and download maps and playlists for offline use. Share emergency contacts with your guide; our team carries radio/sat‑phone.

Responsible travel on Salkantay: communities, mules and waste

Pack out all trash, carry a reusable bottle, and skip single‑use plastics. Keep your duffel within the weight limit and never request extra loads—this protects mules. 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.

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.

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 might switch to alternative treks, reschedule your Machu Picchu visit where authorities allow, or cancel if circumstances demand. Travel insurance is strongly recommended. We’ll update you by WhatsApp and at briefings.

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. The Salkantay trek includes a Machu Picchu tour via Circuit 2, which is the most comprehensive one; this ticket includes the viewpoints and center of Machu Picchu where the temples and most important buildings are. However, these tickets might 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 cannot be changed under any circumstances.

• 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 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.
• 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.

To get the best circuits, we recommend booking your Salkantay trek as early as possible.

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—ask your guide at the briefing. Keep cash in a zip pouch, carry only what you need by day, and keep a spare note 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 with your hotel or our office. Keep valuables with you at all times.

Salkantay Trek 5 Days FAQs