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 Salkantaypampa (4,150 m / 13,615 ft), the high‑altitude point of the day. Here, you might spot Andean geese (often seen in pairs, “love birds”), deer, and the curious rabbit-like vizcacha that lives among the rocks.

Finally, 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: 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: 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, lunch, dinner, snacks, and tea
• 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. There you will have your first view of Machu Picchu.

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: 8 hours
• Campsite Altitude: 2,750 m / 9,022 ft
• Highest Altitude: 2,770 m / 9,088 ft
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and 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, and 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 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$650 - Adults
• From US$620 - 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.

Camp gear for rent

• Sleeping bag: US$25 per person
• Trekking Poles: US$20 per person

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

On the Salkantay Trek 5 Days, you’ll be hiking in remote mountains with no phone service and no shops nearby. Pack the right gear so you can enjoy the journey. These items are must-haves, and every hiker should buy or rent good-quality equipment.

Original passport

Peruvian soles cash

Good-quality daypack

Water bottle

Power bank

Lip balm

Sunscreen

Wet wipes and tissues

What to Wear?

For the 5 day Salkantay Trek, wearing layers is the smartest choice. The weather can change quickly as you move through different landscapes, cold high passes, warmer valleys, and everything in between. Wear light, breathable layers you can easily add or remove as conditions change.

Here’s what we suggest you wear:

High-top hiking boots

Hiking crew sock

Comfortable underwear

Quick-dry hiking pants/trousers

What to pack in the daypack?

Below is a packing list for your daypack. You’ll carry it every day on the Salkantay Trail, so choose one that’s light, comfortable, and durable.

We recommend a 25–35L backpack with a rain cover. Big backpacks are not allowed inside Machu Picchu. If yours is too large, you’ll need to store it in the lockers. The rule is based on the bag’s size, not the number of liters, so a slightly bigger pack is fine as long as it isn’t bulky.

Waterproof and windproof jacket

Sun hat or cap with neck cover

Headlamp

Insect repellent

Camera + extra batteries

Snacks

Trekking poles

Swimming wear

Personal Medication

What to pack in the duffle bag:

TreXperience will provide a duffel bag for items you don’t need while hiking. The weight limit is 7 kg (15 lb), including your sleeping bag and air mattress (if you bring or rent them). These two items usually weigh about 3 kg total (around 2 kg for the sleeping bag and 1 kg for the air pad).

You’ll get your duffel bag at the safety briefing in our office the day before the trek. If you want it sooner, email us and you can pick it up early from our office in central Cusco.

Sandals

Sport pants

Long-sleeve T-shirts

Toiletries

Sleeping bag

What we provide you?

TreXperience includes the following items for the Inca Trail:

Duffel Bag 7kg / 15lb

Mattress

Plastic Rain Coat

Trexperience T-shirt

Backpack Rain cover

What can you rent with TreXperience?

Forgot something? No worries, you can rent the following camping gear from us for an extra fee.

Trekking poles

Sleeping bag

Air mattress

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. 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, 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