If a trek isn’t enough, this 8-Day Salkantay Trail is the ultimate adventure if you’re looking for the best of Cusco in a single tour. Before you embark on your lifetime trek, take some days to explore the most emblematic sites of Cusco City, immerse in the Inca wonders of the Sacred Valley, and be filled with extraordinary history and local culture.
Once you’ve adjusted to the altitude, you’re ready to conquer Peru’s most breathtaking trail: The Salkantay trail. Prepare to push your limits by getting up close to the imposing Salkantay Mountain and the glacial Humantay Lake, both on the way to the impressive wonder of Machu Picchu—a true expedition to buckle up!
8-Day Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu
This complete Salkantay Trail 8-day tour to Machu Picchu starts right in the Capital of the Incas, Cusco. From here, the magical Andean vibes will prepare you to embark on a real adventure. This trip includes day tours, exclusive hotels, and the most amazing hike to Machu Picchu.
Tour Highlights:
- Cusco City Tour: Visit famous places like the Plaza de Armas, Qoricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Tambomachay, and Puka Pukara.
- Sacred Valley Tour: Explore Pisac (including its Inca site and market), Moray, the Maras salt mines, and Ollantaytambo.
- Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: Spend 5 days hiking past glaciers, clear lakes, and tropical forests before arriving at Machu Picchu. You’ll camp under the stars along the way.
- Humantay Lake: See the beautiful turquoise lake known as the “Andean jewel” on the Salkantay trail.
- Machu Picchu: Enjoy a full-day tour of the famous Inca city, and if you want, climb Huayna Picchu for amazing views.
- Scenic Train Ride: Travel back on the panoramic Vistadome train and enjoy stunning views of Peru’s countryside.
Salkantay Trail 8 Days at a Glance
Day 1: Arrival at the airport – Cusco City Tour
Transfer to your hotel from Cusco airport. After leisure time, start your City tour at 1:00 pm, exploring Plaza de Armas, the temple of Qoricancha, the amazing Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay. End at the statue of Jesus for the best views of Cusco city.
Day 2: Sacred Valley VIP Tour
We'll set off from your hotel at 7:00 am and travel to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. You will spend the day visiting the Alpaca farm, Mirador Taray, Pisac ruins, Pisac market, Moray, Salineras of Maras, and the impressive site of Ollantaytambo before returning to your hotel around 6:00 pm.
Day 3: Cusco – Salkantay Trek (Humantay Lake – Salka Glamp camp) (12km, 6hrs)
Begin your Salkantay Trail with an early 4:30 am pickup and a drive to the trailhead. Enjoy your first breakfast in the mountains and hike for 6 hours to Salka Glamp Campsite (3,900 m /12,795 ft). Reach the stunning Humantay Lake on the way (4,200 m / 13,779 ft).
Day 4: Salkantay Basecamp - Wayracmachay – Collpapampa (18km, 9hrs)
Wake up in your glamping tent with a cup of coffee and conquer the most challenging day: the 2-hour hike to Salkantay Pass (4,630 m - 15,190 ft). Once you reach the top, you'll have time to admire the fantastic vistas of the snow peak. Next is a 5-hour downhill to the second campsite, located in Collpapampa Village (2,770 m - 9,087 ft). We spend the night in our Rustic Andean Huts.
Day 5: Collpapampa – Lucmabamba – Llactapata (16km, 8hrs)
After breakfast, continue through the Santa Teresa Valley, among fruit orchards and avocado trees. Have lunch with a Pachamanca underground barbecue and taste the best Peruvian coffee at a local farm. Later, hike up for 3 hours along an ancient Inca Trail to the Llaqtapata Archaeological site. Camp in front of Machu Picchu.
Day 6: Llactapata – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes (14km, 6hrs)
Rise early in Llactapata for spectacular views of Machu Picchu from your tent. After breakfast, we'll continue hiking for 6 hours to Aguas Calientes across the Hidroelectrica railways. Spend the night in a hotel.
Day 7: Explore Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas
The grand day! Start at dawn and take the first bus to Machu Picchu. Once in the citadel, you will explore the best of Machu Picchu with your guide for about 3 hours. In the afternoon, take the Vistadome Train and a private van back to Cusco.
Day 8: Depart Cusco
Bid farewell to Cusco with a transfer to the airport or bus terminal according to your schedule.
Included
- Professional Tour Guide
- Second guide for groups of 9+ travelers
- All entry tickets to the places we visit
- Airport transfers & transportation during the tour
- Return on the panoramic Vistadome Train or 360°
- Round trip bus to Machu Picchu
- Camping equipment (dining tents, tables, chairs)
- 1 night at Salka Glamp Campsite for a luxurious and cozy experience under the stars
- 1 night at Andean huts, blending comfort with breathtaking mountain views
- 1 night in comfortable tents at Llactapata, with incredible views of Machu Picchu
- 1 night in a comfortable 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
- 3 nights' hotel in Cusco
- Cargo mules to carry all the camping equipment
- Experienced chefs and porters
- Lunch on day 2 during the Sacred Valley Tour
- Meals on the trek (5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners)
- Drinkable water during 4 days of hiking (after 1st lunch)
- Duffle Bag for up to 7 kg (15 lb) of your personal gear
- Pillow, sleeping pad, rain poncho, hand towels
- First-aid kit, satellite phones, oxygen supply
Not Included
- Sleeping bag or trekking poles (you can rent them from us)
- Meals not indicated
- Entry to the Huayna Picchu mountain
- Entry to Machu Picchu Mountain
- International or domestic flights
- Travel Insurance (recommended)
Extra hikes after the Machu Picchu tour:
- Huayna Picchu Mountain – Additional $68 per person
- Machu Picchu Mountain – Additional $68 per person
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. Regresamos a Cusco en la tarde, llegando a tu hotel alrededor de las 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 Soraypamapa, 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: 7 hours
- Campsite Altitude: 4,150 m / 12,795 ft
- Highest Altitude: 4,150 m / 12,795 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. 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.
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 DUFFLE 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
Price for the 8-Day Salkantay Trail
Special Price per person: US$ 798
To book this 8-Day Salkantay Trail, you need to make an initial payment of US$ 400 per person; the remaining balance can be paid online or at our office in Cusco with any card and without booking fees.
Student Discount: US$ 40 per person
All travelers under 17 have a $40 discount. If you are 25 years old or under when traveling, you can get the discount with your Student ID. Please send us an email to receive a code for the discount.
Valid Student ID for Machu Picchu
To get the student discount, travelers should have a Valid ID with the following:
- 25 years or less at the time of entering Machu Picchu. Older than 25 can not enter as a student
- The ID must have the Name of the university, name, and photo of the student
- The ID must have a valid expiration date
Invalid Student IDs
Student IDs are not eligible for a discount when:
- Traveler is older than 25
- Expired ID
- Student ID without expiration date
- ISIC cards are not valid.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Salkantay?
At 6,271 meters or 20,574 feet, Salkantay is the second-highest peak in the Cusco region. It is situated in the mid-range of the Peruvian Andes, 60 kilometers from Cusco, near the west-northwest Vilcabamba Mountain. Meaning "Savage Mountain," Salkantay is revered by the inhabitants as a Sacred Deity who, since the Inca Period, has governed fertility and the weather.
A French-American team first ascent Salkantay in 1952. The mountain's shape, steepness, and boundary with the Amazon make it particularly challenging to climb.
What is the Salkantay Trek?
The Salkantay Trek or Salkantay Trail is an alternative to the Inca Trail that has become the most popular option due to its proximity to Machu Picchu and its historic paths.
The Salkantay trek cusco can be completed in four or five days, with the Salkantay Pass rising to a maximum elevation of 4,630 meters (15,190 feet). The Adventure Travel Magazine published by National Geographic ranked this walk as one of the Top 25 Treks in the World.
Is Salkantay Trek worth it?
Indeed! There's a certain sense of accomplishment that comes with the Salkantay Trek that other hikes just cannot match. This trek is a wonderful blend of natural beauty and historical landmarks; it begins high in the mountains, where the landscape is dominated by snow-capped peaks and chilly temperatures and ends in the high rainforest, also known as the Cloud Forest.
Whatever the case, it's an amazing chance to experience diverse landscapes and weather changes along the way, not to mention the possibility of camping in front of Machu Picchu.
How high is Salkantay Trek?
The highest point reached on the trek is the Salkantay Pass, with 4,630 m /15,190 ft, which should not be confused with the Salkantay Mountain altitude of 6,271 m (20,574 ft). Here are the altitudes you can expect during the trail:
•First campsite: 3,900 m / 12,795 ft
•Second campsite: 2,770 m / 9,087 ft
•Third campsite: 2,750 m / 9,022 ft
•Last night at Aguas Calientes: 2,000 m / 6,561 ft
How is the weather in the Salkantay Trek?
The weather for the Salkantay Trek changes depending on whether you hike in the dry season (April to October) or the wet season (November to March). The wet season, which coincides with summer in the Southern Hemisphere, will see a minor increase in temperature. The walk passes through a variety of ecosystems and altitudes. Thus, the weather can drastically change. It can be as low as 0°C in the highlands, and in the cloud forest, it can get as high as 24°C.
What to Expect in the Salkantay Trek?
You are embarking on the hardest trek to Machu Picchu, so you need to be ready for Long days of hiking through chilly, rainy, cloudy, and sunny conditions; camp for the first night in below-freezing conditions without access to electricity or a phone.
Not every day is cold; day 1 and the first part of day 2 are quite chilly. Additionally, there are spots with wifi and a cell phone signal after the second campsite.
How to prepare for the Salkantay Trek?
Anyone can complete the Salkantay Route; however, you will require moderate fitness to complete the walk. You don't have to be an excellent hiker, but you should be physically active; if you aren't, you should prepare for this journey ahead of time to avoid unpleasant surprises.
You don't need to train for months! You must, however, go on short hikes every hour or so, increasing the frequency and duration as the tour departure date approaches. Some time spent at the gym, walking, or spinning will also be helpful.
We recommend going on short, steep hikes on weekends or at least twice a month.
Is altitude sickness a problem? What should I do to avoid altitude sickness?
Altitude sickness is real and can affect anybody, whether they are expert hikers or not. This Salkantay Trek Cusco tour includes activities before the trek so you can adjust to the altitude easily:
• During the first 2 days, you will go on activities that are not exhausting and don’t include several hours of hiking: Cusco City Tour, Sacred Valley Tour, and Maras Moray.
• Avoid tours like Rainbow Mountain, including several hiking hours, which are very high. This tour is perfect after the Machu Picchu trip.
• Bring altitude medicine like Diamox or others recommended by your doctor.
• Eat light and drink lots of water or coca tea during the first days.
When is the best time to hike the Salkantay and visit Machu Picchu?
The Best time to visit Machu Picchu is from April to November, during the dry season. April and November are the shoulder months, and a weather increase is expected.
January and February are months to avoid this trip since the heavy rainy season and landslides risk. During these months, we recommend the Lares trek.