BigFoot Machu Picchu

Salkantay Trek 5 Days

Duration

5 Days

Group

12

Max Altitude

4,630 m / 15,190 ft

Difficulty

Difficult

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days

After exploring the ancient streets of Cusco, step into a true Andean adventure with our Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu. This incredible alternative route takes you beyond the traditional path, leading you to the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake, beneath the towering Salkantay Mountain, and through the lush cloud forest that connects the high Andes with the edge of the Peruvian jungle.

Over five unforgettable days, you’ll enjoy comfortable camps, freshly prepared meals, and the guidance of experienced local experts who bring the history and landscapes to life. It’s the perfect mix of adventure, nature, and comfort — all culminating at the breathtaking Machu Picchu.

Salkantay Trek 5 Days Inclusions

What’s Included?

Permits & Entrance Tickets

  • Entrance ticket to Humantay Lake and Salkantay route (Day 1)

  • Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu Archaeological Site (Day 5)

  • Machu Picchu Circuit 2 (subject to availability)

  • Alternative Circuit 3-B or Circuit 1-B if Circuit 2 is unavailable

Professional Service & Safety

  • Pre-departure briefing at our Cusco office

  • Professional English & Spanish speaking tour guide

  • Certified first-aid trained guide

  • Medical kit and oxygen tank

  • Professional long-range walkie-talkies

  • Backpack rain cover

  • Rain poncho

Trekking Equipment

  • One duffle bag per person (5 kg / 11 lb limit)

  • Transportation of camping equipment

  • Transportation of personal duffle bag by mules/support team

Accommodation

  • Exclusive campsites during the trek

  • Sky Camp in Soraypampa

  • Mountain Sky View campsite with private bathrooms & hot showers

  • Jungle Domes campsite in Lucmabamba

  • Hotel in Aguas Calientes (private room, hot shower, WiFi, breakfast included)

Meals

  • 5 breakfasts

  • 4 lunches

  • 4 dinners

  • Vegetarian, vegan, and special diet options at no extra cost

  • Boiled drinking water on the trail

  • Wake up to coca tea every morning

  • Daily afternoon tea time with snacks

  • Daily snack bag (refilled every morning)

Transportation

  • Hotel pickup in Cusco (Day 1)

  • Private transfer to Challacancha (trek starting point)

  • One-way bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (Day 5)

  • Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (PeruRail Expedition or Inca Rail Voyager, subject to availability)

  • Private transfer from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco

What’s Not Included

Equipment Rental

  • Sleeping bag (available for rent—US$ 25 per person)

  • Trekking poles with rubber tips (available for rent—US$ 25 per person)

Optional Upgrades & Add-Ons

  • Huayna Picchu Mountain entrance ticket (US$ 60 per person—advance booking required)

  • Machu Picchu Mountain entrance ticket (US$ 60 per person – advance booking required)

  • Optional horseback ride from Soraypampa to Humantay Lake (Day 1)

  • Optional horseback ride to Salkantay Pass (Day 2)

  • Train from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes if needed (from US$ 41 per person)

Meals Not Included

  • Lunch in Aguas Calientes (Day 5)

  • Dinner in Cusco after returning (Day 5)

Personal Expenses

  • Personal hiking clothing and gear

  • Travel insurance

  • Tips for guides, cooks, and trekking staff (optional but appreciated)

Additional Costs Beyond Our Control

  • Expenses caused by weather conditions, landslides, strikes, political events, government regulations, illness, or other force majeure situations

Salkantay Trek 5 Days - Itinerary

Day 1
Cusco – Challacancha – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Sky Camp
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Your adventure begins before sunrise. Around 4:00 a.m., we’ll pick you up from your hotel in Cusco. Relax in our comfortable transport as we drive toward the trailhead. After a short stop along the way, we continue to Challacancha, where your trekking experience officially begins.

Here, you’ll meet our cooks and muleteers, organize your duffel bag, and prepare for the journey ahead.

The first hike is a moderate walk through a scenic valley surrounded by glaciers. You’ll follow sections of an original Inca irrigation canal still used today. After approximately three hours, you’ll arrive at Soraypampa, where our exclusive Sky Camp awaits.

After lunch and a short rest, we hike to the stunning Humantay Lake, a turquoise glacial lagoon sitting beneath towering snow-capped peaks. Take your time here — breathe, explore, and enjoy one of the most beautiful landscapes in the Andes.

Back at camp, enjoy a freshly prepared dinner and an unforgettable sunset. Tonight, you’ll sleep inside our glass-roof Sky Camp domes, where you can admire the Andean stars and wake up facing the majestic Salkantay Mountain.

Day 2
Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Huayracmachay – Collpapampa
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Wake up with hot coca tea and the first rays of sunlight illuminating Apu Salkantay.

Today is the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek. We hike steadily toward Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the route. The climb is demanding but incredibly scenic. From the top, you’ll witness dramatic views of glaciers, valleys, and towering Andean peaks.

After celebrating this achievement, we descend toward Huayracmachay for lunch.

In the afternoon, the landscape begins to change dramatically. You’ll enter the cloud forest, where the dry mountain air transforms into a warmer, greener environment filled with exotic plants and birdlife.

By late afternoon, we reach Collpapampa, where you’ll relax in our comfortable Mountain Sky View Campsite, complete with proper facilities and a warm meal waiting for you.

Day 3
Collpapampa – La Playa – Lucmabamba – Jungle Domes
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Today’s hike is more relaxed and scenic as we follow the Santa Teresa Valley. The trail passes rivers, waterfalls, and lush vegetation.

You’ll walk through small villages and plantations of coffee, bananas, and avocados. The air becomes warmer and tropical as we descend further.

In the afternoon, we visit a local organic coffee farm, where you’ll learn about the traditional coffee-making process — from bean to cup.

Tonight, you’ll stay in our Jungle Domes, surrounded by nature. Fall asleep to the sounds of the rainforest and enjoy another delicious dinner prepared by our trekking chef.

Day 4
Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes
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After breakfast, we hike along part of the original Inca Trail toward the archaeological site of Llactapata.

From here, you’ll enjoy your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu in the distance — an unforgettable moment and perfect photo opportunity.

After exploring Llactapata with your guide, we descend through the valley toward Hidroelectrica. From here, you can either take an optional train or enjoy a scenic walk along the railway to Aguas Calientes.

In the evening, you’ll check into a comfortable hotel, enjoy dinner in town, and rest before the big day.

Day 5
Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
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Today is the highlight of your journey.

We rise early to catch the bus up to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Your guide will lead you on a comprehensive tour through the most important sectors of the citadel, explaining the history, architecture, and fascinating engineering of the Inca civilization.

After the guided tour, you’ll have free time to explore, take photos, or hike one of the optional mountains if pre-booked.

Later, we return to Aguas Calientes for lunch before boarding the train to Ollantaytambo. From there, our private transportation takes you back to your hotel in Cusco.

You’ll return with tired legs, incredible photos, and memories that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Packing List

Proper preparation makes all the difference on this adventure. Temperatures change drastically from high mountain passes to warm cloud forest, so layering is key.

Essential Documents

  • Original passport (required for Machu Picchu entry)

  • Travel insurance (recommended)

  • Cash (Peruvian soles) for personal expenses

Backpack (Daypack 20–30 L Recommended)

  • Comfortable daypack

  • Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder (2 liters recommended)

  • Sunscreen (high SPF)

  • Lip balm with SPF

  • Sunglasses

  • Hat or cap for sun protection

  • Warm hat for cold mornings

  • Lightweight gloves

  • Snacks (optional extra energy bars)

  • Camera or phone

Clothing (Layering System Recommended)

Upper Body

  • Moisture-wicking trekking shirts

  • Thermal base layer

  • Fleece or insulated jacket

  • Waterproof / windproof jacket

  • Lightweight rain poncho

Lower Body

  • Trekking pants

  • Comfortable hiking shorts (optional)

  • Thermal leggings (for cold nights)

Footwear

  • Waterproof hiking boots (well broken-in)

  • Comfortable camp shoes or sandals

  • 3–4 pairs of trekking socks

  • 1 pair of warm socks for sleeping

Personal Items

  • Small towel

  • Toiletries (biodegradable products recommended)

  • Wet wipes

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Toothbrush & toothpaste

  • Personal medication

  • Basic personal first-aid items

  • Headlamp with extra batteries

For Sleeping

  • Sleeping bag (if not renting from us)

  • Travel pillow (optional)

  • Earplugs (optional but helpful)

Optional but Recommended

  • Trekking poles (especially helpful for descents)

  • Swimsuit (for hot springs if visiting)

  • Portable charger/power bank

  • Light book or journal

  • Insect repellent

Duffle Bag Reminder

You’ll receive a duffle bag for your personal items (maximum 5 kg / 11 lb). This will be carried by our mule team during the trek.

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Essential Information About Salkantay Trek 5 Days

Trek Difficulty

The Salkantay Trek 5 Days is considered moderate to challenging. The most demanding section is the hike to Salkantay Pass. A good physical condition is recommended, and spending at least two days acclimatizing in Cusco before the trek is highly advised.

Maximum Altitude

The highest point of the trek is Salkantay Pass at 4,630 m / 15,190 ft. Because of the elevation, it is important to hike at a steady pace, stay hydrated, and listen to your guide’s recommendations.

Weather Conditions

This trek crosses several ecosystems, from high alpine mountains to cloud forest and jungle. Mornings and nights in the mountains can be very cold, while lower areas are warmer and more humid. The dry season runs from April to October, and the rainy season from November to March.

Accommodation

During the trek, you will stay in exclusive campsites designed for comfort while respecting nature. The final night is spent in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes before visiting Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu Visit

The tour includes entrance to Machu Picchu (circuit subject to availability) and a guided tour of approximately two hours. Optional hikes such as Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain require advance booking.

Meals on the Trek

All meals are freshly prepared by our trekking chef. Vegetarian, vegan, and special dietary options are available at no extra cost. Boiled drinking water is provided daily on the trail.

Transportation

The tour includes hotel pickup in Cusco, private transportation to the trailhead, train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, and private transfer back to Cusco.

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FAQs

How difficult is the Salkantay Trek 5 Days?

The trek is considered moderate to challenging, especially on the day you hike to Salkantay Pass. A reasonable level of fitness and proper acclimatization in Cusco are recommended.

Do I need previous trekking experience?

Previous trekking experience is not required, but you should feel comfortable walking several hours per day on uneven terrain and at high altitude.

How many days should I acclimatize before the trek?

We recommend arriving in Cusco at least two days before the trek to adapt to the altitude and reduce the risk of altitude sickness.

What is the maximum altitude reached?

The highest point is Salkantay Pass at 4,630 m / 15,190 ft above sea level.

What type of accommodation is included?

You will stay in exclusive campsites during the trek and in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes on the final night before visiting Machu Picchu.

Is the entrance ticket to Machu Picchu included?

Yes, your tour includes entrance to Machu Picchu (circuit subject to availability) and a guided tour inside the archaeological site.

Can I hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?

Yes, but these hikes require an additional entrance ticket and must be booked in advance due to limited availability.

What meals are included?

The trek includes breakfasts, lunches, and dinners prepared by our trekking chef. Vegetarian, vegan, and special dietary options are available at no extra cost.

Is drinking water provided?

Yes, boiled drinking water is provided daily during the trek. You should bring a reusable water bottle or hydration system.

How do we return to Cusco after Machu Picchu?

After your visit, you will take the train to Ollantaytambo, where our private transportation will take you back to your hotel in Cusco.

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