Inca Trail & Andean Treks · EP003

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – 5 Days

5 days / 4 nights Max. 10 people Challenging Starts in Cusco 4,700 m (Salkantay Pass)
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – 5 Days

Salkantay Trek in 5 days: Humantay Lake, the 4,700 m Salkantay Pass, sky huts, cloud forest, coffee farms and Machu Picchu. Small groups, train or car return.

Embark on the 5-day Salkantay Trek, recognized by National Geographic as one of the world’s top 20 hikes. This journey is more than just a route to the iconic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu; it immerses you in Peru’s diverse landscapes, from towering glacier peaks to the lush Amazon jungle.

Your adventure begins at the stunning Humantay Lake, ascending to 4,700 meters near the impressive Salkantay Mountain, offering breathtaking panoramic views. As you head towards the Amazon, you’ll pass through exotic fruit plantations and coffee fields, where you’ll taste the freshest local coffee.

The trek also includes a relaxing stop at the hot springs of Santa Teresa and a hike along the less-traveled Llactapata Inca Trail, providing unique views of Machu Picchu before reaching the world-renowned archaeological site.

Duration
5 days / 4 nights
Group size
Max. 10 people
Difficulty
Challenging
Starts in
Cusco
Max. altitude
4,700 m (Salkantay Pass)
Departures
Daily Departures

Places visited

Salkantay Mount Humantay Lake Salkantay lake Llactapata Inca site Santa Teresa hot springs Machu Picchu

Tour at a glance

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – 5 Days is a 5 days / 4 nights trek operated by Explore Peru 360, a licensed local tour operator in Cusco. It starts in Cusco, reaches a maximum altitude of 4,700 m (Salkantay Pass), runs in groups of up to 10 travelers and costs from US$240 per person. Highlights: Salkantay Mount, Humantay Lake, Salkantay lake, Llactapata Inca site, Santa Teresa hot springs, Machu Picchu.

Written & verified by the Explore Peru 360 team in Cusco · Last updated Nov 2026

Machu Picchu availability

Entry tickets are sold per circuit and time slot by Peru’s Ministry of Culture and often sell out 2–4 months ahead (Inca Trail permits up to 6 months). We confirm real-time availability before charging you.

Check availability

Itinerary

Day01

Day 1

Weather Forecast: Expect cold and windy nights during the dry season (May to August), with temperatures potentially dropping to -5 degrees Celsius.

Day02

Quiswarniyoc, Ascent To The Highest Point, Salkantay Pass At 4700 Meters, And Then Descent To Chawllay Camp
  • Early Morning Start

    The day kicks off at 5 AM with the kitchen team serving a coca leaf tea known as “te despierto” to help you adjust to the altitude. You’ll have about 30 minutes to prepare and pack your gear for the day ahead.

  • Breakfast

    Breakfast is served at 5:30 AM, giving you time to eat and do last-minute checks of your backpack and use the bathroom before setting off on the trek to Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the journey.

  • Climb to Salkantay Pass

    Around 6 AM, the hike begins from Quiswarniyoc to Salkantay Pass, which sits at 4,700 meters above sea level. The climb takes 3 to 3.5 hours with steady breaks every hour to rest and refuel. The ascent is achievable with proper acclimatization, though adjusting to the altitude presents the main challenge.

  • Time at Salkantay Pass

    Once at the summit, you’ll have time to take in the breathtaking views, capture photos of the surrounding mountains, and learn more about the area from your guide. A local ritual to honor the mountain gods, or Apus, may be part of the experience. You’ll spend around 30 to 45 minutes at the top.

  • Descent to Lunch

    The descent from Salkantay Pass to the lunch spot at Wayracmachay takes about 2 hours. Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy a nourishing meal prepared by the kitchen team.

  • Post-Lunch Rest and Second Descent

    After lunch, weather permitting, you’ll have a brief rest before continuing the trek. The final descent of the day from Wayracmachay to the second campsite at Chawllay takes 2.5 to 3 hours. Though slightly steep, this section offers stunning views as you transition from the Andes to the edge of the Amazon.

  • Additional Note: This is the most difficult but most beautiful day of the trek, offering incredible mountain views.

Day03

Exploration Of Santa Teresa Valley: Lucmabamba Camp And The Thermal Baths Of Santa Teresa
  • Morning Routine

    Your day begins at 5:30 AM with a wake-up tea, provided by the kitchen team to help you start the day. You’ll have time to pack and prepare for the trek. Breakfast is served at 6:00 AM to fuel you for the journey ahead.

  • Trek from Chawllay to Lucmabamba

    Around 6:30 AM, the hike begins from Chawllay towards the third campsite, Lucmabamba. This 5-hour trek takes you through the relatively flat terrain of the Santa Teresa valley, giving you a chance to explore diverse plant and animal life. The trek ends with a special coffee tour upon reaching Lucmabamba.

  • Coffee Tour Experience

    At Lucmabamba, you’ll visit a local family to participate in a coffee tour. You’ll learn about the coffee-making process and sample Santa Teresa’s renowned coffee.

  • Lunch at Lucmabamba

    After the coffee tour, return to the campsite for a delicious, hearty lunch prepared by the cooking team. The rest of the afternoon is free for relaxation, or you can opt for an additional activity.

  • Afternoon Options

    You can choose to relax at the Lucmabamba campsite or visit the Santa Teresa hot springs, a soothing experience after days of trekking. The optional visit costs about 40 soles, including transportation and the 10 soles entry fee. Your guide will help you coordinate this option if you decide to go.

  • Visit to Santa Teresa Hot Springs

    If you choose to visit the hot springs, local transport will take you there, where you can unwind for around 2 hours before returning to the campsite.

  • Weather Forecast: Hot and humid during the day, chilly at night

Day04

Trekking The Inca Trail To Llactapata, Exploring Inca Ruins And Machu Picchu Viewpoint, Hike To Aguas Calientes

You will be awakened at 6:00 AM, giving you time to pack your belongings. Breakfast will be served at 6:30 AM, and the hike will commence around 7:00 AM from the Lucmabamba campsite to the archaeological site of Llactapata.

  • Hike to Llactapata

    The trek involves a 3-hour ascent along an original, well-preserved Inca trail that leads to the small archaeological site of Llactapata. From here, you’ll enjoy a unique view of Machu Picchu, Waynapicchu, and the surrounding mountains, providing a different perspective on Machu Picchu’s location in the Andes. You’ll have time to explore the ruins of Llactapata and appreciate the stunning views before descending towards Hidroeléctrica.

  • Descent to Hidroelectrica Central

    The path from Llactapata to Hidroeléctrica is relatively steep, making this the most pronounced descent of the trek. Trekking poles will be particularly useful during this section. It will take about 2 hours to reach the hydroelectric station, where you will stop for lunch.

  • Lunch and Rest at Hidroelectrica Central

    Upon arrival at the hydroelectric station, you can enjoy a delicious meal at a local restaurant. After lunch, you will have some time to relax before continuing your journey towards Aguas Calientes.

  • Final Hike to Aguas Calientes

    The last leg of the day consists of a 3-hour walk along the railway from the hydroelectric station to Aguas Calientes, the base town for Machu Picchu. During this walk, you’ll catch glimpses of Machu Picchu from the valley. Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes, your guide will escort you to your hostel for the night, where you can rest, shower, and prepare for your final dinner in town.

  • Additional Note: This day of the Salkantay Trek blends historical exploration at the Llactapata archaeological site with a panoramic descent through the Amazonian forest, culminating in a relaxing evening in Aguas Calientes, where you’ll prepare for your visit to Machu Picchu. The trail and site are nestled within the lush vegetation of the Peruvian Amazon, offering a sense of untouched nature waiting to be explored.

Day05

Explore Machu Picchu And Travel To Cusco - An Unforgettable Adventure

Final Day of the Tour: Exploring Machu Picchu The last day of our tour promises an exhilarating experience as we visit the highly anticipated Machu Picchu. We’ll rise at dawn, around 4:00 AM, and enjoy breakfast at the hotel. By 4:30 AM, we will start our hike towards the Inca citadel, with the journey from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu taking approximately 1.5 hours. This trek includes a 30-minute flat section followed by an hour of ascending historic stone steps leading directly to the main entrance of Machu Picchu. Alternative Route: Bus to Machu Picchu For those who prefer a less strenuous option, a bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu is available. This convenient choice can be booked either the night before or on the morning of the visit. The first buses leave Aguas Calientes at 5:30 AM, with a fare of $12 for a 25-minute ride.

Included / Not included

Included

  • Included Machu Picchu Tickets: The price of the Salkantay Trek package includes a ticket to Machu Picchu, regardless of whether you choose to return by car or train. This ticket typically allows access to Circuit 02 of Llaqta Machu Picchu (more information here), subject to availability at the time of your reservation. If Circuit 02 is unavailable, we will arrange an alternative such as Circuit 01
  • Pre-Trek Briefing: Attend our informational session the day before your departure at 7:00 PM at the Machu Picchu Reservations office. If you can’t attend in person, contact us at +51974217700 to schedule a virtual session. Please reach out at least 48 hours in advance to arrange a personalized session with your guide.
  • Duffle Bag Service for 7 Kilos: During the informational session, you will receive a duffle bag to pack up to 7 kilos of your belongings. Our team will transport these duffle bags on horses throughout the trek, allowing you to hike comfortably with just a daypack. Once your trek is complete, you can leave the duffle bags at the Machu Picchu Reservations office upon returning to Cusco.
  • Experienced Guides: Our tours are led by official bilingual (English and Spanish) tourism guides. All guides working with Machu Picchu Reservations are licensed by the Peruvian government and have been trained at recognized universities or tourism institutes in Peru, ensuring knowledgeable and professional guidance throughout your journey.
  • Cooking Team: A chef and kitchen assistants will prepare the delicious meals you will enjoy on the Salkantay route. Trained to handle food properly in remote locations, these cooks excel at crafting balanced and nutritious dishes to energize every adventurer. They are skilled at creating vegetarian or vegan options and will pay attention to any allergies or specific dietary restrictions you may ha
  • Kitchen Equipment and Utensils: We provide all the necessary kitchen equipment and utensils for preparing and serving meals, ensuring they are transported to each campsite so you can enjoy your food in optimal conditions.
  • Muleteer and Horse Team: Our dedicated team of muleteers and horses is crucial for a smooth trek. They are responsible for the careful transportation of all equipment and personal luggage to each campsite, including food, camping gear, sleeping bags, and your 7-kilo duffle bags. They expertly organize and manage the luggage to ensure timely delivery at each camp, even preparing for adverse weather
  • Convenient Hotel Pick-Up Service (4:30 – 5:00 AM): Begin your tour easily with our direct pick-up service from your Cusco hotel or Airbnb. Our team ensures a prompt and smooth start between 4:30 and 5:00 AM, allowing you to focus entirely on the excitement of your upcoming adventure.
  • Private Group Transportation: Our service includes private transportation for your group from Cusco to the starting point of the trek at Soraypampa. You will travel in a comfortable tourist vehicle from Cusco city directly to Soraypampa, where you will meet the support team to begin your trekking adventure. This car journey takes approximately 3 hours, offering a convenient and efficient way to st
  • Meals and Refreshments: Our tour provides a comprehensive dining experience with 4 nutritious lunches, 4 delicious dinners, and 5 comforting breakfasts, ensuring you are well-fueled for the trek. Additionally, we offer morning teas and snacks at the camps for an extra boost. Notably, the first breakfast is also included in your package. All these meals are thoughtfully prepared by our skilled kitc
  • Included Accommodations: Enjoy nature with our thoughtfully organized accommodations on the 5-day tour. You will spend 2 nights in spacious panoramic cabins, one magical night under the stars in a glass dome, and conclude with a warm stay in a cozy hostel in Aguas Calientes. Our camp accommodations are spacious, comfortably fitting 4 people, but we typically assign them to just 2 for enhanced priv
  • Hostel Stay in Aguas Calientes: Spend a rejuvenating night in a cozy hostel in Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Town, the gateway to the iconic Inca citadel. Our selected hostels provide a range of comfortable rooms with private bathrooms, hot showers, and Wi-Fi access, catering to couples or groups with double and triple room options. This relaxing environment offers all the essential
  • Machu Picchu Guided Tour: Your package includes a scheduled 3-hour visit to Machu Picchu, which includes an extensive 2.5-hour guided tour by one of our expert guides. This tour is designed to enrich your understanding of this historic site and adapts to your ticket’s entry time and circuit. After the engaging exploration, enjoy 30 minutes of personal time to absorb the beauty of Machu Picchu befo
  • Return Trip Options from Machu Picchu: Regardless of whether you choose to return by car or train, the return trip is included after your Machu Picchu visit.
  • Train Option: Your train ticket is typically for 2:30 PM, 2:55 PM, or 3:20 PM, depending on availability. To catch the train, return to Aguas Calientes either by a one-hour walk or a $12 bus ride. Spend some time exploring the picturesque town, having lunch, and relaxing. Arrive at the train station 30 minutes before departure. The train journey takes around 1.5 hours to Ollantaytambo, where a Mac
  • Car Option: If you choose the car option, start a 3-hour walk from Machu Picchu to the hydroelectric station, beginning no later than 11 AM. This walk involves an initial 30-40 minute descent and approximately 1.5-2 hours of flat terrain along the train tracks. Arrive at the hydroelectric station by 2:30 PM to catch the 3 PM car. The car journey lasts around 6-7 hours, returning you to Cusco at ab
  • Vegetarian and Vegan Dining Options: We offer choices for vegetarian and vegan meals, and we can also accommodate dietary restrictions such as gluten-free options at no extra cost. Just let us know when making your reservation.
  • Emergency Provisions: To prepare for urgent situations, our tour guides are equipped with an essential oxygen bottle and a fully stocked first aid kit for immediate assistance during the trek.

Not included

  • Entrance Ticket to Humantay Lagoon: On the first day of the trek, you will visit Humantay Lagoon, which requires an entrance ticket paid to the local government of Mollepata. The cost is 20 soles for foreigners (approximately $6) and 10 soles for Peruvians (approximately $3). Payment is made in cash and in soles at the entrance to the lagoon.
  • Sleeping Bag: If you do not have a suitable sleeping bag for the mountains, you can rent one from us. The sleeping bags we offer are specially designed to withstand the low temperatures of the Salkantay Trek, up to 10 degrees below zero. The rental cost is $10 for the entire route.
  • Trekking Poles: You can rent a pair of professional trekking poles from us. These poles are adjustable according to the type of terrain and are very helpful, especially on steep and rough terrains. They optimize your performance, and the rental cost is $10 for the entire trek.
  • Drinking Water for Bottles: We do not include refilling of water bottles, but we provide water for hot and cold drinks at each meal. For bottled water, you have two options: buy mineral water at small shops along the Salkantay Trail, with prices ranging from 5 to 12 soles per 2.5-liter bottle, or carry a filter or purification tablets for mountain water.
  • Santa Teresa Hot Springs: On the third day, you will have free time and the option to visit the Santa Teresa hot springs. After 3 days of trekking, it’s a great way to relax. If you choose this option, transport is organized from the camp to the baths. The journey takes approximately one hour and costs a total of about 40 soles, including round trip and entry. This payment is made directly on-site
  • Internet Connection: There is no cell signal from 9 AM on the first day until reaching the second camp. At this camp, you can access Wi-Fi for 10 soles. After the third day, you will generally have cell signal and internet access.
  • Showers and Toilets along the Trail: Toilets are available at the campsites at no cost, but locals may charge 1 sol for using theirs along the way. As for showers, the second camp offers hot showers for 10 soles, while cold showers are free. You also have the option to visit the hot springs on the third day or use the hot showers at the Aguas Calientes hostel on the fourth day. Generally, there ar
  • Tips: Tips are optional. Feel free to tip or not, but in this tourism service industry, the individuals involved in the course of this trek expect a tip, which occurs not only in our company but also in all trekking companies in Cusco. Everyone working at Machu Picchu Reservations is paid fairly for the work they perform; we even pay much more than companies that charge very high costs for the sam
  • Travel Insurance: We do not include travel insurance. We suggest acquiring one in your country, as it can be difficult to obtain travel insurance in Peru.

What to pack

  • Original Passport: Ensure it’s valid throughout your journey.
  • Student Card: Show it at check-in if you booked as a student.
  • Daypack: Opt for a small, ergonomic pack for comfort during hikes.
  • Water Storage: Bring 1.5-2 liters; consider using a Camelbak or similar hydration system.
  • Hiking Boots: Choose lightweight boots with good traction.
  • Headlamp: An essential item for visibility during early morning or late evening.
  • Horses will carry up to 7 kg of your belongings, including your sleeping bag.
  • 2-3 moisture-wicking t-shirts
  • 2-3 pairs of hiking pants
  • 3 sets of undergarments
  • 3 sets of hiking socks
  • 1 fleece and 1 warm down jacket for chilly nights
  • 1 rain jacket and pants for unpredictable weather conditions
  • 1 sun hat and 1 wool hat for various temperature changes
  • Comfortable shoes for the campsite and sturdy walking boots
  • Waterproof gloves (ski gloves are acceptable)
  • Waterproof jacket/rain poncho for heavy rain
  • Quick-dry towel (preferably larger than what’s provided)

Route map

Salkantay MountHumantay LakeSalkantay lakeLlactapata Inca siteSanta Teresa hot springsMachu Picchu

Prices

OptionAdultsStudentsChildren
Salkantay Trek + TrainUS$330US$320US$320
Salkantay Trek + CarUS$260US$240US$240

Add-ons

  • Huayna Picchu Mountain — US$53 per person

FAQ

01Which trek is best if the Inca Trail is sold out?

Salkantay (5 days) for dramatic mountain scenery, or Lares (4 days) for culture and fewer hikers.

02Do I need previous trekking experience?

No, but you should be in good health and walk regularly before your trip.

Reviews

No reviews yet — be the first to share your experience.

Read our reviews on Tripadvisor

Write a review

Thank you! Your review will appear after moderation.

Prefer to keep it just for your group?

Any itinerary can be private, with your own guide and vehicle. Tell us how you picture it.

Thank you! We will reply within 24 hours.

More tours from Inca Trail & Andean Treks

You may also like

View all
TotalUS$240
Chat on WhatsApp