Salkantay Trek Peru 5 Days

Daily program

Itinerary

DAY 1

Cusco – Mollepata – Challacancha – Soraypampa

At 05 am. we pick you up from your hotel and we will begin by bus to Mollepata ( $2, 800 m.s.n.m.$ or $9, 116$ feet). This is a beautiful scenic drive through the valley of Limatambo where you can take photos of the Apurimac valley. Upon reaching the town of Mollepata we will have breakfast. We will continue driving for one hour more to Challacancha which is the start point; this is where we will find the muleteers and mules to begin our walk towards Soraypampa ( $3, 825 m.s.n.m.$ or $12, 371$ feet). After 4 hours of hiking, lunch, and then we will continue to our first camp, Soraypampa. Dinner and overnight.

DAY 2

Soraypampa – Wayracpampa – Colpany

This day we will arrive at the first high pass ( $4, 650 m.s.n.m.$ or $15, 091$ feet), you will see the snowcapped Salkantay mountain; with the snowcapped mountains of Huamantay on the right side and Tucarhuay on the left side. Once here, we will observe the Salkantay glacier ( $6, 271 m.s.n.m.$ or $20, 574$ feet) and the magnificent view of avalanches. To continue, we will pass for spectacular places into the vast Peruvian territory that lead to the gradual descent of our trek through the cloud forest, where the vegetation and wildlife will be more abundant. Colpani camping ( $2, 900 m.s.n.m.$ or $9, 514$ feet). Dinner & Overnight.

DAY 3

Colpani – Playa – Santa Teresa

After the breakfast, we will begin our walk at 06:30 am, through the high jungle and then we will cross the Lluskamayo River, plus a small variety of streams. We will pass through valleys and will have wonderful experiences next to the exotic flora and fauna of the region, plus the amazing view of cataracts. We will stop in Playa – Sahuayaco ( $2, 250 m.s.n.m.$ or $7, 381$ feet) for lunch; later, we will take a little bus that will bring us to Santa Teresa ( $1, 900 m.s.n.m.$ or $6, 233$ feet). In this place we will camp and later we will relax in the thermal baths of Cocalmayo.

DAY 4

Santa Teresa – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes

After the breakfast, we will begin the trek in the Santa Teresa valley with direction to Hidroeléctrica, the place where we will lunch. Later we will continue with our walk with a majestic view of Machu Picchu and the principal sacred mountains of the Incas such as: Huayna Picchu, Putucusi and including the snowcapped Salkantay Mountain. After 6 hours of walking, we will arrive at Aguas Calientes town ( $1, 900 m.s.n.m.$ or $6, 233$ feet), where we will spend the night.

DAY 5

Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

We wake up at 04:00 am; then we start to walk to the Machu Picchu citadel. When we will be in the Machu Picchu checkpoint the group will join and then start the Guiding tour for about 2 hours. After that, you will have free time to climb Huayna Picchu (previous payment) and visit the different places recommended by our guide, like: The Inti Punku and Machu Picchu Mountain. At last, we will return by train to Ollantaytambo city and then by bus to Cusco.

What's included

Inclusions & Exclusions

Pick up from the Hotel. Transport from your hotel in Cusco to the start of the tour.
Bus from Cusco to Mollepata. Tourist bus transfer to the area where the trek begins.
Return bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco. Transfer from the train station back to your hotel in Cusco.
Muleteers and mules. Staff and pack animals to carry camping gear, food, and your personal duffel bag.
Tent, mattresses, kitchen and dining equipment. All necessary camping equipment for the trek.
Double tents. Two people share a tent, providing adequate space.
4 breakfast / 4 lunch / 4 dinner. All meals are provided during the trek, from breakfast on Day 1 to lunch on Day 4.
Cook. A dedicated cook prepares all the meals at the campsites.
Transport from Playa sahuayaco to Santa teresa. A local bus is included for this section of the journey.
One night accommodation in Aguas Calientes. A basic hotel/hostel is included for the night before visiting Machu Picchu.
Train tickets from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. A tourist class train ticket for the return journey.
Entrance fee of Machu Picchu. The standard entry ticket to the archaeological site.
Professional guide (English & Spanish). A licensed guide accompanies the group for the entire tour.
First aid kit and oxygen bottle. Carried by the guide for emergencies.

Last lunch in Aguas Calientes. You must cover the cost of your lunch on Day 5 after the Machu Picchu tour.
Sleeping bag. You need to bring your own or rent one from the company.
Tips. Tips for the guide, cook, and muleteers are optional but appreciated.

Choose your package

Prices

EXTRAS & UPGRADES

Sleeping Bag – $15 USD per person per trek (Specially engineered to withstand the Salkantay’s extreme temperatures, down to -10°C / 14°F. Cleaned and sanitized after every use. Essential if you don’t own suitable mountain sleeping gear)
Walking / Trekking Poles – $15 USD per pair per trek (Professional adjustable poles that adapt to all terrain types. Highly recommended for the steep descent from the Salkantay Pass at 4,600 m / 15,091 ft and for protecting your knees on the longer days)
Humantay Lake Entrance Fee – $6 USD per person (~20 soles — Paid in cash at the lagoon entrance on Day 1. This fee goes directly to the local Mollepata government. Not included in the base tour price. Cash in soles only)
Huayna Picchu Mountain – $75 USD per person (An iconic steep climb within the Machu Picchu Citadel offering breathtaking views of the ruins from above. Tickets are strictly limited. Please request at the time of booking, 2–3 months in advance)
Machu Picchu Mountain – $75 USD per person (A longer and less crowded alternative to Huayna Picchu, offering panoramic views of the full citadel and surrounding cloud forest. Please request at the time of booking)
Huchuy Picchu Mountain – $30 USD per person (The newest and easiest optional mountain hike within Machu Picchu, perfect for travelers who want a higher vantage point without the extreme effort of Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain)
Vistadome Train Upgrade – $70 USD per person (Upgrade your return train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo from the standard Expedition service to the panoramic Vistadome, featuring glass-ceiling windows, wider seats, and an onboard entertainment show. Return journey only)
Cocalmayo Hot Springs Entry – $5 USD per person (On Day 3, after descending through the lush jungle, relax in the natural thermo-medicinal hot springs of Cocalmayo — a blissful reward after two of the most demanding days of the trek. Cash only)
Organic Coffee Farm Visit & Tasting – Included as optional (On Day 3, pass through a working organic coffee farm in the cloud forest. Learn how Peruvian coffee is grown and processed, and enjoy a tasting of freshly brewed local coffee — a unique cultural experience at no extra cost)
Accommodation Upgrade in Aguas Calientes – from $30 USD per person per night (The standard package includes a basic or budget hotel in Aguas Calientes for the night before Machu Picchu. Upgrade to a 2-star or 3-star hotel for extra comfort. Please request at the time of booking)
Additional Night in Aguas Calientes – from $60 USD per person (Extend your stay in Aguas Calientes to visit an additional Machu Picchu circuit, explore the local Machu Picchu Museum, or simply relax before the return journey. Subject to availability)

Pricing & Availability – Salkantay Trek Peru 5 Days

The Classic Salkantay Trek 5 Days / 4 Nights is available on any date that suits you, year-round, with daily departures. A minimum of 2 trekkers is required for a guaranteed departure. A non-refundable deposit of $180 USD per person is required at the time of booking to secure your Machu Picchu entrance tickets and train tickets. Book at least 2–3 months in advance, especially during high season (May–September), as Machu Picchu circuit tickets sell out quickly. A pre-departure briefing takes place at our Cusco office at 5:00–6:00 PM the evening before departure.

GROUP SERVICE

$519 USD per person
Personal pack horse included (carries up to 7 kg / 15 lbs of your gear in a provided duffel bag)
Discount of $30 USD per person for groups of 5 or more persons

PRIVATE SERVICE

$799 USD per person – 2 to 3 persons
$699 USD per person – 4 to 6 persons
$599 USD per person – 7 to 8 persons

LUXURY LODGE-TO-LODGE SERVICE

From $1,500 USD per person (Glamping domes, sky lodges, jungle domes, and exclusive campsites with private facilities. Contact us for a customized quote based on group size and dates)

DISCOUNTS

Students (18–25 years old): $20–$30 USD discount. A valid ISIC card or university ID is required at the time of booking. Information required: university name, student name, photo, and expiration date. A copy must be sent at booking and the original carried during the trek.
Under 18 years old: $20–$30 USD discount. Please send a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
Under 8 years old: Minimum age to hike is 5–8 years depending on the operator. Please consult us at the time of booking.

Important Notes: The Salkantay Trek is recognized by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine as one of the Top 25 Treks in the World. The highest point of the route is the Salkantay Pass at 4,600 m / 15,091 ft. The total trekking distance is approximately 74 km / 46 miles over 5 days, covering terrain ranging from glacial highland to lush cloud forest and Amazonian jungle. Machu Picchu now operates under a circuit-based timed entry system — all tickets are managed and purchased on your behalf as part of this package. A minimum of 2 days of acclimatization in Cusco before departure is strongly recommended. Tips for guides, cooks, and muleteers are optional but greatly appreciated — a guideline of $6–$8 USD per person per day for the entire support team is customary.

Sleeping bag. A bag rated for cold temperatures (down to $- 5^{\circ} C /2 3^{\circ} F$ ) is necessary for the first two nights.
Walk shoes or boots. Waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support are essential.
Light clothes. Bring layers, including t-shirts and long-sleeved shirts, for varying temperatures.
Mosquito repellent. Important for the jungle sections on Days 3 and 4.
Water bottle. A reusable bottle is recommended; water will be provided to refill it.
Rain jacket, hat, sunblock, sunglasses. Protection from rain, sun, and cold is necessary.
Chocolates, candies or another snacks. Good for quick energy during the hike.
Camera (optional). To take photos of the scenery.
Extra money but in Nuevos Soles. For tips, snacks, drinks, the final lunch, and any souvenirs.
Walking stick. Trekking poles are highly recommended to help with the steep ascents and descents.

Tour Duration

The Salkantay Trek is a 5-day, 4-night tour. This includes four days of hiking and one final day for the tour of Machu Picchu and the return to Cusco.

Recommendations

Pack clothing in layers. You will experience a wide range of temperatures, from freezing cold at the Salkantay Pass to hot and humid in the jungle.
Wear broken-in, waterproof hiking boots with good traction.
Use trekking poles to assist with balance and reduce stress on your joints.

Climate

The climate is very diverse.

Highlands (Days 1-2): Cold and dry, with daytime temperatures around $1 0^{\circ} C$ ( $5 0^{\circ} F$ ) and nighttime temperatures that can drop below freezing.
Cloud Forest (Days 3-4): Warm and humid, with daytime temperatures around $2 0^{\circ} C$ ( $6 8^{\circ} F$ ) or higher. Rain is possible at any time.

The Local People

Your primary interaction will be with your trekking crew, who are from local communities in the region. You will also pass through small settlements and farming areas in the later stages of the trek, such as Santa Teresa.

How to Prepare for the Tour

You should have a good level of cardiovascular fitness. Preparing with activities like hiking, jogging, or cycling for several weeks beforehand will make the trek more enjoyable. The main challenge is the sustained walking at high altitude.

Recommended Age

This trek is suitable for physically active people. While there is no official age limit, it is generally recommended for those between the ages of 14 and 60 who have some hiking experience.

How to Acclimatize

Acclimatization is the most important step for a successful trek.

You must arrive in Cusco ( $3, 400 m$ ) at least two to three days before starting the trek.
During this time, it is important to rest, drink plenty of water and coca tea, and avoid heavy meals and alcohol.
Light activity, like walking around the city, is fine, but you should avoid strenuous exercise as your body adjusts.

How difficult is the Salkantay Trek?

The trek is considered moderately difficult to difficult. The most challenging part is Day 2, which involves a long ascent to the high Salkantay Pass at $4, 650$ meters. A good level of physical fitness is required.

What is the highest point on the trek?

The highest point is the Salkantay Pass, which you will cross on the morning of Day 2. It is at an altitude of $4, 650$ meters ( $15, 091$ feet).

What is the weather like?

The weather changes significantly. The first two days are cold, especially at night, due to the high altitude. The following days are much warmer and more humid as you descend into the cloud forest and jungle region. You must be prepared for both cold and rain.

Do I need to carry my large backpack?

No. Mules and horses will carry your duffel bag with your personal belongings (up to a weight limit, usually 5-7 kg). You will only need to carry a small daypack with essentials like water, snacks, a rain jacket, and sunscreen.

Is drinking water provided?

Yes, the cook will boil and filter water for you at every campsite. You should bring a reusable water bottle or hydration pack to refill each day.

What kind of food is served on the trek?

The cook prepares a variety of Peruvian dishes. Meals are typically high in carbohydrates to provide energy for hiking and include soups, pasta, rice, chicken, and vegetables. Special dietary needs can be accommodated if you notify the company in advance.

Are there toilets and showers at the campsites?

The campsites used on the Salkantay trek are basic. They usually have simple toilet facilities. Showers are generally not available until you reach Santa Teresa or Aguas Calientes.

What is the accommodation like in Aguas Calientes?

The tour includes one night in a basic hotel or hostel in Aguas Calientes. It will have a private room and bathroom with hot water.

What is the main difference between the Salkantay Trek and the Inca Trail?

The Salkantay Trek is longer, more challenging, and reaches a higher altitude than the classic Inca Trail. It is known for its dramatic natural scenery and diverse landscapes, whereas the Inca Trail is famous for its numerous Inca archaeological sites along the route.

Do I need trekking poles?

Trekking poles are highly recommended. They provide stability and reduce the impact on your knees, especially during the long, steep descent from the Salkantay Pass.

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