Salkantay Trek 5 Days. Peru is a mega diverse country, we also have a variety of mountainous terrain and the Andes, and a complex system of roads that were built by the Incas, Salkantay trek, is an ancient road, through the Andes towards the city of Machu Picchu. . Many of these trails rise from the coast, through snow-capped mountains into the dense Amazon jungle. The traditional Inca trail is the most valued and visited by people and currently it is necessary to book well in advance.
The Salkantay Trek is now the best hiking option to reach the Inca city of Machu Picchu. On this trail you will be able to observe a variety of landscapes and microclimates, typical of the place. Don’t miss this adventure! Come and enjoy this trail to the wonder of the world Machu Picchu and the Wild Mountain of Salkantay! (Wild Mountain). salkantay trek, offers a variety of impressive landscapes, turquoise lagoons, cloud forests, tropical valleys, where you can see coffee plantations, coca, and a wide variety of tropical fruits. Enjoy the Salkantay Trek.
Salkantay Trek Classic Map
Overview
The Salkantay Trek 5 Days, is one of the most popular hiking routes in Peru, offering an alternative to the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Here is an overview:
Location and Background
- Location: The Salkantay Trek 5 Days, is located in the Cusco region of Peru, winding through the Vilcabamba mountain range.
- Salkantay Mountain: The trek is named after Mount Salkantay, which stands at 6,271 meters (20,574 feet) and is one of the highest peaks in the Peruvian Andes.
Trek Details
- Distance: The trek typically covers around 60-75 kilometers (37-46 miles), depending on the specific route taken.
- Duration: The trek usually takes 4 to 5 days to complete.
- Difficulty: It is considered a challenging trek due to high altitudes and steep terrain, suitable for experienced hikers in good physical condition.
- Highest Point: The highest point on the trek is the Salkantay Pass at 4,650 meters (15,255 feet).
Highlights
- Scenery: The trek offers diverse landscapes, from snow-capped mountains and glaciers to lush cloud forests and tropical jungles.
- Flora and Fauna: Hikers can encounter a variety of wildlife and plant species, including orchids, hummingbirds, and Andean condors.
- Campsites: The route includes scenic campsites, such as Soraypampa, where trekkers can acclimatize and enjoy views of Humantay Lake.
- Machu Picchu: The trek concludes with a visit to the iconic Incan citadel of Machu Picchu.
Practical Information
- Best Time to Go: The best time to trek Salkantay is during the dry season, from late April to early October.
- Permits: Unlike the Inca Trail, no special permits are required for the Salkantay Trek, making it more accessible.
The Salkantay Trek offers a unique and rewarding way to experience the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Peru, culminating in the awe-inspiring ruins of Machu Picchu.
Itinerary
DAY 01: MOLLEPATA – SORAYPAMPA.
Salkantay Trek 05 Days. We will pick you up from your hotel. We will travel by bus for about 03 hours to Mollepata (2.700.msnm) where we will have a technique for breakfast and use the toilets and do the last shopping this place where we will continue to Challacanca begin our walk, about 3 hours by a beautiful path that will lead us to Soraypampa (3.800.msnm camp).
Here, we have lunch, with panoramic views of snow-capped mountains (Humantay; 4120 m and Salkantay; 6271 msnm). In the afternoon, we will visit the lagoon Humantay, which is close to camp. Overnight.
- Meals: Lunch – tea – dinner
- Accommodation: Cabins
- Minimum altitude: 2700 m
- Maximum altitude: 3850 m
- Distance: 11km / 9miles
- Time: 5h approximately
- Difficulty: Moderate
DAY 02: SALKANTAY MOUNTAIN – CHAULLAY
We woke up very early as it was the most difficult day of this trip will have our breakfast at 5.30 am and start our hike at 06.00. Am, about 3 hour’s walk uphill to reach the pass of Salkantay (4650 m / 15,200 ft) located halfway between two huge mountains; Salkantay Tucarhuay right and left. In the past, we have amazing views of the snow-capped mountains. Snow is possible here.
After a break, we will continue our walk (downhill) through the mountains of rock to Huayracpampa (4.000msnm) for lunch. After lunch, we continue to walk through a cloud forest area with diverse flora and fauna, where the guide will explain it to reach our second camp, Chaullay (3000m / 9800 ft), Salkantay Trek 5 days.
- Meals: Breakfast – lunch – tea – dinner
- Accommodation: Cabins
- Minimum altitude: 2920 m
- Maximum altitude: 4650 m
- Distance: 21km / 13.5 miles
- Time: 9h about
- Difficult: challenge
DAY 03: CHAULLAY – CLOUD FOREST – LUCMABAMBA
Salkantay Trek 5 days. After breakfast, at 6.30 am, we will begin the walk and along the way, we will be able to observe thick vegetation typical of the jungle, the Santa Teresa River, which has many tributaries such as the Lluskamayo River and a great variety of streams, and be able to reach the beach. , and have our lunch and camp. From this point in the afternoon we continue through valleys that have tropical fruits and typical plants, with a warm climate. To the town of Santa Teresa, to enjoy the thermal baths and enjoy a wonderful experience. At night I return to the camp.
- Meals: Breakfast – lunch – tea – dinner
- Accommodation: Cabins
- Minimum altitude: 1500 m
- Maximum altitude: 3000m
- Distance: 16km / 10 miles
- Time: 7h about
- Difficulty: Moderate
DAY 04: LLACTAPATA – AGUAS CALIENTES TOWN
This day we got up at 5.0.0. am because we have many options, which your guide will explain the night before we leave our camp and start walking across the bridge of the river Santa Teresa and follow the road for about 03 hours on a path dry and arid to reach Machu Picchu hydroelectric. This place has 2 options to continue to Aguas Calientes (train service $ 38 optional) and walk, we recommend walking this stretch because it is very beautiful and you can see the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu at the top of the mountain. In warm waters, the hostel accommodation is made according to the book (as suggested by the company).
- Meals: Breakfast – lunch – tea – dinner
- Lodging: Hostel
- Minimum altitude: 1500 m
- Maximum altitude: 2040 m
- Distance: 18km / 12 miles
- Time: about 7h
- Difficulty: Moderate
DAY 05: MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
We will have breakfast at the hotel and then go to the bus station and board the first bus in the direction of the city, approximately 25 minutes by a zigzag path to reach the Inca citadel Machu Picchu.
The guide will offer a visit (about 2 hours) and after that, you have free time to explore the city if you still have energy, you can also climb Huayna Picchu mountain (2720m). It takes 45 minutes to reach the top. To return to Aguas Calientes have 2 options, walking or bus (optional) where you will meet your guide back for lunch and receive his train ticket to return to the city of Cusco.after this Salkantay Trek 5 days.
The train service includes all the tours (the Expedition to Ollanta) and the bus to Cusco. * If you want to stay an extra night in Aguas Calientes you have to tell us in advance to arrange your hotel and change the return train service.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Maximum height: 2, 440m
- Difficulty: Easy.
CONDITIONS FOR THE MOUNTAIN MACHUPICCHU AND WAYNAPICCHU.
Inclusions
OUR SERVICE INCLUDES:
- Briefing. The day before the start of the 5-day Salkantay trek, an information session will be held at 6:00 PM; the meeting point is your hotel.
- Pick Up Service. From your hotel or Airbnb at 4:30, around the Plaza de Armas.
- Professional Bilingual Guide. knowledgeable about local culture and history, and highly professional.
- Duffle Bag Service. Here you can put 7 kilos of your clothes or personal belongings to use or change during the trip; this will be transported by the horse.
- Private Transport. From Cusco to the start of the trail and to Soraypampa.
- Entrance to Humantay Lagoon. Is included in the 5-day Salkantay Trek service offered by the agency.
- Entrance Ticket to Machu Picchu. The price of the Salkantay Trek includes the entrance to Machu Picchu. However, availability depends heavily on the specific circuit, as these tickets are sold online. If you want the classic Circuit 2, we recommend booking well in advance, 3 or 4 months. If you book a month or a few weeks in advance, we may be able to arrange the panoramic Circuit 1, or you can purchase tickets in Aguas Calientes at the government offices, where 1,000 tickets are sold daily.
- Extra Tickets. to If you would like any extra options such as Huayna Picchu mountain or Machu Picchu, you must book the ticket in advance. It has an extra cost of U$$:60, and also depends on availability.
- Meals During the Trip. Include 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners, 4 snacks (hot drinks, biscuits and popcorn). We offer vegetarian and gluten-free options, as well as options for other dietary restrictions. Please let us know when booking. (breakfast on day 1, lunch, and dinner on the last day are not included)
- Cook. responsible for preparing food and offering a wide variety of Peruvian and Andean cuisine, using local products.
- Cabins. Accommodation for 2 people, comfortable and cozy for spending the night and having a good rest
- Muleteers and Mules. (they transport all the adventure equipment and up to 7 kilos of tourists’ belongings).
- Accommodation in Aguas Calientes. Includes a clean hostel with all the comforts to enjoy the night before Machu Picchu, including private bathroom, hot water and Wi-Fi
- Bus service to Machu Picchu. A bus route to Machu Picchu is included; you can use it according to your physical condition. You can go up by bus and walk down, or vice versa.
- Machu Picchu Tour. This 2.5-hour tour allows you to visit the main sites of Machu Picchu according to the chosen route. After this fascinating exploration, you will have 30 minutes of free time to fully appreciate the breathtaking beauty of Machu Picchu before returning to Cusco.
- Return Train to Cusco. Including the Expeditions service, usually departing at 3:30 PM, Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo, then we have tourist transport to Cusco (hotel)
- Oxygen Bottle.
- First aid kit.
NO INCLUDED:
- First breakfast and last lunch
- Extra Expenses
- Tips for the service staff: guide, cook, muleteer
- Sleeping Bag
- Walking Stick
- Wi-Fi service at the campsites
- Hot water at the campsites
- Other Not Mentioned
Should Bring
WHAT YOU NEED TO TAKE:
- Original passport and student card
- Insurance card is essential
- Sleeping bag.
- Hiking boots
- Waterproof jacket / rain poncho
- Coat
- Hat and gloves comfortable pants shirts
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen factor 70
- Insect repellent
- Water
- Water purification tablets (Micropur recommended)
- Personal Medication
- Camera and battery.
- Flashlight with extra batteries
OPTIONAL TO TAKE:
- Shorts, for daytime use or in tropical areas
- Walking Stick
- Bandage bandages and plasters for blisters
- Flip-flops for use at the campsite or in the hot springs
- Extra cash, in soles recommended
- Swimsuit for the Cocalmayo hot springs in Santa Teresa – not included in the price.
OPTIONAL SERVICES (NOT INCLUDED)
- Sleeping Bag (U$:25)
- Walking Stick (U$.15)
- Day backpack (U$.40)
- Single Acommodation. (U$.35)
Acomodation
OUR CAMPS ALONG THE TRAIL
The best camps on the Salkantay Trek stand out for their comfort, impressive views and services that make the experience unforgettable
The Best Local Campsites:
- Reliable operators: Make sure you book with companies that have good recommendations.
- Altitude and acclimatization: Prioritize camps at lower altitude if you are not used to the altitude.
- Comfort: If you are looking for more comfort, opt for premium services with huts or domes.
SORAYPAMPA CAMPSITE
Our camp with an impressive view of the Salkantay mountain, here you can connect your mind with nature, in this camp you can enjoy all the comfort that nature offers you
- Meals: Lunch – Tea – dinner
- Accommodation: Camping facilities
- Maximum altitude: 3850 m
- Time Hike: 5h approximately
- Difficulty: Moderate
CHAULLAY CAMPSITE
our second camp, located on the side of the bridle path, very close to the local community, here we will have many amenities, we will also be able to enjoy the local community.
- Meals: Breakfast – lunch – Tea – dinner
- Accommodation: Camping facilities
- Minimum altitude: 2920 m
- Time: 9h about
- Difficult: challenge
LUCMABAMBA CAMPSITE
In the heart of the jungle, our camp immersed in nature, where you can enjoy a unique experience very close to the original Inca trail, here you can enjoy nature
- Meals: Breakfast – lunch – tea – dinner
- Accommodation: Camping facilities
- Minimum altitude: 1500m
- Time: 5h about
- Difficulty: Moderate
AGUAS CALIENTES – HOSTEL
the most touristic town in Peru, Aguas Calientes, the closest place to the wonder of the world, here we will have our accommodation with all the basic needs to spend a pleasant night.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Maximum height: 2, 440m
- Difficulty: Easy.
Price
IMPORTANT: Prices depend on the service you hire and the number of people. You have to be flexible with your travel dates (giving alternatives of 1 or 2 days on either side of the preferred date). Availability for specific dates can change quickly, due to the availability of spaces which are sold in advance.
Prices: Season: 2026
Group Service.
- U$. 550. Per Person
Private Service
- U$. 730 per Person (Private Service 02 People Mínimum )
Group Size – Salkantay Trek: Our groups average 4 to 10 people. We organize our groups based on each traveler’s preferences, whether as a couple, with friends, or traveling alone, bringing together clients from all over the world. We aim to make this experience personal, safe, and fun so that the memories are unforgettable and new friends are made.
Please have a look at our Booking Policies for this trip. **visit our Secure Payment Methods
Discounts:
Student Discount: To qualify for the discount, you must have a valid student ID and be 25 years old or younger at travel time. You can obtain the discount with your student ID. Please indicate that you are a student on the form when booking.
Student ID valid for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu:
To qualify for the student discount, travelers must have a valid ID with the following:
University ID, with a current date, Full name, photo, and university name. This is the only valid document required to qualify for the discount. According to Peruvian government regulations and Ministry of Culture offices, other documents are not valid.
- Student Discount (only with active card): US$.20
- Under 18 Years Discount: US$.20
