Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu - Salkantay Trek Peru 5D/4N

Introduction to the Adventure

5 Days / 4 Nights

Hard

4,600 m.a.s.l.

2 to 12 People

Spanish, English, Portuguese

Join the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with Lama Glama Travel over five days. We will start early, between 4:00 and 5:00 A.M., with hotel pickup in Cusco’s historic center. The trek goes through mountains, high passes, and tropical valleys. Each day includes hiking, beautiful scenery, and cultural sights.

Along the way, we will visit Humantay Lake and cross the Salkantay Pass at 4,600 meters above sea level. We will hike down into cloud forests, passing small villages like Collpapampa and Lucmabamba. We will see local plants, wildlife, and remote Andean communities. There are also hot springs along the trail to rest and relax.

In the last few days, we will reach Aguas Calientes and get ready to visit Machu Picchu. Our guide will show us temples, terraces, and plazas, sharing stories about Inca culture, architecture, and astronomy. There will be plenty of chances to take amazing photos of the Andes and Machu Picchu.

After exploring Machu Picchu, we will return to Aguas Calientes and then take the train or bus back to Cusco. This five-day trek is full of hiking, nature, and culture, leaving us with great memories of the Andes and Inca Trail.

Day 01

Cusco – Mollepata – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa Camp

We will start super early, between 4:30 and 5:00 A.M., with hotel pickup in Cusco’s historic center. From there, we will take a private ride to Mollepata, enjoying the beautiful views along the way. We will pass small villages, rivers, and farming terraces, getting a peek at local Andean life.
From Mollepata, we will head to Soraypampa and start our hike to Humantay Lake. The trail is pretty easy and surrounded by huge snow-capped peaks and lush plants. When we get to Humantay Lake, the turquoise water and mountain views make it the perfect spot for photos.
In the afternoon, we will head back to Soraypampa camp to relax. The camp staff will have a hot meal ready while we enjoy the views of Salkantay Mountain. Our guide will also give us tips for the next day’s tougher hike so we are ready for high-altitude trekking.

Day 1 Statistics:

Distance traveled: 12 km
Highest altitude: 4,200 meters above sea level at Humantay Lake
Lowest altitude: 3,850 meters above sea level at Soraypampa
Route: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake
Difficulty level: Moderate, suitable for physically active participants

Day 02

Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Colcapampa Camp

We will wake up early for breakfast and get ready for the hardest day of the trek. The trail climbs steeply up to Salkantay Pass at 4,600 meters. We will hike along rocky paths and snowy landscapes, enjoying amazing views of glaciers and Andean peaks.
After the pass, we will start a gentle descent into the cloud forest. Along the way, we will see native plants and highland wildlife. Our guide will share stories about the culture and land to help us learn more about this area.
We will reach Colcapampa camp in the late afternoon. Here, we can rest, enjoy a hot meal, and get ready for the next day’s hike through lush tropical forests. The camp is a great place to relax and take in the natural beauty of the Salkantay route.

Day 2 Statistics:

Distance traveled: 18 km
Highest altitude: 4,600 meters above sea level at Salkantay Pass
Lowest altitude: 3,650 meters above sea level at Colcapampa Camp
Route: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Colcapampa
Difficulty level: Hard, requires stamina and high-altitude experience

Day 03

Colcapampa – Lucmabamba – Llactapata

After breakfast, we will hike through the high jungle, passing rivers, waterfalls, and small villages. The trail slowly goes down from the mountains into the tropical region. Along the way, we will see coffee farms, orchards, and local communities, getting a taste of traditional Andean life.
We will reach Lucmabamba, a tiny village in the cloud forest, where we will stop for lunch and take in the mountain views. Our guide will talk about the plants, animals, and history to get us ready for the last part of the trek to Machu Picchu.
In the afternoon, we will keep hiking to Llactapata, where we will camp for the night. From here, we can see terraces and forests near the Inca Trail. The camp is a perfect place to relax and enjoy a warm dinner before the last stretch of the trek.

Day 3 Statistics:

Distance traveled: 15 km
Highest altitude: 3,000 meters above sea level
Lowest altitude: 2,300 meters above sea level
Route: Colcapampa – Lucmabamba – Llactapata
Difficulty level: Moderate, includes moderate descents and rugged terrain

Day 04

Llactapata – Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo)

After breakfast, we will hike through the high jungle, passing rivers, waterfalls, and little villages. The trail goes gently down from the mountains into the tropical area. Along the way, we will spot coffee farms, orchards, and local communities, getting a feel for traditional Andean life.
We will reach Lucmabamba, a tiny village in the cloud forest, where we will stop for lunch and take in the mountain views. Our guide will talk about the plants, animals, and history to get us ready for the final part of the trek to Machu Picchu.
In the afternoon, we will keep hiking to Llactapata and set up camp for the night. From here, we can see terraces and forests near the Inca Trail. The camp is perfect to chill, enjoy a warm dinner, and get ready for the final part of the trek.

Day 4 Statistics:

Distance traveled: 12 km
Highest altitude: 2,800 meters above sea level
Lowest altitude: 2,050 meters above sea level at Hidroeléctrica
Route: Llactapata – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes
Difficulty level: Moderate, mostly walking on forest trails

Day 05

Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

We will wake up early and take the bus or hike up to Machu Picchu to see the sunrise. Our guide will show us the temples, terraces, and plazas, and talk about Inca culture and history. The views from the mountains will be amazing.
After exploring Machu Picchu, we will head back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch. Then we will catch the train back to Cusco, enjoying the beautiful scenery along the Urubamba River. We should be back in Cusco around 8:00 P.M., ending our five-day adventure.
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is a mix of hiking, cloud forests, and cultural experiences. Each day offers amazing views, great photo spots, and lets us learn about the Andes and Inca life.

Day 5 Statistics:

Distance traveled: 6 km inside Machu Picchu
Highest altitude: 2,430 meters above sea level at Machu Picchu
Lowest altitude: 2,040 meters above sea level at Aguas Calientes
Route: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco by train
Difficulty level: Easy to moderate, mostly walking on stone paths and terraces

Included

Professional bilingual guide (Spanish/English) throughout the trek
Transportation from Cusco to Mollepata and from Hidroeléctrica to Cusco
Full meals during the trek (lunch, dinner, and breakfast where applicable)
Camping equipment in cabañas or tents, including sleeping pads
Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
Overnight hotel in Aguas Calientes (1 night)
Assistance and support from porters (optional mules for luggage)
Safety briefing and trekking instructions

Not Included

Breakfast on the first day and lunch on the last day outside the itinerary
Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (optional)
Personal expenses such as drinks, souvenirs, or snacks not included
Tips for guides, porters, or drivers
Personal trekking gear such as poles, jackets, or backpacks

To ensure you enjoy your adventure to the fullest, we have prepared this detailed checklist. We recommend reviewing each category before packing your bags.