Ultimate Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – 5 Days

Your Salkantay adventure begins with an early 4:30 am pick-up from your hotel. After a scenic drive through the Andean highlands, you’ll make a stop in Mollepata town for a delicious breakfast, where you can stretch your legs and enjoy some local flavors. Once refreshed, the journey continues for another scenic drive until you reach the trailhead around 8:30 am. Here, you’ll meet your dedicated team of porters and horsemen who will support you throughout the trek.

The adventure kicks off with a gentle 3-hour hike to Soraypampa (3,800 m / 12,467 ft), following an ancient aqueduct that has been in use since Inca times. Upon arrival, your chef will prepare a gourmet lunch with fresh, local ingredients, giving you a true taste of Peruvian cuisine.

In the afternoon, embark on a 2-hour ascent to the stunning Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,779 ft), where towering snow-capped peaks frame the turquoise waters. After exploring this sacred lake, continue on another 2-hour hike to your first campsite.

Your evening will be spent at the Salka Glamp Campsite, located at the base of the imposing Salkantay Mountain. This campsite offers luxurious glamping accommodations and breathtaking views of the mountain and the starry Andean night sky. After a hearty dinner, relax under a canopy of stars, making this night an unforgettable part of your trek.

• Hiking Distance: 12 km / 7.5 mi
• Hiking Duration: 6 hours
• Campsite Altitude: 4,150 m / 13,615 ft
• Highest Altitude: 4,200 m / 13,779 ft
• Included Meals: Breakfast in Mollepata, snacks, lunch, tea, dinner
• Accommodation: Glamping at Salka Glamp Campsite
• Trek Difficulty: Moderate+

Your second day begins with a breathtaking morning as you're greeted with a hot cup of coffee or coca tea right in your tent, while the majestic views of the snow-capped mountains welcome you to a new day of adventure. After a hearty breakfast, the journey continues with a 2-hour ascent to the highest point of the Salkantay Trek—Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft). This is a momentous highlight of the trek, offering sweeping views of the rugged Andean landscapes. Take time to absorb the beauty and explore the area, which includes a shimmering glacial lake at the base of the imposing Salkantay Mountain.

After soaking in the views, the trek continues with a 3-hour descent to Wayracmachay (3,800 m / 12,467 ft) for a well-deserved lunch. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive vizcachas, a chinchilla species native to the region, adding a special wildlife encounter to your experience.

Following lunch, get ready for a dramatic change in scenery as you descend for another 3 hours, leaving behind the dry, cold highlands and entering the warm, humid cloud forest. The rapid transformation in temperature and landscapes—from stark, rugged terrain to lush greenery—is nothing short of magical. You'll be surrounded by vibrant plant life, colorful flowers, and the sounds of the forest as you make your way to your next campsite, nestled near the small village of Collpapampa.

As you settle into your jungle huts for the night, the soothing sounds of the cloud forest will lull you to sleep after an exhilarating day.

• Hiking Distance: 18 km / 11.8 mi
• Hiking Duration: 9 hours
• Campsite Altitude: 2,770 m / 9,087 ft
• Highest Altitude: 4,630 m / 15,190 ft
• Included Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea, dinner
• Accommodation: Jungle huts
• Trek Difficulty: Challenging

Start your day with a relaxing morning in the charming village of Lucmabamba, savoring breakfast while admiring the towering mountains you trekked through. Today is one of the most scenic and unforgettable days of the trek, leading you toward the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu.

The journey begins with a hike along narrow, picturesque paths, tracing the flow of the river as you cross wooden bridges and pass cascading waterfalls. As you venture deeper into the lush jungle, you’ll walk through granadilla and banana plantations, experiencing the diversity of the region’s flora. After an easygoing trek, you’ll reach Lucmabamba (2,000 m / 6,561 ft), where a special treat awaits.

Today’s lunch is a true highlight of the Salkantay Trek—a traditional Pachamanca Barbecue. This ancient Andean cooking method uses heated stones buried underground to slowly cook a feast of local delicacies, including cuy (guinea pig), a variety of potatoes, vegetables, and seasonal fruits. As the Pachamanca cooks, you’ll visit nearby organic coffee farms and even brew your own cup of freshly harvested coffee—a perfect cultural immersion. Once the meal is ready, enjoy this authentic feast surrounded by the stunning Peruvian countryside.

After lunch, recharged and ready for adventure, you’ll embark on a 3-hour ascent along the ancient Inca Trail to Llactapata, an Inca citadel perched high on a mountaintop at 2,750 m (9,022 ft). Here, you’ll be rewarded with your first breathtaking glimpse of Machu Picchu from afar—a moment steeped in history and awe. Discovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911 and lost to the world until recently, Llactapata offers a unique perspective of the famous citadel, with views that will leave you speechless.

Your campsite for the night is set right in front of Machu Picchu, providing you the extraordinary opportunity to witness the sunset and sunrise over the citadel—weather permitting. This magical view of Machu Picchu under the stars is sure to be one of the most memorable moments of your journey.

• Hiking Distance: 16 km / 10 mi
• Hiking Duration: 6 hours
• Campsite Altitude: 2,750 m / 9,022 ft
• Included Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Camping
• Trek Difficulty: Moderate

Wake up to one of the most breathtaking views of your journey—a direct sightline to Machu Picchu, perched on a nearby mountain. With the cool morning air surrounding you, your trekking team will bring a hot cup of coffee or coca tea straight to your tent, setting the perfect tone for the day ahead. After a hearty breakfast, you’ll embark on a 2-hour downhill hike to the Hydroelectric Station, where you’ll enjoy one last brunch, lovingly prepared by your trekking chef. This is your final meal with the team before you bid them farewell and begin the last stretch of your adventure.

The final part of the trek is a beautiful 3-hour walk along the railway, following the Urubamba River upstream. This scenic route is filled with history and nature. You’ll stop at Mandor Botanical Gardens, a place rich with historical significance, as it was here that Hiram Bingham met a local farmer named Arteaga, who guided him and the first group of Americans to discover Machu Picchu in 1911. As you visit Arteaga’s farm, you’ll have the chance to spot vibrant wildlife, including endemic birds like the Rupicola Peruviana (the national bird of Peru), along with parrots, toucans, hummingbirds, and a stunning variety of orchids.

Upon reaching Aguas Calientes, your guide will take you to your comfortable 3-star hotel, where you can refresh, relax, and explore the town’s charming atmosphere. You might also choose to visit the soothing hot springs to unwind after your trek. In the evening, you’ll gather with your group for a delicious dinner at a local restaurant to reflect on your journey and plan for the next and most anticipated day—the grand visit to Machu Picchu.

• Hiking Distance: 14 km / 8.7 mi
• Hiking Duration: 6 hours
• Aguas Calientes Altitude: 2,000 m / 6,561 ft
• Highest Altitude: 2,840 m / 9,318 ft
• Included Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel
• Trek Difficulty: Moderate

Today is the highlight of your Salkantay adventure, as you visit the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. This ancient city, mysteriously abandoned by the Inca Empire in the 16th century, remains an iconic symbol of Inca ingenuity and culture.

Start your day early with a hearty breakfast at your hotel, then catch the first bus to the citadel to witness the magical sunrise over Machu Picchu. The anticipation builds as you approach this mystical site, perched high on a mountaintop surrounded by lush green peaks.

Your expert guide will lead you through the most important parts of the citadel, including its famous temples, palaces, and plazas. As you walk through these remarkable stone structures, your guide will unravel the mysteries, legends, and history that make Machu Picchu one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in the world. The guided tour lasts around 3 hours, leaving plenty of time for you to explore the citadel on your own or even hike the iconic Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (advance booking required).

After your visit, you’ll return to Aguas Calientes by bus, where you can enjoy a relaxing lunch. Collect your belongings from the hotel and prepare for a scenic journey back to Cusco aboard the exclusive Panoramic Vistadome train to Ollantaytambo. With large windows offering unobstructed views of the stunning landscapes, it’s the perfect way to end your trek. From Ollantaytambo, our private van will take you back to Cusco, where the TreXperience Team will ensure you arrive at your hotel by around 7:30 pm, marking the end of your unforgettable journey.

• Tour Duration: 3 hours in Machu Picchu
• Machu Picchu Altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
• Included Meals: Breakfast at the hotel
• Trek Difficulty: Easy