Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days / 4 Nights

Apart from the classic Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is one of the best treks in the world. This adventure is open year‐round with no restrictions on space or permits.

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu takes you through a variety of unique landscapes—from sweeping grassy highlands to lush cloud forests where tropical vegetation meets towering, snow‐capped peaks. Prepare to immerse yourself in breathtaking natural beauty and tranquil solitude.

Since ancient Incan times, Salkantay Mountain has been revered as sacred, protecting the people, their crops, and livestock. The Quechua word “Salkantay” means “invincible, wild or savage.” Rising to 6,271 meters (20,574 ft), it is the highest peak of the Vilcabamba range in the Andes.

Highlights of the Salkantay Trek

• Guided by passionate local experts with over 1,000 trips to Machu Picchu under their belts
• Enjoy premium camping equipment each night
• Savor authentic Peruvian cuisine prepared by chefs catering to all dietary needs
• Marvel at dramatic vistas, from high-altitude snowy mountains to tropical jungles dotted with coffee plantations
• Taste exceptional mountain coffee at a local farm on the third night
• Overnight hotel stay in Aguas Calientes after the trek
• Wake up to freshly brewed coffee served in your tent
• Conclude your journey with a scenic train ride back to Cusco

• Type of tour: Historical, guided tour, train ride, trekking, camping
• Distance covered: 57 km (35.4 miles)
• Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
• Lowest elevation: 2,400 m (7,880 ft)
• Highest elevation: 4,200 m (13,776 ft)
• Difficulty (1-10, 10 being most challenging): 7

Group Size: We keep our hiking groups small—with an average of 2 to 8 participants—to ensure personalized service and a truly intimate experience with nature.

Accommodation: This trek includes 3 nights in tents. We provide spacious, seasonal two-person tents, and solo travelers can request a private tent.

Our Guides: Peru Trails was founded in 2015 by Jose Condor, a seasoned guide who has led treks to Machu Picchu since 2004, with over 1,000 visits. Our professional team receives regular training and is fully certified in wilderness first aid.

Location: The journey begins in Cusco city or the Sacred Valley, depending on your preference. You will fly into Lima and then connect to Velasco Astete Cusco Airport.

Departures: Operated exclusively by Peru Trails, this trek departs daily, all year long. To book or inquire, contact us anytime at +51 987467790 or email us at info@perutrails.com.

Day 0: Briefing

At Peru Trails, we believe it’s essential for all guests to ask any final questions about the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu—covering the itinerary, challenges, and packing tips—before the trek begins. The briefing is held at 5:30 pm the evening prior at your Cusco hotel, where a Peru Trails representative will also collect any outstanding balance.

Day 1: Transport to Soraypampa Trailhead and Hike to Humantay Lake – Camp

We pick you up from your Cusco hotel at 5:30 am and transport you to Soraypampa, the trek’s starting point. En route, we stop in Mollepata for any last-minute supplies or a relaxing coffee break. By 9:00 am, you’ll arrive at Soraypampa, which offers stunning views of the Salkantay and Humantay mountains.

At Soraypampa, you’ll meet our team of muleteers and horses who handle the equipment, set up camps, and prepare meals. After a hearty breakfast, embark on a one-hour hike to the breathtaking Humantay Lake, then descend back to Soraypampa for a delicious lunch. Unlike many tours that require an 18 km trek from Mollepata, we drive that section, giving you more time to enjoy the lake.

After lunch at 3,800 m (12,467 ft), the trail continues to Soyroqocha (4,200 m / 13,779 ft) on a gentle three-to-four-hour hike. Enjoy awe-inspiring views of Salkantay and the surrounding snow-capped peaks. Your tents await along with a Salkantay-style happy hour featuring hot drinks and popcorn, followed by a satisfying dinner. In winter, the night sky reveals the Milky Way—a perfect setting for long-exposure photography.

• Distance covered: 5 km (3.5 miles)
• Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours
• Lowest elevation: 3,800 m (12,467 ft)
• Highest elevation: 4,400 m (14,435 ft)
• Difficulty: Demanding

Day 2: Hike from Soyroqocha to Colpapampa

Start the day with a comforting cup of coca tea and a view of the brilliant, snow-capped Salkantay Mountain. After a nutritious breakfast, begin your ascent toward Salkantay Pass (4,600 m / 15,091 ft), a climb that takes about 45 minutes. Enjoy stunning panoramas of Mount Salkantay and Mount Humantay before descending to Huayraqmachay for lunch and a brief rest, with the possibility of spotting condors along the way.

In the afternoon, continue descending to Qollpapampa (3,100 m / 10,170 ft) where you will camp for the night. The landscape shifts from golden grasslands to lush cloud forests.

• Distance covered: 16 km (9.9 miles)
• Hiking time: 8 to 9 hours
• Lowest elevation: 3,100 m (10,170 ft)
• Highest elevation: 4,600 m (15,091 ft)
• Difficulty: Demanding

Day 3: Hike from Colpapampa to Sawayaco with Coffee Tasting

Day 3 offers a more relaxed pace. Begin with a five-hour hike through a serene cloud forest along the Lluskamayo River, where you may encounter orchids, birds, and a picturesque waterfall. The trek concludes in La Playa (2,050 m / 6,725 ft) for lunch and an overnight stay. Later, join a coffee tour with Fredy—the owner of the local camp and coffee plantation—where you can roast your own beans, learn about local traditions, and even purchase a souvenir bag of roasted coffee.

• Distance covered: 13 km (8 miles)
• Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours
• Lowest elevation: 2,050 m (6,725 ft)
• Highest elevation: 3,100 m (10,170 ft)
• Difficulty: Demanding

Day 4: Hike the Inca Trail to Hidroeléctrica and Aguas Calientes

After an early breakfast, embark on a three-hour ascent toward the Llaqtapata Inca ruins—a segment of the historic Inca Trail that once connected Machu Picchu with Vilcabamba, the last Inca city. At Llaqtapata, gain insights into the rich history and culture of the Incas before descending for about three hours to the hydroelectric power station, where you will board a 40‐minute train to Aguas Calientes.

• Distance covered: 11 km (6.8 miles)
• Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours
• Lowest elevation: 1,800 m (5,905 ft)
• Highest elevation: 3,100 m (10,170 ft)
• Difficulty: Moderate to demanding

Day 5: Early Bus to Machu Picchu and Train Back to Cusco

Rise early to catch one of the first buses to Machu Picchu and witness a breathtaking sunrise. Enjoy a guided 2.5-hour tour covering key sites such as the main viewpoint, primary temple, terraces, granaries, and stone quarry—thanks to a full Machu Picchu permit included in this premium package.

Later, board the Expedition train back to Cusco around 1 pm.

Why Peru Trails

• Peru Trails offers customized treks and tours tailored to your interests.
• We are committed to providing world-class experiences backed by exceptional customer service.
• As a locally owned and experienced travel company based in Cusco, our team brings decades of firsthand knowledge of Peruvian tourism.
• Our staff is fluent in English, Spanish, and Quechua.
• Our guides are professionally trained in Inca history, Peruvian culture, wilderness first aid, and local biodiversity.
• We are dedicated to environmental protection and sustainable practices.
• We empower local communities through fair labor practices and social development programs.
• We support local initiatives, including educational funds and community projects.
• We honor indigenous traditions and the heritage of the lands you visit.
• Our itineraries, ranging from 1 to 15 days, are crafted to offer an unforgettable adventure.
• Peru Trails organizes stress-free trips so you can fully enjoy your journey.

Peru Small Group Specialists

Our tours are designed for adventurers of all ages—whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, with family, or with friends. Experience authentic culture, history, and breathtaking photography opportunities in small groups averaging 4 to 8 people.

Small groups ensure flexibility and a more intimate travel experience, avoiding the hassles of large tours.