DAY 1
Humantay Lake
Hike to the turquoise-water glacial lake.
Hotel included
4 nights of accommodation according to the itinerary
Train included
Train from Aguas Calientes
Tickets included
Salkantay route entrance tickets
Local operator
100% Cusco-based
Fair price
No hidden costs
Five days, the most spectacular route to Machu Picchu
Trek highlights
From Humantay Lake to the Salkantay Pass, descending into the cloud forest and on to Machu Picchu.
DAY 2
Salkantay Pass
The highest point on the route, at approximately 4,630 m a.s.l.
DAY 3-4
Cloud forest
Descend through ever-changing landscapes to Aguas Calientes.
DAY 5
Machu Picchu
Guided visit to the Inca citadel and return to Cusco.
Overview
The classic Salkantay trek, step by step
Experience one of the most spectacular treks to Machu Picchu on our 5-day, 4-night Salkantay Trek from Cusco.
This classic trek takes you through stunning Andean landscapes, Humantay Lake, the Salkantay Pass, cloud forest and Aguas Calientes, before you visit the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. The route reaches approximately 4,630 m a.s.l. at the Salkantay Pass, so it’s important to acclimatize in Cusco before you start.
- Humantay Lake and Salkantay Pass included
- Professional trekking guide
- Camping equipment and mule support
- Machu Picchu entrance and guided tour
Salkantay Snow Peak from the trail
5Trekking days
4630m a.s.l. at Salkantay Pass
4Nights on the trail
Day by day
The trek itinerary
5 days along the Salkantay route to Machu Picchu.
01
Day 01
Cusco → Mollepata → Humantay Lake → Soraypampa
Early pick-up and transfer to Mollepata and Challacancha, the start of the trek. Hike to Soraypampa and, in the afternoon, climb to Humantay Lake, one of the most impressive glacial lakes in the Cusco region.
02
Day 02
Soraypampa → Salkantay Pass → Chaullay
After breakfast, begin the most challenging stretch of the trek up to Salkantay Pass, the highest point on the route. Enjoy spectacular views of Salkantay mountain before descending into the cloud forest and continuing on to Chaullay.
03
Day 03
Chaullay → La Playa → Lucmabamba
Continue your descent through the changing landscapes of the Peruvian cloud forest. Walk through valleys, coffee-growing areas and lush vegetation until you reach Lucmabamba.
04
Day 04
Lucmabamba → Llactapata → Aguas Calientes
After breakfast, continue to Llactapata, an archaeological site with stunning views toward the Machu Picchu area. Descend to Hidroeléctrica and follow the railway tracks to Aguas Calientes.
05
Day 05
Machu Picchu → Cusco
After breakfast, take the bus to Machu Picchu and enjoy a guided visit of the Inca citadel. Return by bus to Aguas Calientes and continue by train and tourist transport back to Cusco.
What's included
Everything taken care of for your 5-day trek
Included
- Pre-trip briefing in Cusco
- Pick-up at your hotel in Cusco
- Private or small-group trekking service, depending on your option
- Professional English-speaking trekking guide
- Transport to the Salkantay trailhead
- Salkantay route entrance tickets
- Visit to Humantay Lake
- Salkantay Pass
- Camping equipment
- 4 nights of accommodation according to the itinerary
- Meals according to the selected package
- Sleeping bag
- Horse or mule service for personal luggage
- Cook and support staff
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket
- Professional guided tour in Machu Picchu
- Round-trip bus up and down to Machu Picchu
- Train from Aguas Calientes
- Tourist transport back to Cusco
Not included
- International flights
- Domestic flights
- Personal expenses
- Tips
- Optional services not listed
Optional
Private Salkantay Trek100% private service with a dedicated guide.
Wayna Picchu entrance ticketOptional additional climb, subject to availability.
Additional porterExtra personal porter service during the trek.
Trip moments
Tour gallery
Book your date
Experience the Salkantay trek in 5 days
Message us with your tentative date and we'll confirm availability.
Flexible dates
Reschedule with no penalty up to 30 days before.
Dedicated advisor
A real person supports you throughout your trip.
100% secure payment
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Guaranteed tickets
We secure your tickets well in advance.
Tour specialists run by experienced locals
Why travel with us?
Local Expertise
Discover the real culture with expert local guides born and raised in Cusco.
Tailor-Made Tours
Enjoy a personalized adventure with travel packages tailored exactly to you.
Fair Prices
Enjoy your vacation without worrying about inflated costs or surprise charges.
Guaranteed Assurance
Travel with confidence thanks to our guarantee commitment on every booking.
Before you pack
Travel recommendations
Eight small details that make a huge difference between 11,150 and 17,060 feet of altitude.
Passport or ID
Carry it at all times: it is required for Machu Picchu and train tickets.
Comfortable shoes
Trekking footwear for walking and exploring all the archaeological sites.
Small backpack
Keep your camera, hat, sunscreen and insect repellent close at hand.
Book tickets in advance
Secure your Machu Picchu tickets several months ahead.
Personal medication
Bring your usual medicines and something for altitude sickness.
Water and snacks
A reusable bottle and energy snacks for the long days.
Extra cash
Cash in soles for personal expenses, tips and handicrafts.
Extra warm clothes
A shirt, socks, pants and a poncho for your day at Rainbow Mountain.