Salkantay Trek 5 Days 4 Nights to Machu Picchu
The Salkantay Trek 5 Days 4 Nights is the most complete version of this route to Machu Picchu, designed for travelers who want a well-paced trek with more time to explore each landscape. Unlike shorter options, this 5-day journey allows for better acclimatization and a more immersive experience in the Andes.
Throughout the Salkantay Trek 5 Days 4 Nights to Machu Picchu, you will cross high mountain passes, walk beneath the towering Salkantay peak, and gradually descend into warmer valleys filled with lush vegetation.
The itinerary includes key highlights such as Humantay Lake and the archaeological site of Llactapata, where you will enjoy a unique view of Machu Picchu before your final guided visit.
Overview of the Salkantay Trek 5 Days
The Salkantay Trek 5 Days 4 Nights is a high-altitude route in the Peruvian Andes that connects the mountains near Salkantay Mountain with the subtropical valleys on the way to Machu Picchu. It is known for its dramatic elevation changes and the variety of environments you experience along the trail.
During the Salkantay Trek 5 Days 4 Nights to Machu Picchu, hikers reach the Salkantay Pass (4,650 m / 15,255 ft) before descending into warmer zones with vegetation and local farms. The route covers approximately 70–72 km (43–45 miles) over five days, with daily hikes that allow a steady pace and better adaptation to altitude.
Salkantay Trek 5 Days Highlights
The Salkantay Trek 5 Days 4 Nights stands out for its combination of mountain scenery, changing climates, and key cultural sites along the route. Each stage offers a different landscape, making the experience more complete than shorter versions.
- Cross the Salkantay Pass (4,650 m), the highest point of the trek
- Visit the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake
- Experience a transition from high Andes to cloud forest
- Explore the archaeological site of Llactapata with views toward Machu Picchu
- Camp in quieter areas away from busy trekking routes
The combination of these elements makes the Salkantay Trek 5 Days 4 Nights to Machu Picchu a well-rounded trekking experience, offering both challenge and the opportunity to enjoy the landscapes at a comfortable pace.
Salkantay Trek 5 Days at a Glance
Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa
Start early from Cusco and drive to the trailhead. Hike to Soraypampa and visit Humantay Lake, one of the most scenic glacial lakes in the Andes. Overnight in Andean huts surrounded by mountain views, with time to enjoy the peaceful high-altitude setting. This first day allows your body to gradually adapt to the altitude while experiencing impressive Andean landscapes.
Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Huayracmachay – Colpapampa
The most challenging day, crossing the Salkantay Pass at 4,650 m. Enjoy panoramic views of snow-capped peaks before descending into the cloud forest. Overnight in the high jungle, where the climate becomes warmer and the landscape more lush. This stage highlights the dramatic contrast between alpine terrain and the beginning of the tropical ecosystem.
Day 3: Colpapampa – Playa Sahuayaco – Lucmabamba
Hike through the Santa Teresa Valley with warmer temperatures, passing waterfalls and coffee plantations. Visit a local coffee farm and experience the cultural side of the region. This section offers a more relaxed pace with opportunities to connect with local communities. The surroundings become greener and more vibrant as you continue descending into the jungle environment.
Day 4: Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes
Follow part of the original Inca trail to Llactapata, with a unique view of Machu Picchu. Continue to Aguas Calientes along the railway surrounded by lush vegetation. This day combines history, scenic views, and the anticipation of reaching Machu Picchu. It is also one of the most rewarding stages, offering your first distant glimpse of the Inca citadel.
Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Early visit to Machu Picchu with a guided tour of the main temples and viewpoints. Return by train to Ollantaytambo and transfer back to Cusco. This final day completes the trek with one of the most iconic experiences in South America. Watching the sunrise over the citadel is often one of the most memorable moments of the entire journey.
- The assigned circuit in Machu Picchu depends on availability at the time of booking. If tickets for the Machu Picchu Circuit 2 are sold out, we will secure tickets for Circuit 1 or 3. We strongly recommend booking as early as possible. Entrance tickets are first‑come, first‑served, and the best circuits and schedules sell out first.
Included
The Salkantay Trek 5 Days 4 Nights includes all essential services to ensure a safe, comfortable, and well-organized trekking experience from Cusco to Machu Picchu.
- Pre-trek briefing with your guide
- Professional English-speaking local guide during the trek
- Second guide for groups of 9 participants or more
- Private transportation from Cusco to Challacancha (trailhead)
- Entrance tickets for the Salkantay Trek and Machu Picchu Citadel
- Pack horses or mules.
- Duffel bag for personal belongings (up to 6 kg / 13 lb per person)
- 3 nights of camping during the trek
- Spacious tents (2 people in 4-person tents for extra comfort) and sleeping mat
- 1 night hotel in Aguas Calientes.
- 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners prepared by a professional cook
- Vegetarian, vegan, and special diet options available upon request
- Daily tea time (tea, coffee, cocoa, snacks)
- Boiled and filtered drinking water provided from Day 2 onward
- Wake-up coca tea served each morning
- Daily hot water for basic washing
- Biodegradable soap and hand sanitizer
- Round-trip bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
- Tourist train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Private transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
- Walkie-talkies for communication during the trek
- Oxygen tank and first aid kit
- All local taxes included
Not Included
- First breakfast (Day 1) and lunch on the last day
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain entrance tickets (approx. US$65)
- Hot springs entrance fee (approx. S/20.00)
- Sleeping bag (available for rent)
- Optional activities such as zip line or additional experiences
- Additional horses for extra personal luggage beyond the 6 kg allowance
- Optional upgrades (train category and hotel in Aguas Calientes)
- Travel insurance
- Tips for the trekking team (guide, chef, and muleteers)
Salkantay Trek 5 Days Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa (Andean Huts)
Your Salkantay Trek 5 Days 4 Nights begins with an early hotel pickup in Cusco at around 5:00 am. You will travel by bus for approximately 3 hours toward Mollepata, enjoying views of the snow-capped peaks of Salkantay and Humantay along the way.
After a short stop in Mollepata for optional breakfast and facilities, the journey continues to Challacancha, the starting point of the trek. Here, you will meet the trekking team and organize the equipment, horses, and mules.
The hike begins around 9:30 am, following a scenic trail toward Soraypampa (3,850 m / 12,631 ft). This section takes approximately 3 hours and covers around 8 km. Upon arrival, you will enjoy lunch and some time to rest.
In the afternoon, you will hike to Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,779 ft), one of the most beautiful glacial lakes in the Andes. After taking in the views, you will return to Soraypampa, where you will spend the night in Andean huts under a clear mountain sky.
- Meals: Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Andean Huts
- Maximum Altitude: 4,200 m
- Minimum Altitude: 2,850 m
- Distance: 11 km
Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Huayracmachay – Colpapampa
After an early breakfast, you will begin the most demanding day of the Salkantay Trek 5 Days 4 Nights. The hike starts around 6:30 am, following a steady uphill trail toward the Salkantay Pass. As you gain altitude, the landscape becomes more rugged, with expansive views of the surrounding mountains and glacial formations.
Along the way, you will pass through areas such as Salkantaypampa and Soyrococha, where you may see small high-altitude lakes and grazing wildlife. By midday, you will reach the Salkantay Pass (4,650 m / 15,255 ft), the highest point of the trek. From here, you will have panoramic views of the Salkantay peak and the surrounding snow-capped mountains.
After spending time at the summit, you will begin a long descent toward Huayracmachay, where lunch will be served. The trail then continues downhill into the cloud forest, where the environment gradually changes. The cold mountain air gives way to warmer temperatures, and the vegetation becomes denser with a variety of native plants.
By the afternoon, you will arrive at Colpapampa (2,900 m / 9,514 ft), a small village in the high jungle where you will spend the night. This transition from alpine terrain to lush forest makes this day one of the most diverse of the entire trek.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Andean Huts
- Maximum Altitude: 4,650 m
- Minimum Altitude: 2,900 m
- Distance: 23 km
Day 3: Colpapampa – Playa Sahuayaco – Lucmabamba
Today’s section of the Salkantay Hike takes you deeper into the Santa Teresa Valley, where the climate becomes warmer and more humid. After breakfast, you will begin a gradual hike along a wide trail surrounded by dense vegetation.
During the walk, you will pass waterfalls, rivers, and a variety of crops such as coffee, bananas, avocados, and citrus fruits. This part of the trek offers a closer connection to local life, as you may see farmers working their land and small rural communities along the route.
The trail continues toward La Playa, where you will stop for lunch. In the afternoon, you will hike for about one more hour to reach Lucmabamba (2,400 m / 7,874 ft), your campsite for the night.
Later, you will visit a local coffee farm, where you will learn about the traditional production process—from harvesting to roasting—and have the chance to taste freshly prepared coffee. This experience adds a cultural element to the trek and provides insight into daily life in this region.
Optional: Visit to hot springs (not included)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
- Maximum Altitude: 2,900 m
- Minimum Altitude: 2,350 m
- Distance: 14 km
Day 4: Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes
After an early wake-up and breakfast, you will begin one of the most interesting days of the Salkantay Trek. The trail follows part of an original Inca path, gradually ascending for about 2 hours toward the archaeological site of Llactapata.
From this viewpoint, you will have a unique and less common perspective of Machu Picchu, as well as views of Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain. Your guide will explain the history and importance of this site, giving you a deeper understanding of the Inca presence in the region.
After exploring Llactapata, you will descend for approximately 2 hours toward the Hydroelectric station, where lunch will be served. Along this section, you will continue to see distant views of Machu Picchu from different angles.
In the afternoon, you will follow a flat trail alongside the railway tracks for about 3 hours until reaching Aguas Calientes. This path is surrounded by lush vegetation and follows the route historically used to access Machu Picchu before the train system was developed.
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you will check into your hotel and have time to rest before the next day’s visit to Machu Picchu.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Maximum Altitude: 2,400 m
- Minimum Altitude: 2,000 m
- Distance: 18 km
Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
On the final day of the Salkantay Trek 5 Days 4 Nights to Machu Picchu, you will wake up early to visit Machu Picchu. You will take one of the first buses to the entrance, arriving as the morning light illuminates the citadel.
Your guide will lead a 2 to 3-hour tour through the most important areas of Machu Picchu, including the Sun Temple, the Main Plaza, the Temple of the Three Windows, and the Intihuatana stone. This guided visit provides historical context and helps you understand the significance of the site.
After the tour, you will have free time to explore on your own or take additional hikes if you have booked Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain in advance.
In the afternoon, you will return to Aguas Calientes and board the train to Ollantaytambo, followed by private transport back to Cusco. This marks the end of the Salkantay Trek 5 Days 4 Nights, completing an unforgettable journey through the Andes.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Highest Elevation: 2,440 m
- Lowest Elevation: 2,040 m
Salkantay Trek 5 Days 4 Nights Price
We offer flexible departure dates and can organize the trek on any day of the week, depending on Machu Picchu ticket availability.
Group Service
$509 USD per person
A shared trek where travelers of different fitness levels join together, guided at a comfortable and steady pace throughout the route.
Private Tour Options
Private service is available with pricing based on group size:
- 2–3 trekkers: $569 USD per person
- 4–5 trekkers: $549 USD per person
- 6+ trekkers: $529 USD per person
* All our tours are priced in US dollars.
Booking and Payment
- Deposit: US$250 per person (to reserve your spot)
- The remaining balance can be paid online or at our office in Cusco
- Payment methods: credit card, PayPal, or wire transfer
- Contact us for alternative payment options
Discounts
- Ages 18–25: US$25 (valid student ID required)
- Under 18:Â US$25 (passport copy required)
- Under 11:Â US$30 (passport copy required)
Optional Extras (Pre-booking required)
- Machu Picchu Mountain: US$65
- Huayna Picchu Mountain: US$65
Hotel Upgrades (per person / double occupancy)
- Inkaterra (5★): US$185 per person per night
- Hotel el Mapi (4★): US$95 per person per night
- Santuario Hotel: US$45 per person per night
Train Upgrades
- Vistadome Train: US$65 per trip
- Hiram Bingham Train (luxury): US$585 per trip
Equipment Rental
- Hiking poles: US$20
- Sleeping bag: US$20
- Private tent: US$30
What to Pack for the Salkantay TrekÂ
To fully enjoy the Salkantay Trek, it is important to pack properly for changing weather conditions and high-altitude trekking.
- A good daypack (comfortable and large enough for your daily essentials)
- Original passport
- Travel insurance
- Trekking boots with good ankle support (already broken in)
- 2–3 pairs of trekking pants (avoid jeans)
- 4 shirts (including 2 long-sleeve shirts for sun protection)
- Warm layers for cold temperatures (thermal base layers, fleece, hat, gloves, scarf)
- Waterproof jacket or rain gear
- 4 sets of underwear
- Sleeping bag liner (lightweight and easy to carry)
- Reusable water bottle or hydration pack (e.g., CamelBak)
- Water for the first day (water is provided from Day 2 onward)
- Sunscreen (SPF 35+ recommended)
- Insect repellent (30% DEET recommended)
- Personal toiletries and hygiene items
- Small towel, tissues, and wet wipes
- Basic first aid items (bandages, moleskin for blisters)
- Personal medication
- Flip-flops or sandals for camp
- Plastic bags for wet or dirty clothes
- Camera or phone for photos
- Book or small entertainment for evenings
- Extra cash for drinks, tips, and personal expenses
- Emergency cash (recommended: 300–450 soles)
Travel Information
At Info Machu Picchu, we want you to be fully prepared for your experience. This guide includes essential information to help you get ready for your trek, from acclimatization and logistics to Machu Picchu entry and practical travel tips.
Pre-Trek Briefing
All briefings are held at your hotel in Cusco around 5:00 PM, one or two days before your tour. The session lasts approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
During the briefing, your guide will explain the itinerary in detail, provide your duffel bag, and answer any questions to ensure you are fully prepared.
Acclimatization in Cusco
Proper acclimatization is essential before starting your trek. Cusco is located at 3,400 m (11,150 ft) above sea level.
We recommend arriving at least 2 to 3 days in advance to help your body adjust and avoid altitude sickness.
Recommended Activities Before Your Trek
During your acclimatization days, you can enjoy light tours in the region:
- Cusco City Tour:Â Main Square, Cathedral, and Qoricancha
- Sacred Valley Tour:Â Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Maras Salt Mines
- Moray and Maras Tour:Â Inca agricultural terraces
- Q’eswachaka Bridge Tour: Traditional Inca rope bridge
- Rainbow Mountain Tour: One of Peru’s most unique landscapes
These activities help you adjust to the altitude while exploring the region.
Balance Payment in Cusco
If you have an outstanding balance, it must be paid at least 1 or 2 days before your tour.
We recommend payment in cash (USD or Peruvian Soles) during your briefing. ATMs are available along Avenida Sol.
Credit/debit cards and PayPal are also accepted, with a 5% service fee applied.
Bank checks and traveler’s checks are not accepted.
Duffel Bag Information
You will receive a duffel bag during your briefing.
- Size: 60 × 24 × 22 cm
- Weight limit:Â 6 kg (13 lb), including personal items
Our porters will carry your bag during the trek.
Luggage Storage
You may store your main luggage at your hotel or coordinate storage with us during your briefing.
We recommend keeping valuables in the hotel safe and requesting a receipt if needed for insurance purposes.
Machu Picchu Entry Circuits
Machu Picchu uses timed entry tickets and fixed circuits to preserve the site.
- Circuit 1:Â Panoramic viewpoints
- Circuit 2:Â Main citadel route
- Circuit 3:Â Lower sector and temples
For Inca Trail tours, the visit is usually assigned to Circuit 3 in the morning, depending on availability.
Re-entry is not allowed after exiting the site.
Pick-Up Information
All pick-ups are from your hotel in Cusco. We recommend staying in the historic center.
Pick-up times are confirmed the day before and may vary slightly.
If your hotel is not accessible by vehicle, we will arrange a nearby meeting point.
Return from Machu Picchu
After your visit, you will take the bus to Aguas Calientes (approximately 25 minutes).
You will then take the train to Ollantaytambo, followed by transportation back to Cusco.
Please arrive at the train station 30 minutes before departure.
Strikes and Demonstrations
Occasionally, local strikes may affect transportation schedules. In such cases, Info Machu Picchu will adjust logistics as needed, always prioritizing your safety.
Personal Belongings
You are responsible for your personal items at all times. Please check your belongings after each stop and avoid leaving items unattended during the trek.
Salkantay Trek 5 Days FAQs
Yes, the Salkantay Trek 5 Days is worth it for travelers looking for a more complete and scenic route to Machu Picchu. It offers diverse landscapes, fewer crowds, and a well-paced itinerary that allows you to fully enjoy the experience. The combination of high mountains, cloud forest, and cultural sites makes it one of the most rewarding treks in Peru.
The Salkantay Trek 5 Days is considered moderate to challenging due to the altitude and long hiking distances. The most demanding section is the ascent to the Salkantay Pass above 4,600 meters. A good level of fitness and prior acclimatization in Cusco are highly recommended.
The Salkantay Trek covers approximately 70 to 72 km (43–45 miles) over five days. Daily hikes range between 5 to 8 hours depending on the terrain and pace of the group. The route combines high mountain trails, valleys, and cloud forest sections.
No special permit is required for the Salkantay Trek itself, which makes it more flexible than other routes. However, entrance tickets to Machu Picchu must be booked in advance. It is recommended to reserve early, especially during high season.
The best time to do the Salkantay Trek is during the dry season from April to October. During these months, you can expect clearer skies and more stable weather conditions. The rainy season from November to March brings more humidity and occasional heavy rain.
The highest point of the trek is the Salkantay Pass, which reaches 4,650 meters (15,255 ft) above sea level. This is the most physically demanding part of the route due to altitude. Proper acclimatization is important to enjoy this section safely.
Yes, altitude can affect some travelers, especially during the first two days of the trek. Spending at least 2 days in Cusco before starting is highly recommended. Staying hydrated, walking at a steady pace, and following your guide’s advice will help reduce symptoms.
During the trek, you will spend 3 nights in campsites equipped with tents and basic facilities. The final night is spent in a hotel in Aguas Calientes before visiting Machu Picchu. This combination offers both adventure and comfort.
Yes, equipment such as sleeping bags and trekking poles can be rented if needed. This is a convenient option for travelers who prefer not to carry bulky gear. It is recommended to reserve rentals in advance.
After visiting Machu Picchu, you will return to Aguas Calientes and take a train to Ollantaytambo. From there, private transport will take you back to Cusco. This return journey is organized and included in most trekking packages.
Starting From: USD 509 per person
Trip details:
Recommended Tour