The savage Mountain Trail to Machu Picchu
After immersing yourself in the rich history of Cusco, the capital of the Inca Empire, join us on the Ultimate Salkantay Trek to the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu. This exceptional alternative route to the Inca citadel will lead you through the breathtaking Humantay Lake, past the imposing Salkantay Mountain, and into the enchanting cloud forest, culminating at the edge of the vibrant Peruvian jungle.
Each night, you’ll unwind in comfortable accommodations and savor some of the most delicious meals—all in the heart of the mountains. Our experienced guides will accompany you every step of the way, sharing their deep knowledge of the region’s history and natural wonders. Experience this journey in comfort and great company, surrounded by the beauty of the Andes.
If you love adventure and enjoy some of the best trekking routes in the world, our Ultimate Salkantay Trek 5 Days is for you. It combines the most exciting trekking trails with the most incredible scenery imaginable. Join us on your own, in a couple, or as part of a group.
Expect to pass through snowy mountaintops before heading down through the cloud forest. You’ll end up hiking through the lush Peruvian jungle as you get closer and closer to the Wonder of the World, Machu Picchu. The drastic change in climate and surroundings makes this exciting trek so unique.
Not only will the scenery envelop you, but you’ll also see wonderful destinations on many travelers’ bucket lists. On day 1, you’ll trek up to the stunning Humantay Lake, which sits like a blue gem amidst the snowy backdrop. The next day, we’ll embark on the challenging trail to the Salkantay Pass to see the majestic Salkantay Mountain. On day 4, you’ll visit the fascinating Inca archaeological site of Llactapata and get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu.
As if that wasn’t enough to get your heartbeat racing, what better way to end the ultimate trip than with a visit to the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu. You’ll enjoy a guided tour of about two hours before climbing Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain and contemplating a panoramic view of the Citadel. You’ll feel like you’re flying high like a condor and transport back in time hundreds of years to imagine what life was like back then. Don’t miss out on our Ultimate Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu.
Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Challacancha – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa (Overnight Sky Lodge Dome)
This morning, hike to Soraypampa and enjoy a delicious lunch; in the afternoon, we’ll hike up to Humantay Lake. Spend the night in our Sky Camp at Soraypampa.
Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Huayracmachay – Chaullay (Overnight Sky Lodge Small Dome)
Today, you’ll tackle the trek’s highest point, the Salkantay Pass, and admire the Salkantay Mountain before descending through the Cloud Forest. You’ll spend the night at our exclusive Mountain Sky View in Chaullay.
Day 3: Chaullay – Lluscamayo – La Playa Loreta (Coffe Experience) (Overnight Sky Lodge Dome)
Enjoy the day walking through the lush jungle and visiting an organic coffee farm. Tonight you’ll sleep surrounded by nature in our exclusive Jungle Domes.
Day 4: La Playa Loreta – Lucmabamba – Llactapata incan site – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes (Overnight Hotel)
In the morning, you’ll hike to the Inca archaeological site of Llactapata and appreciate Machu Picchu for the first time before heading to Aguas Calientes to rest in a comfortable hotel.
Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
It’s the big day! You’ll spend the morning exploring Machu Picchu before returning to Aguas Calientes. Then, you will board the train to Ollantaytambo, and our private transportation will take you back to Cusco.
Highlight of the day: Get ready for one of the most incredible views you will ever have: the glorious and spectacular Humantay Lake.
Hike to the Jewel in the Mountains.
Your epic 5 Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu begins with an early morning transfer from your hotel in Cusco. We will be picking you up between 0430 and 0500 in the morning and embark on a two hours drive to Mollepata. You can wink a nap in the vehicle so you arrive fresh to start hiking the emblematic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu.
Mollepata is a remote Andean town at 2803 meters above sea level (9196 ft). We will be stopping for breakfast at a local restaurant here. Our local expert will be sharing some essential tips that would help you for the trek.
After breakfast, we will be driving further to Challacancha to start the trek. Here we will be meeting our support crew, chef and muleteers who will be assisting us.
After ensuring that all the gears are intact, we will begin with a gradual uphill hike to Soraypampa. It nestles at 3900 m/ 12795ft. Soraypampa houses our Signature Skydomes. Quechuas Expeditions is a pioneer in introducing Skydomes on this route.
Our luxurious sky domes are designed to offer seamless comfort during your stay.
The trek from Challacancha starts with a hike through a flat surface with a sight of different Andean glaciers at a distance. We will be hiking through a restored Inca Canal which the locals use even today.
The trek gets a bit steeper as we will get closer to our signature campsite. Our crew will welcome you with a cup of freshly brewed Peruvian coffee or tea. Once you have settled in your respective Skydomes, we will meet for lunch.
We will be serving a freshly cooked meal using ingredients from the Cusco region. Our Andean chefs are renowned for their delectable meals.
Lake Humantay Hike:
After lunch, we will be hiking up the hill to the enigmatic turquoise glacier lake, Lake Humantay. It nestles at 4200 meters above sea level (13780 feet). It is about three kilometers (1.86 miles) from our campsite. The round trip takes around three hours.
However, we do recommend that you trek at your own pace immersing yourself in the beauty of the Andes. Once we get to the shores of Humantay Lake you will have plenty of time to contemplate the view as our guide will be explaining its prominence in the Andean mythology.
Once you have enjoyed it thoroughly, we will be hiking down the hill, back to the campsite where our crew will be serving dinner after witnessing the sunset.
After dinner, you can settle in your Sky Dome and fall asleep under the constellation of stars shining in the dark Andean sky.
Day 1 Trek Summary:
Highlight of the day: Witnessing the energy and hugely powerful gigantic Salkantay Mountain.
The Stunning Salkantay Pass and Descent to the Amazon Jungle.
Another epic day on the Salkantay Trekking experience. You will be waking up to the golden rays of the rising sun beaming through the walls of your SkyDome through the mighty Salkantay Peak.
We will be serving you a cup of coffee or tea followed by a traditional Andean breakfast. The protein-rich breakfast would energize you to embark on a hike to the highest point of 5 days Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, Salkantay Pass at 4630 meters above sea level (15190 feet).
Salkantay Pass:
We will be hiking through the iconic “Trail of the seven snakes”. The route is named after the seven switchbacks that take you to the summit. This section of the trek is somewhat challenging because of the altitude. We will take it real slow so you can catch up with your breath and relish the views of the Andean peaks.
Salkantay Peak is the second-highest peak in the Cusco region and is one of the sacred entities in Andean mythology. Locals refer to it as “Apus” which means Father in Quechua. Even today they perform several sacred rituals including K’intu, seeking blessings using three Coca Leaves. Our guide will be sharing them with you.
We will have plenty of time at the summit to contemplate the view of Humantay, Taucarhuay, and Pumasillo peaks. Once you have had your fill of the view and feel ready to continue the hike, we will be hiking down the hill for another 7kms. (4.35 miles) to our lunch camp in Huacarmachay (3850 meters/ 12631 feet). Our lunch camp is located in a valley snuggled by snow-cappedkm views.
Our crew will be serving a freshly cooked Andean meal here.
After lunch, we will be leaving the Andes and entering the Peruvian Amazon Jungle. We will be covering the 8 kms (4.97 miles) stretch in three hours at a normal pace.
You will be witnessing a drastic change in the topography as we will be hiking down the hill. It would get slightly warmer. Our tour guide will explain about different plant, animal and bird species, most native to the region.
Once we reach our campsite in Chaullay (2900 meters / 9514 ft.) our crew will assist you to your respective Sky Dome where you will be spending the night. We will be meeting for dinner.
Day 2 Trek Summary:
Highlight of the day: Explore the lush jungle and learn all about coffee and the process in the plantations. The aroma in the air is heavenly.
Jungle Adventure and Coffee Experience.
Our crew will be waking you up with a knock at the door of your Skydome at 0600 AM. After a cup of morning coffee, we will be serving breakfast.
The third day of the 5 days Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu experience is relatively easier. We will be hiking through Santa Teresa Valley, home to different farms. We will begin the trek after crossing the Lluscamayo river towards La Playa for about six hours.
The route is dotted with several waterfalls. The region is home to avocado, banana and coffee farms. Often trekkers have spotted the emblematic Andean Cock of the Rock here. It is the Peruvian National Bird.
We will be stopping for lunch at our campsite in La Playa. Our crew will be serving lunch.
After lunch, we will be visiting some farms here where we will give you a guided tour. Optionally you can spend the evening soaking in the natural hot springs of Ccocalmayo.
We will be serving dinner later in the evening before you get back to your respective Sky Domes for a sound sleep.
Day 3 Trek Summary:
Highlight of the day: Visit the fascinating Inca archaeological site of Llactapata. Get your camera ready for your first glimpse of Machu Picchu!
Enjoy Your First Glance of Machu Picchu from Llactapata.
At 0800 AM, we will be serving breakfast. After breakfast, we will begin the hike through the section of the Original Inca Trail with a sight of Machu Picchu in the distance. This is the most beautiful spot to see Machu Picchu from.
We will be hiking up the hill to allure one of the most beautiful Inca complexes, Llactapata. It nestles at 2700m / 8858 ft. You will have a much closer sight of Machu Picchu complex from here.
This is the first Inca archaeological site that you will be visiting on 5 days Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. Our local expert will give you a guided tour of the complex, soaking you in the history an Andean culture.
We will be walking down the hill for an hour and a half with the sight of Machu Picchu peak in the distance. We will be stopping for lunch in Hidro Electrica (1800 meters / 5096 ft). The place is named after the artificial waterfall here which is used to generate electricity.
After lunch, you will have two options:
If you prefer hiking, which we highly recommend, you will also have the opportunity to see Intihuatana. It is a sundial rock that the Incas used to read the winter solstice. This rock worked together with the stone in Machu Picchu citadel which you will be visiting on the following day.
Once in Aguas Calientes, we will be accommodating you in an ensuite hotel room for the night. We will be meeting later in the evening for dinner.
Aguas Calientes, as the name suggests, is home to hot springs. You can spend the evening taking a refreshing dip in the thermal waters here.
Day 4 Trek Summary:
Highlight of the day: Get ready for the experience of a lifetime that will allow you to travel back in time to one of the Seven Wonders of the World: The magnificent Machu Picchu.
Tour of the Incredible Incan Citadel: Machu Picchu.
Early in the morning, after breakfast at the hotel, we will drive to the main entrance of the Machu Picchu citadel. Your original passport will be verified here with your Machu Picchu ticket, so be sure to bring your physical passport.
As you enter the citadel, you will see the golden rays of the morning sun reflecting off the walls of Machu Picchu, while the blanket of clouds will reveal the citadel to you. We will give you a brief introduction to the Inca empire.
We will visit different highlights of the citadel, including the ceremonial site, the agricultural sector, the remains of the royal quarters, and more.
After the guided tour, you will have time to enjoy the views of the Inca citadel. If you have booked an additional hike to Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu mountain, or another, our guide will indicate the corresponding starting point.
Once you have fully enjoyed the view, we will leave the citadel and walk to Aguas Calientes. Here you will have free time to have lunch or walk around the town.
Later, we will board a train to Ollantaytambo. Our representative will meet you at the train station and transfer you back to your accommodation in Cusco.
Day 5 Trek Summary:
At Pacha Peru Explorers, we specify the included and non-included services under all the tour itineraries listed on our website. We take care of all the logistics, but please pay attention to the details to avoid missing anything. Some items may be different for specific programs, so please read carefully before booking with us.
Accommodations:
This 4-day hike takes place at high altitude, Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, but because of the higher altitude in the Andes, the temperature can feel quite cold, especially at night. We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack, whichever is easiest for you to carry. A good size daypack is also essential.
“The Ultimate Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu” can leave any day of the week, from January through December.
2025 Land Cost
Group Price: US$ 650.00 per person
Required Pre-payment: US$ 200.00 per person
Balance (Cusco): US$ 450.00 (Commonly paid in Cusco after the briefing).
This small-group journey is guaranteed to operate with just two guests.
Notice that PayPal, credit cards charge a 6% fee for the use of their secure payment gateway. This tax is just for online and card payments. You can also pay the remaining balance in cash (the briefing day) without charges.
Price Guarantee
Once your booking has been confirmed, we guarantee the Price won’t increase, whatever the circunstances. So please, before booking, ensure you’ve read all our important tour information.
Student Discount
US$20.00
Student discounts apply to anyone 17 years old or younger. To receive the discount, we require a copy or clear photo of the passport at the time of booking. It must be valid and not expire within the travel dates. Please send it to [email protected]
We want to make your trip to Peru as memorable and as carefree as possible. In this section, you’ll find the answers to all the questions you have about traveling with Pacha Peru Explorers in one place. Please read the following information carefully – it will help you with any questions about our services.
How difficult is this hike?
This is a moderately challenging hike due to the altitude and the uphill sections, especially the climb to Humantay Lake. You’ll walk several hours each day, but the pace is steady and there are plenty of breaks. If you’re reasonably fit and acclimatized, you’ll be just fine.
What is the highest altitude on the route?
The highest point of the trek is Wayra Punku Pass (also known as Waywakunka), which sits at 4,774 m / 15,663 ft above sea level. Humantay Lake sits slightly lower, at 4,200 m / 13,779 ft.
What’s the weather like in Salkantay?
The weather can be unpredictable. Days are usually clear and sunny, but mornings and evenings get cold, especially near the glacier. Rain is always a possibility, even in the dry season, so bring layers and rain gear just in case.
Is camping gear included?
Yes! Pacha Peru Explorers provides everything you need: Domes – sky camps, sleeping pads, warm blankets, and even a duffle bag for your belongings. You just need to bring your clothes and personal items.
Can I rent trekking poles?
Yes, trekking poles are available for rent. While they’re optional, they’re highly recommended—especially for the uphill and downhill sections.
What if I get altitude sickness?
Altitude can affect anyone, even if you’re fit. The team carries oxygen and a first-aid kit at all times, and the pace is designed to help with acclimatization. We also recommend arriving in Cusco at least 1–2 days before the hike to adjust.
Are there toilets or showers at the campsite?
There are clean, basic toilets at the campsite, but no showers. We do provide warm water for washing up in the morning and evening.
Thank you for your interest in having and adventure travel experience in Peru curated by Pacha Peru Explorers. Please take a moment to complete our short form, so one our friendly Adventure Consultants could provide you all the information for your trip of a lifetime in Peru.
Our Pledge | Your privacy is respected and protected. the Pacha Peru Explorers Company will never share, sell, or make public any of your personal contact information to third parties.
Remember | One of our Travel Experts will contact you soon to confirm the availability of the trip you chose, give you more information, and/or provide you alternative options. Once availlability is established, we will ask for a deposit and a completed online registration to confirm your spot on the trek. Please call us at (+51) 950 705034 with any questions or to confirm availability over the phone.
Price
USD
Per Person
We use SSL encryption to protect your personal and payment information.
Pay by card:
Contact us 24 Hrs
Inca Trail ( Classic ) 4D/3N Group tour
Experimente a famosa Trilha Inca por 4 dias incríveis e passe pelo Portão do Sol para ter a primeira visão mágica de Machu Picchu…
Preço, a partir de
$ 795.00
por pessoa
Inca Trail ( Classic ) 4D/3N Group tour
Experimente a famosa Trilha Inca por 4 dias incríveis e passe pelo Portão do Sol para ter a primeira visão mágica de Machu Picchu…
Preço, a partir de
$ 795.00
por pessoa
Inca Trail ( Classic ) 4D/3N Group tour
Experimente a famosa Trilha Inca por 4 dias incríveis e passe pelo Portão do Sol para ter a primeira visão mágica de Machu Picchu…
Preço, a partir de
$ 795.00
por pessoa
Inca Trail ( Classic ) 4D/3N Group tour
Experimente a famosa Trilha Inca por 4 dias incríveis e passe pelo Portão do Sol para ter a primeira visão mágica de Machu Picchu…
Preço, a partir de
$ 795.00
por pessoa
Inca Trail ( Classic ) 4D/3N Group tour
Experimente a famosa Trilha Inca por 4 dias incríveis e passe pelo Portão do Sol para ter a primeira visão mágica de Machu Picchu…
Preço, a partir de
$ 795.00
por pessoa
Pacha Peru Explorers is a 100% peruvian, separates ourselves by our dedication to both our customer and our team. We work very hard to make sure that all our clients needs are taken care of throughout the tour with us. At the same time, we never forget about our brothers and sisters working tirelessly for us to make all of this possible. Responsible and sustainable tourism that gives as much to our community as to our clients.
Here at our company, we take pride in our reviews. We believe they are a true reflection of our business and help us improve our services. We encourage all customers to leave a review, whether it is positive or negative. We believe this feedback will help us grow and improve as a business. We would like to thank all of our customers who have taken the time to leave a review.
Let us arrange everything for you properly. Contact us, and one of our travel specialists will provide you with everything you need to make this an unforgettable experience.
