Salkantay Trek Classic to Machu Picchu
- 5 Days Tour

5 Days

Discover the Salkantay Trek, one of the most impressive hiking routes in Peru and the ideal alternative to reach Machu Picchu. For five days, you will traverse imposing Andean landscapes, cloud forests, and scenes of great biodiversity, while discovering the Humantay Lagoon, the Salkantay Snow Mountain, and relaxing hot springs. An experience that combines adventure, nature, and culture until reaching the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu.

Classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 days tour overview

Why choose this experience with us?

  • Small groups and guaranteed departures: Travel in groups of up to 8 people for a more authentic experience throughout the tour. Departures are confirmed from 2 passengers, so you can plan your adventure with complete confidence.
  • Professional guide throughout the tour: From the pickup at your hotel to the end of the experience, our guide will answer your questions and provide historical information and safety along the way.
  • Enjoy every destination without rushing: An itinerary designed to explore each highlight of the route calmly, taking in the natural landscapes and the cultural richness of the destination.
  • Stay in mountain domes or cabins: Rest in cosy accommodation surrounded by mountains and under a starry sky.

Itinerary summary

Day1

Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake

The adventure sets off from Cusco through the South Valley. Today you hike to the Soraypampa camp and visit the stunning Humantay Lake (4,200 m).

Day2

Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Huayracmachay – Collpapampa

The most challenging day of the route: the climb to the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m) and the descent into the tropical valleys of Collpapampa, where we spend the night.

Day3

Collpapampa – Playa Sahuayaco – Lucmabamba

The Andean scenery gives way to the high jungle. An immersive day among coffee farms and fruit plantations, with a visit to the Cocalmayo hot springs.

Day4

Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes

From the Llactapata archaeological site you will get your first view of Machu Picchu, an unforgettable moment that shows the great goal is close.

Day5

Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

A guided tour of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu and its most important areas. In the afternoon, return by train to Ollantaytambo and by tourist transport to Cusco.

Tour facts

DayDistanceHikingMaximum altitudeMinimum altitudeDifficultyTemperature
Day 110 km / 6 milesApprox. 5 to 6 hHumantay Lake: 4,200 m / 13,780 ftChallacancha: 3,800 m / 12,467 ftModerate0 °C to 18 °C
Day 222 km / 14 milesApprox. 10 to 11 hSalkantay Pass: 4,630 m / 15,190 ftCollpapampa: 2,950 m / 9,678 ftChallenging–5 °C to 18 °C
Day 312 km / 7.5 milesApprox. 5 to 6 hCollpapampa: 2,950 m / 9,678 ftLucmabamba: 2,000 m / 6,562 ftModerate10 °C to 21 °C
Day 420 km / 12.4 milesApprox. 9 hLlactapata: 2,800 m / 9,186 ftHidroeléctrica: 1,890 m / 6,201 ftModerate5 °C to 24 °C
Day 5Light walking2 to 3 h guided tourMachu Picchu: 2,430 m / 7,972 ftAguas Calientes: 2,040 m / 6,693 ftEasy9 °C to 23 °C
Total64 km / 40 milesApprox. 29 to 32 h4,630 m / 15,190 ft1,890 m / 6,201 ftModerate to challenging–5 °C to 23 °C

Highlights

  • Mount Salkantay (6,271 m / 20,574 ft): a sacred mountain of the Andes and one of the most iconic and scenic points of the route.
  • Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft): the base camp of the adventure, a privileged spot for ecotourism and for admiring mountains, snow-capped peaks and the area's typical wildlife.
  • Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,780 ft): a stunning turquoise lake at the foot of Mount Humantay, one of Cusco's main natural attractions.
  • Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft): the highest point of the route and the place with the best panoramic views of the trek.
  • Collpapampa (2,950 m / 9,678 ft): a transition zone towards the cloud forest, surrounded by great biodiversity.
  • Lucmabamba (2,000 m / 6,562 ft): a charming valley surrounded by coffee farms and lush vegetation, known for its high-quality coffee.
  • Cocalmayo hot springs (1,600 m / 5,249 ft): relaxing thermal pools among tropical scenery, perfect for recharging.
  • Llactapata (2,800 m / 9,186 ft): an ancient Inca archaeological site with one of the most exclusive and surprising views of Machu Picchu from afar.
  • Aguas Calientes (2,040 m / 6,693 ft): the base town for Machu Picchu, with services and attractions that complement the adventure.
  • Machu Picchu (2,430 m / 7,972 ft): one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and the great destination of the trek.