Explore the Salkantay Trek: 5 Days of Pure Adventure
Our Salkantay Trek is a 5-day journey through breathtaking Andean landscapes, from majestic snow-capped mountains to the vibrant high jungle and the serene Humantay Lake. Along the route, you’ll discover the region’s unique biodiversity, fascinating geology, and the rich flora and fauna that only the Peruvian Andes offer. This journey also highlights local history and culture, with stops at important sites like Llaqtapata, where you’ll enjoy distant views of Machu Picchu, our final destination.
Perfect for those seeking both a physical challenge and a connection with nature, this trek includes expert guidance from our team, making the experience enjoyable and accessible. You’ll also be immersed in the local culture, meeting mountain communities that share their lives in the high jungle. If you’re a coffee lover, don’t miss the opportunity to prepare your own organic coffee before continuing to the archaeological site of Llaqtapata.
Experience this adventure with Peru Backpacking, in small and private groups with campsites away from the crowded routes. This is your sign for an unforgettable journey!
The Majestic Salkantay: A High-Altitude Challenge
This trek follows trails around Mount Salkantay, one of the highest and most stunning peaks in the Andes (6,271 m / 20,569 ft), recently recognized by National Geographic as one of “The 20 most extreme, legendary adventures on the planet.” As one of the most popular routes after the Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek is a perfect option for exploring natural landscapes at their best.
Varied Landscapes and Ecosystems Every Day
Over 4 days of trekking, you’ll cross diverse ecological zones, including highlands, cloud forests, rainforests, and dry mountain regions. With unforgettable views of Apu Salkantay, Pumasillo Mountain, and Humantay Mountain, you’ll spend the nights under starry skies surrounded by glaciers and unique landscapes, including Salkantay Lake and moraines formed by moving glaciers.
Top-Quality Services
Our standard package includes a cozy hotel stay in Aguas Calientes on the fourth night, an exclusive coffee plantation experience on day three, and a special dinner in Aguas Calientes. Also included is the ticket to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain after your Machu Picchu tour.
Trek Summary
Total Distance: 51 km / 32 miles
Maximum Altitude: 4,650 m / 15,252 ft
Pre-Trek Information
You’ll meet with your guide one or two days before the start of the trek at our office in Cusco, where you can ask any questions and make final preparations.
Departure and Breakfast in Mollepata
We’ll start the day by picking you up from your hotel early in the morning for a scenic 2-hour drive to Mollepata. This journey offers incredible views of the Andean valleys and mountains. Upon arrival in Mollepata, we’ll enjoy breakfast in a local house, allowing you to experience the warmth and hospitality of the Andean communities.
Heading to Soraypampa: The Start of the Trek
After breakfast, we’ll continue on the road for another hour to Soraypampa (3,800 m / 12,467 ft), where our trek officially begins. Along this route, you’ll catch your first views of the majestic Salkantay and Humantay mountains, surrounded by lush vegetation and fields cultivated by local families growing potatoes, quinoa, lima beans, and other traditional crops.
In Soraypampa, we’ll meet our support team, who will load our equipment onto horses and make sure everything is ready for the journey. This is also an opportunity to get set up with your gear and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Visit to Humantay Lake
We’ll begin our hike with an excursion to the stunning Humantay Lake, known for its clear, turquoise-blue waters. Located directly below the Humantay glacier, this lake has become a highlight of the trek and offers excellent photo opportunities at an elevation of 4,200 meters. This 2 ½-hour experience is a perfect introduction to the wonders of the Salkantay Trek.
Toward Salkantaypampa
After exploring Humantay Lake, we’ll return to the trail to continue the hike to our next stop: Salkantaypampa. The first section of this route is a gentle, 2-hour ascent, during which we’ll walk alongside a stream that flows down from the Salkantay glacier. Along this part of the trail, you’ll have continuous views of the moraines and glaciers of the Salkantay and Humantay mountains.
Lunch and Final Ascent to Soyrococha
Upon reaching Salkantaypampa, we’ll take a break to enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by our team, featuring fresh ingredients and local flavors. After recharging, we’ll resume our hike with a 2-hour ascent to our camp in Soyrococha (4,400 m / 14,332 ft). During this final stretch of the day, the stunning views of Humantay Mountain will accompany us to the camp, providing a spectacular close to the day.
Day Details
This first day marks the beginning of an unforgettable experience in the Andes, where nature, challenge, and culture come together to create a journey you’ll always remember.
Morning in the Heights: Connecting with Apu Salkantay
We’ll start this challenging day with a hot cup of coca tea to acclimate and prepare ourselves. After a nutritious breakfast, we’ll begin an hour-long uphill hike to the highest point of the trek, Salkantay Pass (4,650 m / 15,252 ft). Once we reach the top, we’ll perform a traditional offering to Apu Salkantay, respecting the Andean custom of honoring mountains as sacred beings. Your guide will explain the significance of Salkantay in Inca culture and its role as a source of respect and reverence for local communities.
High-Altitude Lake: Unique Photo Opportunities
From the pass, we’ll hike another 30 minutes to a stunning lake located just below Salkantay Pass. This is a perfect spot for unforgettable photos, with the majestic Pumasillo Mountain, the spectacular lake, and Humantay Mountain in the distance. Each view captures the magic of the Andes like a postcard.
Descent to Huayracmachay and Lunch
After enjoying the lake, we’ll start a 2-hour downhill hike to Huayracmachay (3,800 m / 12,464 ft), where we’ll stop for lunch. This break not only allows us to recharge but also gives you a chance to enjoy the impressive scenery and tranquility of the Andes.
Into the Cloud Forest and Rainforest
Following lunch, we’ll continue descending for another 4 hours until we reach our camp at Colpapampa (3,100 m / 10,170 ft). This section of the trek is particularly special, as we transition from highland tundra through the cloud forest and finally into the rainforest. Along the way, you’ll witness the transition of landscapes and vegetation, from high-altitude flora to the lush diversity of the forest.
Day Details
This second day of adventure is filled with a deep connection to nature and Andean history, exploring different ecosystems and breathtaking views at every step.
A Lighter Path
After an intense second day, today’s hike will be much gentler. We’ll start with a delicious breakfast to fuel our relaxed 5 to 6-hour journey. Today’s trail takes us through the enchanting rainforest, following the course of the Santa Teresa River, along gentle ups and downs.
Along the way, we’ll have the chance to see coffee, banana, and passion fruit plantations, as well as the most beautiful waterfall on the trek, an ideal spot for photos of the stunning landscape.
Arrival at Lucmabamba
Around noon, we’ll reach our camp in Lucmabamba, where we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch and a well-deserved rest. This campsite is set in a serene environment surrounded by the rich vegetation and aromas of the rainforest.
Coffee Tour: From Plant to Cup
In the afternoon, we’ll enjoy a unique experience at a local coffee plantation. We’ll start by exploring the fields, learning about the different types of beans, and selecting some to prepare ourselves. We’ll also have the chance to pick fresh tomatoes and avocados that our chef will use for dinner.
After choosing our coffee beans, we’ll roast and grind them by hand, and finally, we’ll brew and enjoy our own freshly made coffee. This activity is a special way to connect with the local culture.
Day Details
This third day is a perfect mix of nature, relaxation, and an immersion in Peruvian coffee tradition, offering a pleasant pause in the adventure.
A New Dawn on the Trail
We will wake up early to enjoy a nutritious breakfast that will prepare us for the day of adventures ahead. Today, we will start with a moderate 3 ½ hour hike through the lush cloud forest until we reach the Inca site of Llactapata (2,700 m / 8,856 ft). This historic site not only offers cultural significance but also provides an exceptional viewpoint where you will get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu in the distance. Additionally, from here, you’ll be able to spot the majestic Huayna Picchu mountain, which you will conquer tomorrow.
Exploring the Llactapata Ruins
Once we arrive at Llactapata, we’ll embark on a detailed tour of this fascinating archaeological site. You’ll learn about its cultural and historical importance while immersing yourself in the stories of the ancient Incas who inhabited this region.
Descent to Hydroelectric
After exploring Llactapata, we will begin a 2 ½ hour descent to the Hydroelectric station, where we will enjoy a well-deserved lunch. This segment of the trek will allow you to appreciate the varied flora and fauna of the cloud forest, with its vibrant colors and natural sounds.
Train Ride to Aguas Calientes
At 3 PM, we will board the train for a 40-minute journey to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to your visit to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, you will check into your hotel and have some time to relax and refresh before dinner.
Gourmet Dinner
Dinner will be at the finest restaurant in Aguas Calientes, where you can enjoy a delicious meal while sharing the day’s experiences with your travel companions.
Day Details
This fourth day marks an exciting stage in your adventure, bringing you closer to the Inca jewel of Machu Picchu through breathtaking landscapes and cultural experiences.
Breakfast and Sunrise at Machu Picchu
We will begin the day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel before taking an early bus (5:30 am) along the winding road to Machu Picchu, where we will witness the magnificent sunrise over the mountains. Once at the site, you will enjoy a 2-hour walking tour exploring its history and architecture.
Climbing Huayna Picchu
If you chose to climb Huayna Picchu mountain, you will start the hike at 10 AM. The ticket price for Huayna Picchu is included in the cost of your trek. If you decide not to climb, you will have free time to explore Machu Picchu at your own pace, taking in every corner of this wonder of the world.
Return to Aguas Calientes
After your visit, you will return to Aguas Calientes by bus, where you can relax and enjoy lunch (optional) before continuing your journey.
From Aguas Calientes to Cusco
When you are ready, you will board the expedition train to Ollantaytambo. From Ollantaytambo, you will travel by private van back to Cusco, where we will drop you off at your hotel. The arrival time in Cusco will depend on the time of your train ticket.
Day Details
Emergency horse in case we need it.
Heaters every night (bags filled with hot water).
Emergency oxygen bottle.
Sleeping Bag.(US$15.00)
Trekking Stick(US$15.00)
Sleeping bag (can be rented from us $15 USD)
Day 5 lunch in Aguas Calientes
Tips for the crew (muleteers, chef and guide)
Hiking poles (can be rented from us $10 USD)
Important Reminder: The itinerary may change due to circumstances beyond our control, such as weather conditions or flight schedules.
The best time to embark on the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is from March to October, when the weather is drier and the views are spectacular. During these months, you can expect sunny days and cool nights, perfect for trekking. In contrast, from January to February, as well as in November and December, the weather in Cusco can be quite variable, with a significant increase in rainfall that may be uncomfortable. During this season, we recommend opting for other tours within the city of Cusco, such as museum visits, city tours, and more.
The Salkantay Trek requires good physical condition, as the terrain is challenging and altitudes exceed 4,000 meters. Travelers are advised to have experience with long hikes or engage in prior training. Additionally, it is crucial to acclimatize for at least one or two days before starting the trek to avoid altitude sickness.
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu covers approximately 74 kilometers during the 5 days of hiking. This route includes challenging sections and spectacular views, passing through diverse Andean landscapes until reaching the jungle edge and finally Machu Picchu.
Yes, it is possible to add a visit to the Cocalmayo hot springs to the Salkantay Trek itinerary. It is a relaxing and revitalizing stop after several days of hiking.
During the Salkantay Trek, accommodation is usually in tents or rustic cabins, which offer an authentic experience in the middle of nature. The facilities are basic but comfortable for resting after each day.
The weather on the Salkantay Trek varies depending on the season. The dry months (March to October) offer pleasant daytime temperatures and cool nights, while the rainy months (November to February) have more humidity and possible showers, which can make the trail slippery.
If you feel very tired after the three days of hiking, you can choose to take a train from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town) on the fourth day. This option incurs an additional cost, and it is advisable to make a reservation in advance. After your visit to Machu Picchu, the tour includes the return from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, and finally, a transfer by car back to Cusco at the end of the trek.
The main difference between the Salkantay Trek and the Inca Trail lies in the route and level of difficulty. The Salkantay Trek is more challenging, reaching altitudes up to 6,271 meters (20,574 feet) above sea level and offering a diverse range of landscapes. In contrast, the Inca Trail’s highest point is the Warmihuañusca Pass (4,200 meters or 13,780 feet) and includes original trail sections with direct access to Machu Picchu. Whichever option you choose, you can be sure of an unforgettable experience.
Meals on the Salkantay Trek are prepared by local chefs who accompany the tour. The menus typically feature Peruvian dishes like lomo saltado, made with fresh ingredients to provide energy throughout the journey. If you have any dietary restrictions, please let us know, as our chefs are fully equipped to accommodate your needs.
Yes, the Salkantay Trek is suitable for trekking beginners who are in good physical condition and prepared to adapt to the altitude. However, it’s ideal to prepare with prior hikes, bring the right gear, and, most importantly, acclimate to avoid altitude sickness.
In case of weather changes, like rain or strong winds, the team organizing the Salkantay Trek is generally prepared to adapt, taking safe routes or adjusting the itinerary to ensure participant safety.
Do not hesitage to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.
