Book your Inca Trail 2026 with Go Treks Perú, local experts in small-group adventures. Don’t miss out!
Group Size
Difficulty level
Trip styles
Accommodation
The Salkantay Trek 5 Days is an exciting adventure in Peru, offering stunning views and unforgettable experiences. This hike takes you through diverse microclimates, from mountains, lagoons, snowfalls, and archaeological centers to lush valleys. With several accommodation options and a moderate level of difficulty, it is suitable for both experienced hikers and beginners. Explore ancient ruins, encounter local communities, and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature along the Salkantay Trail.
Embark on a 5 day Salkantay trek along the stunning Salkantay Route, famous for its stunning natural beauty and diverse landscapes. This hike is perfect for adventurers looking for an exciting experience that combines hiking, nature, and cultural immersion.
If you do not have enough time, you can do the 4-day Salkantay trek option, without losing anything from the 5-day option. The difference is on the 3rd day, you do not go to the archaeological center of Llactapata. You walk from Chaullay to the town of Playa, and then you take the bus to Hidroelectrica to finally walk for another 3 hours to the town of Aguas Calientes, have dinner, spend the night there, and the next day visit Machu Picchu.
The night before your tour, you will receive a short briefing on the hike from your trek leader.
After picking up everyone from their respective places or hotels, we left Cusco around 4:45 am to the town of Mollepata by car for 2 hours. Once in Mollepata, we stop to have a delicious breakfast.
Then we continue by car for 1 hour more to Soraypampa, where we will meet with the horse guys and horse who will take all the luggage, food, and the 7 kilos of each hiker’s belongings.
We start the uphill hike to Humantay Lake for 2 hours. When you arrive at the lagoon, you will have enough time to explore and photograph the place, and the guide will explain all the meaning of the Humantay lagoon.
After a couple of hours on the lake, we start going down for 2 hours to Quiswarniyoc camp, which is an exclusive campsite. Once you arrive at the camp, you will enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by the cooks. After lunch, basically, you have free time to explore the area to see the llamas, or if you like, you can rest.
If you are tired, you can rest in the MOUNTAIN SKY HUST, which is the cabin with glass doors, there are pillows and a sleeping pad, and it has illumination for the night. This is how we end the first day of the Salkantay Trek.
We’ll start the day off with hot tea. We will have enough time to pack and enjoy a delicious breakfast as we watch the sunrise. Afterward, you will begin the longest day of your trip to reach ”CHAULLAY ”.
Immediately begin hiking up to the highest point of the Salkantay pass trail (4620 masl – 15,255 ft). The distance is 7 km we should complete it in 4 hours. During the ascent through the rocky valley, we can observe the magnificent Salkantay peak and may even see chinchillas on the trail (6217 masl – 20,341 ft). Once we reach the top of the trail, we will enjoy spectacular views of the mountains and the imposing snowy peaks of the Salkantay, Humantay, and Pumasillo.
Salkantay is considered the second-highest mountain in the Cusco region and one of the main Inca Gods known as “Apu Salkantay”. Hiking to the top is the most difficult part of the entire trek. You will feel so accomplished! The next 3 hours are spent heading downhill on the serpent trail along gravel and rocky paths to reach Huayracmachay, our lunch spot. In the afternoon, we will arrive at the upper part of the rain forest, also called a “cloud forest”. We will cover 9 km in 3 hours to get to Challway Village (2900 masl – 9,514 ft), our base campsite. t.
We wake you up around 6:00 am with a cup of coca tea, then we provide you with a delicious breakfast.
Around 7:00 am, you start the hike to La Playa Sahuayaco for 6 hours approximately along the Santa Teresa Valley, which is formed by the Salkantay River.
Along the valley, you have the chance to see plantations such as coffee, bananas, avocados, Coca, passion fruit, and much more.
After five hours of hiking, you will arrive at La Playa Sahuayaco. The guide will give you a coffee tour, where he will talk about the history of coffee, and you will also be able to roast, grind, and taste it. If you like, you can buy it since this coffee is one of the most delicious and high-quality. Afterward, we will head towards Lucmabamba, where we will have lunch and have a free afternoon. If you like, you can go to the Santa Teresa hot springs, located at the time of the camp (it is an extra activity and the cost is 50 soles per person, which includes round-trip bus fare and the entrance to the hot springs).
A short 30-minute walk through an avocado orchard brings us to our “Sky Lodge” in Lucmabamba. Dinner and overnight at our Sky lodge
Your day begins early with a wake-up call at 6:00 AM at the Lucmabamba campsite, followed by breakfast at 6:30 AM. At 7:00 AM, you’ll start the hike to the archaeological site of Llactapata, following a well-preserved Inca trail. This 3-hour hike will take you to Llactapata, where you’ll gain a unique view of Machu Picchu, Waynapicchu, and the surrounding mountains, offering a different perspective of Machu Picchu’s location in the mountains. You’ll have time to explore the Llactapata ruins and appreciate the view before starting the descent toward Hidroelectrica.
The path from Llactapata to Hidroelectrica is somewhat steep, arguably the most pronounced descent of the trek. Trekking poles are very helpful in this part. It’s a 2-hour descent to the hydroelectric station, where you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant and have time to relax before continuing toward Aguas Calientes.
The last part of the day involves a 3-hour walk along the railway from the hydroelectric station to Aguas Calientes, the base town for Machu Picchu. Throughout this walk, you can also see parts of Machu Picchu from the valley. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, the guide will take you to the hostel for the night, where you can rest, shower, and prepare for the last dinner in town.
Dinner in Aguas Calientes is planned around 7:00 PM at a local restaurant. After dinner, you’ll make the final preparations for the next day’s adventure at Machu Picchu.
The Salkantay Trek 5 days is an experience that not only challenges your body but also enriches your soul, taking you through some of the most incredible landscapes in Peru. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to explore the Andes and discover the magic of Machu Picchu!
If you’re looking for a shorter adventure, consider the 2-day or 4-day Inca Trail for another unforgettable trekking experience.
You will need to start off right: breakfast (5:00 a.m.) at the hotel. Then, you will board the bus that goes up to Machu Picchu, which will take approximately 25 minutes to arrive (the gate opens at 6:00 a.m.) Once there, we will have to show our passports, and depending on the circuit, they will give us some necklaces (The best circuit is the 2nd, for this, you have to book 3 months in advance).
We will go to the top, there are 4 platforms where you can take classic photos with the view of Huayna Picchu Mountain, once on the last platform the guide will give an introduction about Machu Picchu and then we will visit the most important places in Machu Picchu such as the Stone Quarry, the Temple of the Sun, the Main Square, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Inca Compass, the Sacred Rock, the Temple of the Condor, the Water Fountains, the Inca Terraces, Food Stores this is the second circuit and the best.
After touring Machu Picchu, you will have to board the bus to Aguas Calientes town and have lunch (not included) in the afternoon,n board the train to Ollantaytambo town, and then take the bus to Cusco, where we will drop you off at your hotel.
The Sakantay Trek 5-Day Tour is available all year round. Tour prices are based on the number of people in a group. Prices are valid from March 2026 through January 2027. All prices quoted are in $USD.
Transparent Price Guaranteed! We offer fair and transparent pricing for the 5-Day Salkantay Trek Tour. We ensure each service is priced accurately without unnecessary markups.
Here is your packing list, and go over what is helpful, and what is a waste of money and backpack space. To help our trekkers on the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. Now we show you the packaging list you need for the Salkantay Trek 5 days.
IMPORTANT: Remember that we will provide you with a duffel bag on the briefing day, which you can use to pack 7 kilos of your personal belongings that you will take to the trek, which will be carried by a horse during the entire trek. It means that you will do the trek carrying your small backpack with things you need for the day hike,e and you will have access to the duffle bag at each camping place. Images for 5-day Salkantay trek
Before starting the Salkantay Trek 5 Days 4 Nights, proper preparation is essential. The trek reaches high altitudes, with Salkantay Pass at 4,650m (15,255ft), so acclimatizing in Cusco for at least two days is highly recommended to prevent altitude sickness. Staying hydrated and avoiding alcohol will help with adaptation.
The best time to hike is during the dry season (April to October), offering clear skies and better trail conditions. The rainy season (November to March) presents more challenges with muddy paths but still offers beautiful landscapes. Regardless of the season, weather in the Andes is unpredictable, so dressing in layers is crucial.
This trek covers approximately 75 km (46 miles) and requires a good fitness level. Preparing with regular cardiovascular workouts, strength training, and practice hikes will help you endure the steep climbs and long trekking days. Proper gear, including a warm sleeping bag, comfortable hiking boots, a waterproof jacket, and sun protection, is essential for a smooth experience.
The SALKANTAY TREK is a 5-day / 4-night trek through diverse landscapes culminating in a tour of the magical city of Machu Picchu on the 5th day. This trek boasts spectacular views of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, turquoise lakes, Andean plateaus, waterfalls, and high jungle.
The Salkantay Trail connects Cusco to the Citadel of Machu Picchu and runs approximately 89 km/55 miles through high Andean peaks, cloud forests, and steamy jungles. The hike starts at the village of Mollepata, a few miles from Cusco.
The Salkantay Peak – Savage Mountain – is located within the Vilcabamba mountain range, to the northwest of Cusco. Salkantay is one of the highest and most spectacular mountains in the Andes (6,271m/20,574ft).
National Geographic’s Adventure Travel Magazine named the Salkantay trek among the 25 Best Treks in the World.
The 5-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking landscapes of the Peruvian Andes. This alternative to the Inca Trail takes you past the majestic Salkantay Mountain, glacial lakes, lush cloud forests, and remote villages before arriving at the legendary Machu Picchu. With fewer crowds and stunning scenery, this trek offers a perfect balance of challenge and reward, making it ideal for adventurers seeking an immersive Andean experience. Get ready to hike through diverse terrains, witness dramatic landscapes, and explore one of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites.
Salkantay Trek can be done in many ways, depending on the itinerary you follow or the operator you choose. The most popular tours are 4 and 5 days; shorter than four days can be too challenging, and longer schedules usually include city tours, Sacred Valley tours, and not the hike itself.
It’s important to note the difference between the Salkantay Mountains: his 6,271m / 20574 ft and the highest pass used during the trek traverse from the Andes into the Amazon Cloud Forest, Salkantay Pass, located at 4630m /15190ft.
The Best time to visit Machu Picchu is from April to November, when it is the Dry season. April and November are the shoulder months, and a weather increase is expected.
January and February are months to avoid this trek since the heavy rainy season and landslides risk. During these months, we recommend the Lares trek.
For an average traveler or tourist, Salkantay is considered a challenging but certainly not impossible hike. Due to the physical demands, anyone who wishes to trek Salkantay should at least be moderately fit. Plus, all trekkers should spend at least 2 days in Cuzco before the trek to get acclimatized. Being extremely fit does not grant any immunity from altitude sickness.
The entire hike is approximately 72 kilometers (approximately 45 miles), and this hike takes place over 4 days and 3 nights. The remaining 1 day of the trek is spent at Machu Picchu. In general, Salkantay is considered to be slightly harder than the Inca Trail. Other trails, such as Choquequirao, are considered to be slightly harder than Salkantay.
The Salkantay Pass, at 14,760123 feet above sea level, is the most difficult section on the trail. Expect wind and cold temperatures. Some hikers might experience symptoms of altitude sickness. Symptoms will disappear as soon as you start your descent. Oxygen will be provided if needed. The Salkantay Pass, at approximately 4,650 meters above sea level, is the most difficult section in the trail. These challenges are a result of several factors: the challenge of uphill climbing, cold winds, low temperatures in general, and the fact that you are trekking at a low-oxygen altitude.
The weather is very varied on this trek, due to the fact that it winds its way through wildly different terrain at different altitudes. The only place where the weather is a serious concern is the Salkantay Pass and the nearby areas. Temperatures here, and at the nearby Soraypampa campsite, can fall below freezing. The other camps are much warmer, due to their proximity to the cloud forest.
On the 4 day Salkantay Trek, we will walk through the same beautiful and scenic landscapes as the 5 day Trek. The difference is that we will climb to the Salkantay Pass on the first day of the trek instead of the morning of the 2nd day. We will also stay in different campsites along the trail than the 5 days Trek.
If you’re young and fit and normally work out a few days a week, you are likely to find the Salkantay trek difficult. Those who are less fit or who are unaccustomed to hiking should most definitely train for the Salkantay trek. In general, we recommend beginning a fitness training program prior to departing.
The difficulty of the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu 5 days, is rated by experts at a level of difficulty of 3-4 on a scale that reaches up to 7. Due to the high altitude and steep slopes, you will need a reasonable level of fitness to complete this hike.
The Salkantay 5 Day Trek is perfect for hikers who want a less crowded, off-the-beaten-path experience. The trek reaches its highest point at Abra Salkantay (4,650m), where you’ll witness breathtaking views of the Andes before descending into the warm jungle region. On the final day, you’ll arrive in Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu, where you can rest before your guided tour of the famous Inca citadel. This trek offers an unforgettable mix of adventure, stunning landscapes, and cultural immersion, making it one of the best alternatives for reaching Machu Picchu.
The Salkantay trek is 46 miles in length and reaches a maximum elevation of 15,090 feet (4,600 meters) at the Salkantay Pass. The entire Salkantay trek is usually completed in four to six days, but there are extensions that can turn the adventure into a mega eight-day odyssey through the Peruvian Andes if you’d like.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure to Machu Picchu, the Salkantay Trek 5 Days is one of the best alternatives to the Inca Trail. At Go Treks Peru, we ensure a seamless and rewarding trekking experience, offering expert guidance, top-quality service, and breathtaking landscapes along the way.
1. Expert Guides with Local Knowledge
Our professional guides are not only experienced in high-altitude trekking but also deeply knowledgeable about Andean culture, history, and wildlife. They provide insightful commentary and ensure your safety throughout the Salkantay Trek 5 Days.
2. Small Groups for a Personalized Experience
Unlike large tour operators, we keep our groups small to offer better attention, a stronger connection with nature, and a more enjoyable experience. This allows for a more intimate adventure with like-minded travelers.
3. High-Quality Camping & Lodging
During the Salkantay Trek 5 Days, you’ll stay in comfortable campsites with quality tents, warm sleeping bags, and nutritious meals prepared by our experienced chefs. Some tours also include lodge stays for added comfort.
4. Responsible & Sustainable Tourism
As a committed Peru tour operator, we work directly with local communities, ensuring fair wages for porters and staff, minimizing our environmental impact, and promoting ethical trekking practices.
Best Seller
Day(s)
Price USD
100% Locally Owned by a Tour Guide
Go Treks Peru was founded by Elisban Condori, a local tour guide with years of experience leading treks to Machu Picchu. His goal is simple: to offer top-quality, authentic experiences led by passionate professionals who truly know the Andes.
Fair Work Conditions
We believe in ethical tourism. That means no exploitative working hours and fair pay for all our staff. We work with trained, freelance professionals who have the flexibility and respect they deserve.
Personalized Service
At Go Treks Peru, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. We tailor each tour to your preferences, always focusing on small groups to ensure a flexible, high-quality experience. For us, personal means unforgettable.
Sustainable Travel
All of our treks are 100% eco-friendly. We follow a strict “leave no trace” policy and encourage our travelers to protect nature and respect local communities at every step of the journey.
Excellent Customer Satisfaction
We’re proud to have consistent 5-star ratings on TripAdvisor and other platforms. Our travelers love the personal attention, seamless logistics, and genuine local connections we provide.
Discover why adventurers love traveling with Go Treks Peru. Read client reviews and explore top adventure destinations in Peru. Check our reviews on Tripadvisor or Google.
Ramiro was an excellent guide – highly recommend doing a trek with him. He went above and beyond to accommodate all the different needs of our group – all with his lovely gentle compassionate nature. He was an awesome guide – morning wake-up’s with a cup of cocoa tea, excellent knowledge & understanding of the local fauna, flora & history of the area. An excellent hike – challenging in parts but ultimately extremely rewarding. Do yourself a favour & ask for Ramiro – you won’t be disappointed.
Our guides were Julio Chogue and Alex Huaman, our chef was Luis. The experience was amazing with everything organised down to the last detail. The food was plentiful and lots of variety, with added snacks every day. Both our guides were perfect and very caring, not to mention the funny jokes and the ultimate care and friendship offered to each one of us. I was blown away by their professionalism and genuine care towards their clients.
The accommodation each night was comfortable and very unique. I would highly recommend this company for and adventurous treks to Peru and our guides were the best guides I had ( and I’ve been to many treks around the world with different tour companies). I honestly cannot fault anything for this trip, I had the best time and I’ve felt that I’ve challenged myself to the max by the itinerary offered by Salkantay company. I definitely will travel with these guides again and this company if I have the chance to come to this beautiful country again. Thanks for a fantastic trip ❤️🙏
Wow what an incredible experience with Go Treks Peru. The 5 day trek was the most challenging and most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. Our guide Carlos “The Mountain King” was so friendly, full of personality, and had a wealth of knowledge to share. I struggled mightily at times and he was a big help encouraging me along the way. Carlos played a key role in making this adventure such an entertaining and positive experience for our group.
Our chefs Fuido & Juan Carlos made us so much incredible delicious food. It was comparable to the top restaurants in Cusco. Believe me when I say you will not go hungry! The accommodations were outstanding and the campsites were in beautiful locations. Everything was well organized and flawlessly executed. I highly recommend Salkantay Trekking and to request Carlos “The Mountain King” to be your guide. Tell him Miguelito sent you 😎
From USD:
per person
From USD:
per person
Starting From:
US$500
