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max 8 persons
Demanding
Hiking
Domes and Andean Huts
The Salkantay Premium Trek is a comprehensive trip to Machu Picchu, featuring the finest domes with hot showers and private bathrooms, views of Humantay Lagoon, and breathtaking vistas of the two snow-capped peaks known as Nevado Salkantay and Humantay, a renowned Andean glacial system, and one of the highest mountains in Peru. The trek also traverses the edge of the cloud forest, passing through diverse microclimates from the highlands to the cloud forest.
Participants will gain a first impression of Machu Picchu. The program concludes with a guided tour of the Inca citadel, with optional visits to Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu. The trek ends with a scenic train journey back to Cusco, where participants can interact with some of the best guides on one of Peru’s most important treks.
Highlights
• You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in one of the 25 best hikes in the world, according to National Geographic Traveler magazine.
• Essentially, the Salkantay Premium Trek is a glamping excursion. You’ll spend an exclusive night in Mountain Sky View cabins with breathtaking views of lush, green mountains, and then move to these Super Jungle Domes, ideal for getting up close to nature and wildlife.
• This includes a trip to the famous Humantay Lagoon, where you’ll be awestruck by the imposing Salkantay Mountain at its base.
• You’ll hike through incredible landscapes such as waterfalls, glaciers, mountains, colorful valleys, exotic flora and fauna, and cloud forest. Not to mention the pre-Columbian citadel of Machu Picchu and an optional climb to one of its nearby mountains, including Huchuy Picchu, Huayna Picchu, or Machu Picchu Mountain—some of the most spectacular landscapes in the world.
You’ll be part of a group departing early today and will be picked up from your hotel around 4:00 a.m. You’ll ride in our comfortable transport, which includes blankets if you’d like to take a nap. Two hours later, we’ll make a short break in Mollepata for a refreshing breakfast. Afterward, we’ll head to Challacancha, where the trek begins.
You’ll then meet the cooks and muleteers, and we’ll check your luggage before we start the hike. We’ll begin with a moderate three-hour hike to Soraypampa (3,900 m, 12,795 ft), where we’ll spend our first night. The second half of this section is fairly flat, with a gentle incline through a deep glacial valley. Most of the trail follows a restored Inca waterway, now used by local farmers. The total distance is approximately 7 km (4.35 mi).
Upon arrival in Soraypampa, you’ll spend the night at our exclusive Sky Camp. There, you can refresh yourselves after your first lunch in the mountains. After a rest, we’ll begin the hike to the spectacular Humantay Lagoon (4,200 m/13,780 ft).
This is a 3 km/1.86-mile round trip. It’s not far, but you’ll be able to rest at that altitude. Once at the lagoon, you’ll have time to relax amidst the breathtaking scenery. There aren’t many places in the Andes as magnificent as the turquoise waters shimmering against the Humantay Glacier. You’ll truly feel like you’re in a fairy tale.
We’ll return to camp, where you’ll enjoy a wonderful and well-deserved dinner and watch a beautiful sunset. I can’t even begin to describe the atmosphere of this place. Upon arrival, you’ll experience a moment of complete relaxation. Afterward, you can unwind in your igloo at Sky Camp. See the constellations under the stars, and you might even spot a comet—the glass roof will help you gaze up at the sky.
These morning activities begin with the first rays of sunlight upon waking; you’ll see Apu Salkantay while enjoying an energizing coca tea. Then, you’ll savor a healthy breakfast, followed by a 7 km (4-mile) hike, which takes approximately three hours to reach the summit of the circuit, the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft). This ascent presents a significant challenge due to its winding route.
At the summit, participants will enjoy a magnificent view of the surrounding valleys, along with coca tea and a sandwich, as well as the snow-capped Salkantay (6,271 m / 20,570 ft). This snow-capped peak is the second-highest mountain in the Cusco region and is revered as an Apu (mountain spirit) in the Inca Empire. Also located in the area are Humantoy, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo, which still stand. The descent then begins, covering 17 km (4.35 mi) to the lunch spot at Huayracmochay (13,850 m, 12,631 ft). This section features rocky and steep terrain and offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding valley.
After a nutritious lunch, visitors are introduced to the rainforest, known as a cloud forest. This section is 9.5 km (59 mi) long and takes approximately three and a half hours. Rainforest landscapes are also visible along the way, and the ecological transitions are spectacular as one approaches the Amazon rainforest and reaches the Andes. The landscape offers a variety of colors, exotic wildlife, native flora, and a warmer climate.
The day concludes with arrival at Collpopampa, where visitors will spend the night. A hearty meal is served to the group before they sleep at the exclusive Mountain Sky View Camp
Today we begin at 6:00 a.m. with hot tea and breakfast, and then we depart from the resort. We’ll hike through the Santa Teresa Valley to the cooler area of La Playa. The trail is beautiful, with gentle downhill slopes that allow us to enjoy the lush rivers, waterfalls, orchids, and the fresh plantations of bananas, coffee, avocados, and more. Don’t leave Peru without looking for its national bird, the magnificent Andean Cock-of-the-Rock; you might just have a chance to see it.
Free time in La Playa will give you the opportunity to soak up the tropical atmosphere and visit a nearby organic coffee farm, a heavenly place of sacred coffee for all its devotees. It’s hard not to succumb to the aroma of fresh coffee that hangs in the air, even if coffee isn’t your thing. The main activity here is coffee cultivation, which is exported to the United States, Asia, and Europe. You’ll also have time to visit avocado and orange groves and learn more about local farming methods.
Then we’ll ride to Loreta Camp (2000 m / 6562 ft), where the Super Jungle Domes will welcome us with a delicious lunch.
In the afternoon, we’ll relax in the Cocalmayo hot springs, the perfect way to refresh after several days of trekking. Enjoy a soothing soak with warm mint oils and unwind in the calm and tranquility. Afterward, we’ll return to camp, sleep, and listen to nature, reconnecting with Mother Earth.
We’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast and then embark on a hike along one of the legendary sites of the Inca Trail. Three hours later, after ascending to the summit of Machu Picchu, we’ll arrive at Llactapata (2700 m / 8858 ft), an Inca archaeological site located directly across from Machu Picchu. The first Inca complex on the trail is called Llactapata; we’ll uncover its secrets and its legendary location. Here, you’ll catch glimpses of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu. We’ll explain the historical facts, as our guide will share the story and take photos to show off back home.
Then, we’ll descend for approximately an hour and a half, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Machu Picchu citadel along the way to cap off this exhilarating morning. We’ll have lunch in Aobamba and continue for another half hour to Hidroeléctrica (1800 m / 5906 ft). Among the most interesting attractions here is a 250-meter-high artificial waterfall that feeds Cusco.
Once in Hidroeléctrica, we’ll take the train to Aguas Calientes and enjoy spectacular views. We’ll have lunch at one of the excellent restaurants in the small town and spend the night in a hotel.
Note: The Lactapata trail is not 100% safe during the rainy season and, for added safety, can become extremely dangerous in case of heavy rain.
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 afternoo,n board the train to Ollantaytambo tow,n 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 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 are going to 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 hik,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, the 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.
Is compulsory physical health beneficial for this tour?
In as much as it is not a prerequisite to be a professional athlete, it makes sense to have moderate physical fitness, as the trek involves low altitude and mountainous formations, which may dictate them to exert great physiological strain.
For the Cusco trip, what is the best time of the year?
For the Cusco tour, between May and September autumn season is the best time. As per different weather conditions, the tour can run all year round. During this time period, travellers can enjoy outdoor activities, photography, and a view of the clear sky.
What then will happen in case I am unwell on the trek?
Our group is being trained to offer support during cases of emergency. In case of altitude sickness or any kind of discomfort, the guides will be ready to provide assistance. In case it is required, your return will be coordinated with safe transportation.
Which accommodation is included in the price of the ur?
The tour price will include transportation, a professional tour guide, visits to archaeological sites and activities, and in a few of the tours, meals and accommodation, depending on the option taken.
What makes the Salkantay tour so special?
With a height of 6271 meters above sea level, Salkantay is a mountain found in the Andes mountain range in Cusco, Peru. It is named Quechua “Salkantay,” which means, in English, wild mountain or cold mountain due to its extreme weather. The mountain is an Apu in Andean cosmology, which is a protective god to the settlements.
Tour Classic
Day(s)
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