Salkantay Trek: 5 Days / 4 Nights

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$490

$450

5 Days / 4 Nights

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Experience

Tour Overview

Technical Information

Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights Pick-up: From your hotel in Cusco (between 04:00 – 04:30 a.m.) Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging Maximum altitude: Salkantay Pass – 4,650 m / 15,255 ft Minimum altitude: Aguas Calientes – 2,040 m / 6,692 ft

Total Duration

5 Days / 4 Nights

Difficulty

Moderate - high

Minimum Age

8 years

Maximum Group Size

15 people

Altitude Points

Salkantay Pass:: 4,650 m / 15,255 ft

Aguas Calientes:: 2,040 m / 6,692 ft

Daily Itinerary

Detailed 5-day schedule with activities, meals, and accommodations planned for each day.

What's Included

Comprehensive list of services, activities, and amenities included in your tour package.

Tour Preparation

Important recommendations and essential items to bring for the best tour experience.

Photo Gallery

Browse 6 stunning photos showcasing the destinations and experiences on this tour.

Detailed Itinerary

Follow your 5-day journey step by step

Interactive Tour Route

Explore the complete route of your journey with all the stops and destinations mapped out for you.

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DAY 1

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Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake

Your adventure begins with breathtaking views of the Andes as you journey from Cusco to Soraypampa. You’ll visit the stunning turquoise Humantay Lake and spend your first night surrounded by snow-capped peaks.

Meals: Launch + Dinner

Stay: Soraypampa Camp

4:30 – 05:00

Hotel Pick-up and Transfer to Mollepata Early in the morning, we’ll pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and travel by bus through the Apurimac Valley. After about 2 hours, we’ll arrive in Mollepata (2,900 m / 9,514 ft), where we’ll enjoy breakfast and meet our muleteers.

07:30 – 08:00

Begin the Trek to Soraypampa We’ll begin a gentle uphill hike to Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), our first campsite. On the way, we’ll enjoy views of lush valleys and distant snowy peaks.

13:00 – 14:00

Lunch at the Camp Upon arrival, we’ll have lunch prepared by our cook, followed by a short rest.

14:30 – 17:30

Hike to Humantay Lake In the afternoon, we’ll ascend to the magnificent Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,780 ft), known for its deep turquoise waters. After exploring and taking photos, we’ll return to the camp for tea and dinner.

DAY 2

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Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Chaullay

Today you’ll conquer the most challenging part of the trek, crossing the majestic Salkantay Pass surrounded by glaciers, before descending into the green and humid cloud forest.

Meals: Breakfast + Launch + Dinner

Stay: Chaullay Camp

05:00 – 05:30

Wake-up and Breakfast After an early breakfast, we’ll prepare to face the hardest yet most rewarding section of the trek.

06:00 – 09:00

Ascent to Salkantay Pass (4,650 m / 15,255 ft) We’ll climb gradually to reach the highest point of the trek — Salkantay Pass, standing beneath the impressive Salkantay Mountain (6,271 m / 20,574 ft). From here, we’ll take in panoramic views of glaciers and valleys below.

09:30 – 13:00

Descent to Huayracmachay (3,850 m / 12,631 ft) We’ll descend through changing landscapes, stopping at Huayracmachay for lunch.

14:00 – 17:30

Descent to Huayracmachay (3,850 m / 12,631 ft) We’ll descend through changing landscapes, stopping at Huayracmachay for lunch.

14:00 – 17:30

Continue to Chaullay (2,900 m / 9,514 ft) As we descend, the scenery transforms dramatically into tropical forest. We’ll reach Chaullay, our second campsite.

DAY 3

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Day 3: Chaullay – La Playa – Santa Teresa

A day of lush vegetation, waterfalls, and coffee plantations as we descend into the tropical zone. In the evening, enjoy the relaxing hot springs of Santa Teresa.

Meals: Breakfast + Launch + Dinner

Stay: Santa Teresa Camp

06:00 – 06:30

Breakfast and Departure After breakfast, we’ll continue through the Santa Teresa Valley, surrounded by waterfalls, orchids, and tropical birds.

09:00 – 13:00

Trek to La Playa (2,100 m / 6,889 ft) We’ll hike through warm, humid jungle until reaching La Playa, where we’ll have lunch and a well-deserved rest.

14:00 – 16:00

Transport to Santa Teresa (1,550 m / 5,085 ft) After lunch, a local vehicle will take us to Santa Teresa, where we’ll set up camp and have the chance to visit the Cocalmayo Hot Springs (optional).

DAY 4

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Day 4: Santa Teresa – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes

This day combines adventure and excitement. You may choose to experience a thrilling zipline before trekking to Aguas Calientes, the base town of Machu Picchu.

Meals: Breakfast + Launch + Dinner

Stay: Hotel Basic in Aguas Calientes

07:00 – 08:00

Breakfast and Optional Zipline Activity For those seeking an adrenaline rush, an optional zipline adventure is available before continuing our hike.

09:00 – 13:00

Walk to Hidroelectrica (1,800 m / 5,905 ft) We’ll follow the scenic route along the Urubamba River until reaching Hidroelectrica, where we’ll stop for lunch.

14:00 – 17:30

Trek to Aguas Calientes (2,040 m / 6,692 ft) From Hidroelectrica, we’ll walk along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, we’ll settle into our hotel and enjoy dinner in a local restaurant.

DAY 5

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Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

The highlight of your journey: exploring the magnificent Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. An unforgettable reward for days of adventure.

Meals: Box Breakfast

Package Details

What's Included

Included

Professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish)
Private transport Cusco – Mollepata
Train return Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
3 nights camping, 1 night hotel (Aguas Calientes)
Meals during the trek (4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners)
Pack horses for group equipment
First aid kit and oxygen bottle

Not Included

Sleeping bag (available for rent)
Entrance to Humantay Lake (25 soles)
Entrance to Cocalmayo Hot Springs (optional)
Last lunch in Aguas Calientes
Walking sticks (available for rent)
Tips for staff

Get Ready

Tour Preparation

Everything you need to know to prepare for an amazing tour experience.

Important Recommendations

Acclimatize in Cusco for at least 2 days before the trek.
Bring cash in soles for personal expenses and local entries.
Stay hydrated and carry snacks for the hike.
Respect nature and local communities.

What to Bring

Original passport (required for Machu Picchu)
Trekking boots and comfortable clothing
Warm jacket and rain poncho (recommended during the rainy season – November to March)
Hat, sunscreen, insect repellent
Sleeping bag (–10°C recommended)
Flashlight or headlamp
Reusable water bottle
Swimsuit and towel (for hot springs)
Personal medication and toiletries