Salkantay Trek 5 Days: Hike to Machu Picchu by Humantay

Discover the magic in 5 unforgettable days.

5D/4N

Get ready for the ultimate adventure with the Salkantay trek 5 days, one of the best alternatives to the Inca Trail. Along the way, you’ll discover stunning natural wonders like Humantay Lake, cross the breathtaking Salkantay Pass, and walk through coffee plantations in Lucmabamba. What’s more, you’ll enjoy a unique perspective of Machu Picchu from Llactapata before reaching the famous Inca citadel. Each step combines scenic beauty, physical challenge, and cultural richness.

Learn more at: Perú travel

This awaits you on your next trip

ITINERARY Salkantay Trek 5 Days

DAY 1: CUSCO – MOLLEPATA – SORAYPAMPA

🕓 We’ll pick you up from your hotel in Cusco between 4:45 and 5:30 a.m. to start your exciting Salkantay trek 5 days adventure. During the scenic ride to Mollepata, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and the Apurímac River valley.

🍽️ After about two hours, we’ll stop in Mollepata for breakfast (not included), last-minute shopping, and a bathroom break. Then, we continue to Challacancha where our support team and horses await.

🥾 Around 9:30 a.m., we begin hiking to Soraypampa. The trail takes about 4 hours at a steady pace. Once we arrive, we’ll have lunch and settle into glass-domed shelters with panoramic views.

🌄 In the afternoon, we’ll hike to the stunning Humantay Lake (4,200 m). Although the round trip takes around 3 hours, it’s absolutely worth it. We’ll end the day with a delicious, warm dinner.

📍 Max Altitude: 3,850 m | Min Altitude: 2,850 m | Distance: 14 km

DAY 2: SORAYPAMPA – SALKANTAY PASS – HUAYRAMACHAY – CHAULLAY

🌄 As the sun rises, we’ll wake you with coca tea and serve a nourishing breakfast to begin the second day of the Salkantay trek 5 days.

🏔️ Today is the most challenging. We hike 6 km uphill to the trek’s highest point: the magnificent Salkantay Pass (4,650 m). The mountain scenery here is nothing short of spectacular.

🍽️ After admiring the view, we descend for 2 hours to Huayracmachay, where we’ll stop for lunch. Then, we continue 3 more hours downhill to Chaullay (2,900 m), our next overnight stop in cozy Andean cabins.

🌙 After a well-deserved dinner, it’s time to rest and prepare for the following day.

📍 Max Altitude: 4,650 m | Min Altitude: 2,920 m | Distance: 20 km

DAY 3: CHAULLAY - COLLPAPAMPA – LA PLAYA – LUCMABAMBA

DAY 3: CHAULLAY – COLLPAPAMPA – LA PLAYA – LUCMABAMBA

🌿 The third day of the Salkantay trek 5 days begins at 6:00 a.m. with a tasty breakfast. Then, we hike through the lush Santa Teresa valley, full of rivers, waterfalls, orchids, and crops like coffee, bananas, and avocados.

🐦 As we pass through Collpapampa, famous for its biodiversity, we may even spot Peru’s national bird, the “Cock-of-the-Rock.”

🍽️ After lunch at La Playa, we walk 20 minutes to Lucmabamba (2,400 m), where we’ll camp surrounded by coffee plantations. In the afternoon, we’ll visit a local organic coffee farm and enjoy freshly roasted beans.

💦 Optionally, you can visit the Santa Teresa hot springs (additional cost).

📍 Starting Altitude: 2,750 m | Camp Altitude: 2,400 m | Distance: 18 km | Difficulty: Easy

DAY 4: LUCMABAMBA - LLACTAPATA – HIDROELECTRICA – AGUAS CALIENTES

DAY 4: LUCMABAMBA – LLACTAPATA – HIDROELECTRICA – AGUAS CALIENTES

🌞 We start early with breakfast, ready for another day on the Salkantay trek 5 days.

🏞️ We hike for 2 hours along a section of the ancient Inca Trail to reach Llactapata archaeological site, where you’ll get a direct view of Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu, and Machu Picchu Mountain.

📉 Afterward, we descend for 2 hours to Hidroelectrica for lunch. From there, you can choose to walk 3 more hours to Aguas Calientes or take the train ($38 extra).

⚠️ Note: Llactapata may be inaccessible during the rainy season due to safety concerns.

📍 Starting Altitude: 2,450 m | Final Altitude: 2,000 m | Distance: 18 km | Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

DAY 5: THE MOST IMPORTANT DAY – MACHU PICCHU!

🌅 Today we wake up early to be among the first to enter Machu Picchu. You can either walk or take the bus ($12).

🏯 From 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., we’ll explore the citadel with a 2-hour guided tour through temples, terraces, plazas, and more.

⛰️ Afterward, you’ll have free time to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (with pre-booked ticket, $60 extra).

🚆 We’ll then return to Aguas Calientes to catch the train (4:22 p.m. or 6:20 p.m.), and from Ollantaytambo, a minivan will take you back to Cusco. Alternatively, you can walk to Hidroelectrica and take the van from there.

📍 Time in Machu Picchu: 3 hours | Level: Easy visit, optional challenging hike

PRICE AND INCLUSIONS Salkantay Trek 5 Days

Each trip is tailored to your specific needs and desires, so our prices vary depending on the number of people traveling, the desired level of accommodation, and the activities included, among other factors.

INCLUDE

Briefing the day before the tour (at the office or via WhatsApp)
Tourist transportation from Cusco to Challacancha (start of the hike)
Professional bilingual tour guide
Second guide for groups of 8 or more
Pack horses for personal gear (up to 7 kg per person)
All meals included:

Day 1: Lunch, dinner

Days 2 to 4: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5: Breakfast

Snacks and afternoon tea on days 2, 3, and 4
Professional cook and kitchen team
Accommodation: (tents, huts, and hotel)
Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu Citadel
Bus ticket up from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
Van transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
First aid kit and oxygen tank

NOT INCLUDED

First breakfast and last dinner
Additional costs for visiting Humantay Lake.
Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (additional $60)
Rental of additional equipment (horse, sleeping bag, etc.) Sleeping bag (can be rented for $20)
Trekking poles (rental: $15 for the entire trek)
Train from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes ($38.00 – optional if you don’t want to walk
Personal travel insurance (highly recommended)

ACCOMMODATIONS

We offer you an exclusive selection of our accommodations in Cusco, ensuring that you enjoy the utmost comfort and an unparalleled experience during your stay.