Peru · Trekking

Salkantay Trek 5D/4N Adventure Hike to Machu Picchu

5 Days Round trip from Pickup service provided in Cusco. Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Trek the scenic Salkantay route to Machu Picchu over 5 days
  • 02 Visit Humantay Lagoon surrounded by glaciers
  • 03 Cross Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the trek
  • 04 Enjoy a hands-on coffee experience at a local farm in Lucmabamba
  • 05 Camp at Llactapata with a direct view of Machu Picchu
  • 06 Walk through changing landscapes from high Andes to cloud forest and jungle
  • 07 Explore Machu Picchu with a private guided tour
  • 08 Return by panoramic train from Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo

Take on one of Peru’s most rewarding multi-day hikes on this 5-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. Travel through dramatic Andean scenery, from glacier-framed peaks and alpine lagoons to cloud forest, coffee plantations, and lush jungle trails, before reaching the iconic citadel of Machu Picchu.

This route stands out for its off-the-beaten-path feel and memorable overnight stops, including Llactapata, where you can camp with a direct view of Machu Picchu. Along the way, enjoy a hands-on coffee experience at a local farm, freshly prepared meals, and the support of your trekking crew as you journey toward one of the world’s most celebrated archaeological sites.

You fall asleep looking at the citadel you'll explore tomorrow.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Cusco, Machu Picchu, Salcantay, Ollantaytambo
Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Cusco – Humantay – Soraypampa

Pickup at 4:00 AM. After a 2 hour drive we stop in Mollepata for breakfast, then continue to the trailhead where the Humantay and Salkantay peaks tower above you.

We hike 4 hours to Soraypampa for lunch. Then a 1.5 hour trek to Humantay Lagoon. We arrive at the perfect time. No crowds. Just turquoise water surrounded by glaciers.

We hike down to camp in time for sunset over the mountains. With luck you'll spot condors soaring overhead.

Your tents and bags will be ready. Happy hour awaits with hot chocolate, coffee, and popcorn, followed by a freshly prepared dinner.

If the skies are clear your guide will introduce you to the Inca constellations. A perfect end to day one.

2
Day 02

Soraypampa - Salkantay Pass - Challway campsite

Your crew wakes you with a hot drink. Open your tent to the first sunlight hitting the mountain peaks.

By 6:30 AM we begin a 3 hour climb to Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the trek. We arrive before anyone else. The views are extraordinary.

From here it's all downhill. A 2 hour descent to our lunch spot.

After lunch, a 4 hour walk to Challway. This is where the landscape transforms. Snow capped mountains fade behind you as cloud forest takes over. The trail follows a river the entire way. Keep your eyes open for hummingbirds. They're everywhere along this stretch.

Your tents and belongings will be ready at camp. Dinner is prepared by your private chef. A well earned meal after an unforgettable day.

3
Day 03

Challway – Coffee Activity – Llactapata.

After breakfast, we drive to Lucmabamba. Butterflies, coffee plantations, and tropical fruits surround you. This is the jungle side of Peru most visitors never see.

We visit a local coffee farm where you pick, roast, and brew your own cup of high altitude jungle coffee. One of the finest in Peru.

After a home cooked lunch, we hike 4 hours to Llactapata. Uphill but at low altitude. Challenging but doable.

Then the moment that makes it all worth it. You arrive and there it is. Your first glimpse of Machu Picchu. From a viewpoint only a handful of travelers ever experience.

A 10 minute walk down brings you to camp. The only campsite with a direct view of Machu Picchu. You fall asleep looking at the citadel you'll explore tomorrow.

4
Day 04

Llactapata – Hidroeléctrica – Machu Picchu Town.

An early start with hot coca tea. Your chef prepares the final breakfast of the trek.

Before we set off, a farewell ceremony with the full crew. This is your moment to thank the team that made the journey possible. Guides, horsemen, chef. After today we go separate ways.

Then the hike begins. Two hours downhill with Machu Picchu in your sights the entire way. The views are stunning and they only get better as you descend.

At the hydroelectric station the trail flattens out. We follow the railroad for 2 hours through lush jungle to Mandor Pampa, where lunch is served alongside the Urubamba River.

After lunch, a short 20 minute walk to Mandor Waterfall. A hidden gem most trekkers never visit. Cool mist, jungle sounds, and a perfect place to pause.

Then 2 more hours to Aguas Calientes. Your guide walks you to your hotel. A hot shower never felt so good.

That evening, one final dinner together at one of the best restaurants in town. The perfect way to close out the expedition before tomorrow's main event. Machu Picchu.

5
Day 05

Machu Picchu (7th World Wonder) – Return to Cusco.

The day you've been building toward. After 4 days of trekking, Machu Picchu.

A 25 minute bus ride takes you to the entrance. Your private guided tour lasts approximately 3 hours. No rushing. Plenty of time for photos, panoramic views, and quiet moments to take it all in.

Want to push further? You can add an extra hike to Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu for even more dramatic views. Availability is limited and confirmed at the time of booking. If we secure a spot your guide will show you the trail.

After the tour, head down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included) before boarding your 2:30 PM train to Ollantaytambo. Our team will be waiting at the station with your private transfer to your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley.

Four days of trekking. One incredible destination. This is the moment that makes every step worth it.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Pickup service provided in Cusco. 4 cities · 5 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Lunch
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
  • Professional Guide – We have the best selection of guides in Cusco.
  • Traink tickets from Picchu to Ollantaytambo - THE 360º, is a panoramic train
  • Up & Down - Bus tickets from the tow to Machu Picchu and vice versa.
  • Camping Equipment is Included so you dont need to bring your own, just make sure to enjoy the journey
  • Transportation to the trail head and from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
  • Access tickets to the trek and to Machu Picchu are included

What's Not Included

  • Sleeping bag, You must bring your own sleeping bag, but you can rent from our office in case you don`t want to bring them tho whole trip.
  • Access to Hayna Picchu; It is different than Machu Picchu ticket (optional).
  • Tips for your crew; They will really appreciate it but its completely volunteer.

Know before you go

  • ANIMALS OR PETS ALLOWED
  • PASSPORT REQUIRED
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not stroller accessible
  • No public transportation nearby
  • Infants must not sit on laps
  • Infant seats unavailable
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for people with heart conditions
  • 1 day prior to the experience, we will provide you detailed information for the adventure, you will also have time to rent equipment or any aditional you might need.
  • If you are in an airbnb, please send us the exact address, if there is car access we will pick you up there, if not, we will coordinate a pick up location

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Pickup service provided in Cusco.
Tour start
Pickup service provided in Cusco.
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 5 days finish where they began, in Pickup service provided in Cusco..

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