Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu – 5-Day Adventure through the Andes with Train Return
Embark on an unforgettable 5-day Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu, one of the most spectacular trekking experiences in South America. Recognized by National Geographic as one of the Top 25 Treks in the World, this route offers a breathtaking combination of high-Andean landscapes, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and lush tropical jungle.
From the majestic Salkantay Pass at 4,650 meters (15,200 ft) to the serene beauty of Humantay Lake and Salkantay Lake, this trek showcases the diverse ecosystems of the Peruvian Andes. As you descend from snow-capped peaks into the cloud forest, each step brings you closer to the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu — the perfect finale to this epic trekking to Machu Picchu experience.
Unlike the traditional Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek is an alternative route to Machu Picchu that offers fewer crowds, more solitude, and raw natural beauty. With a challenging yet rewarding route covering 72 km (45 miles), this adventure is ideal for moderate to experienced hikers looking for a truly immersive Peru hiking adventure.
Altitude acclimatization for 1 to 2 days before the trek is recommended.
Highlights of the 5-Day Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu
Day 1 HUMANTAY LAKE: Begin the trek through the Andes, hike to the picturesque Humantay Mountain Lake.
Day 2 SALKANTAY PASS & AMAZON: Ascent to the highest altitudes of the Salkantay Mountain pass (4,650 meters / 15,250 feet). Descent and experience the beginning of the Amazon Rainforest. From Snow peaks and very Sharp mountain range to the begining of the Amazon Rainforest.
Day 3 COFFEE TOUR & HOT SPRING: Hike through the stunning high Jungles and Rainforests of the Amazon. Enjoy a coffee tour and relax in medicinal hot springs.
Day 4 LLACTAPATA: Hike along the old Inca Trail to Llaqtapata, where you’ll have a view of Machu Picchu and the Waynapicchu Mountain viewpoint.
Day 5 MACHU PICCHU: Finally, make your way to Machu Picchu and embark on a guided tour of the site.
Check Availability First to Book This Tour – Secure Your Spot Today!
Important Information:
✅Check availability before booking – All tours to Machu Picchu require prior confirmation of availability. You can easily verify it through our Inquiry Form or via WhatsApp.
✅ Minimum booking requirement – A minimum of 2 participants is needed to confirm this tour.
✅ Deposit policy – Deposits for treks and tours are non-refundable, non-transferable to another individual, and cannot be applied to a different date.
✅ Ticket purchase – Please note that your deposit is required to purchase your entrance tickets, subject to availability.
Inquire now to secure your permit for this once-in-a-lifetime journey!
Itinerary
DAY 1Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake
Your journey begins bright and early at 4:30 am with a pickup from your hotel in Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. You’ll travel through the stunning countryside of the Andes to the town of Mollepata, where you’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast and pay the local entrance fee to Humantay Lake (20 soles).
After breakfast, a short drive brings you to Challacancha (3,380 m / 11,090 ft), the official trailhead of the Salkantay Trek. You’ll hike through picturesque valleys and Andean farms, stopping at scenic viewpoints like Hornada Pata where the valley forks dramatically. After approximately 3 hours of trekking, you’ll arrive at Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,800 ft), your first campsite, surrounded by majestic mountain views.
Later in the afternoon, you’ll take a side hike to the stunning Humantay Lake (4,220 m / 13,850 ft), known for its striking turquoise waters reflecting the snowy peak of Mount Humantay. This hidden gem is one of the most Instagrammable and unforgettable spots in the Andes. After sunset, return to camp for tea, dinner, and an overnight stay in unique glass cabins, allowing for a night under the stars.
Day two is the most challenging and rewarding part of your trek to Machu Picchu. After an energizing breakfast, begin your steady ascent through Salkantaypampa and Soyrococha, passing small glacial lakes and rocky terrain. After 3 hours of uphill trekking, you’ll reach the legendary Salkantay Pass (4,650 m / 15,250 ft), the highest point on the trail.
Here, take a moment to absorb the panoramic views of Peru’s snow-covered giants: Salkantay, Humantay, and Tucarhuay. Your expert mountain guide will explain the historical and spiritual importance of these mountains to Andean cultures.
After resting and taking photos, begin a 2-hour descent to Huayramachay (3,800 m / 12,470 ft), where a delicious lunch awaits. From here, continue your trek for another 3 hours downhill, entering a dramatically different landscape—the edge of the Amazon rainforest. You’ll notice the shift from cold alpine winds to the warm, humid air of the jungle. Tonight, you’ll camp in Collpapampa (2,850 m / 9,350 ft) in comfortable dome tents, surrounded by lush vegetation and the sounds of the jungle.
Accommodation: Campsite domes at 2,850 meters / 9,350 feet
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Climate: Warm with moderate winds during the day, and cool nights
Sights: Salkantay Pass and the beginning of the Amazon Jungle, Lush Vegetation
DAY 3Collpapampa – Lucmabamba
After two high-altitude days, your third day on the Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu leads you deep into Peru’s cloud forest and tropical jungle. After breakfast, embark on a gentle 5.5-hour trek filled with waterfalls, orchids, and colorful butterflies.
This region, known as the ceja de selva (eyebrow of the jungle), is rich in biodiversity. You’ll walk past coffee plantations, banana trees, and coca fields, and learn about traditional Andean farming and medicinal plants. You’ll also see evidence of Inca irrigation systems still used by locals.
Lunch is served along the trail, and in the afternoon you’ll have the option to soak in the natural hot springs of Cocalmayo (optional, not included)—a perfect reward after days of hiking.
Your evening concludes at your jungle campsite in Lucmabamba, where you’ll enjoy a freshly cooked dinner and relax under the stars, surrounded by the sounds of the rainforest.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Distance Covered: 14 km / 8.7 miles
Walking Time: 4-5 hours approximately
Starting Elevation: 2,850 meters / 9,350 feet
Camping Elevation: 2,000 meters / 6,561 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Climate: Hot, warm, and humid, in a tropical area
Sights: Amazon Jungle, Coffee Tour, and Medicinal Hot Springs
Today, you’ll reconnect with Inca history as you hike a restored portion of the Inca Trail. After breakfast, ascend for approximately 2.5 hours through cloud forest to reach Llaqtapata, an ancient Inca site offering spectacular panoramic views of Machu Picchu Mountain and Huayna Picchu.
This peaceful site, far from crowds, offers a unique perspective and a powerful spiritual connection to the past. Your guide will share the archaeological significance of the site before you descend through lush valleys to Hidroelectrica, where lunch will be served.
In the afternoon, you have two options: hike 3 more hours along the railway to Aguas Calientes, or take the scenic train ride (optional, $36.00). Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes (also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo), you’ll check into your hostel and enjoy a celebratory dinner in a local restaurant.
Today is the culmination of your Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu. You’ll rise early to take one of the first buses to the entrance of Machu Picchu and experience the sunrise over this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Enjoy a 2-hour guided tour of the citadel, visiting sacred temples, solar observatories, ceremonial plazas, and agricultural terraces. Your guide will reveal the history, culture, and mysteries of this majestic Lost City of the Incas. After the tour, you’ll have free time to explore or, if pre-booked, climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (limited availability).
In the afternoon, descend to Aguas Calientes, have lunch (not included), and board your train to Ollantaytambo. A private transfer will then take you back to Cusco, where your unforgettable trekking experience officially ends.
How to Reach Machu Picchu Inca Site from Aguas Calientes Town?
For the cherry on top of your trek, Machu Picchu Archaeological Site, you’ll wake up very early in the morning in the hostal so that you will take a packed breakfast. Everyone will meet at the Main Gate of Machu Picchu Inca City. There are two ways to reach Machu Picchu Archaeological Site from Aguas Calientes:
1.Hike up to Machu Picchu
Start hiking around 4:30 am to “Puente Ruinas” for approximately 25 minutes. Puente Ruinas is the first checkpoint for hikers and opens at 5 am. Here, you’ll need to show your passport and Machu Picchu tickets. Cross the bridge and hike up the stairs to Machu Picchu for about 50 minutes. You will meet the team at the Main Gate of Machu Picchu Inca City before 6 am. Machu Picchu opens at 6 am. Note: You should allocate 1 hour and 30 minutes to hike up to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes Town.
2.Take the bus up to Machu Picchu
Buy your “Bus Ticket” the night before in Aguas Calientes Town, also known as Machu Picchu Village, or at 5 am on the day of your visit. The “Bus Ticket” costs $12 USD for a one-way trip and $24 USD for a round-trip ticket. The first bus departs at 5:30 am, and the journey takes approximately 25 minutes, allowing you to arrive before 6 am. Once you reach the Main Door of Machu Picchu Inca Site, you will meet the entire group and start your guided tour of Machu Picchu.
Guided Walk Through Machu Picchu
Once everyone gathers at the Main Gate of the Inca city of Machu Picchu, you will embark on a guided walk through the site. Depending on the tour you’ve selected, your guide will lead you through Machu Picchu, providing explanations about the site and allowing you time for photos and creating memories.
The guided tour of this New Wonder of the World will last approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. Following the guided walk, you will have the opportunity to explore the area on your own.
If you have booked the Wayna Picchu Mountain option after the guided walk, your guide will take you to the starting point for your mountain check-in. The Wayna Picchu hike is self-guided and takes around 2 hours for the round trip. Please note that this ticket costs $60 USD per person, and it’s advisable to book in advance as it tends to sell out quickly.
If you have chosen the Machu Picchu Mountain option, you will need to check in again after the guided walk to begin your hike up Machu Picchu Mountain. This is a challenging hike that takes around 3 hours for the round trip. Just like with Wayna Picchu, the Machu Picchu Mountain ticket costs $60 USD per person and should be booked in advance due to high demand.
If you have opted for the Huchuy Picchu Mountain, you will need to check in and hike up this smaller mountain, which takes about 45 minutes for the round trip. Similar to the other mountain options, the Huchuy Picchu Mountain ticket also costs $60 USD per person and should be reserved in advance.
Please note that guided tours are only available in the morning for Machu Picchu Circuit 1,2, and 3 specifically at the 6:00 am and 7:00 am time slots. Outside of these hours, the visit is self-guided, as group guiding is only offered in the morning.
If your ticket is under 8:00 am, which is outside our group tour schedule and would require a private guide. This would involve an additional cost on your side. Alternatively, you could join and listen to another group’s guided tour.
Machu Picchu Circuits – Choose the Best Route for Your Visit
To protect and preserve Machu Picchu, visitors must follow one of the official circuits. Each circuit offers a different experience, depending on whether you want the classic photo, access to the citadel, or an adventure hike.
Here is a simple guide to help you choose the best option.
Circuit 1 –Panoramic Circuit
(Classic photo – No access to the citadel)
This circuit is mainly for visitors who want to enjoy panoramic views of Machu Picchu and take the classic postcard picture, but it does not include access to the main citadel area.
Routes:
Route 1-A: Machu Picchu Mountain Route Includes the upper platform for the classic photo and the hike to Machu Picchu Mountain.
Route 1-B: Upper Terrace Route Access to the upper platform only, where you can take the classic panoramic pictures.
Route 1-C: Intipunku (Sun Gate) Route(available only during high season) Includes the upper platform and the hike to Intipunku, the ancient entrance used by the Incas.
Route 1-D: Inca Bridge Route(available only during high season) Includes the upper platform and a short hike to the Inca Bridge.
Circuit 2 –Classic Circuit
(Classic photo + access to the citadel)
This is the most complete and popular circuit, because it includes the classic Machu Picchu photo spot and also access to the main citadel where you can explore the archaeological site.
Both routes are very similar.
Routes:
Route 2-A: Classic Designed Route Includes the classic photo viewpoint and a complete visit inside the citadel.
Route 2-B: Lower Terrace Route Also includes the classic photo and access to the citadel, with a slightly different walking path.
Circuit 3 –Machu Picchu Royalty Circuit
(Lower terraces photo + royal sector)
This circuit focuses on the lower terraces of Machu Picchu and the royal and ceremonial areas of the site.
Routes:
Route 3-A: Huayna Picchu Mountain Route Includes the Temple of the Sun area and the hike to Huayna Picchu Mountain.
Route 3-B: Designed Royal Route Includes important sites such as the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Rock / Mother Earth area, and the Inca House.
Route 3-C: Great Cavern Route(available only in high season) Includes the Great Cavern (Temple of the Moon) area.
Route 3-D: Huchuy Picchu Route(available only in high season) Includes the short hike to Huchuy Picchu Mountain.
Entrance tickets to Machu Picchusell out very quickly, especially during the high season. We strongly recommend booking your tickets 1–3 months in advance to secure your preferred circuit.
Book your tickets and we’ll take care of the rest.
Note – Last Minute Tickets
If you decide to book at the very last minute and tickets are sold out online, there is still another option.
You can personally purchase your tickets in Aguas Calientes at the Peruvian Ministry of Culture office.
In this case, our itinerary works as follows:
On Day 4, we depart early from the campsite.
We travel by bus to the Hidroelectrica.
From there, we hike approximately 3 hours to Aguas Calientes town.
Upon arrival, you will go directly to the Culture Ministry office to purchase your Machu Picchu tickets.
If you prefer to book your own return train ticket and Machu Picchu entrance ticket, we will deduct the equivalent cost based on our standard tour pricing. All other services—including accommodation, guiding, meals, guiding, and overall tour logistics—will continue to be fully organized and operated by our team.
Have questions? Chat with usand we’ll be happy to help.
⚠️ During the high season, tickets may sell out quickly in town as well, so you may need to stay one extra night in Aguas Calientes to obtain your entry ticket.
Ready for the 5-Day Salkantay Trek?
Check Machu Picchu ticket availability and confirm your 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with our team.
Machu Picchu ticket (Subject to availability at the time of booking.).
Salkantay entrance
Accommodation:
Instead of sleeping in small tents, we set up our own spectacular and comfortable camps just for you. On the 1st night (Soraypampa), you’ll stay in our incredible glass cabins for 2 people, and on the 2nd and 3rd nights (Colpapampa and Playa Sahuayaco), you’ll have private domes for 2 people.
The last night in Aguas Calientes will be in a hostel. This will be a nice, clean, and safe hostel with Wi-Fi, a takeaway breakfast, and a private bathroom with hot water included. You can also Upgrade to a higher-quality hotel.
Meals:
Meals as indicated in the itinerary (4x Breakfast, 4x Lunch, 4x Dinner).
Professional chef and kitchen staff. Dining tent and kitchen tent for freshly prepared meals.
Our meals can be adapted to any dietary requirements, such as vegetarian or vegan. Let us know in advance if you have specific preferences so we can plan accordingly.
A cup of hot Coca tea every morning before starting the hikes.
Boiled water is provided for coffee and tea to accompany your meals at the campsites.
Transportation:
Private transport from your hotel or Airbnb in Cusco to the starting point of your hike.
Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo 14:55 or 18:20.
Transfer Private transport from Ollantaytambo to Plaza Regocijo in Cusco.
Local Guides and Equipment:
Professional English/Spanish Speaking Mountain Guide, along with an assistant guide for groups of more than 12 people.
Horses and riders to transport camping equipment, food, and kitchen utensils.
All our trekking guides have a minimum of 3 years of experience as guides and are certified. They carry a first aid kit and an extra oxygen bottle in case of emergencies.
We provide Duffel Bags during your briefing for your personal items (up to 5 kg per person).
Additional:
Briefing: You’ll have a meeting with your Guide at our office and/or your hotel or Airbnb to review all the details of your tour. The orientation will take place between 5:00 pm and 7:30 pm in your Cusco hotel the day before departure.
Salkantay trek ticket is included.
Price Excludes
Entrance:
Humantay Lake is NOT Included. (S/. 20 Peruvian Soles)
Meals:
Breakfast on day 1 and lunch on the last day.
Water for the hikes is not included. Along the trekking route, you can purchase additional water bottles. However, everytime you have meals you will have hot and cold drink like (Coca tea, Mint tea, Chicha Morada, Star fruit drink, Maracuya drink, etc).
Equipment:
Sleeping bags are available for rent if you don’t have one with you ($15.00 per person for the entire trek).
Trekking poles are available for rent for $15.00 per person.
Other:
Tips for your guide, chef, and staff.
Travel insurance.
Other activities not mentioned in this itinerary.
Optional Activities:
Entrance to HuaynaPicchu, MachuPicchu or HuchuyPicchu Mountain. You can choose to add one of them to your trekking itinerary for $60.00 per person. Please let us know in advance so we can check availability.
Entrance to the hot springs in Santa teresa. (transportation round-trip + 1.5 hours in the pool for 50 Peruvian soles)
Shuttle bus between Aguas Calientes Town and Machu Picchu Inca site $12 USD oneway.
Extras and Upgrades
Hotel upgrade in Aguas Calientes: Inform us in advance, and we will arrange everything for you.
Optional visit to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain: $60.00 per person. Let us know at the time of booking, as it requires a separate permit.
Sleeping bags: Available for rent if you don’t have one with you ($15.00 per person).
Trekking poles: Available for rent for $15.00 per person.
What To Bring
Original passport (if you have acquired a new one after you made your booking, bring both)
Down or synthetic feather sleeping bag (can be rented from us)
Clothes (trekking boots, warm fleece jacket, a few t-shirts, socks, sun hat, warm underwear, light long pants, gloves, rain jacket)
Toiletries (toilet paper, wet wipes, personal towel)
Sunscreen
Head lamp
Sunglasses
Camera with spare batteries
Trekking poles (recommended especially for the steep descents, can be rented from us)
Insect repellent
REMINDERS: It’s possible that any part of the program might change due to circumstances out of our control such as weather conditions, flight schedules, etc.
Pricing - Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu
Shared Tour – Small Group Experience (Max. 16 Guests in high season)
Adult: $380 USD per person
Student: $360 USD per person Minimum 2 guests per booking.
Traveling with friends or family? Book together and automatically enjoy preferred rates:
3–5 guests → 5% savings
6–8 guests → 8% savings
Limited to 16 guests per departure in high season.
“Solo travelers are welcome. Please contact us for availability options.”
Before You Go
We want to make your trip to Peru easy, memorable, and stress-free. Please read this important information before your adventure — it will answer most of your questions about the Inca Trail 2 Days and other hikes with us.
Final Payment: Pay any remaining balance after your briefing or at least 2 days before departure. Cash (USD or soles) is preferred — bills must be in good condition (no tears, stains, or marks). You can find several ATMs along Avenida El Sol in Cusco. PayPal or wetravel payments links are available but include a 6% service charge. We do not accept traveler’s checks or bank checks.
Briefing required: Your guide will visit your Cusco hotel one day before your trek (around 6:00–7:00 p.m.) for a short informative meeting.
If you can’t attend in person, no problem — we can arrange your briefing via WhatsApp/Google Meet.
If you are staying in Urubamba or Ollantaytambo, the briefing will be done via WhatsApp.
Pick-Up & Drop-Off: Our door-to-door service makes it simple: we pick you up at your hotel in Cusco and drop you off at the same location after the tour.
Packing List: Check our full Salkantay trail 5 days packing list on our website to ensure you’re fully prepared for the hike. Don’t forget warm clothing, sun protection, and comfortable shoes.
Passport: Bring your original passport. If you booked with an old one, bring both passports or a copy of the old one.
Pick-Up Time:
From Cusco: 4:00 a.m.
Luggage: You can store your main bags safely at our office or your Hotel free of charge.
Return: After Machu Picchu, your bus + train + transfer back to Cusco is fully included. Just relax and enjoy the journey!
REMINDERS: It’s possible that any part of the program might change due to circumstances out of our control such as weather conditions, flight schedules, strikes, protest, Pandemic, etc.
No refunds will be granted in case of no show for scheduled tours, informational sessions (Briefings), and activities or early departures. Failure to attend will be considered as a NO SHOW.
Travel Advisory – Strikes and Demonstrations: Strikes and demonstrations are sometimes frequent in Peru and may affect tours, including blocked roads or train tracks. We will do our best to keep your excursion as planned and, if necessary, may adjust the schedule by leaving the night before from Cusco. All changes or cancellations will be coordinated with you by our operations team. Your safety is our top priority.
How can I obtain the student discount for Machu Picchu admission?
If you are a student who is not more than 25 years old, you may be eligible for a $20 USD discount. However, you must meet the requirements set by the Peruvian government, as the discount applies to the cost of your Machu Picchu ticket and is not negotiable.
To receive the discount, please send us, after your booking, a photo of both sides of your student ID card and another photo of your passport. We can help verify if all requirements are met. Your student ID must be an original, made of PVC material, and issued by the university. It should include university information, your personal details, a photo, a valid expiration date, valid for only one year, and it should match the year in which you visit Machu Picchu. For instance, if you visit Machu Picchu in 2023, the expiration date on your ID must be 2023. The maximum expiration date allowed is 2024.
You will also need to bring the card with you and have it verified at the Machu Picchu control point.
Please check if your student ID meets the following requirements:
University information included
Student’s personal information
Student’s photo
Valid expiration date (for one year 2023)
Matches the year of your visit to Machu Picchu”
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When you book with an account, you will be able to track your payment status, track the confirmation and you can also rate the tour after you finished the tour.
