DOS MANOS PERU Travel & tours in Peru
DOS MANOS PERU Travel & tours in Peru

5 Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu


yes
Meals
small groups or private
Group size
up to 4650 m
Altitude
moderate to challenging
Dificulty

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: Why Go

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

The 5 Day Salkantay Trek is one of the most beautiful and rewarding hikes in Peru and an excellent alternative to the Inca Trail. This magnificent wilderness trek takes you through dramatic Andean landscapes, from snow-capped mountains and glacial lakes to lush valleys and cloud forest, passing through an amazing progression of ecological zones.

The highlight of the route is the Salkantay Pass at 4650 meters, offering breathtaking views of the Salkantay Glacier, one of the most sacred mountains in Inca cosmology. Along the way, you experience remote trails, traditional Andean communities, and diverse ecosystems.

This trek is ideal for travelers who enjoy nature, adventure, and physical challenges, and who want to reach Machu Picchu on foot while avoiding the crowds of the classic Inca Trail.

What to Expect

During these five days, you hike through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Peruvian Andes. Each day offers a different landscape, from high altitude mountain passes to warmer valleys. You camp in scenic locations and enjoy freshly prepared meals by our trekking team.

Professional guides lead the hike and share insights into local culture, nature, and history. Horses carry the camping equipment, allowing you to hike with a light daypack.

On the final day, you visit Machu Picchu with a guided tour, combining adventure with one of the most iconic cultural experiences in the world. All logistics are carefully organized, allowing you to focus fully on the trek.

Extra Info: Salkantay Trek Route

The Salkantay Trek is a high altitude route that reaches its highest point at the Salkantay Pass. The trek includes mountain terrain, glacial lakes such as Humantay Lake, and sections through cloud forest. Nights are spent in campsites or simple lodges, depending on the itinerary. Weather conditions can vary significantly, especially at higher altitudes, making proper preparation essential.

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

Photos

Tour Details

Highlights

Crossing the Salkantay Pass with panoramic views of glaciers and snow capped peaks

Guided visit to Machu Picchu after completing one of Peru’s most scenic treks

Location:
Salkantay Trek, approx. 90 km northwest of Cusco
Tour type:
Multi day group or private trek
Duration:
5 days and 4 nights
Altitude:
Up to 4650 m
Difficulty:
Moderate to challenging
Best season:
Dry season from April to October, limited departures in rainy season

Additional Options:

Tour type: Trekking, camping, train, shuttle bus, guided walking tour

Additional Options
  • It is possible to upgrade the hotel in Aguas Calientes
  • You can upgrade to the Panorama (Vistadome) train when returning to Cusco
  • Both upgrades are included in the Salkantay Plus option
  • Private trek available upon request
  • Add-on: extra circuits for Machu Picchu (Huayna Picchu among others)

Itinerary

  • 5 Day Trek
  • Early morning pickup from your hotel in Cusco on day 1
  • Drive to the trailhead and start of the trek
  • Daily guided hikes through mountain and valley landscapes
  • Visits to highlights such as Humantay Lake and the Salkantay Pass
  • Camping with full meals prepared by the trekking team
  • Arrival in Aguas Calientes on day four by train
  • Overnight in a ho(s)tel in Aguas Calientes
  • Guided visit to Machu Picchu on day five (depending on the circuit)
  • Return to Cusco by train and transfer in the afternoon or evening
  • Day by Day
  • Day by Day Overview
  • Day 1: Transfer from Cusco to the trailhead (Mollepata) and hike to Soraypampa, with an optional hike to the turquoise Humantay Lake. Enjoy the beautiful conical snow-capped peak of Nevado Humantay. Camp overnight.
  • Day 2: A spectacular day! Challenging hike to the Salkantay Pass at 4650 m, the highest point of the trek, with spectacular views. From here, we descend into greener valleys. Camp overnight in Collpabamba.
  • Day 3: Trek through cloud forest and tropical landscapes and rural Andean communities (La Playa, Santa Teresa) with a warmer climate, hot springs and waterfalls. Overnight near Lucmabamba.
  • Day 4: Final hike through coffee and fruit plantations followed by a walk to Hidroelectrica and to Aguas Calientes. Optional: bus (not included) Overnight in hostel Aguas Calientes.
  • Day 5: Early morning visit to Machu Picchu, then return to Cusco by train.

  • Exact distances, campsites, and timings depend on group pace and weather conditions.

Please note that the times provided in the above itinerary are approximate and subject to change. Last-minute adjustments may occur due to weather conditions, political unrest, or other unforeseen factors. We cannot be held responsible for any changes or delays.

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

Good to Know

  • Altitude: This trek reaches high altitude. We strongly recommend spending 2 to 3 days in Cusco beforehand to acclimatize.
  • Transport: Private transport to the trailhead, train and shuttle bus included
  • Facilities: Basic campsite facilities, hotel stay in Aguas Calientes on the last night
  • What to bring: Hiking boots, warm layers, rain jacket, sleeping bag, sun protection, water, snacks, and your passport
  • Fitness level: Good physical condition required
  • Meals: Included during the trek
  • There is also a 4 day option of the Salkantay Trek, contact us for more details
  • Located northwest of Cusco, the snow-capped mountain of Salkantay is located at the eastern end of the Vilcabamba mountain range; it is the tallest peak at 6,271 meters above sea level.
  • Read more: Salkantay Trek explained, Best time for the Salkantay Trek, Read about the Huayna Picchu climb, Acclimatization tips on our blog
  • A specific ticket is needed for those who want to climb Huayna Picchu, please let us know in advance so we can see if the ticket is still (extra charge).
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

Price & Inclusions

Price

 Contact us for updated price information

Included

 Pickup from your accommodation in Cusco
Private transport to the trailhead
Professional bilingual trekking guide
Camping equipment except sleeping bag and trekking poles
Horses for camping equipment and meals + 5 kilo per person
All meals during the trek
Ho(s)tel night in Aguas Calientes
Train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco
Shuttle bus to Machu Picchu (one way)
Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu, circuits subject to availability
First aid kit and emergency oxygen
Assistance before and during the trek

Not Included

 Sleeping bag and trekking poles
Personal expenses and tips
Meals not mentioned in the program
Travel insurance
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

Your booking request is subject to availability and is only confirmed once you receive our written confirmation

Reviews

Leon Sciarone
Peru Classic in 14 Days
It was a marvellous experience!

I recently booked an excursion with Dos Manos to Puno and the Floating Islands on Lake Titicaca. It was a marvelous trip and I really enjoyed it!

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Yves Leclerc
Peru Classic & Amazon in 20 Days
Your team is unbelievable!

When we came to your agency, it was for info on Salkantay trail. My wife and me are bilingual (French & English). We talked to Joseph a guy who speaks Spanish and French.

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Adam Rice
Peru Itinerary Classic & Northern Peru 20 days
We had a great time!

Just wanted to send you a note back from our trip. We had a great time, everything worked out really good,,the service by you and your company was excellent!!!

Read Review
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