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Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – 5 Days

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Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – 5 Days

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Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – 5 Days in Peru

The Salkantay Trek is one of Cusco’s best-known alternatives to the classic Inca Trail. Over five days, the route crosses high mountain passes, glacier country, cloud forest and lower jungle before reaching Machu Picchu. Travel begins in the Cusco region and follows a steady climb through Mollepata, Soraypampa and the Humantay Lake area before crossing the Salkantay Pass. From there, the landscape changes again as the trail descends toward Chaullay, Lucmabamba and Llactapata. The final part of the trip reaches Aguas Calientes and ends with a guided visit to Machu Picchu. It is a demanding walk with varied scenery, shared campsites and group support throughout.

Key details

5 days

4 nights

Route

Peru

Tour type

Small groups

Available departures

Dates available

Duration

5 days

Travel style

Small groups

Destination

Cusco, Peru

Highlights

  • Multi-day tour
  • Hiking & Trekking
  • Adventure & Adrenaline
  • Family

Itinerary

  1. 1

    Mollepata · Nevado Humantay

    Cusco to Soraypampa and Humantay Lake

    Depart Cusco early and travel by road to Mollepata for a short stop before continuing to Challacancha, the trek start point. Walk with support staff toward Soraypampa, where lunch is served, then continue in the afternoon to Humantay Lake before returning to camp for dinner and overnight.
    Lunch, dinner
  2. 2

    Salkantay Mountain · Chaullay

    Soraypampa to Chaullay via Salkantay Pass

    After breakfast, hike upward toward Salkantay Mountain and cross the Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the trek. Descend to Huayracmachay for lunch, then continue downhill through warmer and greener terrain to Chaullay for the night.
    Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  3. 3

    Sahuayaco · Lucmabamba

    Chaullay to Lucmabamba

    Trek through the high jungle, an area of waterfalls, fruit trees and changing vegetation. Stop for lunch at Playa Sahuayaco, then continue to Lucmabamba, the final campsite and gateway toward Llactapata.
    Breakfast, lunch, dinner

The itinerary is for reference and may vary by selected departure.

What's included

  • One night in Aguas Calientes hotel and three nights in shared camping accommodation
  • Professional English-speaking tour guide; assistant guide for groups of 9+
  • Meals as listed in the itinerary, plus water from after the first four hours of trekking
  • Pre-departure briefing, duffle bags, cook, horses for equipment and personal items, dining tent, sleeping mats and oxygen
  • Transportation by van to Mollepata, bus tickets to Machu Picchu, and return train and bus to Cusco

What's not included

  • International and domestic flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Sleeping bag rental
  • Breakfast on Day 1 and lunch and dinner on Day 5
  • Huayna Picchu entrance fee, tips, and any services not listed in the itinerary

Dates & availability

Updating availability

Select departure month and travellers.

Upcoming departures

12 dates · 24 options
Thu, Sep 10, 2026to Sep 14, 2026
2 hotels available
Standard package
Hotels as per itineraryStandard arrangement · As per itineraryOn request
$789.00per person
Request
Standard package
Hotels as per itineraryDouble/twin room · As per itineraryOn request
$789.00per person
Request
Sat, Sep 12, 2026to Sep 16, 2026
2 hotels available
Standard package
Hotels as per itineraryStandard arrangement · As per itineraryOn request
$789.00per person
Request
Standard package
Hotels as per itineraryDouble/twin room · As per itineraryOn request
$789.00per person
Request
Mon, Sep 14, 2026to Sep 18, 2026
2 hotels available
Standard package
Hotels as per itineraryStandard arrangement · As per itineraryOn request
$789.00per person
Request
Standard package
Hotels as per itineraryDouble/twin room · As per itineraryOn request
$789.00per person
Request
From
$789.00
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Important information

Flexibility

Flights, extra nights and private experiences can be added before confirmation.

Before you go

Your final itinerary, documents and local contacts will be available in My Kata.

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