Our Salkantay Trek 5 Days is designed for travelers who want more than just a trek to Machu Picchu. This carefully planned route combines spectacular natural landscapes, authentic Andean experiences, archaeological sites, and comfortable overnight stops along the way.
From the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake and the imposing Salkantay Pass to the lush landscapes of Lucmabamba, the ancient site of Llactapata, and the final visit to Machu Picchu, every day offers a different experience.
The optional Cocalmayo Hot Springs also gives you the opportunity to relax and enjoy the thermal waters after a day of trekking.
Trip itinerary
Day 1: Day 1: Cusco – Balconpata – Humantay Lake – Salkantaypampa
Our Salkantay Trek 5 Days begins with an early departure from Cusco at 5:00 a.m. We travel by tourist transportation to Balconpata, where our trek begins.
From Balconpata, we start hiking toward the spectacular Humantay Lake, surrounded by impressive Andean mountains. As we ascend, enjoy breathtaking landscapes and experience the transition into the high-altitude environment.
After reaching Humantay Lake, we have time to admire its turquoise waters, take photographs, and enjoy this remarkable natural setting. We then hike back to Soraypampa, where lunch will be served.
In the afternoon, we continue hiking for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes until reaching our campsite in Salkantaypampa, where we spend our first night surrounded by the Andes.
Day 2: Salkantaypampa – Salkantay Pass – Chaullay
After breakfast, we continue our Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu toward the spectacular Salkantay Pass, one of the highest and most impressive points of the route.
The ascent offers magnificent views of rugged mountains and the surrounding Andes. Reaching the pass is one of the highlights of the trek and a rewarding experience for every traveler.
After enjoying the scenery, we begin our descent. The landscape gradually changes as we leave the high mountains behind and enter greener valleys.
We continue toward Chaullay, where we will arrive at our campsite for dinner and a well-deserved rest.
Day 3: Chaullay – Lucmabamba – Cocalmayo Hot Springs
Today, the Salkantay Trek 5 Days takes us into a completely different environment. We gradually descend from the Andes toward the lush cloud forest and subtropical valleys.
Along the trail, we will enjoy green mountains, waterfalls, abundant vegetation, agricultural landscapes, and views of local communities. The changing scenery makes this one of the most scenic days of the trek.
Our destination is Lucmabamba, a beautiful area surrounded by tropical vegetation and plantations, located near the ancient Inca Trail.
In the afternoon, travelers who wish to relax can enjoy an optional visit to the Cocalmayo Hot Springs. These natural thermal pools provide an ideal opportunity to rest and enjoy the warm mineral-rich waters surrounded by lush vegetation.
After the optional activity, we return to Lucmabamba for dinner and our overnight stay.
Day 4: Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes
After breakfast, we continue our Salkantay hiking adventure toward Llactapata, an impressive archaeological site located on the mountainside with spectacular views toward Machu Picchu.
The trail takes us through lush vegetation and ancient paths before reaching this fascinating Inca site. From Llactapata, enjoy a unique perspective of Machu Picchu and the surrounding mountains.
We then descend toward Hidroelectrica, where we will have time for lunch. Afterwards, we continue walking along the railway route toward Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.
Upon arrival, we check into our accommodation and have the evening free to relax before the most anticipated day of the journey.
Day 5: Guided tour at Machupicchu – Return to Cusco
In the morning, we travel to the archaeological sanctuary for a guided visit. Explore the ancient Inca citadel while learning about its history, architecture, and cultural significance.
Take time to appreciate the extraordinary combination of stone architecture, green mountains, and breathtaking scenery that makes Machu Picchu one of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites.
After the visit, we return to Aguas Calientes, where you will have time for lunch and some free time before beginning the journey back to Cusco.
In the afternoon, we take the train and continue our return journey to Cusco, arriving later that day and marking the end of our unforgettable Salkantay adventure.
Note:
If you planned to climb Huaynapicchu Mountain or Machupicchu Mountain, you should know this:
- Only the ticket that indicates “LLaqta de Machupicchu” allows you to choose one of the four established circuits.
- The ticket that includes the Waynapicchu or Huchuypicchu mountains only allows you to go through CIRCUIT 4.
- The ticket that includes the Machupicchu Mountain only allows you to tour CIRCUIT 3.
Inclussions
TRANSPORTATION:
- Pick up of the clients in their respective hotels and transfer to the starting point of the excursion, which is Ch’allacancha.
- On the last day, transfer from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco.
ENTRANCE: All entrance fees are included:
- Entrance to the Inca citadel of Machupicchu.
- Entrance ticket to the regional conservation area Humantay Lagoon.
CAMPING EQUIPMENT: We include the following staff:
- Spacious high mountain tent with capacity for three people but we use it only for two people (Doite Pro Aconcagua 3 Model, Tatonka Sherpa dome PU 3).
- Inflatable mattress for each person.
- Dining tent and kitchen with their respective tables and chairs.
ACCOMMODATION:
- One night in Standard Hotel*** in Machupicchu Pueblo.
SUPPORT STAFF:
- One professional bilingual guide for every 12 passengers.
- One Andean cook and an assistant.
- Horseman and mules to carry all camping equipment, and 7 kilos of personal belongings for each Tourist.
MEALS:
- Four energetic breakfasts
- Four nutritious lunches
- Four delicious dinners
- Tea every morning at the campsites
SAFETY
- Oxygen
- Radio communication
- First aid kit
- Certified guides in first aid and mountain rescue.
BUS IN MACHUPICCHU
- Bus tickets up and down to Machupicchu.
TOUR DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Breakfast on day 1
- Lunch and dinner on the last day of the trip
- Sleeping bag
- Transportation and entrance to Santa Teresa hot springs.
- Silla horse if you need it
- Adventure in the zip line park in the valley of Santa Teresa.
What to pack ?
- PACKING LIST FOR THE SALKANTAY TREK 5 DAYS
- A backpack to carry water, some snacks, a camera, sunscreen, valuable things, Jacket, rain gear, etc. We recommend bringing a backpack of 25 – 30 liters, but if you like to can bring a daypack or any size of the backpack as long as you feel comfortable with it.
- Sleeping bag at least – 5 cº. If you do not have one, you can rent from us for US 15 dollars for the whole trek.
- Trekking Poles – We recommend for people with problems of knees, ankle, or you are used to using hiking poles. If you do not have one, you can rent from us a pair of trekking poles for US 10 dollars from us.
- Original Passports
- Wool hat or beanie
- Sun hat
- Scarf
- Gloves
- 3 – 4 t-shirt, if you have long sleeve better
- layers (sweater, fleece)
- 2 – 3 pairs of long pants if you have leggings, you can do on leggings
- Hiking shoes
- 2 – 3 pairs of wool socks
- Rain gear (Pants, jacket, if you do not have you can buy a rain poncho) is crucial, especially for the wet season.
- A small headlamp
- A small towel
- Shorts
- Sunglasses
- Toothbrush and other personal toiletries
- Toilet paper
- sun block lotion
- Insect repellent
- Sandals / Flip flops
- Waterbottle
- bathing suits
- If you have thermal clothing you can take them which is not that important, you will use them at least for the first night, which is at 3900 m.
- Some snacks such as chocolate, cereal bars, candies, nuts, energy bars, etc.
- Extra Cash in Soles
IMPORTANT: Remember that we will provide you with a duffle bag on the briefing day, which you can use to pack 7 kilos of your personal belongings that you will take to the trek, which are going to be transported by the horse during the entire trek. It means that you will do the trek carrying your small backpack with things you need for the day hike and you will have access to the duffle bag at each camping place.
FAQ'S?
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Salkantay Trek 5 Days
The Salkantay Trail connects Cusco to the Citadel of Machu Picchu and runs approximately 75 km/46 miles through high Andean peaks, cloud forest, and steamy jungle. The hike starts at the village of Mollepata, two hours drive from Cusco.
The Salkantay Peak – Savage Mountain – is located within the Vilcabamba mountain range, to the northwest of Cusco. Salkantay is one of the highest and most spectacular mountains in the Andes (6,271m/20,574ft).
National Geographic’s Adventure Travel Magazine named the Salkantay trek among the 25 Best Treks in the World.
How far do we walk each day?
The amount you walk each day varies. An average day is 5-8 hours, but on the summit, night combined with the following day you can walk between 8 and 11 hours. Have a look at the itinerary for a day-to-day account.
How difficult is the Salkantay Trek 5 Days?
For an average traveler or tourist, Salkantay is considered a challenging but certainly not impossible hike. Due to the physical demands, anyone who wishes to trek Salkantay should at least be moderately fit. Moreover, all trekkers should spend at least 2 days in Cuzco before the trek, to get acclimatized. To be extremely fit does not grant any immunity from altitude sickness.
The entire hike is approximately 72 kilometers (approximately 45 miles), and this hiking takes place for 4 days and 3 nights. The remaining 1 day of the trek is spent at Machu Picchu. In general, Salkantay is considered to be slightly harder than the Inca Trail. Other trails, such as Choquequirao, are considered to be slightly harder than Salkantay.
What is the most challenging section of the 5-Day Salkantay Trek?
The Salkantay Pass, at 4646 meters (14, 760123 feet above sea level), is the most difficult section on the trail. Expect wind and cold temperatures. Some hikers might experience symptoms of altitude sickness. Symptoms will disappear as soon as you start your descent. Oxygen will be provided if needed. The Salkantay Pass, at approximately 4,646 meters above sea level is the most difficult section in the trail. These challenges are a result of several factors: the challenge of uphill climbing, cold winds, low temperatures in general, and the fact that you are trekking at a low-oxygen altitude.
How old do I have to be?
Very young children may not enjoy this. They should be able to walk (without being carried) for 90 minutes without whining, (the whining part applies to children of all ages).
Can I hike the Salkantay at any time?
Weather conditions during the rainy season make the Salkantay trek a risky decision. Therefore, we cannot guarantee the availability of the Salkantay treks from mid-march to the end of February. If the weather is good, we will give the OK for a trek to start. If we think the safety of our porters and clients is being threatened, we will cancel the trek.
When is the best time to hike the Salkantay?
The dry season is the best time for this trek. In Cuzco, the dry season lasts from April to November, and the wet season is from December to March. June to September are the most popular months to do the trek, due to summer vacations in Europe and the US. It is generally thought that May and October offer the best weather conditions.
Can I make the trek by myself?
Yes, it is possible for a single traveler or a small group to hike the trek by themself, without guides or porters. However, the trail is not clearly marked at all points, which makes getting lost a high possibility. This is one of the biggest advantages of hiring a tour agency like Mystic Salkantay. Our guides know the route very well.
Can I do the trek with my kids?
Children under 14 years old are not allowed to do the trek, and children who are over 14 years old should be in good physical shape and used to hiking long distances.
Can I use my mobile/cell phone on the mountain?
You will get sporadic phone coverage during the trek and there will not be anywhere whilst trekking to charge your phone.
Will there be an international cell phone on the Salkantay Trek 5 Days?
One of the trek leaders will be carrying a satellite phone. However, this is for emergency use only.
What is the weather on the Salkantay Trekking 5 Days?
Weather is very varied on this trek, because it winds its way through wildly different terrain at different altitudes. The only place where the weather is a serious concern is the Salkantay Pass and the nearby areas. Temperatures here, and at the nearby Soraypampa campsite, can fall below freezing. The other camps are much warmer, due to their proximity to the cloud forest.
How difficult is the Salkantay trek 5 Days?
On our tours, the Salkantay trek is easy. It is not a difficult trek in the Cusco area, although it is a route of ascents and descents, it implies some physical effort, for that our guides will be there to assist you.
Is the Salkantay trek closed?
Due to weather conditions, the Salkantay Trek is closed from January 31 to the end of February every year and we start again operation on the 01 or March, outside this date range, the hike is open and has the best conditions to enjoy it.
Can you do the Salkantay trek without a guide?
If it is possible if you have previous knowledge of the route and you can carry all your equipment; it can take you more time according to your physical condition; the most advisable is to do it with our experienced guides, besides we have exclusive camps, and you will only carry what you need.
Which is better Inca Trail or Salkantay trail?
The classic Inca trail hike, originally is part of the Inca Road system interconnecting the Inca Empire. This classic trek hike through diverse scenery. On the other hand, the Salkantay trek is more strenuous and famous for its mountain scenery.
