Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Peruvian Andes with the Classic Salkantay Trek, a thrilling alternative to the Inca Trail that promises adventure, breathtaking scenery, and cultural immersion. Recently featured on National Geographic’s Ultimate Adventure Bucket List as one of the world’s most extreme and legendary experiences, the Salkantay trek winds beneath the majestic Salkantay Mountain (6,271 m / 20,569 ft), one of the highest and most awe-inspiring peaks in the region. Open to adventurers of all levels, it’s perfect for those seeking a less crowded path to the iconic Machu Picchu.

Over four days of trekking, you’ll traverse diverse landscapes—from stark highland plateaus and shimmering glaciers to lush cloud forests, vibrant rainforests, and arid mountain trails. Marvel at panoramic views of sacred Apus (mountains) like Salkantay, Pumasillo, and Humantay, all part of the stunning Cordillera Vilcabamba range.

Your first night under the stars feels otherworldly, surrounded by the serene Salkantay stream, towering glaciers, and dramatic moraines sculpted by ancient ice flows.

Adding to the excitement, a heart-pounding zipline adventure awaits on Day 3 – soaring through the canopy for an adrenaline rush like no other.

Our Salkantay trip package elevates the experience with a elegant hotel stay on Night 4, an exclusive coffee plantation tour on Day 3 afternoon, entry to the rejuvenating Santa Teresa hot springs, and a delightful dinner at a local restaurant in Aguas Calientes.

As a highly rated operator on TripAdvisor, Action Peru Treks – proudly Indigenous-owned and committed to sustainable tourism – has guided hundreds of thrilled trekkers on life-changing expeditions. Join them and create memories that last a lifetime!

SALKANTAY TREK ITINERARY

Pre-trek briefing (required):

We host a comprehensive pre-trek Salkantay trek briefing at your hotel, typically 1 day before departure. This session covers the itinerary in detail, answers your questions, and ensures you’re fully prepared. Plan your travel to Cusco accordingly to attend—it’s essential for a smooth start!

Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa

Kick off your adventure with an early hotel pickup in Cusco, followed by a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Mollepata. Grab a quick coffee (on your own) or last-minute supplies here before continuing another 1 hour and 45 minutes to Challacancha, the trek’s starting point. Along the way, soak in your first glimpses of the towering Salkantay and Humantay Mountains, amid fertile fields of potatoes, quinoa, and lima beans tended by local families.

From Challacancha, embark on a 2-hour undulating hike to Soraypampa (3,800 m / 12,467 ft). Then, ascend for a rewarding 2.5-hour round-trip excursion to the turquoise Humantay Lake, nestled beneath its namesake glacier—a sight of ethereal beauty.

Return to Soraypampa for lunch at our cozy camp, where you’ll unwind in comfortable cabins with panoramic views of glaciers. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing with hot drinks and stunning scenery.

• Meals: Lunch / Dinner
• Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
• Time: 5-6 hours trekking
• Elevation Range: Lowest 3,900 m / 12,795 ft; Highest 4,200 m / 13,779 ft
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Accommodations: Cozy cabins at Soraypampa
• Highlights: Mount Salkantay, Mount Humantay, Humantay Lake

Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Colpapampa

Awaken to the invigorating scent of steaming coca tea, a traditional Andean brew that energizes you for the trek’s pinnacle—a day blending physical triumph with spiritual awe and breathtaking natural splendor. Set off on a steady 3-hour ascent from Soraypampa, navigating rugged switchbacks and rocky paths through the stark Andean highlands. As you climb, the majestic Apu Salkantay, revered by locals as a powerful mountain deity, looms ever closer, its snow-capped summit piercing the sky. Conquer the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft), the route’s highest elevation, where swirling mists part to reveal panoramic vistas of jagged peaks, vast glaciers, and infinite valleys below— a moment that steals your breath in the rarefied, crisp air.

Here, participate in a meaningful cultural ritual as your guide performs an offering to Pachamama (Mother Earth), invoking the mountain spirits for protection, good fortune, and a safe passage to Machu Picchu—a poignant connection to ancient Inca traditions.

Transition into a transformative 2-hour descent, where the landscape evolves dramatically from barren high-altitude pampas to misty cloud forests alive with hanging moss, vibrant orchids, and the calls of exotic birds. Pause for a nourishing lunch near the remote Huayracmachay village, refueling beside babbling mountain streams that echo through the valleys.

Energized by the morning’s efforts, continue your four-hour downhill journey, descending steadily into warmer air and lush subtropical greenery.

As the landscape transforms, dense vegetation bursts into life around you. Arrive at Colpapampa (2,950 m / 9,678 ft), a peaceful haven nestled in the Santa Teresa Valley, and settle into your campsite.

Enjoy comfortable beds, shared hot showers, and uninterrupted views of the surrounding verdant peaks – the perfect serene retreat to reflect on the day’s epic achievements.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Distance: 22 km / 13.6 miles
• Time: 9–10 hours
• Elevation Range: 2,950 m / 9,678 ft (lowest) – 4,630 m / 15,190 ft (highest)
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Accommodations: Mountain hut at Colpapampa (or similar)
• Highlights: Mount Salkantay, Mount Humantay

Day 3: Colpapampa – Coffee Tour – Zipline – Lucmabamba – Santa Teresa Hot Springs

After yesterday’s exertion, enjoy a gentler pace with a hearty breakfast fueling a 5–6-hour hike along the Santa Teresa River through vibrant rainforest.

Pass coffee and banana plantations, passion fruit fields, and a stunning waterfall—the trek’s most picturesque cascade.

Arrive in Lucmabamba around noon for a relaxing lunch. Then, dive into an immersive coffee tour: wander the fields, learn about bean varieties, harvest your own, and even pick fresh vegetables for tonight’s dinner.

Roast, grind, and brew your beans for a fresh cup –  a hands-on highlight!

Next, thrill to a nearby zipline adventure, gliding through the canopy with epic views. In the late afternoon, a 2-hour round-trip drive takes you to Cocalmayo Hot Springs, Peru’s finest thermal pools, for a soothing soak.

Return to your guesthouse in Lucmabamba for dinner.

• Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
• Distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles
• Time: 5-6 hours trekking
• Elevation Range: Lowest 2,050 m / 6,725 ft; Highest 2,950 m / 9,678 ft
• Difficulty: Easy
• Accommodations: Comfortable guesthouse in Lucmabamba 
• Highlights: Santa Teresa River, Colpapampa Village, Lucmabamba, Coffee Tour, Zipline, Hot Springs

Note: To ensure your safety and the best possible experience, the zipline adventure can be flexibly rescheduled to the following day if timing, weather conditions, or other factors necessitate it.

Day 4: Lucmabamba – Llactapata (Optional) – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes

Start with breakfast, then choose your path based on group consensus:

• Option 1: A scenic 3-hour uphill hike to the Llactapata Inca ruins, followed by a 2-hour descent to Hydroelectric. From there, opt for a train ride (extra cost, not included) or a 3-hour walk along the railroad tracks to Aguas Calientes.
• Option 2: A relaxed 1.5-hour drive to Hydroelectric, then a flat 3-hour walk along the tracks to Aguas Calientes.

Lunch is arranged at a local restaurant, tailored to your chosen route.

Upon arrival, check into your hotel, relax, or wander the charming town before dinner at a cozy local spot.

• Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
• Distance: Option 1: 25 km / 15.5 miles; Option 2: 10 km / 6.2 miles (from Hydroelectric)
• Time: 6-10 hours
• Elevation Range: Lowest 1,800 m / 5,905 ft; Highest 3,100 m / 10,170 ft
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Accommodations: Hotel in Aguas Calientes (double occupancy)
• Highlights: Llactapata Ruins (Option 1), Scenic Railroad Walk, Aguas Calientes Town

Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Conclude your unforgettable odyssey with a nourishing breakfast at your hotel, priming you for the climax of the journey. Catch an early bus for the thrilling 30-minute ride up twisting, hairpin roads, ascending through fog-enshrouded jungles to the mythical Machu Picchu (2,430 m / 7,972 ft).

Known as the “Lost City of the Incas,” this enigmatic wonder—rediscovered in 1911 by adventurer Hiram Bingham and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983—stands as a testament to Inca brilliance, with its meticulously fitted stone structures, expansive agricultural terraces, and harmonious urban design dramatically poised on a cloud-kissed ridge, commanding views over the roaring Urubamba River canyon.

Immerse yourself in Machu Picchu’s secrets during an engaging 2-hour guided tour, as your knowledgeable guide deciphers the site’s wonders: the astronomical Intihuatana stone (often called the Sun Dial), sustainable terracing systems that defied the mountains, opulent royal quarters, and arcane ceremonies aligned with celestial cycles—reviving the Inca’s innovative spirit and deep reverence for nature, all set against the symphony of highland birdsong and whispering winds.

If you’ve opted for the exhilarating Huayna Picchu hike (additional $75 USD), set out at 10 AM for a challenging yet gratifying climb to its pinnacle, where sweeping aerial perspectives showcase the citadel’s symmetrical grandeur amid a sea of verdant Andean peaks—illuminating its seamless integration with the landscape.Alternatively, indulge in unstructured time to wander freely, perhaps finding solace in secluded spots for reflection or photographing the ruins as ethereal mists swirl and part, unveiling hidden details, before descending by bus to Aguas Calientes.

In the afternoon, unwind on the picturesque Expedition Train journey to Ollantaytambo or Poroy, savoring final glimpses of the Sacred Valley’s dramatic scenery.

From there, a comfortable private van whisks you back to your Cusco hotel, with arrival typically falling between 7 PM and 8 PM depending on your train departure – affording plenty of evening to reflect on your profound adventure.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Elevation Range: Lowest 2,040 m / 6,691 ft; Highest 2,440 m / 8,052 ft
• Highlights: Machu Picchu Citadel, Optional Huayna Picchu

What’s Included

Guides & Staff

• Professional bilingual (English/Spanish) guide, expertly versed in Andean history, diverse flora and fauna, cultural insights, and high-altitude safety protocols
• Skilled chef and assistant chef, crafting fresh, nutritious meals using locally sourced ingredients to keep you energized throughout the trek
• Dedicated support staff, including experienced wranglers/muleteers, ensuring smooth logistics and a hassle-free experience

Pre-Trek & Transportation

• In-depth pre-departure briefing at your hotel (1 day prior), including detailed itinerary walkthrough, essential packing advice, altitude tips, and an open Q&A session
• Hassle-free hotel pickup in Cusco and comfortable private transport to the Challacancha trailhead on Day 1
• Convenient round-trip transport to the rejuvenating Santa Teresa (Cocalmayo) Hot Springs on Day 3
• Round-trip bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu on Day 5 for seamless access to the citadel
• Scenic return via Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or Poroy, followed by a private transfer directly to your Cusco hotel

Accommodations

• Night 1: Cozy mountain cabanas for two at Soraypampa, with intimate glacier views and exceptional stargazing under clear Andean skies.
• Night 2: Mountain hut (or similar) featuring shared hot showers, comfortable beds, and panoramic vistas of the lush Santa Teresa Valley.
• Night 3: Charming guesthouse or mountain cabanas in Lucmabamba, nestled deep in the rainforest for a cozy, immersive stay.
• Night 4: Comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes (double occupancy) with modern amenities, including en-suite bathrooms and Wi-Fi—ideal for relaxing before your Machu Picchu visit.

Camping Equipment & Support

• Fully equipped kitchen, dining room with tables and chairs, and private toilet
• Reliable horses/mules to transport all group equipment plus up to 8 kg of your personal belongings (complimentary duffle bag provided for easy packing)
• Emergency horse available for support in case of fatigue or minor issues
• Comprehensive first-aid kit, emergency oxygen bottle, and on-site medical assistance for peace of mind at high altitudes

Meals & Hydration

• All outlined meals: 4 hearty breakfasts (Days 2-5), 4 satisfying lunches (Days 1-4), and 4 delicious dinners (Days 1-4), with options for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or other dietary needs
• Special dinner at a local restaurant in Aguas Calientes on Night 4, featuring authentic Peruvian cuisine
• Unlimited daily boiled water for refilling your bottles, plus hot water provided for personal washing and warm beverages like coca tea

Entries & Experiences

• Official entrance ticket to the iconic Machu Picchu Citadel, including a guided tour to uncover its ancient wonders. Circuit assignment depends on booking timing: Circuit 2 may be available if reserved 8 – 12 months in advance, while Circuit 3 (or another available circuit) is typically assigned for bookings made 6 months or less in advance.

• Hands-on coffee plantation tour on Day 3, where you’ll harvest beans, learn roasting techniques, and savor freshly brewed coffee from the fields
• Adrenaline-pumping zipline experience, flexibly scheduled on Day 3 or 4 to accommodate timing, group preferences, and weather for maximum safety and enjoyment
• Entry to the therapeutic Santa Teresa (Cocalmayo) Hot Springs, hailed as Peru’s premier natural thermal baths, with about 2 hours to soak and unwind

What’s Not Included

• Breakfast on Day 1 (savor it at your Cusco hotel before our early pickup—consider trying local favorites like quinoa porridge)
• Lunch on Day 5 in Aguas Calientes (explore the town’s vibrant eateries with plenty of affordable, delicious options)
• Trekking poles (rental available for $25 USD per pair—highly recommended for balance on steep descents and uneven paths)
• Optional Huayna Picchu mountain ticket and climb (add-on for $75 USD per person—offers stunning aerial views but has limited slots; reserve in advance)
• Train ticket from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes (if you choose this shortcut on Day 4; costs approximately $30-40 USD and can be arranged on-site)
• Travel insurance (essential and strongly recommended to protect against high-altitude risks, trip cancellations, or emergencies—many policies start at $50 USD)
• Gratuities for your dedicated guides, chefs, muleteers, and staff

What to bring

Documents and Essentials

• Original passport: Bring the one used for booking; if you’ve renewed it since, carry both to avoid entry issues at Machu Picchu.
• Cash (Peruvian soles): For tips, snacks, or small purchases—ATMs are scarce on the trail.
• Travel insurance documents: Proof of coverage for high-altitude trekking and emergencies.
• Daypack (20-30L): For carrying daily items like water, snacks, and layers during hikes.

Clothing (Layering is Key)

Pack for cold mornings/evenings (down to freezing at Salkantay Pass), warm days, and potential rain. Aim for quick-dry, moisture-wicking fabrics.

• Trekking boots: Waterproof, broken-in hiking boots with good ankle support.
• Camp shoes/sandals: Lightweight flip-flops or sneakers for evenings and river crossings.
• Socks: 3-4 pairs of wool or synthetic hiking socks, plus liner socks to prevent blisters.
• Underwear and base layers: 4-5 pairs of quick-dry underwear; thermal long underwear for cold nights.
• Trekking shirts: 3-4 moisture-wicking t-shirts or long-sleeve tops.
• Pants and shorts: 2 pairs of lightweight hiking pants (convertible to shorts); avoid jeans.
• Warm layers: Fleece jacket or mid-layer; insulated down/puffer jacket for high altitudes.
• Rain gear: Waterproof jacket and pants (or poncho) to handle sudden showers.
• Accessories: Sun hat, beanie/wool hat for cold, gloves, buff/neck gaiter for wind/dust.

Toiletries and Health

Keep these in a small, waterproof bag. Tours may provide limited shared facilities.

• Toiletries: Toilet paper, wet wipes, biodegradable soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, personal towel (quick-dry microfiber).
• Sunscreen: High SPF (50+), lip balm with SPF.
• Insect repellent: DEET-based for mosquitoes in lower elevations.
• First aid basics: Blister plasters (e.g., Compeed), painkillers (ibuprofen), altitude sickness meds (consult a doctor), personal medications, hand sanitizer.
• Water bottle or hydration system: Reusable bottle (1L+); purification tablets or filter if needed (most tours provide boiled water).

Sun Protection and Visibility

• Sunglasses: Polarized with UV protection.
• Headlamp or flashlight: With spare batteries—essential for early starts and camp at night.

Electronics and Extras

• Camera or phone: With spare batteries/charger; power banks are useful as outlets are limited.
• Trekking poles: Highly recommended for steep descents and ascents; rentable from operators.
• Snacks: Energy bars, nuts, or dried fruit for extra fuel between meals.
• Miscellaneous: Plastic bags for wet/dirty clothes, earplugs for camp noise, book or journal for downtime.

What Not to Bring

• • Heavy items like books or excess clothing—stick to the weight limit.
  • Valuables: Leave jewelry at home; secure essentials in your daypack.
  • Drones: Prohibited at Machu Picchu without permits.

PRICES & ADD-ONS

Group: USD $690 per person
Private: USD $750 per person

Group versus Private Treks: What’s the difference?

• Depending on the number of people in your booking, additional people may join the trek to make a full group.
• If you choose “private”, no additional people will be joining your group, no matter the size.
• Minimum booking size is two people; one person may book a group trek if Action Peru Treks is able to join that person with additional groups.

Rentals

• Hiking Poles – USD $25 (pair)

Upgrades

• Return Vistadome Train – USD $80 per person
• Return Hiram Bingham Train– USD $520 per person
• Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel (5-star hotel) – USD $255 per person per night (double occupancy)
• Inkaterra El Pueblo Machu Picchu Hotel (5-star hotel) – USD $250 per person per night (double occupancy)
• El Mapi Hotel by Inkaterra (5-star hotel) – USD $115 per person per night (double occupancy)
• Tierra Viva Machu Picchu (3+ star hotel) – USD $50 per person per night (double occupancy)
• Private Tent – USD $40 per person

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu + Zipline – 5 Days / 4 Nights

1.- Is the Salkantay Trek harder than the Classic Inca Trail?

Yes, the Salkantay Trek is generally considered more challenging due to higher elevation (Salkantay Pass at 4,630 m / 15,190 ft) and longer daily trekking distances.

However, it is suitable for fit and moderately experienced hikers. No technical climbing skills are required.

2.- Do I need to be in good physical condition?

Yes, you should be in good physical shape and have some hiking experience. The Salkantay trek involves long days of walking (up to 5–6 hours) at high altitude, with significant elevation gains and descents.

3.- What is the highest altitude on this trek?

The highest point is the Salkantay Pass at 4,630 m / 15,190 ft on Day 2.

4.- Is altitude sickness a concern?

Yes, altitude sickness is possible, especially above 3,500 m. We recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2–3 days early to acclimatize. The itinerary includes gradual ascent and rest time at Soraypampa.

5.- What kind of accommodation do I get?

Nights 1–3: Comfortable camping in cozy cabins or tents at Soraypampa and Colpapampa

Night 4: Elegant hotel in Aguas Calientes (included in the package)

6.- What meals are included?

All meals are included from lunch on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 5, except for the coffee/snack in Mollepata on Day 1 (on your own).

Meals are freshly prepared by our team.

7.- Is the zipline included?

Yes, the heart-pounding zipline adventure is included on Day 3, along with the coffee plantation tour and Santa Teresa hot springs.

8.- Do I need to bring my own sleeping bag?

No, sleeping bags, pads, and all camping equipment are provided.

9.- Can I do this trek if I’m a solo traveler?

Yes, we accept solo travelers. You’ll be grouped with other trekkers, and the experience is very social.

10.- What happens if I can’t complete the Salkantay trek due to altitude or health issues?

Our Guides are trained to handle altitude-related issues. If needed, you can descend by horse or vehicle to the next camp. We also have emergency evacuation procedures in place.

11.- Is the pre-trek briefing mandatory?

Yes, it is required. It takes place the day before departure in Cusco and covers all essential information.

12.- How fit do I need to be to reach Humantay Lake on Day 1?

The round-trip to Humantay Lake is rated moderate and takes about 2.5 hours. It’s optional but highly recommended if you feel well-acclimatized.

13.- Will I see Machu Picchu on the Salkantay route?

You will not see Machu Picchu until the final day (Day 5) when you visit the site after arriving in Aguas Calientes.

14.- What should I pack for the trek?

We provide a detailed packing list during the pre-trek briefing. Essentials include warm layers, rain gear, hiking boots, a daypack, and personal medications.

15.- Is the tour group small?

Yes, we keep groups small (maximum 12–14 people) to ensure a personalized and sustainable experience.

16.- Do I need travel insurance?

We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers trekking at high altitude and emergency evacuation.

17.- Is the return train included in the Salkantay trek cost?

Yes, the return train is included in the cost of the Salkantay Trek package.