There is something adventurous about going on a long trek to visit an ancient civilization. If this is something that you would love to experience and have the time to do it, then the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu 5 days is the journey of a lifetime you’ve been waiting for.
Overview:
There is something adventurous about going on a long trek to visit an ancient civilization. If this is something that you would love to experience and have the time to do it, then the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu 5 days is the journey of a lifetime you’ve been waiting for.
Adventure travel and wonder await as the 5 day Salkantay Trek 5 days will fill you a rush of adrenaline as you experience the local people’s cultural beauty amongst the natural landscape of South America.
If you also want to disconnect from your everyday busy life and visit the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, then the 5 day Salkantay trekking to Machu Picchu is a truly unique experience. This is one of the best trails to Machu Picchu.
While many opt for the esteemed 4 Day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu, the Salkantay Trekking isn’t just the best trip around but has also been ranked as a top 25 trek by National geographic travel Magazine.
Your 5 day Salkantay trekking is a mysterious journey into the known and unknown that will heal your mind, body, and soul. You’ll a rejuvenated sense of joy as you and many others make this trek to ease their minds and rejuvenate their bodies.
While on this trek, our Tour Leader will guide you to explore the many opportunities along the way and help you create memories that will last a lifetime. This 5 day Salkantay trekking to Machu Picchu is truly the best option for you.
Check out our detailed post on How to train for Salkantay Trek.
Why Machu Picchu Tours?
We at Machu Picchu Tours, are a fully locally owned tour operator and a licensed Salkantay Trail operator based in Cusco. Our guides are passionate about the history, Inca sites and culture of Peru. They have years of experience on hiking to Machu Picchu.
We offer Salkantay Trail both in private and as a small group tour.
Salkantay is a part of the Andean mountain range. It is subject to two season dry season and rainy season. During monsoon, the trek gets slippery. The best time to do the Salkantay Trek is during the dry season – April to December.
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is a high altitude experience. We highly recommend you to spend 3-4 days in Cusco before the trail to avoid altitude sickness.
Itinerary trip
Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa Campsite
The trip starts with a pick up at 5 am. We will then drive to Molletapa (2hrs approx) where we will have breakfast. From there, we make the one hour trip to Challacancha, this is where the adventure begins! We climb up for 30 mins and then hike a flat path with unique views for 3 hours.
Once we arrive at Soraypampa (12631 ft/3850m), there will be lunch available and we will camp for the night. The afternoon will be left to acclimatize, rest and relax. If you feel a bit adventurous, Machu Picchu Tours do recommend the option to walk the famous Humantay Lagoon.
Please note, Bring warm clothing as the temperature could reach to 0 degrees or even snow (which is not that common).
Day 2: Soraypampa - Ccolpapampa Campsite
Today may be the longest day but with exceptional views! We will climb for approx. 3 hours and be very close to the snow of Salkantay Mountain and reach the top of the Salkantay Pass (15255 ft/4650m).
When we reach towards the top, we will have time to take photos and take in all the glorious views. Then me make our way down and stop at our lunch spot which is about an hour and a half.
After lunch we will continue to descent (approx. 4 hours) down the hills and make our way to our campsite in Ccollpapampa (9,842 ft/3,000 m)
Day 3: Ccolpapampa - La Playa Campsite
Today will be an early morning hike (5 hours approx.) along a quiet pathway of the cloud forest. You will be surrounding yourself with the flora and fauna of the valleys.
Once we arrive at our campsite at La Playa (6716 ft/2000m), we will have lunch and the rest of the afternoon to sightsee or perhaps organize to go to the hot springs of Cocalmayo.
Day 4: La Playa - Santa Teresa - Hidro Electrica - Aguas Calientes
An early start to the day with 4 hours of hiking uphill to Llactapata (8694 ft/2650m). We descend another 2 hours downhill until we reach the hydroelectric power station for lunch.
There we will bid farewell to our team of Machu Picchu Tours, and venture on with our Tour Leader by train from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes where we will stay the night at a hotel and the following day we will visit the mystical site of Machu Picchu.
Day 5: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu
Today we hop on a bus and make the journey (30 minutes drive approx.) to visit Machu Picchu, The lost city of the Incas.
Our tour guide will welcome you with a 2 hour guided tour and take you to the most important temples and enclosures Machu Picchu has to offer. After the tour, you will have free time for exploring Machu Picchu on your own.
If you have booked to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain, our guide will direct you to the trail head. Please note you need to book your hike to either of the mountains months in advance.
Alternatively you can hike to Inti Punku or Sun Gate. This is the point of entrance to the citadel to those on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
After the full day tour of Machu Picchu, we will depart Aguas Calientes to board the train at 2:30pm (depending on availability) to Ollantaytambo train station. Here our representative will be meeting you and will be driving you back to Cusco. We will arrive at Cusco City at roughly 7:00 p.m.
Inclusions
Departure & Return Location
Cusco Hotel Transfer
Departure Time
4:30 a.m.
Price Includes
- Pick up and drop off in your hotel
- Professional Tour Leader
- Professional Chef
- Entrance Ticket to Machu Picchu
- Mules to carry cooking and camping equipment plus 7kg of your personal items
- Transportation by bus to challacancha
- Return transportation by train and bus to Cusco
- Water (excluding the first 4 hours of the trek)
- 5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Afternoon Snacks and 4 Dinners. If you have a dietary request such as vegetarian food please let us know
- 2 man tent for every 2 trekkers
- 3 Star Hotel on Day 4
- Sleeping mattress
- Oxygen bottle
- First aid kit
- Return bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
Price Excludes
- Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu
- Travel Insurance
- Sleeping Bag USD 35
- Walking Stick USD 9
- Lunch and Dinner on the last day
- Any Private Expenses
Pricing
Small Group Tour (Personalized Experience) :
2 -3 People – 650US$ Per person
4+ People – 630US$ Per person
Children/students 600US$ Per person
Exclusive Private Tour:
2 -3 People – 800US$ Per person
4+ People – 750US$ Per person
Children/students 740US$ Per person
Frequently Asked Questions – 5 days Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
The highest point of the Salkantay Trek is the Salkantay Pass, which sits at an altitude of about 4,600 to 4,650 meters (15,092–15,256 ft) above sea level. Reaching this pass is one of the most challenging yet rewarding moments of the hike. From here, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the sacred Salkantay Mountain, the second-highest peak in the Cusco region, towering at 6,271 m.
At this altitude, the air is thinner, and temperatures can drop below freezing, especially early in the morning, so having proper cold-weather gear (thermal layers, gloves, and a good jacket) is essential. Many hikers describe arriving at the Salkantay Pass as the most epic part of the journey, not just for the scenery but also for the personal achievement of conquering this high mountain pass.
The 5-day Salkantay Trek is rated moderate to challenging. While it’s not a technical climb, it does require a good fitness level because the days are long (often 6–8 hours of hiking) and include steep ascents, especially when crossing the Salkantay Pass on the second day.
High altitude adds to the challenge, as oxygen levels are lower. After the second day, the trek gets progressively easier as the trail descends into warmer and greener cloud forest areas before reaching Aguas Calientes. This trek is perfect for adventurous travelers who want a rewarding challenge without needing mountaineering experience, but it may not be ideal for those completely new to long-distance hiking or with health issues related to altitude.
Proper altitude acclimatization is key to enjoying the Salkantay Trek safely. Plan to arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before the trek begins, giving your body time to adjust. During this period, avoid intense physical activity and focus on staying well hydrated. Eat light, carb-rich meals, and avoid alcohol or smoking, as they can make acclimatization harder. Many travelers find relief in drinking coca tea or muña tea, traditional Andean remedies for mild altitude discomfort.
If you know you’re prone to altitude sickness, consult your doctor before traveling; some hikers use prescription medications like acetazolamide to help prevent severe symptoms. Always listen to your body, and let your guide know if you experience intense headaches, dizziness, nausea, or shortness of breath they carry oxygen and first aid supplies for emergencies.
The best time to hike the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is during the dry season, from May to September. These months offer clearer skies, more stable weather, and safer trail conditions, allowing you to fully enjoy panoramic views of the Salkantay Glacier and surrounding mountains. Daytime temperatures are generally pleasant, but nights in high-altitude camps (like Soraypampa) can be very cold, so packing warm gear is essential.
The rainy season (December to March) brings heavier rain, muddy and slippery paths, and frequent fog, which can obscure views and make river crossings more challenging. While trekking is still possible, it requires extra caution and proper waterproof clothing. April and October are transitional months you might get a mix of clear days and occasional showers. If you want the safest conditions and the best scenery, June, July, and August are ideal, though these months are also the busiest for hikers.
Essentials include:
- Daypack with daily supplies
- Layered clothing (base, mid, outer)
- Waterproof jacket / poncho
- Sturdy and preferably waterproof trekking boots
- Gloves, hat, buff
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Sleeping bag (if not provided)
- Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat)
- Insect repellent
- Water and snacks
- Chargers / power bank
