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PT5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: The Glacial Expedition
The 5-Day Salkantay Trek is the ultimate mountain pilgrimage for the bold, the restless, and those who demand an experience that transcends the typical tourist trail. At Via Inca Travel, we don’t just walk these paths; we belong to them. While standard agencies pack hundreds of travelers into noisy valley campsites, we lead an expedition that pushes higher and deeper into the wild.
As local masters of the Andes, we have strategically designed our route to place our campsites at the very foot of the glaciers in Soraypampa and the high ridges of Wayracpunku. This is your moment to dominate the Salkantay beyond the ordinary, fueled by organic mountain gastronomy and the raw, spiritual power of the Apus.
Tour Details
Tour Summary: Salkantay Trek 5 Days
A 72km (44.7 miles) mountain trek transitioning from frozen glacial peaks to cloud forests, coffee plantations, and the ancient sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
- Day 01: Cusco – Mollepata – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa. Drive from Cusco to Mollepata, hike to Soraypampa base camp, afternoon acclimatization hike to turquoise Humantay Lake (13,779 ft / 4,200 m), and night in campsite.
- Day 02: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Wayracpunku. High-altitude ascent to Salkantay Pass (15,190 ft / 4,630 m), traditional Andean ceremony, and descent to Wayracpunku campsite.
- Day 03: Wayracpunku – Chaullay – Lucmabamba (Coffee Tour & Cocalmayo). Descent into the cloud forest, transport to Lucmabamba, organic coffee tour, and visit to Cocalmayo volcanic hot springs.
- Day 04: Lucmabamba – Llactapata Ruins – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes. Hike along an original Inca trail to Llactapata ruins for a panoramic view of Machu Picchu, walk along train tracks to Aguas Calientes, and stay at hotel.
- Day 05: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu Citadel Tour – Return to Cusco. Early Consettur bus up to Machu Picchu, 2.5-hour guided tour, return train to Ollantaytambo, and transfer back to Cusco.
Inclusions Highlight: Hotel pickup in Cusco, tourist transport, certified mountain guide, horsemen and pack horses for camp gear, 4-season tents, organic mountain meals, coffee farm entrance, Cocalmayo hot springs fee, hotel in Aguas Calientes, Consettur bus, and return train ticket.
Detailed Salkantay Trek 5 Days Itinerary
Our native guides do not simply recite dates from guidebooks. They share ancient Andean legends, architectural secrets, and cultural depth that bring every stone site to life.
Our expedition kicks off at 4:30 AM with pickup from your hotel in Cusco. We leave the sleeping city behind, driving through the Limatambo Valley toward Mollepata (9,514 ft / 2,900 m) for a traditional breakfast. We then continue driving to Sayllapata, where we meet our horsemen team and pack horses who will carry our camping equipment and duffel bags throughout the trek.
The morning hike is a steady 3-hour ascent through the high valley toward our base camp. Upon arrival at Soraypampa (12,795 ft / 3,900 m), our mountain chef serves a fresh lunch. In the afternoon, we undertake the steep acclimatization hike to the legendary Humantay Lake (13,779 ft / 4,200 m), admiring its turquoise waters gleaming beneath the hanging glacier of Mount Humantay. After taking photos and making an offering of coca leaves, we descend to our campsite at Soraypampa to spend the night directly beneath Mount Salkantay under a clear sky of Andean stars.
Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles | Hiking Time: 5–6 hours | Max Elevation: 4,200m / 13,779ft
We wake up at dawn with hot coca tea delivered to your tent. Today is the physical peak of the trek. Leaving Soraypampa, we begin the steady ascent along glacial moraines toward the high mountain pass. Pacing ourselves carefully, we stop at Suyrucocha to catch our breath and enjoy the high-altitude mountain scenery.
We reach the highest point of the trek at Salkantay Pass (15,190 ft / 4,630 m), standing face-to-face with the massive ice walls of Mount Salkantay. Here, our guide leads a traditional K’intu ritual using coca leaves to thank the sacred Apu mountain spirits for safe passage. After celebrating our achievement, we begin descending the rocky trail to our second campsite at Wayracpunku (“Gate of the Wind” – 12,795 ft / 3,900 m), where we enjoy a hot dinner and sunset views high above the lower valleys.
Distance: 13 km / 8 miles | Hiking Time: 6–7 hours | Max Elevation: 4,630m / 15,190ft
The morning air grows warmer as we descend into the Ceja de Selva (high jungle cloud forest). The rugged glacial landscape gives way to dense vegetation, wild orchids, bromeliads, and colorful tropical birds. We hike downward along the Santa Teresa River valley until reaching Chaullay (9,514 ft / 2,900 m).
At Chaullay, local transport takes us on a short drive to our campsite in Lucmabamba (6,561 ft / 2,000 m). After a farm-to-table lunch, we participate in an interactive local Organic Coffee Tour, picking ripe coffee cherries, roasting the beans, and brewing fresh coffee with local farming families. In the late afternoon, we drive to the volcanic Cocalmayo Hot Springs in Santa Teresa to soak in natural thermal pools before returning to Lucmabamba for dinner.
Distance: 14 km trek + 45 min drive | Hiking Time: 5–6 hours | Campsite Elevation: 2,000m / 6,561ft
After breakfast, we hike along a section of original Inca Trail ascending through coffee and passion fruit plantations to the archaeological ridge of Llactapata (9,022 ft / 2,750 m). Perched directly across the Aobamba valley, Llactapata offers a unique panoramic view of the Machu Picchu citadel and Huayna Picchu mountain from afar.
After exploring Llactapata, we descend a steep trail into the Aobamba valley, reaching the Hidroeléctrica train station for a fresh lunch. From Hidroeléctrica, we complete the final 3-hour flat hike alongside the railway tracks through subtropical jungle terrain, arriving at Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo – 6,692 ft / 2,040 m). Check-in at your selected partner hotel and enjoy a celebratory dinner at a local restaurant.
Distance: 16 km / 10 miles | Hiking Time: 6–7 hours | Elevation Change: +750m / -1,000m
We wake up early to take the Consettur bus up the winding Hiram Bingham road to the main gates of Machu Picchu. Your university-licensed guide will lead a comprehensive 2 to 2.5-hour tour through the citadel, explaining Incan stone architecture, the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana sundial, and the Sacred Plaza.
Note: Specific entry circuits (Circuit 1, 2, or 3) and entry time slots depend strictly on official government availability at the exact time of reservation. We strongly recommend booking as far in advance as possible to secure the best available route.
After the guided tour, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (optional, not included). You will then board your return train (Expedition or Vistadome) to Ollantaytambo, where our private driver transfers you back to your hotel in Cusco, concluding your 5-day Salkantay Trek.
What’s Included in the 5-Day Salkantay Trek?
Total transparency is our rule. We deliver top-tier logistical services with zero hidden fees or surprise costs.
Included:
- Transfers & Ground Transport: Hotel pickup in Cusco, transport to Sayllapata trailhead, local transport from Chaullay to Lucmabamba and Cocalmayo, Consettur bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, and return train ticket (Expedition/Voyager) from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo with transfer back to Cusco.
- Accommodation: 3 nights of camping (Soraypampa, Wayracpunku, Lucmabamba) and 1 night standard room hotel stay in Aguas Calientes (subject to availability upon booking; if full, an equivalent category hotel will be assigned).
- Official Entry Permits: Official entrance permit to Machu Picchu citadel, Soraypampa community fee, organic coffee farm tour entry, and Cocalmayo Hot Springs entry ticket.
- Certified Local Guide: University-licensed English-speaking guide specialized in high-altitude trekking and Wilderness First Aid.
- Support Team: Professional horsemen and pack horses to carry camping gear, duffel bags (up to 7kg per person), and kitchen equipment.
- Camping Equipment: 4-season 3-person capacity tents (used for 2 people), foam sleeping mattresses, dining tent with tables and chairs, kitchen tent, and chemical toilet tent.
- Meals: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners freshly prepared by our mountain chef using local ingredients.
- Safety Equipment: First-aid kit, pulse oximeter, and emergency medical oxygen tanks.
- 24/7 Logistics Support: Real-time coordination from our local Cusco office throughout the trek.
Not Included:
- Accommodation in Cusco: Hotel stays before or after the trek.
- Sleeping Bag & Trekking Poles: Available for rental upon request prior to departure.
- Unspecified Meals: Breakfast on Day 1 and Lunch/Dinner on Day 5 in Aguas Calientes.
- Gratuities: Optional tips for horsemen, chefs, and guides.
Tour Prices & Package Options
Personalize Your Experience: Select your preferred hotel and trek service option from the table below. Rates are per person in US Dollars (USD) for standard occupancy.
Group Trek (Shared Service)
Private Trek (Exclusive Service)
Popular Upgrades: Vistadome Train upgrade (+$50 per person), Sleeping bag rental (+$25), Trekking pole pair rental (+$20), Huayna Picchu Hike permit (+$75 per person).
Essential Trip Planning Information
Mandatory Acclimatization Strategy: Day 2 reaches an extreme elevation of 15,190 ft (4,630 m) at the Salkantay Pass. We strongly require that travelers spend at least 2 to 3 days acclimatizing in Cusco (11,152 ft / 3,400 m) or the Sacred Valley prior to starting the trek.
Physical Pace & Difficulty: The 5-Day Salkantay Trek covers 72 km (44.7 miles) across cold mountain passes and humid jungle valleys. A good level of physical fitness and hiking experience is recommended.
Duffel Bag Weight Limit: Our pack horses will carry a duffel bag with your personal belongings up to 7 kg / 15 lbs per person (including your sleeping bag). Your main luggage remains stored safely at your Cusco hotel free of charge.
Weather & Microclimates: Day 1 and Day 2 campsites are cold (freezing temperatures at night near glaciers), while Day 3 and Day 4 in the high jungle are warm and humid with mosquitoes. Pack thermal base layers for cold nights, light breathable shirts for the jungle, waterproof rain jacket, sturdy broken-in hiking boots, insect repellent (DEET), hat, and sunscreen.
Train Luggage Rules: Trains from Aguas Calientes restrict carry-on luggage to 5 kg / 11 lbs per passenger. Your trek duffel bag will be transported accordingly.
