Starts at
Starts at
Trip Overview
Introduction
The Salkantay Trail is not just a way to reach Machu Picchu. It is five days of cold mountain air, high passes, green valleys, coffee fields, and that quiet feeling you get when the Andes begin to take over the rhythm of your steps.
This route is made for travelers who want more than a simple train ride. You will walk from the highland world of Soraypampa and Humantay Lake to the warmer cloud forest of Santa Teresa, passing glaciers, rivers, Inca paths, rural homes, and small farming areas where life still follows the land.
With Machu Picchu Gol Travel, the trip is organized with clear logistics, trained guides, careful meals, and a team that knows the route from Cusco to Aguas Calientes. We keep the journey personal, safe, and well-paced, so you can focus on the trail, not the stress behind it.
Because this trek includes Machu Picchu entrance tickets, spaces can sell out fast, especially in high season. Booking early gives you a better chance of securing the best available circuit and train schedule.
Tour at a Glance
Ends at
Ends at
Duration
Duration
From
US$ 100
Deposit
6%
Travel staff
Local Guide
Transport
by Bus
Accommodation
Accomodation
Departures
Daily Departures
Season
All year
Meals
1B, 1L, 1D
Physical level
Easy
Max altitude
15,090 feet (4,600 meters)
Sites to visit
Cusco, Soraypampa
Day by Day Schedule
Day highlight: Humantay Lake, the first strong reward of the route, framed by ice, stone, and high Andean silence.
The day starts early in Cusco with hotel pickup and tourist transport toward Mollepata. After a short stop, the trip continues to Challacancha, where the walking route begins. Before taking the first steps, your guide checks the group, explains the day, and helps with final details.
The first section is a moderate walk toward Soraypampa. The trail is mostly dirt with gradual uphill sections and open valley views. You may feel the altitude here, so the pace should be steady rather than rushed. The air is cool, dry, and thin, especially when the sun hides behind the mountains.
After lunch and a short rest at camp, the route continues toward Humantay Lake. This part is shorter but steeper. The ground can be dusty in dry season and slippery after rain. The climb asks for patience, but the reward is clear: a glacier-fed lake with deep blue-green water under Humantay Mountain.
Later, you descend to Soraypampa for dinner and rest. At night, the temperature drops, and the sky can feel very close. This is your first night surrounded by the high Andes.
Technical details
- Meals: Lunch and dinner
- Accommodation: Camp or lodge in Soraypampa
- Starting altitude: Cusco, approx. 3,400 m / 11,155 ft
- Camp altitude: Soraypampa, approx. 3,900 m / 12,795 ft
- Humantay Lake altitude: Approx. 4,200 m / 13,780 ft
- Walking distance: Approx. 10 km / 6.2 mi
- Walking time: Approx. 5 to 6 hours total
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trail type: Dirt paths, gradual ascent, steep lake section, rocky parts near Humantay
- Transport: Tourist transport from Cusco to Challacancha
Day highlight: Crossing Salkantay Pass, the highest and most demanding point of the journey.
This is the hardest day of the trek. The morning begins cold, and the first steps may feel heavy because of the altitude. The trail climbs toward Salkantay Pass through a winding mountain path often known locally as the “Seven Snakes” due to its curves.
The ground is rocky and uneven. There may be frost, mud, or water on the trail depending on the season. The ascent requires calm breathing, warm layers, and a slow pace. At the pass, Salkantay Mountain rises above the landscape with a strong presence. This is one of those places where many travelers stay quiet for a moment, not because they have nothing to say, but because the view feels bigger than words.
After time at the pass, the route descends toward Huayracmachay for lunch. This descent can be hard on the knees, so trekking poles are very helpful. In the afternoon, the scenery changes quickly. The cold highland terrain gives way to greener slopes, more vegetation, and warmer air as the group approaches the cloud forest.
The day ends near Collpapampa, where dinner and rest wait after a long day on foot.
Technical details
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Accommodation: Camp or lodge near Collpapampa
- Starting altitude: 3,900 m / 12,795 ft
- Highest altitude: Salkantay Pass, approx. 4,630 m / 15,190 ft
- Camp altitude: Approx. 2,950 m / 9,678 ft
- Walking distance: Approx. 23.5 km / 14.6 mi
- Walking time: Approx. 10 to 11 hours
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Trail type: Rocky ascent, high pass, long descent, dirt trail, humid lower sections
- Transport: No main vehicle during the hiking section
Day highlight: The route moves from mountain silence into the warm Santa Teresa Valley, with coffee fields, fruit trees, rivers, and forest sounds.
The third day feels different from the first two. The air becomes warmer, the vegetation thicker, and the trail softer underfoot. The group walks through the Santa Teresa Valley, passing rivers, small waterfalls, orchids, and farming areas where families grow coffee, bananas, avocados, and other crops.
This section is usually more moderate, though the trail may become muddy in rainy season. There can be narrow parts, wet stones, and humid air, so good shoes matter. The mood of the route changes too: after the cold mountain pass, the body often feels lighter in the lower altitude.
Depending on the final logistics, part of the route may include private transport to save energy and reach Lucmabamba with better timing. In Lucmabamba, you take part in a coffee activity, learning how local families work with the crop, from harvesting to roasting and grinding.
The afternoon is slower. Travelers may rest at the lodge or ask about the optional Cocalmayo hot springs when conditions and timing allow.
Technical details
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge or jungle camp in Lucmabamba
- Starting altitude: Approx. 2,950 m / 9,678 ft
- Lowest altitude: Approx. 2,000 m / 6,562 ft
- Walking distance: Approx. 10.3 km / 6.4 mi
- Walking time: Approx. 4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trail type: Dirt trail, humid paths, possible mud, river areas, vegetation-covered sections
- Transport: Possible private transport between trail sections, depending on itinerary operation
Day highlight: Llactapata, the Inca site where Machu Picchu appears across the mountains before the final day.
After breakfast, the trail climbs from Lucmabamba toward Llactapata. This ascent takes effort, especially in the warmer climate, but it is one of the most meaningful parts of the trek. You walk on a section linked to old Inca paths, with views over the Santa Teresa Valley.
The terrain includes dirt, stones, roots, and some narrow areas. After rain, this part can be slippery. For safety, the Llactapata trail may change if heavy rain makes the route unsafe.
At Llactapata, the guide explains the site and its relationship with Machu Picchu. From here, you can see Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu from a distance. Seeing it before arriving gives the final day a different kind of anticipation.
The route then descends toward Aobamba and continues to Hidroelectrica. From Hidroelectrica, travelers usually walk along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes. This last section is mostly flat but long, with warm weather and a steady rhythm beside the railway. Travelers who feel very tired may request the optional train from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes, with extra cost and subject to availability.
In Aguas Calientes, dinner is served in town, and the night is spent in a hotel.
Technical details
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Starting altitude: Approx. 2,000 m / 6,562 ft
- Highest altitude: Llactapata, approx. 2,800 m / 9,186 ft
- Accommodation altitude: Aguas Calientes, approx. 2,040 m / 6,693 ft
- Walking distance: Approx. 25 km / 15.53 mi
- Walking time: Approx. 8 to 9 hours
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Trail type: Uphill dirt path, Inca trail section, descent, railway-side walk
- Transport: Optional train from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes, not included
Day highlight: Guided tour of Machu Picchu after four days of walking through the Andes and cloud forest.
The final day starts early in Aguas Calientes. Depending on the included bus ticket and the assigned entrance time, the group travels up to Machu Picchu and enters with the guide.
Inside the citadel, the route follows the assigned official circuit. The guide explains the main sectors allowed within that circuit, such as terraces, temples, stone structures, water channels, and ceremonial areas. The visit is not free-roaming; Machu Picchu now operates through official circuits and timed entries. Since June 1, 2024, the Ministry of Culture has organized the site into 3 circuits and 10 routes.
After the guided tour, travelers return to Aguas Calientes. Later, the return train goes to Ollantaytambo, where tourist transport takes the group back to Cusco.
Technical details
- Meals: Breakfast
- Machu Picchu altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate inside the site, depending on the assigned circuit
- Guided tour: Approx. 2 hours
- Transport: Bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu, train to Ollantaytambo, tourist transport to Cusco
- Optional hikes: Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, or Huchuy Picchu, only when booked in advance
Inclusions
What’s Included
Permits and Tickets
- Entrance ticket to Humantay Lake
- Access to the Salkantay trekking route
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu, subject to official availability
- Assigned Machu Picchu circuit according to ticket availability
- Support with ticket coordination before the trip
Guide and Safety
- Professional English and Spanish-speaking guide
- Pre-departure briefing in Cusco
- First aid kit
- Emergency oxygen
- Safety support during the trek
- Basic altitude guidance
- Route management according to weather and trail conditions
Accommodation
- Night 1: Accommodation in Soraypampa
- Night 2: Accommodation near Collpapampa
- Night 3: Accommodation in Lucmabamba
- Night 4: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Shared rooms in standard service
- Private room options with extra cost
- Hot showers where available, depending on camp or lodge conditions
Meals
- 5 breakfasts
- 4 lunches
- 4 dinners
- Hot drinks during trekking days
- Snacks during the route
- Boiled water during trekking days after meals
- Vegetarian, vegan, and special meal requests with advance notice
- Kitchen team and cooking equipment during trekking sections
Transport
- Hotel pickup in Cusco
- Tourist transport from Cusco to the trailhead
- Transport support during the route where included
- One-way Consettur bus ticket between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
- Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Tourist transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
- Duffle bag transport during trekking days, maximum 5 kg / 11 lb
What’s Not Included
Not Included
- Sleeping bag
- Trekking poles
- Lunch in Aguas Calientes on Day 5
- Dinner in Cusco on Day 5
- Return bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, unless upgraded
- Optional train from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes
- Optional Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, or Huchuy Picchu tickets
- Travel insurance
- Personal hiking gear
- Tips for guide, cook, horsemen, and support staff
- Extra costs caused by weather, strikes, landslides, illness, train delays, government decisions, or force majeure
Recommendations
Months before the trek
- Book early, especially if you want a better chance of getting Circuit 2 at Machu Picchu.
- Spend time walking, hiking, or training on stairs before arriving in Peru.
- Break in your hiking boots before the trip. New boots can ruin a long trekking day.
- Check your passport validity and send correct passport details at booking.
- Buy travel insurance that includes trekking at high altitude.
- Tell our reservations team about food restrictions, allergies, medical conditions, or special needs.
A few days before the trek
- Arrive in Cusco at least 2 or 3 days before the trek to adapt to the altitude.
- Keep your first days in Cusco light. Your body needs time.
- Drink water often and avoid heavy alcohol before the trek.
- Attend the briefing and ask every practical question you have.
- Pack your duffle carefully. The maximum weight is 5 kg / 11 lb.
- Keep passport, money, medication, and valuables in your daypack.
During the trek
- Walk at your own safe rhythm. The mountain does not reward rushing.
- Use layers. The route changes from cold highland weather to warm forest air.
- Keep rain gear close, especially from November to March.
- Respect local people, farms, animals, and private land along the route.
- Ask before taking close photos of local residents.
- Carry small soles for drinks, bathrooms, hot springs, snacks, or local purchases.
- Stay mentally open. Some moments are cold, tiring, or uncomfortable, but they are part of the route.
More Tour Information
- Tour name: Classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
- Duration: 5 days and 4 nights
- Starting point: Cusco
- Ending point: Cusco
- Main route: Cusco, Mollepata, Challacancha, Soraypampa, Humantay Lake, Salkantay Pass, Huayracmachay, Collpapampa, La Playa, Lucmabamba, Llactapata, Hidroelectrica, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu
- Maximum altitude: 4,630 m / 15,190 ft
- Machu Picchu altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
- Total hiking distance: Approximately 73.3 km / 45.5 mi
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Best for: Active travelers with good stamina and at least 2 days of acclimatization in Cusco
- Accommodation: Camps, lodges, and hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Meals included: 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners
- Group size: Up to 12 travelers in group service
- Duffle bag: Included, maximum 5 kg / 11 lb
- Guide: English and Spanish-speaking professional guide
- Machu Picchu entrance: Included, subject to official availability
- Train return: Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Final transport: Ollantaytambo to Cusco by tourist transport
- Recommended booking time: 3 to 6 months in advance for better ticket and circuit options
- Walk one of Peru’s strongest trekking routes, crossing from the cold Andes into the warmer cloud forest.
- Reach Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the trek at around 4,630 m / 15,190 ft, with Salkantay Mountain rising above the valley.
- Stand beside Humantay Lake, where the glacier, wind, and deep turquoise water make the first day feel powerful from the start.
- Sleep in mountain camps and lodges placed along the route, with warm meals after long hiking days.
- Follow quiet sections of trail through Soraypampa, Huayracmachay, Collpapampa, Lucmabamba, Llactapata, and Hidroelectrica.
- Walk through coffee, banana, avocado, and fruit-growing areas in the Santa Teresa Valley.
- Take part in a local coffee activity in Lucmabamba, from the plant to the cup.
- Reach Llactapata, an Inca site facing Machu Picchu, and see the citadel from a different angle before the final day.
- Spend the last night in Aguas Calientes, close to the entrance route to Machu Picchu.
- Enter Machu Picchu with a guide and follow the assigned circuit according to official availability.
- Travel with Machu Picchu Gol Travel, a Cusco-based travel agency focused on organized logistics, clear communication, trained local guides, and responsible work with local communities.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is usually from hotels located in Cusco city. Some streets in the historic center are narrow, steep, or closed to vehicles. If your hotel or Airbnb has difficult access, we may coordinate a nearby meeting point.
The exact pickup time is confirmed during the briefing. Traffic and access conditions in Cusco can cause small variations.
Luggage storage
You can leave your main luggage at your hotel or at our office while you are on the trek. Bring only what you need for the route.
Do not leave valuables inside stored luggage. Passport, money, cards, cameras, medication, and electronics should stay with you.
Payment conditions
A deposit is required to secure logistics, staff, accommodation, trains, and Machu Picchu tickets. Some services must be paid in advance and may become non-refundable once issued.
The remaining balance should be paid before the trek according to the instructions from our reservations team. Cash payments in Cusco may avoid online transaction fees. Card or online payments may include gateway fees.
These conditions exist because Machu Picchu tickets, train seats, camps, food supplies, transport, and support staff must be arranged before departure.
Return from Machu Picchu to Cusco
After the Machu Picchu tour, you return to Aguas Calientes. From there, you board the train to Ollantaytambo. You must be at the station at least 30 minutes before departure.
The train ride from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes. From Ollantaytambo, tourist transport takes you back to Cusco, usually around 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic.
Train times are subject to availability and may change depending on season, operator, and booking date.
Availability
This tour includes Machu Picchu, so availability depends on official entrance tickets, circuits, train schedules, accommodation, and operation capacity.
For the best chance of securing a better circuit and train schedule, booking 3 to 6 months in advance is strongly recommended. Last-minute bookings may be possible, but Machu Picchu spaces can be limited. In those cases, Machu Picchu Gol Travel is not responsible for extra delays, alternative circuits, or limited schedules caused by late booking.
If the preferred Machu Picchu circuit is not available, we will offer the best available alternative. Each traveler can choose only one Machu Picchu circuit included in the tour. For a specific circuit request, private service is the best option, subject to official availability.
Trains to Machu Picchu
The included train is usually a standard tourist train between Aguas Calientes and Ollantaytambo, such as PeruRail Expedition or Inca Rail Voyager, depending on availability.
Train companies limit luggage on board. PeruRail indicates that Machu Picchu train passengers may carry one backpack or hand luggage up to 8 kg, with size limits depending on service. Inca Rail states that each ticket allows one piece of hand luggage up to 8 kg / 17 lb and 118 linear cm.
For this reason, large suitcases should stay in Cusco. Bring only a small bag for Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
Accommodation
Soraypampa
Soraypampa is located at high altitude, near Humantay and Salkantay mountains. Nights are cold, and the air feels thin. Accommodation here is designed for rest after the first hiking day.
Collpapampa
Collpapampa sits lower than Soraypampa, closer to the cloud forest. The weather is warmer and more humid. This night is important because it comes after the hardest trekking day.
Lucmabamba
Lucmabamba is in a warmer farming area with coffee plantations and green slopes. The lodge or camp here gives travelers a softer night before the long hike to Llactapata and Aguas Calientes.
Aguas Calientes
The final night is in a hotel in Aguas Calientes. Rooms are usually double, twin, matrimonial, or triple, depending on booking. Private room upgrades may have an extra cost.
Transport Included
- Tourist transport from Cusco to the trailhead
- Support transport on sections where the itinerary includes it
- Duffle bag transport during trekking days, maximum 5 kg / 11 lb
- One-way bus ticket between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
- Return train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Tourist transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
Transport times may vary due to traffic, weather, road conditions, strikes, landslides, or train operation changes.
Machu Picchu Circuits
Machu Picchu entrance is organized by official circuits and routes. The current system includes 3 circuits and 10 routes, according to the Ministry of Culture.
Circuit 2
Circuit 2 is usually the most requested option because it includes a broader route through the citadel and the classic photo area. It sells out quickly in high season.
Circuit 3-B
Circuit 3-B focuses on the lower area of Machu Picchu, including important urban and ceremonial sectors. It may be used when Circuit 2 is not available.
Circuit 1-B
Circuit 1-B focuses mainly on the upper panoramic area. It is useful for travelers who want the classic upper view when other circuits are sold out.
Circuit assignment depends on official availability at the time of booking. If you want a specific circuit, you should request it before booking. Availability cannot be guaranteed without confirmation.
Travel Restrictions
Strikes and demonstrations
Strikes and demonstrations are common in Peru and may interrupt some tours. Roads can be blocked, and train tracks may be affected. When this happens, we will try to keep your trip as close as possible to the original plan, even if this means leaving earlier than scheduled.
In some cases, tours may be changed or canceled. Any change will be coordinated by our operations team. Safety comes first, and decisions will be made to protect travelers and staff.
Lost objects
Please check your belongings whenever leaving transport, camps, lodges, restaurants, trains, or buses. You are responsible for your personal items during the tour.
Keep passport, money, cards, medication, electronics, and cameras with you at all times.
Health and physical condition
The Salkantay Trek is a moderate to challenging high-altitude route. It includes long hiking days, cold nights, steep ascents, long descents, rocky ground, mud in rainy season, and the highest point at around 4,630 m / 15,190 ft.
Travelers should be in good physical condition. Older travelers, people with heart conditions, respiratory issues, recent injuries, pregnancy, or other medical concerns should speak with their doctor before booking.
Altitude sickness can affect anyone, even fit travelers. Symptoms may include headache, nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite, and unusual tiredness. Arriving in Cusco at least 2 or 3 days before the trek helps reduce risk.
Enquire Now
Ready to book the Classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days with Machu Picchu Gol Travel?
Send us your travel date, number of travelers, passport details, and any special request. Our reservations team will check Machu Picchu ticket availability, train schedules, accommodation, and the best available circuit for your trip.
Essential documents and money
- Valid passport
- Student card, if applying for a discount
- Travel insurance information
- Cash in Peruvian soles
- Credit or debit card
- Copy of passport saved offline
Clothing
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Lightweight shoes or sandals for camp
- Trekking pants
- Thermal base layers
- Long-sleeve shirts
- Warm jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- Rain poncho
- Warm gloves
- Sun hat
- Wool hat
- Neck gaiter or buff
- Trekking socks
- Shorts for warm sections
- Sleepwear for cold nights
Personal gear
- Medium daypack, 15 to 25 liters
- Sleeping bag, if not renting
- Trekking poles, if not renting
- Water bottle or CamelBak
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Power bank
- Camera and charger
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Quick-dry towel
- Small dry bag or plastic bags for wet clothes
Health and personal care
- Personal medication
- Altitude medication, only if approved by your doctor
- Sunblock, SPF 50 or higher
- Insect repellent
- Lip balm with sun protection
- Personal hygiene items
- Hand sanitizer
- Blister care
- Small personal first aid items
- Electrolytes or hydration salts
Special requirements
Travelers with special requirements must inform our reservations team in advance. This includes mobility aids, medical equipment, professional photo or video equipment, service animals, special diet tools, or any condition that may affect the route.
| Add-on or upgrade | Extra cost |
| Huayna Picchu Mountain | US$ 60 per person |
| Machu Picchu Mountain | US$ 60 per person |
| Huchuy Picchu Mountain | US$ 50 per person |
| Single room in Aguas Calientes | US$ 35 per person |
| Extra night in Aguas Calientes | From US$ 60 to US$ 100 |
| Vistadome train upgrade | From US$ 70 to US$ 150 |
| Sleeping bag rental | US$ 25 per person |
| Trekking poles rental | US$ 25 per person |
| Train from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes | From US$ 41 per person |
| Round-trip Consettur bus upgrade | US$ 12 per person |
| Private guide for optional Machu Picchu mountain hike | From US$ 70 to US$ 120 |
Discounts
18 to 25 years old: US$ 30 discount.
To apply for this discount, the student card must show the university name, student name, student photo, and expiration date. A clear copy of the card is required at the time of booking to request government approval.
Under 18 years old: US$ 30 discount.
Please send a passport copy at the time of booking.
Under 11 years old: US$ 40 discount.
Please send a passport copy at the time of booking.
Important note about Huayna Picchu Mountain: Huayna Picchu is an optional hike inside the Machu Picchu area and does not include a guide. The climb is usually done independently after the guided tour of Machu Picchu. If you want this extra hike to be guided, please request it in advance. An extra cost applies.
Machu Picchu Gol Travel is a travel agency operating in Cusco with a clear focus on service quality, personal attention, local knowledge, and responsible work with the people who make each route possible.
The Salkantay Trek passes through areas linked to Mollepata, Challacancha, Soraypampa, Huayracmachay, Chaullay, Collpapampa, La Playa, Lucmabamba, Llactapata, Hidroelectrica, and Aguas Calientes. These places are not just points on a map. They are farming areas, mountain settlements, trail zones, and local work spaces where tourism must be handled with respect.
Our commitment is to work with guides, cooks, horsemen, drivers, and local providers in a fair and organized way. A well-run trek depends on people who wake up before the travelers, carry supplies, prepare meals, check the trail, and solve problems before they become visible.
For this route, we place strong attention on trekking equipment, warm rest areas, clean meal handling, safe transport, and clear communication. Salkantay has cold nights, high altitude, long descents, warm jungle sections, and sudden weather changes. The equipment and logistics must match those conditions.
Food is also a key part of the trip. Our kitchen team prepares meals with fresh ingredients, good hygiene practices, and balanced portions for long hiking days. Vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary needs can be arranged. In private service, meal planning can be more personal and may include extra costs depending on the request.
Traveling with us means having a Cusco-based team that understands the route, the climate, the communities, the ticket system, the train logistics, and the small details that help travelers feel supported from the first briefing to the return to Cusco.
Require More Information
Contact Us
Let our local experts help you choose the perfect Peruvian adventure.
Traveler Reviews
