Most important tour information
- Pickup time
- 4:30 AM – 5:00 AM Pickup window from your accommodation
What is included
Included
Accommodation
- Night 1 (Soraypampa): Glass cabins designed for two people.
- Nights 2 and 3 (Collpapampa and Lucmabamba): Private domes for two people.
- Night 4 (Aguas Calientes): 2-star hotel with Wi-Fi, private bathroom, and hot water. Hotel upgrades available.
Meals
- 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners. Also breakfast on the first day.
- Freshly prepared meals by a professional cook.
- Vegetarian or vegan options available at no extra cost (notify in advance).
- Coca tea every morning and boiled water for tea and coffee.
Transportation
- Private transfer from Cusco to the trek starting point.
- On the 4th day, we transport your duffle bag by car and train to Aguas Calientes for you.
- Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (if booked).
- Tourist bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco (if booked).
Guides and support team
- Certified English and Spanish-speaking guide.
- Guide at Machu Picchu for circuit 2, timeslot 06:00h.
- Horses and horsemen for equipment transport.
- Duffel bags for personal items (5 kg per person).
Additional
- Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu (if booked) and the Salkantay Trek.
- Entrance to Humantay Lake.
- Pre-trek briefing with your guide the day before departure.
Not included
Meals
- Lunch and dinner on the last day.
- Drinking water during the trek (can be purchased en route).
Optional activities
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain entry ($60 per person).
- Aguas Calientes hot springs entry.
Other exclusions
- Trekking poles rental (from $15 per person).
- Guide at Machu Picchu for other circuits than circuit 2 and timeslot 06:00h.
- Additional horses for luggage exceeding 5 kg.
- Tips for guides and staff.
- Shuttle bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu ($15 each way).
- Sleeping bags (available for rent at $15 per person).
- Bus from Hidroelectrica to Cusco.
- Travel insurance, flights, and activities not listed.
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake
Morning:
- Early pick-up (4:30-5:00 am) from your hotel in Cusco.
- Drive 2 hours to Mollepata for breakfast.
- Continue to Challacancha, the starting point of the hike.
Afternoon:
- Hike 3 hours to Soraypampa Base Camp (3,900 m / 12,800 ft).
- Enjoy lunch and rest.
- Walk 1.5 hours to Humantay Lake (4,220 m / 13,850 ft).
Evening:
- Return to base camp for coca tea and a freshly prepared dinner.
- Overnight stay at Soraypampa Base Camp.
Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Collpapampa
Morning:
- Early breakfast at 5:00 am.
- Hike 3 hours to the highest point of the trek, Salkantay Pass (4,650 m / 15,250 ft).
- Admire breathtaking views of Salkantay and other snow-capped peaks.
Afternoon:
- Descend for 3 hours to Wacracmachay for lunch.
- Continue descending for 3 hours to Collpapampa Camp.
Evening:
- Relax with tea and a delicious dinner.
- Sleep in cozy domes at Collpapampa Camp.
Day 3: Collpapampa – Lucmabamba
Morning:
- Enjoy breakfast before a 5.5-hour hike through the cloud forest.
- Discover coffee plantations, orchids, and medicinal plants along the way.
Afternoon:
- Arrive at the campsite for lunch and a coffee tour.
Evening:
- Optional visit to the thermal baths in Cocalmayo (not included).
- Dinner and overnight stay in private jungle domes.
Day 4: Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes
Morning:
- Breakfast amidst lush plantations (coffee, avocado, bananas).
- Ascend the original Inca Trail to Llactapata ruins, offering stunning views of Machu Picchu Mountain.
Afternoon:
- Descend for lunch and continue hiking to Hidroeléctrica.
- Option to hike (3 hours) or take a train ($38) to Aguas Calientes.
Evening:
- Dinner in Aguas Calientes and overnight stay in a hotel.
Note: The schedule for day 5 depends on the availability of Machu Picchu tickets and the return option you choose (train or bus via Hydroelectric). The itinerary below shows the standard plan for this day. Your exact schedule may vary depending on ticket availability and transportation choice.
Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Morning
- Wake up early and visit Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas.
- Enjoy a visiting the highlight of this salkantay trek: Machu Picchu. If you have circuit 2 time slot 6:00 AM, join our guided Machu Picchu tour.
- Optional climb to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (pre-booking required).
Afternoon
- Return to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included).
- Board the train to Ollantaytambo (if booked).
- From Ollantaytambo, shared transport by bus or minivan will take you back to Cusco.
Evening
- Arrive in Cusco historic center, the end of your journey.
Times are approximate and the order may change with weather, traffic, or local conditions.
Practical information
Trail and tour details
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Tour duration
- 5 days
- Average group size
- 14 people
Where you will stay
Stay in Soraypampa
Stay in Colpapampa
Stay in Lucmabamba
Full tour description
Join us on the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 days – backpacker for an unforgettable experience through Peru’s breathtaking landscapes. This trek is a perfect mix of adventure, stunning views, cultural discovery, and the grand finale at the world-famous Machu Picchu. Whether you’re an experienced trekker or simply looking for an exciting way to explore Peru, this guided journey ensures a safe and amazing adventure.
Day 1: Cusco to Soraypampa and Humantay Lake
Start your adventure
Your journey begins with an early pick-up from Cusco between 4:30 and 5:00 am. After a scenic two-hour drive to Mollepata, you’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast to prepare for the day ahead. From there, we head to Challacancha, where the trek officially begins.
Hike to Soraypampa base camp
A 3-hour hike takes you to the Soraypampa Base Camp, sitting at 3,900 meters (12,800 feet). Along the way, soak in the stunning mountain views. At the camp, a freshly prepared lunch awaits to refresh you.
Visit Humantay Lake
In the afternoon, embark on a 1.5-hour hike to the stunning Humantay Lake, located at 4,220 meters (13,850 feet). This turquoise gem, framed by snow-capped peaks, offers a breathtaking view. Your guide will share fascinating stories and facts about the area. After exploring the lake, return to the base camp for a warm cup of coca tea, a delicious dinner, and a restful night under the stars.
Day 2 of Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: Soraypampa to Salkantay Pass and Collpapampa
Climb to Salkantay Pass
Rise early for breakfast and start your trek to the highest point of the journey: Salkantay Pass at 4,650 meters (15,250 feet). The 3-hour climb rewards you with incredible views of the Salkantay, Humantay, and Tucarhuay mountains, among others.
Descend to Collpapampa
After reaching the pass, descend through diverse landscapes, passing glacial lakes and rocky trails. Stop for lunch at Wacracmachay, then continue down to Collpapampa at 3,800 meters (12,470 feet). Here, tea and a delicious dinner prepared by your cook await. Rest for the night in cozy domes at the campsite.
Day 3: Collpapampa to Lucmabamba
Explore the Cloud Forest
After breakfast, begin a 5.5-hour trek through lush jungle landscapes. This section of the trail takes you through Peru’s vibrant cloud forest, filled with coffee plantations, orchids, and medicinal plants. Your guide will point out interesting flora and fauna along the way.
Coffee Tour and Jungle Camp
At the campsite in Lucmabamba, enjoy lunch and a guided coffee tour to learn about local farming practices. In the evening, relax with tea and a freshly prepared dinner. For an extra treat, visit the nearby thermal baths in Cocalmayo (optional, not included) before settling in for the night in your jungle dome.
Day 4: Lucmabamba to Aguas Calientes via Llactapata
Hike the Inca Trail
The day begins with a nutritious breakfast before ascending an original section of the Inca Trail. After 2.5 hours, arrive at the Llactapata ruins, a lesser-known Inca site with panoramic views of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu.
Descend to Hidroeléctrica
Following a descent for lunch, continue along the trail to Hidroeléctrica. From here, choose to hike for 3 more hours or take a train to Aguas Calientes (optional, $38).
Stay in Aguas Calientes
End the day with a delicious dinner in Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Rest comfortably in a local hotel in preparation for the big day ahead.
Last day of Backpacker Salkantay Trek: Visit Machu Picchu and Return to Cusco
Explore Machu Picchu
Begin your day early with a 1.5-hour hike or a 30-minute bus ride ($12) to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, your guide will lead a 2.5-hour tour, explaining the history, architecture, and culture of this ancient Inca city. Take in the famous panoramic views and explore key sites within the citadel.
Optional hikes
After the guided tour, you can hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for spectacular aerial views (pre-booking required, $60).
Return to Cusco
In the afternoon, return to Cusco by train or car, bringing your incredible 5-day journey to a close.
Why choose the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 days – Backpacker?
- Breathtaking scenery: From glaciers to jungles, each day offers unique and stunning landscapes.
- Expert guides: Local guides ensure a safe, educational, and enriching experience.
- Cultural insights: Learn about Inca history and traditions along the trail.
- Comfortable campsites: Relax in cozy domes and enjoy freshly prepared meals each day.
- Machu Picchu: End your adventure at one of the world’s greatest wonders.
With the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 days, every step brings you closer to nature, history, and unforgettable memories. This is more than a trek; it’s a journey through the heart of Peru’s beauty and culture.
Highlights of the 5-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
- Humantay Lake: A turquoise gem surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
- Salkantay Pass: Breathtaking views at the trek’s highest point.
- Cloud Forest: Explore lush vegetation, wildlife, and coffee plantations.
- Llactapata Ruins: Stunning archaeological site with views of Machu Picchu.
- Machu Picchu: Discover the awe-inspiring Lost City of the Incas.
What to expect on your Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
This trek crosses high mountain passes and lush cloud forests. Any time of the year, weather can affect trail conditions and the comfort of lodges along the way. Trails may be muddier, steeper, or more slippery, and in rare cases, the route may need to be changed for safety reasons. We always aim to book lodges in good condition, but during the rainy season, some humidity or moisture may still be present. We want you to feel well-informed and well-prepared before starting your trek. If you have any questions or doubts, feel free to ask us — we’re here to help.
Please note: Any missed sections of the trek — for personal, weather-related, or logistical reasons — are non-refundable. If you decide to skip part of the trek (for example, to arrive earlier in Aguas Calientes to purchase a Machu Picchu ticket), this is your own responsibility. Transport, logistics, and any coordination related to this decision are not included in the tour.
Background information about the Salkantay Trek
- Salkantay Mountain: This snow-capped peak (6,271 m) is one of the highest in Peru and considered a protector deity by local communities.
- Humantay Lake: Formed from glacier melt, the lake’s vibrant turquoise color is due to mineral deposits.
- Cloud Forest: Home to exotic plants like orchids and medicinal herbs, as well as diverse wildlife including hummingbirds and butterflies.
- Llactapata: These Inca ruins are part of an ancient network of trails leading to Machu Picchu and were used as a rest stop for travelers.
What to bring
Personal gear
- Daypack and duffel bag (we will provide your duffle bag).
- Reusable water bottle.
- Small change (Peruvian soles) for extras.
Clothing
- Waterproof trekking boots.
- Rain jacket or poncho.
- Sleeping bag (available for rent).
- Trekking shirts (short and long-sleeve).
- Warm insulated jacket, beanie, and gloves.
- Comfortable pants, shorts, and sweatpants for sleeping.
- Bathing suit and towel if you want to visit the hot springs.
Additional items
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
- Flashlight or headlamp with batteries.
- Snacks and personal toiletries.
- Original passport (required for entry Machu Picchu).