Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

5 Days / 4 Nights |
Starting from Group: USD $650
Starting from Private: USD $750
Difficulty
Moderate
Altitude Range
1,400 meters / 4,593 feet - 4,650 meters / 15,252 feet
Tour Highlights

Why Choose This Journey

  • Trek from Soraypampa to Soyrococha, with a visit to the stunning Humantay Lake.
  • Climb to the highest point of the trek at Salkantay Pass (4,650m), then descend to Collpapampa.
  • Explore the cloud forest and visit a local coffee plantation at Lucmabamba.
  • Trek through the rainforest to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.
  • Early visit to Machu Picchu with an optional hike to Huayna Picchu.
Tour highlights
100% ADVENTURE

Challenge the Heights: Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

This trek runs beneath the magnificent Salkantay mountain (6,271 m), one of the highest in the Andes. Named by National Geographic as one of the 20 most extreme adventures on the planet, this trek offers breathtaking views, diverse landscapes, and an unforgettable experience culminating at Machu Picchu.

Your Adventure Journey

ITINERARY ROUTE

DAY 01

Cusco - Mollepata - Soraypampa - Soyrococha

Depart from Cusco and drive to Mollepata for breakfast before continuing to Soraypampa, the starting point of the trek. Visit the Humantay Lake and then ascend to Soyrococha (4,400 m) where you will camp for the night. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Difficulty

Moderate

Distance

8 km / 5 miles

Duration

6-8 hours

Max Altitude

4,400 m / 14,332 ft

Min Altitude

3,800 m / 12,467 ft

DAY 02

Soyrococha - Salkantay Pass - Collpapampa

Begin the day with a hike to the highest point of the trek, the Salkantay Pass (4,650 m). Descend to Huayracmachay for lunch, then continue down to Collpapampa where you will camp. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Difficulty

Challenging

Distance

16 km / 9.9 miles

Duration

8-9 hours

Max Altitude

4,650 m / 15,252 ft

Min Altitude

3,100 m / 10,170 ft

DAY 03

Collpapampa - La Playa - Lucmabamba

A gentler hike through the rainforest, passing coffee and banana plantations. Enjoy a coffee tour at a local plantation in Lucmabamba before heading to your campsite in Santa Teresa. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Difficulty

Easy

Distance

14 km / 8.5 miles

Duration

5-6 hours

Max Altitude

2,800 m / 9,184 ft

Min Altitude

2,050 m / 6,725 ft

DAY 04

Santa Teresa - Hydroelectric - Aguas Calientes

Hike through the rainforest to Aguas Calientes, where you'll spend the night in a hotel. Dinner at a local restaurant is included. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Difficulty

Moderate

Distance

13 km / 8 miles

Duration

3-4 hours

Max Altitude

2,000 m / 6,561 ft

Min Altitude

1,400 m / 4,593 ft

DAY 05

Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco

Early bus ride to Machu Picchu for a guided tour. Optional hike to Huayna Picchu. Return to Cusco by train and private van. (Breakfast)

Difficulty

Easy

Max Altitude

2,440 m / 8,052 ft

Min Altitude

2,040 m / 6,691 ft

What's Included

Includes

  • Bilingual English speaking tour guide
  • Pre-Departure Briefing at your hotel
  • Pick up from your hotel and transportation to Soraypampa
  • Four-person tent for each two persons
  • Mattress and pillow
  • Kitchen tent and Dining tent
  • Toilet tent with portable toilet
  • Expert chef and assistant chef
  • Wranglers and horses to carry all the equipment
  • Horse to carry 8 kg of personal belongings
  • Duffle bag to pack your personal belongings
  • Five breakfasts, four lunches, and four dinners
  • Hot water for washing
  • Daily morning boiled and cold water to fill the water bottles
  • Emergency oxygen bottle and medical kit
  • Return Expedition train ticket from Aguas Calientes to either Ollantaytambo or Poroy
  • Private van transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
  • Entrance to Machu Picchu
  • Round trip bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
  • Coffee plantation tour in the afternoon of day 3
  • Lodging in Aguas Calientes on night 4
  • Dinner in Aguas Calientes on night 4

Not Included

  • Sleeping bag (can be rented)
  • Hiking Poles (can be rented)
  • Day 5 lunch in Aguas Calientes
  • Huayna Picchu Permit (can be purchased for an extra USD $80 per person)
  • Tips for the crew
  • Travel Insurance
For special requests or additional information, please contact us
Bring with You

Recommendations for Your Journey

To ensure you have the best experience during your tour, we recommend bringing the following items:

  • Original passport
  • Sleeping bag (can be rented)
  • Clothes (trekking boots, warm fleece jacket, t-shirts, socks, sun hat, warm underwear, light long pants, gloves, rain jacket)
  • Toiletries (toilet paper, wet wipes, personal towel)
  • Sunscreen SPF 35+
  • Head lamp
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera with spare batteries
  • Binoculars
  • Book to read
  • Trekking poles (recommended, can be rented)
  • Insect repellent
Essential items for your tour