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Experience the Salkantay Trek 5 days on an unforgettable journey from the high Andes to Machu Picchu. Cross dramatic mountain landscapes, reach the Salkantay Pass, descend through cloud forest, and continue toward Aguas Calientes with transportation, meals, camping equipment, accommodation, and Machu Picchu access included.
5-day, 4-night
Hard
+4 persons
Take on one of Peru’s most spectacular trekking adventures with the Salkantay Trek 5 days, a 5-day, 4-night journey that leads through high-altitude mountain scenery, changing ecosystems, cloud forest, and warmer valleys before reaching Machu Picchu.
The route offers a dramatic introduction to the diversity of the Peruvian Andes. During the first part of the trek, you will travel through mountainous terrain surrounded by impressive peaks before reaching the Salkantay Pass at approximately 4,600 meters above sea level. From there, the landscape gradually changes as the trail descends toward greener and warmer areas.
Over the following days, the journey continues through Chaullay, Santa Teresa, Hidroelectrica, and eventually Aguas Calientes. Each stage provides a different experience, from remote mountain environments to vegetation-rich valleys and the final approach toward Machu Picchu.
The package includes round-trip transportation, train transportation, meals during the trek, camping equipment, a cook and muleteers, accommodation, and entrance and guided service at Machu Picchu.
The Salkantay Trek 5 days is designed for travelers who want Machu Picchu to be the conclusion of a multi-day adventure rather than simply a destination reached by train. It combines demanding hiking, extraordinary scenery, outdoor camping, and one of Peru’s most important archaeological sites in a single itinerary.
The Salkantay route is ideal for travelers looking for a challenging trekking experience with constantly changing landscapes.
One of the defining features of the Salkantay Trek 5 days is how dramatically the environment changes throughout the journey.
The first stages take you through high-altitude terrain dominated by mountains and colder conditions. After crossing the Salkantay Pass, the route begins descending toward greener valleys and cloud-forest environments.
This transition makes each day feel different from the previous one and gives travelers a broader experience of the geography surrounding Cusco and Machu Picchu.
The Salkantay Pass is one of the most memorable and demanding sections of the journey.
At approximately 4,600 meters above sea level, it represents the highest point of the trek and requires steady walking, appropriate clothing, hydration, and preparation for high-altitude conditions.
From the pass, the mountain landscape opens around you before the route begins its long descent toward lower elevations.
Reaching this point is one of the major achievements of the Salkantay Trek 5 days.
After the high-altitude sections, the trail gradually enters a greener environment.
The route around Chaullay and the lower valleys introduces cloud-forest scenery, vegetation, waterfalls, agricultural areas, and warmer temperatures.
Packing appropriate layers is particularly important because the conditions you experience at the beginning of the trek can be very different from those encountered later in the journey.
Camping equipment is included for the trekking portion of the experience.
After long hiking days, the camps provide an opportunity to rest, eat, and prepare for the next stage of the journey.
A cook and muleteers are also included as part of the trekking operation, supporting the logistics required for a multi-day adventure.
A personal sleeping bag is not included, so travelers should arrange appropriate sleeping equipment separately.
Machu Picchu is the final highlight of the Salkantay Trek 5 days.
After several days traveling through the Andes, you will reach Aguas Calientes and prepare for your Machu Picchu experience.
Your package includes the entrance and guided service at Machu Picchu, giving you the opportunity to explore the archaeological sanctuary and learn more about its historical and cultural importance.
Your Salkantay Trek 5 days begins with transportation from Cusco toward Mollepata.
The journey takes you away from the city and into the mountain landscapes that characterize the beginning of the trek.
Transportation is included as part of the tour package.
Breakfast on the first day is not included, so make sure you arrange your morning meal before beginning the trekking experience.
After arriving in the Mollepata area, prepare for the first walking section of your adventure.
Organize your personal backpack, water, warm clothing, rain protection, and essential equipment before beginning the route.
The first day provides a gradual introduction to the landscapes and physical demands of the trek.
Continue hiking toward Soraypampa, located high in the Andean landscape.
As elevation increases, temperatures can become noticeably colder, particularly later in the day.
Warm clothing should remain easily accessible throughout this section.
Camping equipment and the meals provided according to the tour program are included.
The first night is spent in the trekking environment around Soraypampa.
Use the evening to eat, rest, and prepare for Day 2, which includes the demanding ascent toward the Salkantay Pass.
Day 2 is one of the most physically demanding sections of the Salkantay Trek 5 days.
The route climbs through high-altitude terrain toward the Salkantay Pass at approximately 4,600 meters above sea level.
Walk at a controlled pace, remain hydrated, and wear appropriate warm layers for the mountain environment.
Reaching the pass marks the highest point of the journey.
The surrounding landscape is dominated by high mountains and dramatic Andean scenery, making this one of the most memorable moments of the trek.
Take time to appreciate the surroundings before beginning the long descent.
After crossing the pass, the route begins descending toward lower elevations.
The environment gradually changes as you leave the highest mountain terrain behind and move toward greener valleys.
Continue toward Chaullay, where you will rest after completing a demanding day of trekking.
Day 3 introduces a noticeably different landscape.
As the route descends, the colder mountain environment gives way to cloud forest and warmer conditions.
The journey toward La Playa provides opportunities to experience vegetation, valleys, streams, and agricultural landscapes along the route.
Continue through the lower valley toward the La Playa area.
Mosquito repellent becomes particularly useful as you enter warmer environments, while sunscreen and a hat remain important for exposed sections of the trail.
The journey then continues toward Santa Teresa, where you will spend another stage of the trekking experience.
The Cocalmayo Hot Springs can be considered as an optional activity during this part of the journey.
Entrance to the hot springs is not included in the tour package and must be paid separately if you choose to visit.
After continuing from Santa Teresa, the route moves toward the Hidroelectrica area.
This stage brings you significantly closer to Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes.
Follow your guide's instructions throughout the route and keep enough water available during the walking sections.
From Hidroelectrica, continue toward Aguas Calientes, the town located below Machu Picchu.
Aguas Calientes marks the final overnight stage before your Machu Picchu experience.
Your tour includes accommodation as part of the package.
After several days of trekking, spend the night in Aguas Calientes and prepare for the final day.
Keep your original passport and essential travel documents ready for your Machu Picchu visit.
The final day of the Salkantay Trek 5 days is dedicated to Machu Picchu.
The bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu is not included in the standard package. Travelers who choose to use this transportation should purchase the applicable ticket separately.
Follow the entrance arrangements provided with your confirmed Machu Picchu reservation.
Your package includes entrance and guided service at Machu Picchu.
Explore the archaeological sanctuary while learning about its history, architecture, and cultural significance.
Your visit will follow the route and entry conditions assigned to your confirmed Machu Picchu ticket.
After your Machu Picchu experience, continue with the return arrangements included in the tour.
The package includes train transportation and round-trip transfer services associated with the journey.
Lunch and dinner on the final day are not included, so these meals should be budgeted separately.
Prepare for an all-inclusive adventure that covers everything you’ll need for a smooth and unforgettable journey. From the moment you’re picked up from your hotel to the return train ride from Aguas Calientes, we’ve got you covered every step of the way.
With everything provided for you, all you need to do is enjoy the beauty of the Salkantay Trek and the iconic Machu Picchu!
While we've taken care of most of your needs, there are a few items that are not included in the tour package. Please make sure to prepare accordingly.
Note: The train return schedule may vary depending on availability, and the price of the tour is subject to change due to train and entrance ticket regulations. Be sure to confirm all details with us before your departure to avoid surprises.
Enjoy your adventure with everything else taken care of!
To ensure you're fully prepared for your adventure, here’s a checklist of essential items to bring along:
Make sure to pack light but efficiently, keeping in mind that you'll be carrying your own gear or relying on the muleteers for heavier items. A well-packed bag makes the journey far more enjoyable.
Travellers often compare these two routes because both lead to Machu Picchu, but they offer very different experiences. The Salkantay 5 day trek is physically more demanding due to its higher altitude and longer distances, yet it feels far less crowded and more remote. While the Inca Trail focuses heavily on archaeological sites, Salkantay is all about dramatic natural scenery, from glaciers to cloud forest. For many, it’s the ideal choice if they want an adventurous route with greater independence and expansive landscapes away from the busiest trails.
Because muleteers transport the main camping equipment, most travellers only carry a small daypack with essentials such as water, layers, snacks and personal items. A total weight of 5–7 kg is usually comfortable for daily walking. Keeping your pack light is especially important on the ascent to the Salkantay Pass, where altitude makes every extra kilo more noticeable. The rest of your luggage should stay in the duffel bag provided by the team, which is transported separately.
Meals are included throughout the organized Salkantay Trek 5 days itinerary, with specific exceptions. Breakfast on the first day is not included, so travelers should eat before departure. Lunch and dinner on the final day are also excluded and should be purchased separately. Carrying personal snacks can be useful during long hiking sections. If you have dietary restrictions, communicate them when booking so the available meal arrangements can be reviewed.
Yes. Camping equipment is included, but the sleeping bag is specifically excluded from the standard package. Travelers should bring an appropriate sleeping bag or arrange one separately before beginning the trek. Because the route reaches high-altitude environments where nights can be cold, choose equipment suitable for mountain conditions. Your other personal trekking equipment should also be packed before departure. Keep your backpack as practical and lightweight as possible.
No. Bus transportation to Machu Picchu is not included in the standard package. Travelers who choose to use the bus should purchase the applicable ticket separately. Your Machu Picchu entrance and guided visit, however, are included. Make sure you understand the transportation arrangements for the final day before beginning the trek. Your confirmed itinerary will provide the relevant logistics for reaching and leaving the archaeological sanctuary.
Weather along the route is unpredictable due to the wide range of altitudes and microclimates. Mornings often begin crisp and clear near the mountains, while cloud forest sections may bring mist or light rain even in the dry season. The rainy season (November to March) brings heavier showers and muddy trails, while the dry season offers brighter skies but colder temperatures. Preparing for sun, wind and rain in the same day is the best way to stay comfortable throughout the trek.
If you’d like extra details or still have questions about this trip, feel free to get in touch. Send us a message and our team will respond promptly to help you plan with confidence.
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