Álvaro Mella
1 year ago
The 5-day, 4-night Salkantay Trek is the ultimate hiking alternative to Machu Picchu, spanning high-altitude glacial passes and lush tropical cloud forests in Cusco. Covering a total distance of 74 km (46 miles), this premium expedition takes you to explore the world-famous turquoise Humantay Lake at 4,200 m (13,779 ft), conquer the majestic Salkantay Pass at 4,630 m (15,190 ft), relax in the volcanic thermal baths of Cocalmayo in Santa Teresa, and hike scenic cloud forest paths before an immersive guided tour of the Machu Picchu Citadel with a return via the classic train.
Conquer the spectacular Salkantay glacial pass at 4,630m and descend into Cusco’s lush high jungle. Experience the turquoise Humantay Lake on the ultimate high-mountain expedition to Machu Picchu.
For travelers with tighter itineraries, the Salkantay Trek 4 Days is an excellent option. Additionally, the Classic Inca Trail remains the most requested archaeological expedition to Machu Picchu.
| Feature | Salkantay Trek 5D/4N | Salkantay Trek 4D/3N |
|---|---|---|
| Total Distance | 74 km / 46 miles | 58 km / 36 miles |
| Trekking Pace | Paced, progressive and enjoyable | Fast and intense (highly demanding) |
| Humantay Lake | Full Day 1 visit with paced hiking | Express hiking with accelerated ascent |
| Coffee Route | Included (coffee experience on Day 3) | Omitted (direct transit to Aguas Calientes) |
| Acclimatization | More time for physical adaptation | Requires prior physical fitness |
We pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 4:30 a.m. to travel by private bus to Mollepata (2,900 m / 9,514 ft) for breakfast. We then continue by car to Challacancha to begin the trek to our first campsite in Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft). In the afternoon, we ascend gradually to the majestic Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,779 ft) to explore its spectacular turquoise waters under the glacier, before returning to Soraypampa for dinner and overnight under the starry Andean sky.
The most demanding day begins at 5:00 a.m. with an energetic breakfast. We start a gradual ascent crossing high Andean mountain valleys to reach the majestic Salkantay Glacial Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft), the highest point of the trek under Mount Salkantay. After taking elite photos, we begin a steep descent along mountain paths to Huayracmachay for lunch. We continue descending into the high cloud forest until reaching our campsite in Chaullay (2,900 m / 9,514 ft) for dinner and rest.
After breakfast, we start a beautiful hike through the cloud forest, crossing hanging bridges, waterfalls, and lush plantations of organic coffee, cacao, and tropical fruits. We arrive at Lucmabamba (2,000 m / 6,561 ft) to enjoy a local lunch and learn about coffee processing. In the afternoon, we transfer by local transport to the relaxing Cocalmayo Hot Springs in Santa Teresa (1,500 m / 4,921 ft) to enjoy natural, mineral-rich hot pools. Dinner and overnight at our campsite in Santa Teresa.
We breakfast and hike from Santa Teresa to the Hidroelectrica station (with an option to do extreme ziplining in the morning). After a fresh outdoor lunch, we begin a scenic and flat 3-hour walk along the railway flanking the Urubamba River, under the shadows of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu mountains, until reaching Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). We check into our comfortable hotel and dine at a local restaurant.
The big day begins early by taking the Consettur eco-bus (25 min) up to the sacred Machu Picchu Citadel (2,430 m / 7,972 ft). We enjoy an elite 2.5-hour guided tour with our official expert guide, exploring the main temples, the Sacred Plaza, agricultural terraces, and classic viewpoints. In the afternoon, we descend to Aguas Calientes to board the classic train back to Ollantaytambo, where our private driver will be waiting to return you directly to your hotel in Cusco.
Additional details of the 5 days Salkantay tour are as follows:
Cusco
7:00 am
