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Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days

Machu Picchu trek

5.0

★★★★★

(120 Reviews) Recommended by 99% of travelers

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USD $450

Viajeros contemplando Machu Picchu al amanecer en un tour grupal

Grupo de viajeros frente a la Laguna Humantay y el nevado Salkantay

Excursionistas y mulas en la ruta de trekking frente al nevado Salkantay

Cross Salkantay Pass and reach Machu Picchu on foot

Take a five-day journey from the high Andes into cloud forest and Machu Picchu. The route passes Soraypampa, Salkantay Pass at about 4,650 metres, Chaullay, Lucmabamba, Llactapata and Hydroelectric before reaching Aguas Calientes. This demanding trek includes camping, major climate changes and a final guided visit to the Inca citadel.

Cross Salkantay Pass and reach Machu Picchu on foot

Secure payment in USD

Guide and camping logistics

Subject to Machu Picchu availability

Before booking

Acclimatize in Cusco for at least 2 days before departure.n

Duration: 5 days / 4 nights

Start: early pickup in Cusco

Finish: return to Cusco on the evening of day 5

Service: group trek

Languages: English and Spanish

Difficulty: challenging

Maximum altitude: about 4,650 m / 15,256 ft

Distance: roughly 60–75 km / 37–47 mi, depending on route

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This program requires good fitness and prior acclimatization in Cusco. Machu Picchu admission, circuit and train availability must be confirmed before payment. Camps, distances, meals and exact services may vary by season and package; review the final confirmation.

Acclimatize in Cusco for at least 2 days before departure.

Salkantay Pass exceeds 4,600 m and may bring cold, wind, rain or snow.

Transported luggage has a confirmed limit; carry your own daypack.

Machu Picchu uses named tickets with a fixed circuit and entry time.

The route may change because of landslides, official closures, weather or group condition.

Original passport used for booking
Daypack and waterproof liner
Broken-in trekking boots
Thermal clothing and layering system
Waterproof jacket and trousers
Hat, gloves, sunscreen and UV sunglasses
Headlamp and spare batteries
Reusable bottle, snacks and personal medication
Repellent and hygiene items
Peruvian soles and portable charger

How long should I acclimatize?

Allow at least two full days in Cusco before the trek, with light activity and good hydration.

Is Humantay Lake guaranteed?

No. It is an additional visit depending on arrival time, weather, route and group condition.

Which Machu Picchu circuit will I visit?

The available circuit is confirmed when the ticket is issued and is subject to official capacity.

Where do we sleep?

Packages commonly combine route camps with lodging in Aguas Calientes. Your confirmation states the exact category.

Can I rent a sleeping bag and poles?

Usually yes, at extra cost and with advance booking. Confirm rating, availability and price.

What if the route closes?

The safest authorized alternative will be used. Extra costs depend on the cause, suppliers and your insurance.

Reviews

3.0

2 reviews

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1 star 1

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Lucia Huaman Pantia

a month ago

The Rainbow Mountain tour exceeded all of our expectations! The entire trip was well organized, with comfortable transportation, a delicious breakfast and lunch, and a friendly, professional guide who made the experience enjoyable from start to finish. The views along the hike were incredible, and reaching the top to see Rainbow Mountain was absolutely worth it. Our guide gave us plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, take photos, and learn about the local culture and the surrounding Andes. I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Cusco. Everything was handled perfectly, and it was truly one of the highlights of our trip to Peru. Thank you for such an unforgettable adventure!

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Adrian Garcia

a year ago

Terrible service. We booked a bus with them, but they never came to pick us up at the hotel. They didn't answer any of our calls or messages, and of course, they didn't refund our money. I strongly advise against using this agency.

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From USD $450 per person

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Subject to Machu Picchu circuit, train and operating minimum. Confirm all services before payment.

Secure payment in USD

Guide and camping logistics

Subject to Machu Picchu availability

Do you have any questions about your reservation?

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5-day Salkantay Trek itinerary

Cusco — Mollepata — Challacancha — Soraypampa

Start

Pickup Point

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Departure from Cusco

Stop: Very early

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Challacancha

Stop: Trek begins

Admission included

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Soraypampa

Stop: Camp

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Humantay Lake

Stop: Optional when conditions allow

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Soraypampa — Salkantay Pass — Huayracmachay — Chaullay

Ascent from Soraypampa

Stop: Morning

Admission included

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Salkantay Pass

Stop: About 4,650 m

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Huayracmachay

Stop: Descent

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Chaullay

Stop: Camp

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Chaullay — La Playa — Lucmabamba

Santa Teresa Valley

Stop: Hike

Admission included

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La Playa

Stop: Lunch

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Lucmabamba

Stop: Camp

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Cocalmayo

Stop: Optional

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Lucmabamba — Llactapata — Hydroelectric — Aguas Calientes

Ascent to Llactapata

Stop: Morning

Admission included

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Llactapata viewpoint

Stop: Scenic view

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Hydroelectric

Stop: Lunch

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Aguas Calientes

Stop: Walk beside the railway

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Aguas Calientes — Machu Picchu — Ollantaytambo — Cusco

Access to Machu Picchu

Stop: Reserved entry time

Admission included

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Machu Picchu

Stop: Guided visit

Admission included

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Aguas Calientes

Stop: After the visit

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Return to Cusco

Stop: Afternoon or evening

Admission included

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End

End of the tour

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From USD $450 per person

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days

Cross Salkantay Pass and reach Machu Picchu on foot

Important information

Included / Not included

Included

Not included

What to bring

Considerations

Frequently asked questions

How long should I acclimatize?

Is Humantay Lake guaranteed?

Which Machu Picchu circuit will I visit?

Where do we sleep?

Can I rent a sleeping bag and poles?

What if the route closes?

Reviews

Reviews on Tripadvisor

5-day Salkantay Trek itinerary

Cusco — Mollepata — Challacancha — Soraypampa

Departure from Cusco

Challacancha

Soraypampa

Humantay Lake

Soraypampa — Salkantay Pass — Huayracmachay — Chaullay

Ascent from Soraypampa

Salkantay Pass

Huayracmachay

Chaullay

Chaullay — La Playa — Lucmabamba

Santa Teresa Valley

La Playa

Lucmabamba

Cocalmayo

Lucmabamba — Llactapata — Hydroelectric — Aguas Calientes

Ascent to Llactapata

Llactapata viewpoint

Hydroelectric

Aguas Calientes

Aguas Calientes — Machu Picchu — Ollantaytambo — Cusco

Access to Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu

Aguas Calientes

Return to Cusco

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