salkantay trek a machu picchu
5 Days
Cusco
Every day
Moderate
4,650 m.s.n.m
General Description
El Tour Salkantay 5 Días es una experiencia inolvidable que atraviesa los imponentes Andes y mezcla aventura, naturaleza pura y cultura milenaria. Esta alternativa al clásico Camino Inca te permite viajar desde los glaciares del imponente nevado Salkantay hasta los exuberantes paisajes tropicales de la selva alta, finalizando con la mítica visita a Machu Picchu. A lo largo del trayecto admirarás escenarios únicos como la Laguna Humantay y el paso Salkantay a 4,650 m, antes de descender hacia el clima cálido de la ceja de selva. Es un recorrido retador pero enriquecedor, perfecto para quienes buscan vivir una conexión auténtica con los Andes y la herencia inca.
Itinerary
DAY 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa
📍 Departure from Cusco to Mollepata
Iniciamos el viaje temprano rumbo al valle de Limatambo, disfrutando de paisajes andinos y hermosas vistas de montañas nevadas.
📍 Start of the trek towards Soraypampa
We will begin the hike towards the Soraypampa campsite, surrounded by mountains and pure nature.
📍 Optional visit to Humantay Lagoon
In the afternoon we took the hike to the famous Humantay Lagoon, known for its turquoise waters and stunning glacial surroundings.
📍 Dinner and overnight stay in Soraypampa
We will rest at a camp located at the foot of the Salkantay snow-capped mountain.
DAY 2: Soraypampa – Abra Salkantay – Chaullay
📍 Ascent to Salkantay Pass (4,630 m)
We will undertake the most challenging part of the trek, ascending high-altitude trails until we reach the majestic viewpoint of the Salkantay snow-capped mountain.
📍 Descent towards the cloud forest
After enjoying the view, we will begin the downhill walk towards Huayraqmachay, where we will have lunch.
📍 Hike to Chaullay
We continued descending through forests and warm microclimates until we reached the Chaullay camp.
📍 Dinner and overnight stay in Chaullay
A well-deserved rest surrounded by jungle nature.
DAY 3: Chaullay – Sahuayaco Beach – Santa Teresa
📍 Tour of the Collpapampa Valley
We will walk among waterfalls, crystal-clear rivers and abundant vegetation in a stretch full of biodiversity.
📍 Arrival at Sahuayaco Beach
Here we will have lunch and be able to rest after the walk.
📍 Transportation to Santa Teresa
We will travel to the town of Santa Teresa, a warm and perfect place to relax.
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Enjoy the best hot springs in the area, ideal for relaxing your muscles.
📍 Dinner and overnight stay in Santa Teresa
DAY 4: Santa Teresa – Hydroelectric Plant – Aguas Calientes
📍 Hike to Hydroelectric Plant
We started the day walking along trails surrounded by jungle and local plantations.
📍 Lunch at the Hydroelectric Plant
A short break before the final stretch of the day.
📍 Walk along the railway towards Aguas Calientes
Este recorrido escénico nos lleva bordeando el río Urubamba hasta llegar al pueblo base de Machu Picchu.
📍 Arrival and check-in in Aguas Calientes
Free time to stroll around the village, have dinner and relax.
DÍA 5: Machu Picchu – Hidroeléctrica – Cusco
📍 Early ascent to Machu Picchu
Take the bus (optional) or walk up to enter the citadel before the large groups arrive.
📍 Guided tour of Machu Picchu
Guided tour of 2 to 2.5 hours through the most important points: temples, squares, walls and viewpoints.
📍 Free time to explore on your own
You can visit Puente Inca, Inti Punku or simply explore the citadel at your own pace.
📍 Return to Aguas Calientes
Descent by bus or on foot, and free time for lunch.
📍 Way back to the hydroelectric plant
We will walk through the jungle again, following the railway line until we reach the meeting point.
📍 Return to Cusco by tourist transport
Viaje final hacia la ciudad, llegando por la noche.
Includes
✅ Transportation from Cusco to Mollepata and return from Aguas Calientes to Cusco.
✅ Professional bilingual guide specializing in high mountain terrain.
✅ Entrance tickets to Salkantay and Machu Picchu.
✅ Full board: 4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners and snacks.
✅ Camping equipment: tents, dining area and kitchen.
✅ Emergency horse for assistance.
✅ Hotel night in Aguas Calientes with private bathroom.
Does not include
❌ Breakfast on the first day and dinner in Aguas Calientes.
❌ Entrance to the Cocalmayo hot springs.
❌ Entrance to the Cocalmayo hot springs.
❌ Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (prior reservation).
❌
❌ Personal expenses, tips, and additional horses.
Recommendations
🪪 Bring a valid passport.
🥾 Appropriate layered clothing, sturdy trekking footwear, and a waterproof jacket.
🕶️ Lightweight backpack, sunscreen, sunglasses, reusable water bottle, and snacks.
💪 Maintain good physical condition, especially for climbs.
📅 Avoid the rainy season (February) and book in advance.
¿ Reviews from travelers who experienced it