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Plan Your Trip
Budget-Friendly Overland Journey

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days

  • Duration:5 Days / 4 Nights
  • Destination:Machu Picchu
  • Travel TypeGroup/Private
DetailItineraryRelated ToursReviews

Overview

  • Archaeological Sites Salkantay, Machu Picchu
  • Unique landscapes.Mountains and Valleys
  • Professional GuideThroughout the entire route

Embark on the ultimate high-altitude mountain adventure with our Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days. Trek past the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake, cross the majestic Salkantay Pass (4,630 masl) surrounded by glaciers, sleep under the stars in unique Sky Lodge glass domes, explore the ancient ruins of Llactapata, and discover the sacred Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu.

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1Cusco – Mollepata – Challacancha – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Lodge Del Cielo

04:30 AM | Departure & Scenic Drive

  • Early morning pickup from your hotel in Cusco for a scenic drive through Izcuchaca and Limatambo to Mollepata.
  • Enjoy a light breakfast before continuing to Challacancha to meet your muleteer and horse team.

Trek to Soraypampa & Humantay Lake

  • Hike to the base camp at Soraypampa (3,900 masl) for lunch.
  • Ascend to the breathtaking turquoise Humantay Lake (4,200 masl) for photos and guided exploration before returning to camp.

Overnight: Sky Lodge at Soraypampa (Lodge Del Cielo) with glass ceilings for stargazing.

Day 2Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Wayracpunku – Collpapampa – Lodge Del Cielo

Morning | Crossing the Salkantay Pass

  • Wake up to warm coca tea before ascending to the highest point of the trek: Salkantay Pass (4,630 masl).
  • Take in stunning views of Mount Salkantay’s snow-capped peak and participate in an Andean ceremony.

Afternoon | Descent to Cloud Forest

  • Descend through rocky terrain to Wayracpunku for lunch, then continue down into the cloud forest to Collpapampa camp.

Overnight: Sky Lodge at Collpapampa.

Day 3Collpapampa – Loreta La Playa – Lucmabamba – Cocalmayo Hot Springs

Full Day | Tropical Jungle Hike & Thermal Baths

  • Trek through lush high-jungle scenery, passing coffee plantations, passion fruit orchards, and waterfalls along the Santa Teresa River valley.
  • Reach Lucmabamba for a freshly prepared lunch.
  • (Optional) Visit the natural volcanic hot springs of Cocalmayo in the afternoon to relax your muscles.

Overnight: Sky Lodge at Lucmabamba.

Day 4Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes

Morning | Llactapata Inca Ruins Viewpoint

  • Hike along an original section of the Inca Trail up to Llactapata archaeological site, positioned directly opposite Machu Picchu for a rare panoramic view.

Afternoon | Scenic Walk to Aguas Calientes

  • Descend to the Hydroelectric station for lunch before taking a flat 3-hour walk along the railway tracks (or optional train) surrounded by lush vegetation to Aguas Calientes.

Overnight: Hotel in Aguas Calientes (Machupicchu Pueblo).

Day 5Machu Picchu Citadel Guided Tour – Return to Cusco

Morning | Machu Picchu Citadel Exploration

  • Early morning Consettur shuttle bus ascent to the entrance of Machu Picchu Citadel.
  • Enjoy an official 2-hour guided tour of the main temples, terraces, and urban sectors.

Afternoon | Return Journey to Cusco

  • Descend by bus back to Aguas Calientes for lunch, then board the tourist train to Ollantaytambo.
  • Private transport transfer from Ollantaytambo station back to your hotel in Cusco.

Price Includes

  • Pre-departure briefing at the office the evening prior to departure.
  • Tourist transportation from Cusco hotel to Challacancha start point.
  • Professional bilingual tour guide (English / Spanish).
  • 3 Nights in Sky Lodge glass-dome accommodations + 1 Night hotel in Aguas Calientes.
  • Complete camping equipment (dining tent, tables, chairs, kitchen gear).
  • Duffel bag provided for personal luggage (up to 5 kg / 11 lbs carried by mules/transport).
  • Professional chef team preparing all meals (4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners) + daily tea time and boiled water refills.
  • First aid kit with emergency bottle of oxygen.
  • Official entrance tickets to Humantay Lake and Machu Picchu Citadel.
  • Round-trip Consettur bus tickets (Aguas Calientes ↔ Machu Picchu Citadel).
  • Return train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
  • Private tourist transport from Ollantaytambo station back to Cusco hotel.

Price Excludes

  • First day breakfast and final day lunch in Aguas Calientes.
  • Entrance fee to Cocalmayo hot springs in Santa Teresa.
  • Personal sleeping bag (rental available upon request).
  • Train from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes on Day 4 (optional, ~$35 USD).
  • Tips for guides, cooks, and muleteers.
  • Travel insurance.

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