Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu via Llactapata
The Salkantay Trek is one of the most spectacular routes to Machu Picchu, recognized by National Geographic as one of the best treks in the world. This 5-day adventure crosses diverse landscapes, from the high Andes near the impressive Salkantay Mountain to the lush cloud forest.
Along the journey, travelers visit the archaeological site of Llactapata, enjoy breathtaking views of Machu Picchu from a unique perspective, relax in the Cocalmayo Hot Springs, and experience unforgettable landscapes throughout the trek.
Itinerary at a Glance:
- Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake. Early transfer from Cusco and start of the trek with a hike to the beautiful Humantay Lake before overnight camping in Soraypampa.
- Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Chaullay. Trek to the highest point of the route near Salkantay Mountain, then descend toward the cloud forest.
- Day 3: Chaullay – La Playa – Lucmabamba. Trek through tropical landscapes, coffee plantations, and small local communities.
- Day 4: Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Aguas Calientes. Hike to Llactapata for a unique view of Machu Picchu, then continue toward Aguas Calientes.
- Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco. Morning guided tour of Machu Picchu followed by the return to Cusco.
Itinerary
We will pick you up between 4:30 am and 5:00 am to finally start our hiking adventure. After an approximately 2-hours drive, we will stop in Mollepata for a delicious breakfast, and then continue our journey to Challacancha (3800 m/12457 ft), which is the starting point of our hike. We will hike for about 3 hours towards the Soraypampa base camp, located at 3,900 meters (12,800 ft.) above sea level, and enjoy a nutritious lunch. We will then head towards the famous Humantay lagoon (4,220 m/ 13,850 ft) and admire the incredible views along the 1.5 hour walk. The landscapes are exuberant and full of colors according to the season of the year. You will be able to enjoy the green valleys full of vegetation and incredible sceneries offered by the Humantay and Salkantay Andes mountains, while our local guide will share his knowledge about the history and interesting facts. Besides, you will have enough time to explore this unique place on your own. We will descend to our base camp in Soraypampa where we will enjoy a hot cup of coca tea, and have a freshly prepared dinner by our cooks.
At 5:00 am, we will enjoy a large breakfast to ensure we have plenty of energy for our hike today. Starting our trek from Soraypampa, we will ascend for 3 hours to the highest point, Abra Salkantay, where we will enjoy breathtaking views of the snow-capped high Andes Mountains, including Salkantay, Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo (4,650 meters / 15,250 feet). Passing through Salkantaypampa and Soyrococha, we will discover a beautiful small lake and then begin our descent towards Wacracmachay for 3 hours (3,800 meters / 12,470 feet). There, we will have lunch and continue our descent for 3 more hours until we reach our campsite in Collpapampa. We will have tea and a delicious dinner prepared by our cook. Tonight, we will sleep in our comfortable domes at the campsite.
Hiking Distance: 22 km / 13.47 miles
After a rejuvenating night’s sleep, we start day 3 of our Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu with a delicious breakfast. We begin our 5 ½ hour hike through the Peruvian jungle, navigating many ascents and descents. This part of the trek takes us through the cloud forest, where we will discover several coffee plantations, orchids, and many natural plants used for medicinal purposes. We will arrive at our lunch point to rest a little and take a coffee tour.
We will spend the night in our private jungle domes. Here, you have the option to visit the thermal baths located in Cocalmayo, Santa Teresa (not included). We will return to our campsite at 6:00 pm for tea and a freshly prepared dinner.
Hiking Distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles
Today, we will enjoy the sunrise in a lush landscape of rivers, waterfalls, orchids, and many plantations, including banana, avocado, and coffee. After a nutritious breakfast, we will prepare for the next part of our trekking adventure: hiking along a section of the original Inca Trail! We will ascend along the Inca Trail, enjoying the beautiful views of the Santa Teresa Valley. After a 2.5-hour ascent, we will arrive at the Inca archaeological site of Llactapata. Our local guide will share his knowledge about the history of this place. Additionally, we will get our first glimpse of Machu Picchu Mountain and Huayna Picchu Mountain. We will descend for lunch and then continue our hike to Hidroeléctrica. You can choose to walk to Aguas Calientes for around 3 hours or opt to board a train for an additional $38.00. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, we will enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant in the village at the foot of the magnificent Wonder of the World. Tonight, we will stay overnight at a hotel.
Hiking Distance: 18 km / 11 miles
This is the day you’ve been waiting for the chance to visit one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu.
We’ll rise early, around 4:30 a.m., to have a packed breakfast. We’ll then start our hike up to Machu Picchu, which takes approximately 1.5 hours. We’ll descend for 30 minutes to the Puente Ruinas checkpoint, where you will need to show your original passport, Machu Picchu tickets, and Student ID if you are a student. After crossing Puente Ruinas, you will climb the stairs for about one hour to reach Machu Picchu’s main gate by 6:00 a.m.
The hotel will hold your bags for you while you are at Machu Picchu, so you only need to bring a small backpack with essentials, as large bags are not allowed inside Machu Picchu. There is also a bus option from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, which takes approximately 30 minutes and costs $12 USD.
Once in Machu Picchu, your guide will take you directly to the best panoramic viewpoint for the classic Machu Picchu photo, then guide you through the main sectors of the citadel for a total of 2.5 hours. During this tour, you’ll learn about the history and culture of this amazing Andean paradise.
After the guided tour, you will have time to explore Machu Picchu on your own. You may choose to hike Huayna Picchu Mountain (2 hours) or Machu Picchu Mountain (3 hours). These hikes must be booked in advance, as they sell out quickly and cost $60 per person. Your guide will show you where to begin the hike. The amount of time you spend at Machu Picchu will depend on your choice of return transportation to Cusco (train or car).
Includes
Accommodation
- Instead of sleeping in small tents, we provide spectacular and comfortable campsites with Domes and Cabins.
- Night 1 (Soraypampa): Stay in our amazing glass cabins designed for two people.
- Night 2 and 3 (Colpapampa and Lucmabamba): Enjoy the comfort of private domes for two people.
- Last night in Aguas Calientes: Accommodation in a 2-star hotel with Wi-Fi, takeaway breakfast, and a private bathroom with hot water. You can also upgrade to a higher-quality hotel.
Meals
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary (5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners).
- Professional cook and cooking equipment. Dining tent and kitchen tent for the cook to prepare your meals fresh.
- Meals can be accommodated for dietary requirements such as vegetarian or vegan. Please let us know in advance if you have certain preferences.
- A hot cup of Coca Tea every morning.
- Boiled water provided for coffee and tea to accompany your meals at the campsites.
Transportation
- Private transportation from your hotel in Cusco to the starting point of your trek.
- Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
- Tourist transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco (Regocijo Square).
Local Guides & Team
- English/Spanish speaking professional guide.
- Horses and horsemen to carry camping equipment, food, and kitchen utensils.
- All our trekking guides have a minimum of 3 years of guiding experience and are certified. They carry a first aid kit and an extra oxygen bottle in case of emergencies.
- We provide duffel bags for your personal items (up to 5 kg per person).
Does not include
Meals
- Lunch and dinner on the last day.
- No water for treks included. Please carry enough water with you. You can buy more water bottles along the trekking route.
Optional Activities
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain for $60.00 per person. Please let us know in advance to check availability.
- Entry to the Aguas Calientes hot springs.
Other
- Trekking poles available for rent for $20.00 per person.
- Additional horses for luggage exceeding the 5 kg per person limit.
- Tips for your guide, cook, and staff.
- Shuttle bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu ($12.00 per person).
- National or international flights.
- Travel insurance.
- Sleeping bags ($15.00 per person).
- Other activities not mentioned in this itinerary.
Recommendations
- Original Passport.
- Good comfortable hiking backpack.
- Trekking shoes.
- Water bottle or storage container (i.e. camelback).
- Warm clothes (jacket, fleece and sweaters).
- Hiking clothes (i.e. t-shirts, pants etc).
- Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain or cold.
- Sun block and insect repellent.
- Toilet paper.
- Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, etc.
- Cash (Limited ATM machines in Aguas Calientes).
- Swimsuit (if you plan on visiting the hot springs at Aguas Calientes after the trek).
- We recommend hiking sticks or knee supports if you have pre-existing issues.
- Positive mind!
Prices
- Price: Please contact us for private group rates.
- Student Discount: Available for students with a valid University ID (under 25) or teenagers under 17.
- Booking Process: A deposit is required to secure your Inca Trail permits, which are non-refundable and non-transferable.
More Info
Additional Options
As highlighted in our Additional Options section, you have the opportunity to enhance your trip with various upgrades.
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Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu via Llactapata
5 Days and 4 Nights
$ 460.00
Per Person
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Quick Stats
Duration
5 Days and 4 Nights
Physical Rating
Challenging – Recommended for those in good physical condition, with high-altitude hiking and
Trip Type
Adventure & Nature
Team
Expert trekking guides, porters, cooks, and support staff.
