Salkantay Trek - 5 Days

If you’re looking for a unique experience in Peru, the 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu offers spectacular landscapes, cultural immersion, and a close connection with nature. This itinerary will take you through the Andes to the majestic Machu Picchu, passing through breathtaking scenery and picturesque villages. It’s one of the best trekking alternatives to the Inca Trail and has been recognized by National Geographic Adventure Travel as one of the Top 25 Treks in the World.

📅Day 1: Cusco (3,300 m) – Mollepata (2,900 m) – Soraypampa (3,900 m)

We begin the adventure by picking you up from your hotel at the scheduled time and heading toward Mollepata. The journey takes about two and a half hours from Cusco to the town of Mollepata, where you’ll meet the muleteer who will accompany you throughout the trek. After a short hike, you’ll reach Cruzpata, where you’ll enjoy the first panoramic views of the snow-capped Humantay and Ausangate mountains. You’ll then continue to the first campsite at Soraypampa (3,850 m / 12,631 ft), where the snow-covered mountains and rich biodiversity will serve as a perfect prelude to the adventure ahead.

📅Day 2: Soraypampa – Challway (2,920 m)

The second day is one of the most challenging, as you’ll hike up to the Salkantay Pass — the highest point of the trek at 4,650 meters (15,255 ft). From here, you’ll have spectacular views of the Salkantay and Humantay peaks, and you may even witness small snow avalanches. After reaching the pass, you’ll descend through the cloud forest to the campsite at Challway, surrounded by the lush vegetation of the high jungle.

📅Day 3: Challway – La Playa (2,350 m)

On the third day, the hike continues through lush landscapes as you descend along the edge of the jungle. Along the way, you’ll see a variety of orchids and local flora and fauna, as well as visit small communities such as Arranniyuc. Following the Santa Teresa River, you’ll admire beautiful waterfalls and natural hot springs before arriving at the next campsite in La Playa.

📅Day 4: La Playa – Aguas Calientes (2,040 m)

On this day, you’ll continue through the high jungle, passing coffee, banana, avocado, pineapple, and coca plantations (the sacred plant of the Incas). One of the highlights will be visiting the Cocalmayo Hot Springs (entrance not included). Afterward, you’ll hike to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and spend the night in a comfortable hotel. You can also visit the town’s thermal baths (entrance not included) to relax after the day’s trek.

📅Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu (2,430 m) – Cusco

The most anticipated day of the entire journey — Machu Picchu! Enjoy a two-hour guided tour of the Inca citadel with your expert guide. If you have an entrance ticket to climb Huayna Picchu (not included), you can do so as well. After a day full of history and discovery, you’ll return to Aguas Calientes to take the train to Ollantaytambo. From there, private transportation will take you back to your hotel in Cusco, completing an epic journey through the Peruvian Andes.