Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu (Glamping) 5 Days and 4 Nights

Day 01: Cusco – Mollepata – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa

Turquoise waters, snow-capped peaks, and a night in Luxury Domes.

4:30 AM – 5:00 AM – Pickup: We start bright and early. We pick you up from your hotel for a 3-hour private drive to the trailhead.

Breakfast Stop: We pause in Mollepata. Note: The first breakfast is not included. We recommend ordering a hearty local breakfast here to fuel up and support local businesses.

The Trek Begins: We drive 20 minutes more to Challacancha, where we meet our horsemen and horses. They will carry the heavy equipment while we hike for approximately 4 hours to Soraypampa.

Lunch with a View: We enjoy a freshly prepared lunch surrounded by the panoramic views of Humantay (4,120 m) and Salkantay (6,271 m).

Humantay Lake Hike: In the afternoon, we ascend (1.5 hours) to the stunning Humantay Lake. After capturing photos of the turquoise waters, we descend back to camp (1 hour).

Accommodation: Tonight, we sleep in our exclusive LUXURY DOMES. Located at Soraypampa (3,800 m), these domes offer a cozy retreat in the coldest part of the trek (-5°C).

BEAR IN MIND – DAY 1

• Walking Distance: 12 km (7.4 miles)
• Walking Hours: 4 hours + Humantay Hike
• Highest Point: Humantay Lake (4,200 masl)
• Campsite Altitude: 3,800 masl
• Highlight: Overnight in Luxury Domes

Day 02: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Chaullay

Conquer the summit of the Salkantay trail and descend to the jungle.

5:30 AM – Power Breakfast: Rise and shine for the most challenging day of the salkantay hike.

The Summit Push: We trek uphill for 4 hours to reach the Salkantay Pass (4,630 masl). Standing between the massive Salkantay and Tucarhuay peaks, you will feel on top of the world. Note: Snow is possible here from Nov-Feb.

Andean Ceremony: Your guide will perform a heartfelt ceremony to thank the Pachamama (Mother Earth), a spiritual moment to connect with the Andes.

Descent to Cloud Forest: We descend to Huayracmachay for lunch. Afterward, we continue downhill into the jungle. Watch the landscape transform as streams, waterfalls, parrots, and orchids appear.

Accommodation: We arrive at our second campsite, Chaullay (2,900 m). Tonight, we rest in comfortable STANDARD DOMES.

BEAR IN MIND – DAY 2

• Walking Distance: 21 km (13 miles)
• Walking Hours: 9 to 10 hours
• Highest Point: Salkantay Pass (4,630 masl)
• Campsite Altitude: 2,900 masl
• Highlight: Overnight in Standard Domes
• Physical Grading: 4/5 (Demanding)

Day 03: Chaullay – Santa Teresa Valley – Playa Sahuayacco

Tropical trails, relaxation, and a second night of luxury.

6:30 AM – Jungle Trek: After breakfast, we hike through the lush Santa Teresa valley. We cross the Lluskamayo River and pass waterfalls, exploring the upper jungle for 5 to 6 hours.

Flora & Fauna: Keep your camera ready for tropical fruits, coffee plantations, bananas, and wild orchids as we make our way to Playa Sahuayacco.

Optional Hot Springs: After a delicious lunch and rest, you have the option to take local transport to the Santa Teresa Hot Springs.

• Note: Transport and Entrance Fee (10 Soles) are not included. Relax in the thermal waters before returning to camp for tea time and dinner.

Accommodation: Tonight, we return to comfort. We spend the night in our LUXURY DOMES at Playa Sahuayacco.

BEAR IN MIND – DAY 3

• Walking Distance: 14 km (8.7 miles)
• Walking Hours: 5 to 6 hours
• Campsite Altitude: 2,064 masl
• Highlight: Overnight in Luxury Domes
• Weather: Warm and Humid

Day 04: Playa Sahuayacco – Llactapata – Aguas Calientes

Walk the original Inca Trail and get the best view of Machu Picchu.

6:30 AM – The Inca Path: This is the highlight of the 5-day salkantay tour. We hike up for 2 hours to Llactapata, an original Inca site located on a mountain ridge.

The Exclusive View: From Llactapata, you will see Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu, and Machu Picchu Mountain from a unique angle across the valley. It is a magical, crowd-free first glimpse of the Lost City.

Descent to Hidroelectrica: After exploring the ruins, we descend for 2 hours to the Hidroelectrica station for lunch.

The Final Stretch: We walk the final leg along the train tracks (approx. 2.5 hours) through lush vegetation until we reach the town of Aguas Calientes.

Hotel & Dinner: We check into your Hotel for a well-deserved shower and rest. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant while your guide briefs you on the plan for tomorrow.

BEAR IN MIND – DAY 4

• Walking Distance: 18 km (11.18 miles)
• Walking Hours: 6 to 7 hours
• Highest Point: Llactapata (2,760 masl)
• Overnight: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
• Highlight: Llactapata Ruins & View

Day 05: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

The Grand Finale: The Lost City of the Incas.

4:00 AM – 4:30 AM – Early Start: We wake up before dawn for breakfast at the hotel to beat the crowds.

Getting to the Citadel: You have two options:

1. Hike: A 1.5-hour uphill walk (Free).
2. Bus: A 25-minute ride starting at 5:30 AM (Not included: approx. $12 up / $12 down).

6:00 AM – Sunrise: We enter the site as it opens. Witnessing the sunrise over Machu Picchu is a spiritual experience.

Guided Tour: Your guide will lead a 2.5-hour tour, explaining the history and secrets of the Inca Citadel. Afterward, you have time to explore on your own.

Optional Mountain Hikes (Advance booking required):

• Huayna Picchu: 45-min steep climb.
• Machu Picchu Mountain: 1.5-hour climb.

Return to Cusco: Return to Aguas Calientes for lunch (optional). You will then board the touristic train back to Ollantaytambo (Departure: 2:55 PM – 9:50 PM, subject to availability).

Transfer: At Ollantaytambo, our driver will be waiting with your name on a sign to drive you back to Cusco.

Budget Note: Traveling on a tight budget? Ask us about returning via bus from Hidroelectrica instead of the train!

BEAR IN MIND – DAY 5

• Machu Picchu Altitude: 2,050 masl
• Activity: Guided Tour + Exploration
• Meals Included: Breakfast only

Why Choose the 5-Day Salkantay Trek?

This itinerary is perfect for those who want to savor the journey. The Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu 5 Days gives you the unique opportunity to visit Llactapata and enjoy exclusive accommodation in Luxury Domes on two different nights.Ready to walk in the footsteps of the Incas? Contact us today to reserve your space on the best salkantay trek 5 days adventure.

Includes:

• Bilingual and certified Tour Guide
• A briefing about the trek with your guide the day before
• Pick up from your accommodation in Cusco
• Private transportation to go to the Trail Head
• Andean ceremony, offering to the mother earth on the Salkantay Pass
• 1 Bus up from Aguas Calientes to MachuPicchu
• Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu
• Guided Tour in MachuPicchu
• 2 nights in Luxury Domes, 1 night in standard Dome, 1 night in a Hotel in Aguas Calientes
• A duffel bag where you can put inside 07 kilos from your personal stuff including your sleeping bag (it will be carry by the horses or mules until Hidroelectrica)
• Pick up from Hidroelectrica to back to Cusco, transports leaves in between 14h00 to 14h30 (Returning by bus) 
• Train ticket to Ollantaytambo (if you book this trek returning by Train)
• Pick up from Ollantaytambo to back to Cusco (If you book this trek returning by Train)
• Confortable Mattresses in each dome
• 3 Meals per day during the trek (food served in a buffet style)
• Professional Cook
• Availability of meals to your preference (vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, pesquetarian, etc)
• First Aid Kit, with Oxigen ballon.
• A Survivor T – shirt, for each member of the group

Doesn’t includes:

• Entrances fees to the Natural hot spring of Santa Teresa (10 soles per person)
• Transport to go to the Natural hotspring of Santa Teresa (round trip cost around 40 soles per person)
• Entrance fees to Waynapicchu Mountain or Mountain Machu Picchu. (it has an extra cost of 60 dollars per person) If you want to visit one of these mountain and back to Cusco by bus from Hidroelectrica you have to stay an extra night in Aguas Calientes or take the train to back to Cusco the same 5th day. This to have enough time to visit MachuPicchu and one of these mountains. 
• Sleeping bags (you can rent from us which cost 20 dollars for a professional one, which can support until -15 degrees celcius or 5 degrees farenheit)
• Walking sticks (you can rent from us which cost 20 dollars for a professional black diamond pair)
• Mineral Water (you can buy bottle of mineral water in every campsite)
• First Breakfast and last lunch and dinner
• Bus up and down from Aguas Calientes to Machu Pichu (Round trip bus cost 24 dollars but just one way cost 12 dollars) 
• Tips for the team (Is not obligatory but if you wish to do it, it will be welcome)

• Original Passport
• A valid student card if you book this trek as student (25 years old as máximum)
• Travel Insurance card (you have to le tus know the name of your Travel Insurance company and you travel Insurance Number)
• Day Pack
• Rain coat or Rain Poncho
• Cold Clothes (For the first and Second day)
• Trekking shirts and trekking pants
• Waterproof hiking shoes
• Bottle of Water
• Flash Light
• Toilet Paper
• Sun Block
• Sun Glasses
• Caps or Hats
• Gloves (for the first and second day)
• Insect Repellent (30% DEET Recommended)
• Sleeping Bags
• Walking sticks
• Camera with extra batteries
• Extra money especially in soles to buy thing along the trek

POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE.

PRICES FOR 2025-2026

SALKANTAY 5D/4N GLAMPING RETURNING BY BUS FROM HYDROELECTRIC

• 555 USD ESTUDENT
• 585 USD ADULT

SALKANTAY 5D/4N GLAMPING RETURNING BY TRAIN

• 615 USD ESTUDENT
• 645 USD ADULT

IF YOU WANT TO BOOK THIS TREK AS A STUDENT, PLEASE YOU HAVE TO KNOW THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:

STUDENT PRICE:

To have a student price you have to comply with the following rules of the Peruvian government since we get the discount at the time of buying the Machu Picchu tickets from the Peruvian government. The Peruvian Government has 02 rates for foreigners that are ADULT / STUDENT.

TO ACCESS THE STUDENT RATE YOU MUST COMPLY WITH THE FOLLOWING:

The student card must be an original student ID given from the university in PVC material. It must have been printed on the cardUniversity Information, Student name It must have a valid expiration date / valid only for one year if you visit Machu Picchu in 2023 the expiration date must be 2023 or 2024 If is more of that this is not Valid, Discount for students, not more than 25 years old

ISIC cards are not valid for the discount

If you meet these requirements, send us a photo of your student ID to this email at the time that you are booking the tour to buy tour Machu Picchu tickets as a student: info@localtrekkersperu.com

If you do not meet the requirements, it is better to buy the trek as an adult because if you buy your Machu Picchu tickets with the student rate without meeting the requirements, they will not let you enter the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu for not meeting the requirements. that the Peruvian government requires since Machu Picchu is administered by the Peruvian government.