Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu Low Cost 5 Days and 4 Nights

Day 01: Cusco – Mollepata – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa

Start your journey with high-altitude lagoons and sacred peaks.

4:30 AM – 5:00 AM – Pickup & Departure: Your adventure begins early. We will pick you up from your hotel to travel by private transport (approx. 3 hours) towards the trailhead.

Breakfast Stop: We arrive at Mollepata. Please note: The first breakfast is not included. We recommend ordering a local breakfast here to support the community businesses before we head into the mountains.

The Trek Begins: After a short 20-minute drive to Challacancha, we meet our horsemen and horses. They will carry the camping gear and food, allowing you to walk lighter. We hike for about 4 hours to Soraypampa, enjoying panoramic views of the Humantay (4,120 m) and Salkantay (6,271 m) mountains.

Lunch with a View: We enjoy a freshly prepared lunch at Soraypampa, surrounded by glaciers.

Hike to Humantay Lake: In the afternoon, we ascend (1.5 hours) to the spectacular turquoise Humantay Lake. After soaking in the views, we descend back to camp (1 hour).

Overnight at Soraypampa: We camp at Soraypampa (3,800 m), the highest and coldest campsite of the trek. Temperatures can drop to -5°C (below zero), so prepare for a chilly but starry night.

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 / 13,779 ft)
• Campsite Altitude: 3,800 masl / 12,467 ft
• Weather: Cold / Windy
• Physical Grading: 3/5

Day 02: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Cloud Forest

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

5:30 AM – Power Breakfast: We wake up early for a nutritious breakfast to fuel the most challenging day of the Salkantay trek 5 days 4 nights.

The Summit Push: We begin a 4-hour uphill trek to the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m). Located between two massive peaks—Salkantay and Tucarhuay—the views are breathtaking. Note: Snow or rain is possible here from Nov-Feb.

Andean Ceremony: At the top, your guide will perform a heartfelt ceremony to thank the Pachamama (Mother Earth), connecting you with Andean spirituality.

Descent to the Jungle: After resting and taking photos, we descend through the cloud forest to Huayracmachay for lunch.

Into the Green: We continue downhill towards the jungle brow. The landscape transforms dramatically; look out for waterfalls, parrots, hummingbirds, and orchids as we reach our warmer campsite.

Overnight at Chaullay: We camp at Chaullay (2,900 m), where the air is richer in oxygen and the climate is fresher.

BEAR IN MIND – DAY 2

• Walking Distance: 21 km (13 miles)
• Walking Hours: 9 to 10 hours
• Highest Point: Salkantay Pass (4,630 masl / 15,190 ft)
• Campsite Altitude: 2,900 masl / 9,514 ft
• Weather: Cold morning, moderate/fresh afternoon
• Physical Grading: 4/5

Day 03: Chaullay – The Jungle Valley – Santa Teresa Hot Springs

Tropical valleys, waterfalls, and a relaxing soak.

6:30 AM – Jungle Trek: After breakfast, we hike through the Santa Teresa valley. We cross the Lluskamayo River and pass small brooks, surrounded by tropical nature.

Flora & Fauna: During the 5 to 6-hour walk to Playa Sahuayacco, you will see coffee plantations, banana trees, palms, and maybe even taste some local tropical fruits.

Afternoon Relaxation (Optional): After a delicious lunch and rest at our campsite in La Playa, we take local transport (not included) to Santa Teresa.

Hot Springs Visit: Here, you can visit the natural hot springs (Entrance fee: 10 Soles, not included). It is the perfect way to relax your muscles after days of hiking. We return to our campsite in the late afternoon for tea time and dinner.

BEAR IN MIND – DAY 3

• Walking Distance: 14 km (8.7 miles)
• Walking Hours: 5 to 6 hours
• Campsite Altitude: Playa Sahuayacco (2,064 masl / 6,771 ft)
• Highlights: Tropical vegetation, Optional Hot Springs
• Weather: Warm and Humid
• Physical Grading: 3/5

Day 04: Playa Sahuayaco – Llactapata (Inca Trail) – Aguas Calientes

Walk an original Inca Trail and get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu.

6:30 AM – The Inca Path: This day makes the 5-day trek unique. After breakfast, we hike uphill for 2 hours to visit Llactapata, an original Inca site located on a mountain ridge.

The Exclusive View: From Llactapata, you get a rare, panoramic view of Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu, and Machu Picchu Mountain from across the valley. It is a magical, less-crowded perspective that most tourists never see.

Descent to Hidroelectrica: After exploring the ruins and learning their history, 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 comfortable night. We enjoy a celebratory dinner at a local restaurant, where your guide will brief you on the big day 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 / 8,858 ft)
• Overnight: Hotel in Aguas Calientes (2,050 masl)
• Highlights: Llactapata Ruins, First view of Machu Picchu
• Physical Grading: 3/5

Day 05: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

The Lost City of the Incas awaits.

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

Getting to the Citadel: You have two options to reach the entrance:

1. Hike: A 1.5-hour uphill walk (free, but steep).
2. Bus: A 25-minute ride starting at 5:30 AM (Cost: approx. $12 up / $12 down – not included).

6:00 AM – Sunrise at Machu Picchu: We enter the site just as it opens. If the weather permits, witnessing the sunrise over the citadel is a life-changing experience.

Guided Tour: Your guide will lead a 2.5-hour tour, explaining the mysteries, architecture, and history of this Wonder of the World. Afterwards, you will have time to explore on your own.

Optional Mountain Hikes (Must be booked in advance):

• Huayna Picchu: 45-minute steep climb (2,720 m).
• Machu Picchu Mountain: 1.5-hour climb to the top.

Return to Cusco: After your visit, return to Aguas Calientes for lunch (optional). You will then board the touristic train back to Ollantaytambo.

• Train departure: Between 2:55 PM and 9:50 PM (subject to availability).

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

Budget Note: If you are on a tight budget, ask us about the option to return via bus from Hidroelectrica instead of the train.

BEAR IN MIND – DAY 5

• Machu Picchu Altitude: 2,050 masl / 6,725 ft
• Activity: Guided Tour + Exploration
• Physical Grading: 2/5
• Weather: Humid and Hot
• Meals Included: Breakfast only

Why Choose the 5-Day Salkantay Trek?

The Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu 5 Days allows you to slow down and truly absorb the magic of the Andes. The inclusion of the Llactapata Inca Trail on Day 4 gives you a historical context and a visual preview of the citadel that the shorter treks simply cannot offer.Ready to walk in the footsteps of the Incas? Don’t just visit Peru—experience it. Contact us today to reserve your space on the Salkantay trail.

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
• Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu
• Guided Tour in MachuPicchu
• 1st night in our glass igloo camping, 2nd night in our andean huts camping, 3rd night in our skey Capsules and the 4th night in a Hotel in Aguas Calientes
• A duffel bag where you can put inside 05 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 campsite
• 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 (This is just a recommendation)
• 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 LOW COST RETURNING BY BUS FROM HYDROELECTRIC

• 295 USD STUDENT
• 315 USD ADULT

SALKANTAY 5D/4N LOW COST RETURNING BY TRAIN

• 365 USD STUDENT
• 385 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.