From Cusco: Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 75 km 5D/4N 4D/3N
Santa Teresa District, Peru
The Salkantay to Machu Picchu trek is popular with trekking enthusiasts. Embark on an epic 75 km trek through breathtaking mountains, visiting lakes and jungles with a local guide and nutritious food.
This 5-day Salkantay Trek connects the Andes and Peruvian jungle, ideal for adventurous travelers visiting Machu Picchu.
Highlights
- Travel 75 kilometers linking the Andes and the Peruvian jungle.
- Enjoy fresh, nutritious meals prepared by a professional chef.
- Complete your trek with a visit to Machu Picchu.
- Participate in a traditional coca leaf ritual connecting with Mother Earth.
Description
Important: Check Machu Picchu entrance ticket availability before booking. This service is free of charge.
Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake
Your journey begins at 4:30 a.m. with a private pickup in Cusco, followed by a 2-hour transfer to Mollepata. After breakfast, drive 40 minutes to the trailhead. Trek for 1 hour 20 minutes to Soraypampa (3,800 m) base camp, then hike 2 hours to Laguna Humantay (4,200 m), known for its turquoise waters and mountain scenery.
Return to camp for lunch, then rest and acclimatize. Dinner is served in the evening.
Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Collpapampa / Chaullay
Begin with a hot drink, then hike 3 hours to Salkantay Pass (4,630 m), the trek’s highest point with Andes views. Descend 3 hours to Wayracmachay for lunch, then 3 more hours to Collpapampa (2,770 m) campsite where you will have dinner and rest.
Day 3: Collpapampa – Lucmabamba – Cocalmayo Hot Springs
After breakfast, hike through the Santa Teresa jungle, crossing suspension bridges and waterfalls to Lucmabamba. Enjoy a buffet lunch and a guided coffee production tour. In the afternoon, visit Termas de Cocalmayo for a soak in natural hot springs followed by group dinner.
Day 4: Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Aguas Calientes
After breakfast, hike 2 hours uphill to Llactapata (2,700 m) with panoramic views of Machu Picchu. Then descend 2 hours to Hidroeléctrica for lunch, followed by a walk to Aguas Calientes for check-in. Group dinner at 7 p.m. prepares you for the next day's visit.
Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Make an early 1-hour ascent to Machu Picchu for a 2.5-hour guided tour. Return options include:
- Land: 3-hour hike to Hidroeléctrica and 7-hour transfer to Cusco, arriving around 9:30 p.m.
- Train: Walk to Aguas Calientes, train to Ollantaytambo (2 hours), then transfer by road to Cusco (2 hours). Arrival depends on your train schedule.
Includes
- Pre-trip briefing one day before departure at 5 or 6 p.m.
- Hotel or Airbnb pickup in Cusco historic center
- Duffle bag to carry up to 6 kg of personal belongings
- Horse support for your 6 kg belongings and cooking equipment
- English/Spanish-speaking professional tour guide
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu
- Professional chef and cooking equipment
- Private transportation to Salkantay Trail start
- Three afternoon tea times with popcorn, cookies, chocolate, and coffee
- Coca tea wake-up at camp
- Meals: 5 days include 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners; 4 days include 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
- Accommodation: 5 days includes 3 nights in cabins; 4 days includes 2 nights in cabins; 1 night hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Assistance reserving Machu Picchu tickets if available (ticket payment is separate)
- Vegetarian/vegan meal options at no extra charge
- Transfer from Lucmabamba to Hidroeléctrica (4-day trek only)
Excludes
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket: 152 soles per person (Circuits 1, 2, 3)
- Humantay Lake entrance: 20 PEN per person
- Cocalmayo hot springs entrance: 10 PEN per person
- Personal water supply for hiking days
- Last lunch and dinner
- Sleeping bag rental: USD 15 per person for entire trip
- Trekking pole rental: USD 10 per person for entire trip
- Additional Machu Picchu mountain tickets: USD 61 each for Machu Picchu Mountain or Wayna Picchu Mountain
- Transportation to hot springs (price varies by group size)
- Bus Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu up and down: USD 12 each way per person
- Other paid activities booked during briefing, including optional zip line on day 3 for USD 28
Important Information
- Contact us before booking to confirm Machu Picchu ticket availability.
- Book months in advance to secure Machu Picchu Circuit 2 tickets.
- If booking 1-2 months ahead, inquire about available Machu Picchu circuits; Circuits 1 and 3 do not include guides.
- If tickets are available, we assist with purchase; payment is made one day before your trip.
- Without a ticket, purchase Machu Picchu entry in Aguas Calientes; extra days may be needed but include no meals or accommodation.
- Send a clear passport copy for ticket reservation and permits processing.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a 50% refund.
For best experience, bring layered clothing, good hiking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, and sufficient water. Booking early is recommended due to limited Machu Picchu ticket availability.
