Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days

After breakfast, you will begin the most demanding high-altitude section of the trek. The route gradually ascends toward Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the five-day itinerary at approximately 4,630 meters or 15,190 feet.

From the pass, you can observe Salkantay Mountain and the surrounding peaks before beginning the descent toward Huayracmachay. After lunch, the landscape changes as the trail enters the cloud forest, where the environment becomes greener and warmer.

The day ends at Collpapampa, where you will have dinner and spend the night at the Mountain Sky View Campsite.

Approximate distance: 23.5 km / 14.6 mi
Walking time: 10–11 hours
Maximum altitude: 4,630 m / 15,190 ft
Accommodation: Mountain Sky View Camp

The third day follows a mostly descending route through the Santa Teresa Valley. Along the way, you will pass rivers, waterfalls, subtropical vegetation and agricultural areas where coffee, avocados, bananas and other local products are cultivated.

After lunch near La Playa, you will continue toward Lucmabamba. Depending on the confirmed program, there may be time to learn about local coffee production or explore the surrounding agricultural area.

You will spend the night in the Jungle Domes, surrounded by the warmer vegetation of the high jungle.

Approximate distance: 17 km / 10.6 mi
Walking time: 5–6 hours
Maximum altitude: 2,950 m / 9,678 ft
Accommodation: Jungle Domes

After breakfast, you will ascend along a section of an original Inca trail toward Llactapata. This archaeological site offers views across the valley and, when weather conditions are favorable, your first distant perspective of Machu Picchu.

After visiting Llactapata, you will descend toward the Aobamba Valley and continue to Hidroelectrica. From there, you can complete the approximately three-hour walk to Aguas Calientes or take the optional train at an additional cost.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you will check into your hotel and have dinner before preparing for the visit to Machu Picchu.

Approximate distance: Up to 25 km / 15.5 mi
Walking time: 8–9 hours
Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes

On the final morning, you will travel by bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu. Inside the archaeological site, your professional guide will explain the principal temples, terraces, residential areas and engineering features included in your assigned route.

The exact Machu Picchu circuit and entrance time must be confirmed according to official availability at the time of booking. Peru’s current system organizes visits through three principal circuits and several individual routes.

After the visit, you will return to Aguas Calientes and board the scheduled train to Ollantaytambo. A Kantu Peru Tours representative will meet you at the station and provide transportation back to your hotel in Cusco.

Guided visit: Approximately 2 hours
Machu Picchu altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
Return: Train and tourist transportation to Cusco

The highest point is Salkantay Pass at approximately 4,630 meters or 15,190 feet above sea level. It is reached on the second day of the itinerary.

Yes. The itinerary includes a hike to Humantay Lake on the first day before spending the night at the Soraypampa campsite.

Yes, the standard program includes an entrance ticket to Machu Picchu. The specific circuit and entrance time are confirmed according to official availability when the reservation is processed.

The itinerary includes three nights in trekking camps and one night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes. The camps may include Sky Camp, Mountain Sky View Camp and Jungle Domes.

Most meals during the trekking portion are included. Travelers should verify whether breakfast on Day 1 and lunch and dinner on Day 5 are included in their confirmed reservation.

The support team can transport up to 7 kilograms or approximately 15 pounds of personal belongings per traveler. You should carry your own daypack with water, rain protection, sun protection and personal items.

No. The standard itinerary involves walking from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes. Travelers who prefer to take the optional train must request it and pay the additional cost.

Yes. Solo travelers can book the shared service and join an available group. Private service is also available for travelers who prefer a personalized itinerary.

The drier months generally provide more stable hiking conditions, while the rainy season can produce muddy trails, reduced visibility and itinerary changes. Weather in the Andes remains variable throughout the year, so travelers should carry suitable equipment in every season.

Prepare with regular cardiovascular training, uphill walking and progressively longer hikes. Spend time acclimatizing before departure and bring layered clothing, rain protection, trekking footwear and sun protection.

If weather or trail conditions make the Llactapata route unsafe, the guide may modify the itinerary and use an alternative route. Any operational changes will prioritize traveler safety.