Join us on the Salkantay Trek 5 Days, an unforgettable journey through the Andes that begins in Cusco and leads to Machu Picchu. We’ll pass through stunning landscapes from the turquoise Humantay Lagoon and starry campsites at Salkantaypampa, to the challenging Salkantay Pass at 15,256 feet. Descending into lush cloud forests, we’ll reach Lucmabamba, where we’ll share a unique coffee experience with local farmers and immerse ourselves in the richness of Andean life.
From there, we’ll hike the Inca Trail to Llactapata, where panoramic views of Machu Picchu await. After resting in Aguas Calientes, we’ll end our adventure with a guided tour of the iconic Inca citadel. The Salkantay Trek offers a perfect blend of physical challenge, cultural depth, and breathtaking beauty connecting you with the spirit of the mountains and the legacy of the Incas. Join Mother Earth Treks and experience the Andes like never before.
Join us on the Salkantay Trek 5 Days, one of the most stunning Salkantay Treks to Machu Picchu. We will leave from Cusco and head to the scenic town of Mollepata. Along the way, we will hike through breathtaking valleys surrounded by towering mountains. Our path will lead us to the turquoise waters of Humantay Lagoon at 13,780 feet above sea level.
We will camp at Salkantaypampa under a sky full of stars and the shadow of snow-capped peaks. On day two, we will reach the high point of the journey: Salkantay Pass at 15,256 feet. This part will challenge us with steep climbs and thin air. We will then descend to the lush forests of Chaullay at 9,514 feet.
We will continue through the cloud forest, arriving in Lucmabamba at 6,561 feet. There, we will enjoy a unique coffee experience, tasting fresh local brews with local farmers. This will give us insight into daily life in the Andes. The surrounding greenery and waterfalls will energize us for the next day.
From Lucmabamba, we will follow the Inca Trail to Llactapata at 8,858 feet. A stunning viewpoint of Machu Picchu awaits us here. After a short rest, we will descend to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes). A relaxing evening in town will prepare us for the final adventure.
On the last day, we will rise early and take the bus or hike to Machu Picchu. A guided tour will reveal the secrets of this Inca wonder. We will explore temples, plazas, and hidden corners of the Lost City. The experience will leave us inspired by its mystery and majesty.
Every moment of this journey will challenge and reward us with unforgettable beauty. Salkantay Trek 5 Days will take us through high mountains, green valleys, and ancient trails. We will discover the heart of the Andes and the soul of the Inca civilization. Join Mother Earth Treks and live a powerful connection with nature and history.
We will begin this 5-day tour at 4:00 A.M. A private car will pick us up from our hotel in Cusco. We will drive 2:30 hours through scenic landscapes to reach Mollepata (2,900 meters / 9,514 feet). Here, we will enjoy a delicious breakfast made by our mountain chef.
After breakfast, we will drive one more hour to Soraypampa (3,900 meters / 12,795 feet), the starting point of our trek. We will meet our team, organize gear, and begin hiking. Our first destination is the stunning Humantay Lake (4,220 meters / 13,845 feet).
We will walk 2.2 miles uphill in 2 hours. At the lake, we will enjoy a group ceremony to honor Pachamama. We can explore, take photos, and admire the turquoise water.
We will descend 2.2 miles in 1:30 hours back to Soraypampa for lunch. After lunch, we will hike 4 miles over 3.5 hours to reach Salkantaypampa. Our camp will face the towering snow-capped Salkantay Mountain. We will drink coca tea during happy hour and enjoy a hot dinner in our dining tent.
We will wake up early with coca tea in our tents. After packing, we will eat a warm breakfast with pancakes and fruits. We will start hiking up the steep trail to Salkantay Pass (15,190 feet). This is the highest point of the Salkantay Trek.
The climb will take 3:30 to 4:30 hours and cover 3.5 miles. The pass offers breathtaking views of glaciers, valleys, and snow-covered peaks. After celebrating at the top, we will begin a 3.1-mile descent to Huayracmachay (12,402 feet), where we will stop for lunch.
The landscape will start changing from rocky terrain to lush cloud forest. After lunch, we will continue hiking 5 miles downhill to Chaullay, where we will camp surrounded by tropical vegetation.
We will wake up at 6:00 A.M to birdsongs and a warmer climate. Breakfast will include tropical fruits and local ingredients. We will hike through the Santa Teresa Valley, passing waterfalls, orchards, and coffee plantations. We will cover 10 km / 6 miles in the morning to reach La Playa.
After a Peruvian-style lunch, we will continue for 6.4 km / 4 miles to our camp in Lucmabamba (6,857 feet). The trail is rich in biodiversity, with banana, papaya, avocado, and orange trees.
In the afternoon, we will visit a local farm to learn how coffee is grown and processed. We will grind beans and brew our own coffee. In the evening, we will enjoy a hot dinner in the jungle setting.
We will start the day with coca tea and a solid breakfast. Today, we will hike on a section of the Inca Trail. We will climb 9.5 km / 5.9 miles to Llactapata (9,186 feet), an Inca archaeological site. From here, we will enjoy a unique view of Machu Picchu from the mountain ridge.
After exploring Llactapata, we will descend 7.8 km / 4.8 miles to Hidroeléctrica (5,971 feet). We will have lunch here and say goodbye to our trekking team.
In the afternoon, we will take the train to Aguas Calientes (6,693 feet). Once we arrive, we will check into our hotel and rest. In the evening, we will meet for dinner at a local restaurant.
After a good night’s sleep in Aguas Calientes, we will eat breakfast and take a bus to Machu Picchu. The ride takes 25 minutes. Our local tour guide will lead us through Circuit 2. We will visit observation terraces, temples, fountains, and houses.
The guided tour will last around 3 hours. We will learn about Inca engineering, architecture, and history. After exploring, we will return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch.
Then, we will take the train to Ollantaytambo and continue by bus to Cusco. We will drop you off at your accommodation.
Tip: Keep your daypack light, secure, and well-organized to enjoy the hike more comfortably.
What to Pack in Your Duffle Bag (max 7 kg / 15 lbs): Carried by mules and horses.
“An Unforgettable Journey Through the Andes!”
The Salkantay Trek was more than just a hike—it was the adventure of a lifetime. The landscapes were breathtaking, from snowy peaks to lush cloud forest. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and supportive, always checking in on our group.
The food was surprisingly delicious and varied—every meal felt like a reward. Reaching Machu Picchu after five days of challenge and beauty was the perfect ending!
