Salkantay Trek 5 Days | Lala Peru Travel

Salkantay Trek

This alternative route to the Inca citadel includes a visit to the stunning Humantay Lagoon and the imposing Salkantay Mountain, traversing a breathtaking cloud forest before reaching the edge of the Peruvian jungle.

Experience the Salkantay Trek 5 Days, an unforgettable route to Machu Picchu through Humantay Lake, Salkantay Mountain, high Andean landscapes, cloud forests, and the Peruvian jungle. Perfect for travelers looking for adventure, nature, and breathtaking views.

We will explore:

Cusco – Mollepata – Challacancha
Soraypampa (Sky Camp)
Humantay Lagoon
Salkantay Pass
Huayracmachay – Chaullay
Collpapampa (Mountain Sky View)
Sahuayaco Beach – Lucmabamba (Jungle Domes)
Llactapata – Aobamba – Hydroelectric Plant
Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo

⏳ Duration
5 Days / 4 Nights

💲 Price
695 USD

⛰ Maximum Altitude
4,630 m

🏔 Minimum Altitude
2,040 m

👥 Group Size
Maximum 12 People

📍 Start
Cusco

🏁 End
Machu Picchu

🥾 Difficulty
Moderate

🚐 Transportation
Trains & Tourist Vehicles

⛺ Accommodation
Private Camps and Hotel

🥾 Activities
Hiking & Trekking

🌈 Highlight
Machu Picchu & Humantay Lagoon

Our 5-day Classic Salkantay Trek is for you if you love adventure and want to experience one of the best hiking trails in the world. Combine the most exciting excursions with the most breathtaking scenery imaginable. You’ll enjoy delicious local cuisine amidst the mountains and spend each night in comfortable, exclusive accommodations.

Prepare to ascend to snow-capped mountain peaks before descending through the cloud forest. As you make your way toward Machu Picchu, the Wonder of the World, you’ll finish your trek through the vibrant Peruvian rainforest. The dramatic climate and surrounding landscapes make this exciting journey truly unique.

National Geographic Adventure Travel magazine ranks the Salkantay Trek as one of the 25 best treks in the world.
Experience one of the best treks in Peru and South America, alternative and less crowded than the traditional Inca Trail.
Enjoy the best views of these incredible mountains from a private campsite with fewer people.
Visit the breathtaking Humantay Lagoon and hike alongside the impressive Salkantay Glacier.
Traverse a variety of stunning landscapes including waterfalls, vibrant valleys, cloud forests, and unique wildlife.
Explore the stunning Inca archaeological site of Llactapata and get a unique preview framework of Machu Picchu.
Discover Machu Picchu, the ancient Inca citadel and one of the world’s greatest wonders, with a two-hour guided tour.

Perfect combination of exciting high-altitude excursions and lush rainforest exploration.
Stunning accommodations like Sky Camps and Jungle Domes that connect you deeply with nature.
Breathtaking views of the precious blue gemstone-like Humantay Lagoon against its snowy backdrop.
The ultimate reward of entering the lost city of the Incas after an epic multi-day physical challenge.
Accompanied by experienced professional guides sharing the fascinating history and natural beauty of the region.

Full Description

DAY 1

Hike to the Heart of the Mountain (Cusco – Soraypampa – Humantay Lagoon)

Today we start early to take our private transport to Mollepata for an optional breakfast before heading to Challacancha, where the trek begins. Afterward, we’ll take an approximately three-hour drive to Soraypampa, where we’ll spend the night at our exclusive Sky Camp.

After a revitalizing lunch and a well-deserved rest, we’ll ascend to the beautiful Humantay Lagoon, a jewel of the mountains. The journey takes three hours, after which we’ll descend for a delicious dinner and a well-deserved sleep under the stars.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Sky Camp
Difficulty: Moderate

DAY 2

The majestic Salkantay Pass and the descent into the rainforest

Today is the most challenging day, but the reward will be great as you enjoy breathtaking views. After breakfast, we’ll hike for about three hours to the Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the route at 4,630 meters, where we’ll spend time taking photos of the stunning scenery and the mountain peaks.

Afterward, we’ll descend through the cloud forest until lunchtime, before heading toward the edge of the rainforest in an idyllic setting. Finally, we’ll spend the night at the exclusive Mountain Sky View Camp in Collpapampa.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mountain Sky View Lodges
Difficulty: Moderate

DAY 3

Coffee Experience and Jungle Adventure (Collpapampa – Lucmabamba)

Your journey continues today with a hike through the Santa Teresa Valley jungle, where you’ll enjoy a vibrant landscape of rivers, waterfalls, orchids, and plantations of bananas, coffee, and avocados.

At lunchtime, you’ll arrive at our Jungle Domes camp to rest before spending a free afternoon exploring the area and visiting an organic coffee farm. Listen to the wonderful sounds of nature as you relax for the evening inside your exclusive dome.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Jungle Domes
Difficulty: Moderate

DAY 4

Panoramic views of Machu Picchu from Llactapata (Lucmabamba – Aguas Calientes)

As you trek along a section of the original Inca Trail today, the adventure will become even more exciting. For two hours, you’ll explore Llactapata, an Inca archaeological site. In addition to getting your first panoramic glimpse of Machu Picchu, you’ll learn all about its history.

Afterward, you’ll head down for lunch before going to Hidroeléctrica. From here, you can hike to Aguas Calientes for three hours or take an optional train. Before tomorrow’s big day, you’ll have dinner at a restaurant and spend the night in a comfortable hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Difficulty: Moderate

DAY 5

Machu Picchu: The Breathtaking Ancient Inca Citadel

Today is the day you’ve been waiting for! To avoid the crowds, you’ll head to the citadel after starting your day very early. Once there, you’ll have a complete two-hour guided tour that will teach you everything you need to know about the site while you enjoy the beautiful scenery.

If you book your ticket in advance, you can climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain afterward. Finally, we’ll return to Aguas Calientes, travel by train to Ollantaytambo, and our private transportation will take you back to your hotel in Cusco.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Not Included
Difficulty: Easy