Winding through snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes, cloud forests, and subtropical valleys, the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is one of the most impressive multi-day treks in the Cusco region. The 5-day route combines high-altitude landscapes, Andean scenery, local communities, and Machu Picchu, while offering a more comfortable alternative to traditional tent-based trekking.
Unlike the Classic Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek does not require an Inca Trail permit. This allows travelers to book the trek with greater flexibility, although a separate Machu Picchu entry ticket is still required.
What makes this Salkantay experience different is the combination of challenging trekking and upgraded accommodation. Instead of relying exclusively on traditional tents, the route includes mountain domes, glass-walled cabins with private bathrooms, eco-domes, and a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
This guide explains the complete Salkantay Trek itinerary, including daily distances, altitudes, accommodation, what to bring, and the best time to travel.
Why Choose the Salkantay Trek Over the Inca Trail?
The Salkantay Trek offers several practical advantages for travelers who want to reach Machu Picchu through a different route.
No Inca Trail permit is required:
The Salkantay Trek does not use the limited Inca Trail permit system. However, travelers still need a valid Machu Picchu entry ticket.
Greater landscape diversity:
In just five days, the route crosses high-altitude mountains, glaciers, glacial lakes, cloud forests, and warmer subtropical valleys.
More comfortable accommodation:
The route combines trekking with upgraded lodging, including domes, glass-walled cabins with private bathrooms, and a hotel stay in Aguas Calientes.
A challenging but varied trek:
The route reaches the Salkantay Pass at approximately 4,630 meters before descending toward the warmer valleys and eventually continuing to Machu Picchu.
Salkantay Trek 5-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa
The journey begins with a scenic drive from Cusco to Mollepata, where you will stop for breakfast before continuing to Balcompata, the starting point of the trek.
From there, you will hike toward Humantay Lake at approximately 4,200 meters. Surrounded by high mountain peaks and glaciers, the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake are one of the highlights of the first day.
After visiting the lake, you will return toward Soraypampa and continue to your accommodation.
Instead of a conventional tent, the first night is spent in a geodesic mountain dome with panoramic views of the Salkantay glacier.
Distance: 8 km
Hiking time: 4–5 hours
Maximum altitude: 4,200 m
Overnight: Mountain dome
Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Collpapampa
Day 2 is the most demanding section of the trek.
You will ascend from Soraypampa toward the Salkantay Pass at approximately 4,630 meters, the highest point of the route. The trail passes through a dramatic high-altitude landscape surrounded by glaciers and towering Andean peaks.
After reaching the pass, you will begin a long descent toward the warmer Chaullay Valley and continue to Collpapampa.
After this challenging hiking day, you will stay in glass-walled cabins with private bathrooms and hot showers, providing a comfortable place to rest.
Distance: 22 km
Hiking time: 8–9 hours
Maximum altitude: 4,630 m
Overnight: Glass-walled cabin with private bathroom
Day 3: Collpapampa – Playa Sahuayaco – Lucmabamba
The landscape changes dramatically on Day 3 as the trail descends from the high Andes into the subtropical forest.
Along the route, you will pass waterfalls, granadilla plantations, and coffee farms. The area also offers opportunities to see how local farmers grow and harvest coffee and other crops.
You will continue toward Lucmabamba, where you will spend the night in eco-domes surrounded by the natural landscape.
Distance: 12 km
Hiking time: Approximately 6 hours
Altitude: Approximately 2,000 m
Overnight: Eco-dome
Day 4: Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Aguas Calientes
Day 4 begins with an ancient Inca trail toward Llactapata, an archaeological site known for its panoramic views toward Machu Picchu.
From Llactapata, the trail descends toward the hydroelectric plant, where you will have lunch before continuing toward Aguas Calientes.
The walk from the hydroelectric plant to Aguas Calientes follows the railway for approximately three hours. If you are tired after the previous days of trekking, you have the option to take the train from the hydroelectric plant to Aguas Calientes.
After three nights on the trail, you will finish the day at a hotel in Aguas Calientes, where you can enjoy a private room, a comfortable bed, and a hot shower before visiting Machu Picchu.
Distance: 24 km
Alternative with train: Approximately 24 km of hiking
Hiking time: 7–8 hours
Overnight: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Day 5: Machu Picchu
Early in the morning, you will take the bus from Aguas Calientes to the Machu Picchu citadel.
With your guide, you will explore one of the most important archaeological sites in Peru and learn about its history, architecture, and cultural significance.
After the visit, you will begin your return journey by train toward Cusco.
How to Prepare for the Salkantay Trek
Because the Salkantay Trek crosses several different climates and reaches elevations above 4,600 meters, preparation is important.
What to Bring
- Layered clothing for cold mountain conditions and warmer valleys.
- Waterproof hiking boots that are already broken in.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- A reusable water bottle.
- Personal medications and essential travel items.
Because this route includes domes, cabins, eco-domes, and a hotel rather than basic tent camping, you can travel lighter. A sleeping bag or sleeping mat is not necessary if you prefer to rely on the provided accommodation.
Best Time to Do the Salkantay Trek
The dry season from May to September generally offers more stable weather and clearer mountain views. However, temperatures can still drop significantly at high elevations, especially during the night.
Weather conditions in the Andes can change quickly, so travelers should be prepared for both cold and wet conditions regardless of the season.
Book Your Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
At Guiding Cusco Expeditions, we have designed this Salkantay experience to combine the adventure of a high-altitude trek with greater comfort along the route.
The journey includes mountain domes, glass-walled cabins with private bathrooms, eco-domes, and a hotel in Aguas Calientes, together with professional guides, transportation, meals, and the logistics required for the trek.
The result is a Salkantay experience that allows you to explore the Andes and reach Machu Picchu while having comfortable places to rest after each day of hiking.
Ready to experience the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu?
