Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days | 4 Nights

5 Days / 4 Nights

5 Stars

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Tour Overview

Live a unique experience in the Andes with the Salkantay Trek 5 Days Culinary Edition. Enjoy breathtaking landscapes—mountains, glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and lagoons—while savoring exquisite meals prepared by our specialized Mountain Chefs. Unlike standard tours, this experience combines high-altitude trekking with a deep dive into local cuisine, offering a "farm-to-table" journey on the way to Machu Picchu. Ideal for travelers seeking a difference and authentic flavors.

Meals Included: 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners (Includes Cooking Class).

5 Days / 4 Nights

PRICE FROM $610,00 per person

Places to visit: Cusco

Trip starts in: Hotel, Airbnb, or specific location in Cusco.

Physical Level: Difficult

Travel Style: Mixed

Group Size: 5 to 12 People

Total Distance: 75 km

Meals Included: 4 Breakfast(s), 4 Lunch(es), 4 Dinner(s)

Departures: Daily Departures

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa

We will start the Salkantay Trek by picking you up from the door of your hotel around 4:30 a.m. We will travel for 2 hours to the village called Mollepata where you will have breakfast and then another hour to the beginning of the trail. Also, you will meet the cooking team and muleteers, who will carry all the equipment and accompany you along the route.

The first part begins with a 3-hour hike through an ancient Inca canal to Soraypampa (3,800 m / 11,2467 ft). It will be an excellent training for the following days. Once in Soraypampa, we will have a welcome lunch in the mountains, of course at the hands of our talented mountain chef.

Later, we will continue the ascent to Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,779 ft). It will be a 2 hour hike to the top. Once there, you will have time to relax, explore the surroundings, and enjoy the spectacular view that this turquoise lagoon offers. We will then continue for two more hours through a beautiful valley with meandering streams until we reach our first campsite (Salkantaypampa) near the base of Salkantay Mountain.
From this camp, we will have a spectacular uninterrupted view of the Salkantay mountain and the night sky. Get ready to have dinner and sleep under millions of stars.

Hiking Distance: 14 km / 8.5 miles
Duration: 6 hours
Camp altitude: 4,150 m / 13,615 ft.
Maximum altitude: 4,200 m / 13,780 ft.
Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea, dinner
Lodging: Camping
Difficulty: Challenging

Day 2

Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Wayracmachay (Cooking Class) – Chaullay

Today you will wake up very early with a cup of hot coffee or coca tea and admire the breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains. After breakfast, we will begin the 2-hour ascent to the highest and most challenging point of the trail, the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft). Once at the top, we will stop to appreciate the incredible beauty of this place and explore the surroundings, including a beautiful lake at the base of Salkantay Mountain (6,270 m / 20,754 ft).

We then continue downhill for 3 hours to the lunch spot at Wayracmachay (3,800 m / 12,467 ft). On the way, you will see the Vizcachas (Lagidium Peruanum), a unique type of Chinchilla endemic to Peru.

After a well-deserved lunch, we prepare for the final stretch of the day, a 3-hour descent from the highlands, where the air is dry and cold, to the lush cloud forest, where the climate is warm and humid. Without a doubt, this is one of the fastest changes in scenery and temperature you will experience. We will camp next to the village of Collpapampa.

Hiking distance: 19 km / 12miles
Duration: 9 hours
Camp altitude: 2,800 m / 9,087 ft.
Maximum altitude: 4,630 m / 15,190 ft.
Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea and dinner.
Lodging: Camping
Difficulty: Challenging

Day 3

Day 3: Chaullay – Lucmabamba – Loreta (Coffee Tour)

Enjoy a rest in the village while admiring the view of the mountains. After breakfast, you will prepare for the most beautiful day of this experience to the legendary city of Machu Picchu. Today you will walk through narrow trails along the river, pass wooden bridges, small waterfalls, and banana plantations until you reach the beach village (2,000 m / 6,561 ft).

Lunch today will be at the same place where we will spend the night. After lunch, we will continue to an organic farm, where you will be able to taste the best coffee in the area. This area is characterized by its coffee cultivation where you will be able to participate in the coffee process. From the beans to the exquisite beverage.

After this beautiful experience. We will have time to relax by visiting cocalmayo hot springs which is optional and is not included in the package can be arranged with your guide.

Hiking distance: 16 km / 10 miles
Hiking time: 6 hours
Camp altitude: 2,750 m / 9,022 ft.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Camping
Difficulty: Moderate

Day 4

Day 4: Loreta – Llactapata – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes

This day will be a quite demanding day where we will walk about 24 km. From the beach to the town of Aguas Calientes. The first 3 hours will be a pure ascent, with a magnificent view where you can see the sunrise, and reach the place called Llactapata from where you can see Machupicchu this view will be unique where you can be closer to the ancient Inca city Machupicchu after an arduous hike.

You will also find Inca constructions in this area, the 3 hour trail is considered part of the original Inca trail from Machupicchu to the Amazon. Your guide will be able to inform you more about the area, following the tour you will descend to the ahobamba valley where you will have lunch at a family’s house, always making an economic support to the local people. Once lunch is finished, you will continue with the hike towards the hydroelectric plant. The walk from this place to Aguas Calientes will be along the side of the railroad track and at the same time will border the entire citadel of Machupicchu.

Once in Aguas Calientes, your guide will take you to the hotel, where you can take a shower, visit the town or go to the hot springs. You will have dinner at a local restaurant while we plan for the next and most awaited day of the Salkantay Trek, your visit to the beautiful Machupicchu Citadel.

Distance: 24 km / 14.5 miles
Duration: 9 hours
Altitude of Aguas Calientes: 2,000 m / 6,561 ft.
Maximum altitude: 2,840 m / 9,318 ft.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: 3 star hotel
Difficulty: Challenging

Day 5

Day 5: Machu Picchu – Cusco

Today is the most important day of the Salkantay Trek. You will visit one of the seven wonders of the world, a city abandoned for unknown reasons during the 16th century by the great Inca Empire. We will start in the early morning, have breakfast at the hotel and take the first buses to reach Machu Picchu at dawn. Once there, our expert guide will take you to tour the highlights of the citadel: temples, palaces, squares and enclosures, while revealing the mysteries hidden in this spectacular Inca city, nestled on the peak of a mountain. The guided tour lasts approximately 3 hours. If you have tickets, you can climb Huayna Picchu or Mountain (Machu Picchu Mountain).

After finishing with the citadel, you will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes, have lunch, pick up your belongings from the hotel and take the expediton train back to Ollantaytambo. From here, the Guiding Cusco team will take you back to Cusco aboard our private transportation. You will arrive at the hotel around 7:30 pm.

Duration of the tour: 3 hours in Machu Picchu
Altitude of Machu Picchu: 2,430 / 7,972 ft.
Meals: Breakfast (hotel)
Difficulty: Easy

Inclusions & Exclusions

Included

Briefing: The night before your trip at the office/hotel.
Transportation: Tourist transport (minivan) and trains.
Professional Bilingual Guide: Certified guides specializing in Andean culture.
Tickets: Entrance to Humantay Lake, Salkantay Trail, and Machu Picchu.
Bus Tickets: Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (One way up).
Food (Culinary Focus): We accommodate Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free, etc.
4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 4 Dinners.
Exclusive: 01 High Mountain Cooking Class.
Water: Boiled cold water provided daily.
Train: Expedition Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
Return Transfer: Private transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
Safety: First aid kit and oxygen.
Luggage: Duffel bag for up to 5kg (11lbs) of personal items (carried by mules).
Accommodation: 3 Nights Camping + 1 Night in a 3-star Hotel in Aguas Calientes.

Not Included

First breakfast, last lunch.
Personal expenses/snacks.
Water bottles.
Rentals: Trekking poles, Sleeping bag, Inflatable mattress.
Tips: Highly recommended for the Chef and staff, especially given the culinary focus of this tour.

Packing List

To make your trip as comfortable as possible, we recommend bringing the following items:

Essentials & Documents

Local money

Medical kit

Passport

Sunscreen

Water

Clothing & Footwear

Cap and hat

Tennis and boots

Waterproof

Waterproof jacket

Equipment & Gear

Camera and cell phone

Portable charger

Small backpack

Sunglasses

Recommended Extras

Gel alcohol

Lanches snacks

Lip balm

Tour Map

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days | 4 Nights Map

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Travel Tips & Recommendations

Essential Travel Info

Please read these recommendations carefully to prepare for your trip.

Bring warm clothing for the pass and light clothing for the jungle. Rain gear is mandatory. Bring an appetite and interest in local food culture!

Optional Upgrades

Customize Your Experience

Enhance your trip with these optional upgrades available upon request.

Vistadome Train, Huayna Picchu Hike.

Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I suffer from altitude sickness?

We recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 days before the trek to acclimatize. However, if you feel unwell, our guides are highly trained to assist you. We carry oxygen and a first aid kit. In severe cases, we can arrange for an alternative plan or safe return.

How far in advance should I book?

For the Salkantay Trek and specifically this Culinary edition, we recommend booking at least 3-4 months in advance, especially during the high season (May-September), to secure Machu Picchu tickets and the best train schedules.

What type of accommodation is included?

This tour includes 3 nights in comfortable high-mountain camping tents (double occupancy) and 1 night in a selected 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes (Day 4), chosen for its cleanliness, location, and comfort.

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