5 days
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
Glaciers, turquoise lakes and cloud forest
Humantay Lake · Machu Picchu
- Duration
- 5 days
- Physical level
- Challenging
- Max. altitude
- 4,600 m
- Group size
- Private or up to 12
- Accommodation
- Mountain lodges or camping
- From
- US$1,290
A spectacular alternative to the Inca Trail, crossing the Salkantay Pass beneath a 6,271 m peak and descending into the cloud forest to Machu Picchu.
Cusco · Soraypampa · Humantay Lake · Salkantay Pass · Chaullay · La Playa · Llactapata · Aguas Calientes · Machu Picchu
Choose between quality camping or comfortable mountain lodges. Recommended after at least two days in Cusco.
Highlights
- 01The turquoise Humantay Lake beneath its glacier
- 02Crossing the 4,600 m Salkantay Pass
- 03Descending from glaciers into cloud forest in a single day
- 04A visit to a family-run coffee farm
- 05First views of Machu Picchu from Llactapata
- 06A guided visit of the citadel to finish
Altitude profile of the journey, stop by stop.
The route
Max. altitude: 4,600 m · Salkantay Pass
Day by day
- 1
Day 1Cusco – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake
Early departure and hike to Humantay Lake.
Overnight: SoraypampaMeals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- 2
Day 2Salkantay Pass
Cross the 4,600 m pass and descend into the cloud forest.
Overnight: ChaullayMeals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- 3
Day 3Cloud forest & coffee
Gentle trail through the jungle, with a visit to a coffee farm.
Overnight: La PlayaMeals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- 4
Day 4Llactapata to Aguas Calientes
Inca trail with the first views of Machu Picchu.
Overnight: Aguas CalientesMeals: Breakfast, lunch
- 5
Day 5Machu Picchu
Guided visit and return to Cusco by train.
Meals: Breakfast
Included
- ✓Professional trekking guide
- ✓Camping or lodge accommodation
- ✓Meals on the trek
- ✓Machu Picchu entrance and train
Not included
- –Sleeping bag
- –Tips for the crew
Before you go
- Fitness
- A challenging trek with long days. Regular hiking in the months before your trip makes a real difference.
- Acclimatization
- Spend at least two days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before the trek. We build this into your itinerary.
- Best season
- April to October brings clear skies and dry trails. November to March is greener, quieter and has afternoon showers.
- Documents
- Your passport is required to enter Machu Picchu and to board trains. Bring the same passport used in your booking.
- Health & insurance
- Travel insurance covering high altitude and medical evacuation is strongly recommended.
What to pack
Clothing
- ·Thermal base layers
- ·Fleece or down jacket
- ·Waterproof jacket and trousers
- ·Broken-in hiking boots
- ·Warm hat and gloves
Trek gear
- ·Daypack (25–30 L)
- ·Trekking poles
- ·Headlamp
- ·Sleeping bag (−10 °C)
- ·Water bottles or bladder
Personal
- ·Passport
- ·Sunscreen and insect repellent
- ·Personal medication
- ·Snacks and electrolytes
- ·Cash for tips
Traveler stories
What our travelers say
“Fast, honest answers on WhatsApp before we booked and real support during the trip. When a train was delayed, everything was rearranged before we even noticed.”
“Walking the Inca Trail had been on my list for twenty years. The team handled the permits, the porters were incredible and arriving through the Sun Gate was pure emotion.”
“Travelling with three kids could have been stressful, but the pace was just right. The llama trek and the chocolate workshop were the highlights for our children.”
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Giovanni · Founder & Travel Advisor · Speaks English, Español