Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu – Small Group
Overview
Available languages
5 days
Mobile ticket
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is one of the most impressive trekking routes in the Cusco region, ideal for travelers seeking an authentic, less crowded experience surrounded by spectacular scenery.
During this multi-day adventure, you’ll walk through towering mountains, including views of snowy Salkantay, turquoise lagoons like Humantay and lush cloud forests in the jungle eyebrow of the Urubamba Valley.
This trek combines nature, culture and adventure in one trip, with comfortable camping, personalized attention and experienced local guides who will accompany you every step until you arrive at the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu.
- Panoramic views of the snowy Salkantay and Humantay Lagoon
- Alternative route less busy than the Inca Trail
- Authentic cultural experience with local communities
- Hike through various ecosystems (mountain and jungle)
- Comfortable and well equipped camps
Unforgettable arrival at Machu Picchu.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What To Expect
Day 1 : Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa
Accommodations
Stay in a local cabin, made by locals
Your adventure begins early in the morning with a scenic tour from Cusco to the charming village of Mollepata. After a short stop, we continue to Soraypampa (3900 m / 12 795 ft), the starting point of your hike. Surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks, this stunning landscape sets the tone for the journey ahead. From Soraypampa, we gradually ascend for about 1.5 to 2 hours until we reach the stunning Humantay Lake (4200 m), a turquoise gem nestled at the base of the majestic Humantay Mountain. Here you will have time to explore, take pictures and enjoy the peaceful energy of this sacred Andean lagoon. Afterwards, we descend back to Soraypampa, where your camp awaits, which offers spectacular views of the Humantay and Salkantay mountains. In the evening, under a star-studded sky, you will enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by the team before resting for the next day’s adventure.
Day 2 : Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Huayracmachay – Chaullay
Accommodations
Stay in a rustic cabin made by locals
Salkantay Trail
We wake up early with a hot coke tea and an energizing breakfast to start the most challenging, but also the most rewarding day of the hike. From Soraypampa, we gradually ascend through stunning valleys and Andean landscapes until we reach the Salkantay Pass (4650 m), the highest point on the entire route. At the top, you will be surrounded by stunning views of the majestic Salkantay mountain (6271 m), considered sacred by the Incas. Here we will take some time to celebrate the achievement, take pictures and connect with amazing natural beauty. Afterwards, we will begin the descent, watching the landscape change from snowy peaks to lush green valleys. We will stop at Huayracmachay for lunch before continuing the descent until we reach Chaullay (2900 m), where the highlands meet the edge of the cloud forest. Dinner and night in the camp, surrounded by the sounds of nature.
Collpapampa – Lucmabamba – Llactapata
Accommodations
Accommodation in Domos Sky logde made by locals
Banos Termales de Cocalmayo
Enjoy a break in the village of Chaullay while admiring the view of the mountains, Sample the Exquisite Breakfast, prepare for the most beautiful day of this experience, Today you will walk along narrow paths along the river, pass by wooden bridges, small waterfalls and banana plantations, Coffee, Cocoa and Granadilla until you reach the village of Playa (2000 m / 6561 ft). Lunch today will be at the same place we'll spend the night. After lunch, we will continue to an organic farm, where you can taste the best coffee in the area. This area is characterized by organic coffee growing, where you can participate in the coffee making process. From the plants, roasting process beans and even the exquisite drink. After this beautiful experience, we will have time to relax visiting the Cocalmayo hot springs, which are optional and not included in the package, but can be arranged with your guide.
La Playa – Llactapata – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes
Accommodations
Stay in a Hotel of the village of hot waters Machupicchu village, depending on your accommodation
This day will be quite demanding, as we will walk about 24 km from the beach to Aguas Calientes. The first 3 hours will be of pure ascent, with magnificent views from which you can see the sunrise, until you reach the place called Llactapata, from where you can see Machu Picchu. This view will be unique as you can be closer to the ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu after an arduous hike. You will also find Inca buildings in this area. The three-hour trail is considered part of the original Inca trail from Machu Picchu to the Amazon. Your guide will tell you more about the area. After the visit, you will descend to the Aho Bamba Valley, where you will have lunch at the home of a family, which always means financial support for the local population. After lunch, you will continue the walk to the hydroelectric power plant. The route from this place to Aguas Calientes runs alongside the train track and borders all Machu Picchu.
Day 5: Exploring Machu Picchu – Cusco
This Day 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 early, have breakfast at the hotel and take the first buses to reach Machu Picchu at dawn. Once there, an expert guide will take you to the most important places of the citadel: temples, palaces, squares and enclosures, while revealing the mysteries hidden in this spectacular Inca city, nestled on top of a mountain. The guided tour lasts approximately 3 hours. If you have tickets, you can climb Huayna Picchu or the mountain (Machu Picchu mountain). After finishing with the citadel, you will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes, have lunch, collect your belongings from the hotel and take the expedition train back to Ollantaytambo. From here, the Guiding Cusco team will take you back to Cusco on board your private transportation. You will arrive at the hotel around 7:30 p.m.
Options
Travel to Salkantay
Accommodation: The first 3 nights of the accommodation will be in camps made by locals in the area. Salkantay 5 days: We'll have a wonderful 5 day trip to Salkantay. Shared Tour. Duration: 5 days: We will have 5 days of a beautiful excursion, towards the Salkantay and also the tour towards the imposing Machupicchu. Breakfast, lunch and dinner.: Prepared by a Mountain Chef. Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu: one of the best hikes to Machupicchu along the Salkantay Trail, a unique and unforgettable adventure. Go, train, bus.: Transport of 12 people maximum. Train Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo. Bus to Machupicchu. Arriero: Personnel transporting the belongings of travellers. Pickup included
Additional income
Soraypampa - chaullay - Loreta Salkantay trek Duration: 5 days Breakfast, Lunch Dinner Buffet Extra income Pickup included
5 Day Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu Adventure
Accommodation en route: Accommodations en route are in rustic huts or domes prepared by the locals, comfortable and hot accommodations. Shared service: Shared Service. Duration: 5 days: Tour to Salkantay lasts 5 days meals and drinks included Salkantay Trek van, train, bus: Transport of 12 people maximum. Train Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo. Bus to Machupicchu. Pickup included
What‘s Included
First Aid Kit
Bilingual Professional Guide
Travel Bag (5 kilos, For your belongings to Route.).
Entrance to Laguna Humantay - Salkantay Pass and Machupicchu citadel. and Guided along the route to Salkantay and Machupicchu.
Leave (cusco - Soraypampa) and Return (Ollantaytambo - Cusco).
Food En Route (4 Breakfast, 4 Lunch, 4 Dinner), type of food, Vegetarian (or), Vegan (a).
Accommodation (3 Nights in Camps and 1 night in Hotel in Aguas Calientes).
Arriero (For the transfer of your belongings on the route).
Optional (Depending on the work of the professional guide, Kitchen staff, Arriero etc.).
Sleeping bag
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
5 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Incredible Trek, Incredible Guide!
Cosmopolitan382563,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the 5 day/4 night Salktanay trek and it was awesome! Edwin is a local celebrity on the trail-- he knows every guide and all the community members along the trail. He was able to seamlessly resolve little the inevitable little hiccups (arranging cars, etc) and even helped us snag some Circuit 2 (the best circuit) Machu Picchu tickets when we arrived in Aquas Calientes. One thing that's special about Guiding Cusco Expeditions is that it's a smaller outfit and they do things a little differently from the two big trekking companies. Edwin knew different trails that were less crowded (both people and mules) that were far more beautiful than the mainline trails that we could see the other group taking across the valley. Edwin is also extremely knowledgable about the local ecology, plants, and birds. After going over the Salktanay pass and dropping into the cloud forest, he pointed out all the different species of flowers and even the wild orchids along the trail. I also have to give a special shout out to Nassario, the mountain chef who accompanied us for most of the trek-- every day he put together these incredible meals that were diverse, full of local flavor, and perfect for a long day of trekking. He even taught us how to make lomo saltado one afternoon. We had a fantastic experience and wouldn't hesitate to recommend Guiding Cusco Expedition-- they're a really awesome outfit who were a pleasure to work with at every step of the journey and we had an absolute blast.
Six Stars for Guiding Cusco Expeditions
J7057DUhb,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Outstanding Trip! Pick Guiding Cusco Expeditions. We just completed the 5 day / 4 night Salkantay Trek with Guiding Cusco Expeditions led by expert guide Edwin and chef Nosario. I cannot recommend Guiding Cusco more highly. First of all, the trek is spectacular. Every day is a completely new ecological environment, from high alpine peaks to a rainforest full of wild orchids and half a dozen different species of hummingbirds. Guiding Cusco Expeditions is a particularly good guide company. Coordinating with Lisbet over WhatsApp prior to the trip was easy and efficient. Edwin has over a decade of experience guiding in the Andes and he and Lisbet recently started Guiding Cusco. The entire trip was both safe, fun, and exceeded anything I could have organized myself. Edwin is extremely knowledgeable about history, geography, and the natural world and a true pleasure to learn from. Edwin also made our hike absolutely seamless, from the hotel pickup to the pass at 15,000 feet, to the 45th mile. He is able to juggle many logistics while making everything seem effortless (certainly felt that way to us). The accommodations were really great. Edwin knows the region very well and our hike benefited from his expertise. For example, there were several parts of the trek where we would see other companies walking along the road whereas Edwin would take us on forested trails with waterfalls and wildlife. I also have a severe food allergy and Guiding Cusco Expeditions expertly accommodated this throughout the entire trip. Guiding Cusco Expeditions was extremely diligent. They even led a cooking class one day on the trail! It was spectacular to cook classic Peruvian cuisine surrounded by the peaks of the Andes. If you want to support a local business and enjoy hiking in small groups with great vibes, pick Guiding Cusco Expeditions. You'll have an amazing time.
Rainbow mountain and Machu-Picchu experience was great.
alitafresh,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience. Lisbet and Edwin were great.
Experience of life time
564kanes,Feb 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the four-day Salkantay trek and were exceptionally pleased with how everything was arranged. Logistics, accommodations, meals, and pacing were handled smoothly from start to finish. A special mention goes to our guide, Edwin. He was knowledgeable, calm, attentive, and clearly experienced. His presence made the trek feel both safe and meaningful, and he struck the perfect balance between professionalism and genuine care for the group.
An unforgettable adventure
cindygQ8783ST,Dec 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.005 Day Trek with the Best Edwin Guide! Very good support, top accommodation, excellent food, varied landscapes with the arrival of MachuPicchu... 🤩 An experience that I am not about to forget, thank you for everything!
A magnificent experience
juliendS499QK,Dec 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A top team, I highly recommend this trek, I would remember it all my life. Thanks again to Edwin for this organization!!!
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