Fantastic holiday, a real adventure. We saw sights I had only dreamed about. Every day there was something new to wonder at, from…
Anonymous | Traveled in MayExperience one of the most spectacular alternative routes to Machu Picchu on this 5-day Salkantay Trek through the Peruvian Andes. The journey combines dramatic mountain landscapes, turquoise glacial lakes, remote valleys, cloud forest and fascinating Inca history.
Along the way, admire the impressive Humantay and Salkantay mountains, hike across the high Salkantay Pass, spend the nights surrounded by incredible Andean scenery and discover the archaeological site of Llactapata, where you will enjoy your first distant view of Machu Picchu.
The adventure concludes with a guided exploration of the legendary Machu Picchu citadel before returning to Cusco by scenic train.
Your Salkantay adventure begins early in the morning with pickup from your hotel in Cusco at approximately 5:00 AM.
From Cusco, we travel for around two and a half hours to Mollepata, where you will enjoy breakfast at a local restaurant. After breakfast, we continue driving for approximately 35 minutes until reaching Challacancha, the starting point of the trek.
From Challacancha, we begin hiking along a route that follows an old Inca water channel. After approximately three hours of walking through the Andean landscape, we arrive at Soraypampa.
Once at the campsite, you will settle into our panoramic domes, surrounded by impressive mountain scenery. This unique accommodation allows you to enjoy the atmosphere of the high Andes while sleeping comfortably beneath a spectacular night sky.
After leaving your belongings at camp, you will have time to relax and enjoy the views of the nearby Humantay and Salkantay glaciers.
Later in the afternoon, we begin the hike to Humantay Lake. The round-trip excursion takes approximately two and a half hours and leads to one of the most beautiful glacial lakes in the Cusco region.
At the lake, you will have time to appreciate the vivid turquoise water and dramatic mountain scenery before returning to Soraypampa.
Back at camp, hot drinks will be waiting for you, followed by dinner and a peaceful night surrounded by the Andes.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea and Dinner
Accommodation: Panoramic Domes
Hiking time: Approximately 6 hours
Distance: 9.6 km / 6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Your guide will wake you with a warm cup of tea or coffee before breakfast.
After enjoying a nutritious morning meal, we begin the most demanding section of the Salkantay Trek. The trail gradually climbs toward the highest point of the entire route, the Salkantay or Apacheta Pass, located at approximately 4,650 meters / 15,367 feet above sea level.
Upon reaching the pass, we take time to rest, take photographs and appreciate the impressive scenery surrounding us. From this high-altitude viewpoint, you can admire the massive snow-covered peaks of Salkantay, Humantay and Huayanay, as well as distant valleys, lakes and rivers.
We also make a short detour of approximately 30 minutes to appreciate the beautiful turquoise waters of Salkantay Lake.
Afterwards, we begin descending toward Rayanniyoc, where we stop for lunch.
The hike then continues for another couple of hours as the scenery gradually changes from high-altitude Andean terrain to greener vegetation.
Our destination is Colpapampa, where our campsite and panoramic domes await.
Once you arrive, you can relax with hot drinks and appetizers and enjoy the facilities available at camp, including a sauna and hot tub.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping facilities
Hiking time: Approximately 8 hours
Distance: 16 km / 10 miles
Difficulty: Challenging
On the third day, the landscape changes dramatically as we leave the high mountains behind and enter a warmer and more tropical environment.
After breakfast, we begin walking toward Lucmabamba.
Throughout the morning, you will pass through an area rich in biodiversity. Depending on the season, you may observe different species of birds as well as plantations filled with fruit trees, cacao plants and coffee bushes.
We arrive at Lucmabamba around lunchtime, giving you an opportunity to relax before the afternoon activities.
After lunch, we visit a nearby coffee plantation to discover the traditional process behind Peruvian coffee production.
During this experience, you will walk through the plantation, learn about the different types of coffee beans and understand how coffee is grown and harvested in this region.
You will even have the opportunity to participate in the process by collecting beans, roasting them, grinding them and finally preparing your own cup of locally produced coffee.
At approximately 3:00 PM, we take local transportation for about 30 minutes to the Cocalmayo Hot Springs.
Here, you can spend the afternoon relaxing in naturally heated mineral pools surrounded by tropical mountain scenery. It is an excellent opportunity to recover after several days of trekking.
After visiting the thermal baths, we return to camp for dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping facilities
Hiking time: Approximately 5–6 hours
Distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
After breakfast, we continue our journey toward Machu Picchu.
Today’s route follows a remote section of an ancient Inca trail toward Puncuyoc Pass. The ascent takes approximately three hours and offers beautiful views of agricultural plantations, deep valleys and the surrounding mountains.
We then arrive at the archaeological site of Llactapata.
Llactapata is one of the highlights of this route because it provides a remarkable panoramic view of Machu Picchu from the opposite side of the valley.
From this privileged location, you can also observe the Aobamba Canyon and the mountains surrounding Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu.
After exploring the area, we begin a descent of approximately two hours toward the Hydroelectric Station.
Near Hydroelectric, we stop for lunch before beginning the final walking section toward Aguas Calientes.
The trail follows the railway through the protected area surrounding Machu Picchu. During this section, the scenery becomes increasingly subtropical, with dense vegetation, orchids and epiphytes growing throughout the forest.
As we approach Aguas Calientes, the excitement builds knowing that Machu Picchu is now very close.
Upon arrival in town, you will check into your hotel and have some time to rest.
Later in the evening, we meet again for dinner at a local restaurant before preparing for the final day of the adventure.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
Hotel included: Ferre Machu Picchu or similar
Optional 4-star upgrade: El Mapi, Tierra Viva Machu Picchu or similar
Hiking time: Approximately 9 hours
Distance: 14.5 km / 9 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
The final day of the trek is dedicated to exploring Machu Picchu.
After an early breakfast at your hotel, you will take one of the first buses from Aguas Calientes toward the entrance of Machu Picchu.
Once inside the archaeological sanctuary, your professional guide will lead you through the Inca citadel during an approximately two-hour guided visit.
Throughout the tour, you will learn about the history, architecture and importance of Machu Picchu while discovering its principal areas.
Your guide will explain the different sectors of the site, including agricultural terraces, residential areas and ceremonial or religious structures.
After finishing your visit, you will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes.
Lunch on this final day is not included, allowing you to choose from the different restaurants available in town.
Depending on your train departure time, you may also have some free time to explore Aguas Calientes, purchase souvenirs or visit additional local attractions.
In the afternoon, you will board the Expedition train toward Ollantaytambo.
The journey follows the Urubamba River through a beautiful Andean canyon. Along the route, you can admire mountain scenery, vegetation and sections of the river before arriving at Ollantaytambo.
Upon arrival at the train station, our driver will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco.
Arrival in Cusco is expected at approximately 7:00 PM, depending on train schedules and traffic conditions.
Meal included: Breakfast
Difficulty: Easy
Trip went very smoothly and was very well organized. Easy to highlight is Machu Picchu, but our visit of Amantani island on Lake Titicaca was a real interesting and unique experience. Read more.
This was an excellent well-organized tour at a great value with plenty of variety and lots of free time to explore. Read more.
This was our first trip with Bookmundi and we are extremely happy. From start to finish the experience was excellent. Read more.
We saw all the highlights, the guides were excellent and the trip flowed nicely. The pacing was just right. Read more.
USD 637 per person
2–3 trekkers: USD 897 per person
4–5 trekkers: USD 757 per person
6–8 trekkers: USD 617 per person
The price includes an additional pack horse for carrying personal belongings.
Each participant will receive a duffel bag where they can pack the equipment they would like transported during the trek.
The maximum allowance is 7 kg per person.
USD 30 discount
To qualify, the student ID must clearly display:
A copy of the valid student card must be provided during the reservation process so the corresponding discount can be processed.
USD 30 discount
A passport copy must be provided at the time of booking.
USD 40 discount
A passport copy is required when booking.
USD 30 discount per person
All members must reserve together as part of the same booking.
If airport pickup has been arranged as part of your service, make sure your flight details are provided in advance so the corresponding transportation can be coordinated.
A briefing is organized before the departure of the trek.
During this meeting, you will receive important information about the itinerary, equipment, luggage allowance, weather conditions and what to expect during the following five days.
It is also the ideal opportunity to ask your guide any final questions before departure.
You do not need to take your main suitcase on the trek.
Your larger luggage may be stored securely while you complete the Salkantay Trek, allowing you to travel with only the equipment needed for the hiking days.
To arrange the necessary services and Machu Picchu entrance tickets, personal information is required from every participant.
Please provide:
A reservation deposit is required to confirm the booking and purchase the corresponding entrance tickets and services.
The remaining balance must be paid according to the payment conditions established when making your reservation.
Available payment methods and any applicable transaction fees should be confirmed before completing your final payment.
Travelers applying for a student discount must submit a valid student identification card.
University identification should clearly show:
A passport copy must also be submitted together with the student documentation.
Eligibility depends on the regulations applicable to Machu Picchu entrance tickets at the time the reservation is processed.
Machu Picchu entrance tickets are subject to strict government regulations.
Once entrance tickets have been purchased, changes to dates or passenger information may be restricted or impossible.
Tickets may also be non-transferable and non-refundable.
For this reason, travelers should carefully confirm their travel dates and personal information before the reservation is finalized.
Yes.
You must travel with your original passport, and the information should correspond with the passport details provided when your reservation was made.
Identification may be checked when entering Machu Picchu and when boarding transportation services such as the train.
If you renew your passport after making your reservation, you may need to travel with both your previous passport and your new passport or arrange the necessary update before traveling.
Weather conditions along the Salkantay route can change rapidly because the trek crosses several different climates and elevations.
During the same journey, you may experience cold mountain temperatures, strong sun, rain, wind and warmer subtropical conditions.
The most practical approach is to dress in layers so you can easily adapt as conditions change during the day.
The Salkantay Trek reaches elevations above 4,600 meters, making acclimatization very important.
Travelers are encouraged to spend at least a couple of days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before beginning the trek whenever possible.
Staying hydrated, walking gradually and allowing your body time to adjust can make a significant difference.
Our trekking team carries emergency oxygen and first-aid equipment during the journey.
The maximum group size is eight travelers.
Smaller groups allow for better communication with the guide, a more flexible pace and a more personalized trekking experience.
Before beginning the trek, you will receive a small duffel bag for the personal belongings you need during the trekking days.
The maximum weight allowance is approximately 7 kg / 14–15 lb per person.
Pack horses transport the duffel bags together with camping equipment and food.
Because the horsemen normally travel ahead of the group, you will usually not have access to your duffel bag while hiking during the day.
For this reason, everything you may need while walking should remain in your personal daypack.
A backpack of approximately 30–40 liters is generally suitable for carrying items such as:
The Salkantay Trek is considered a physically demanding high-altitude adventure.
Participants should be in reasonably good physical condition and comfortable walking for several hours over mountainous terrain.
Preparing in advance with regular walking, hiking or cardiovascular exercise is recommended.
Being well acclimatized before departure is equally important.
Spending approximately two or three days in Cusco before beginning the trek can help your body adapt to the elevation.
Basic toilet facilities are available at different points along the Salkantay route.
Some facilities operated by local residents may require a small payment.
At designated campsites, additional toilet arrangements may also be provided for trekkers.
If a participant is unable to continue because of illness, injury or another serious issue, the trekking team will assist in organizing transportation toward the nearest accessible location.
Emergency oxygen is carried during the trek for situations involving altitude or respiratory difficulties.
In extreme circumstances, additional evacuation services may need to be arranged at the traveler’s expense.
Travel insurance is therefore strongly recommended for this type of high-altitude trekking adventure.
Travelers who recover after leaving the trail may sometimes be able to continue independently toward Aguas Calientes and visit Machu Picchu according to the original schedule, although any additional transportation or services required would be at their own expense.
Transportation from the train station back to Cusco is included.
After arriving in Ollantaytambo by train, a driver will meet you and continue the journey by road toward your accommodation.
Train schedules depend on availability, especially during periods of high demand.
Return services are normally selected to provide sufficient time to visit Machu Picchu before traveling back toward Cusco.
Typical afternoon departure times may be around 2:55 PM or 3:20 PM, although the final schedule depends on availability when the reservation is confirmed.
Travelers who prefer an upgraded train experience may choose the Vistadome service when available.
This train offers panoramic windows, improved visibility of the surrounding landscape and additional onboard services.
The upgrade indicated for this itinerary is:
USD 67 per person for the return journey
Advance reservation is recommended because availability can be limited.
Tips are not mandatory.
However, if you are satisfied with the service provided by your guide, cook, horsemen and trekking staff, a gratuity is always appreciated.
The amount is entirely up to each traveler and should reflect your personal experience and satisfaction with the service.
Responsible tourism is an important part of trekking through the Andes.
Travelers should respect the natural environment, archaeological sites, local customs and communities encountered along the route.
Local trekking staff are also an essential part of the experience, and tourism can provide important economic opportunities for families living in remote mountain communities.
A duffel bag will be provided before the trek.
Pack horses can carry a maximum of approximately 7 kg / 14–15 lb per traveler.
Your sleeping bag and sleeping equipment form part of this weight allowance, so pack only the clothing and personal items you will genuinely need during the trek.
Recommended items include:
Plastic liners can be used inside the duffel bag to help protect clothing and equipment from moisture.
Consider packing:
A 30–40 liter daypack is recommended for the hiking sections.
Your duffel bag will travel separately with the pack horses, so everything you need during the day should remain with you.
Recommended items include:
If you have a question about this or any other trip, our travel experts are ready to help with dates, availability and private options.
