Classic Salkantay trek 4N/5D | from USD$ 680.00
Breakfast & Lunch
Meals
Up to 15 People
Group Size
4540m
Max. Altitude
Moderate Challenge
Difficulty
Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu 5 Days y 4 Nights
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is the best premium alternative to the Inca Trail.
It is considered by many to be the wildest and most beautiful route to Machu Picchu due to the natural beauty and stunning glaciers found along the trail and the lack of crowds.
Because it is a more remote and rugged route, the Salkantay Trek has significantly fewer people than the Inca Trail.
With breathtaking and inspiring views, this less traveled trail is invaluable. It is truly, as the Incas called it, sacred. If you are looking for an adventure in Peru, consider the “Salkantay Trek” as the only great alternative to reach Machu Picchu.
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Location
Starts in Cusco, travels through Andean villages to Mollepata and Soraypampa, crosses high passes and cloud forests, ends in Aguas Calientes near Machu Picchu.
Altitude
Highest point: Salkantay Pass at 4,540 m (14,890 ft); descends through varied zones to around 2,040 m near Machu Picchu.
Duration
5 Days / 4 Nights trek covering high Andean landscapes, snow-capped peaks, cloud forest, waterfalls, and archaeological sites, culminating in Machu Picchu.
Itinerary
Hotel pick-up at approximately 05:00 a.m.
Departure from Cusco at 05:30 a.m. towards the district of Mollepata, passing several Andean villages.
2½-hour transfer by bus from Cusco to Mollepata.
American breakfast in the town of Mollepata at “Casa Salkantay.”
Continue by vehicle to Cruz Pata (approx. 20 minutes).
Walk from Cruz Pata to Sayllapata (approx. 2 hours) for lunch and 30-minute rest.
Continue hike toward Soraypampa, enjoying views of Humantay snow peak and its lagoon (approx. 3 hours including stops).
Arrival at Soraypampa campsite for dinner and overnight camping.
Breakfast in the morning.
Hike to Salkantay Pass (4,540 masl), the highest point of the route.
20-minute stop at the pass to rest and enjoy spectacular views of snow-capped peaks: Salkantay, Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo.
Descent of approximately 2 hours to Wayramachay for lunch and short rest.
Continue hiking about 3 hours to Chaullay campsite.
Hot dinner and overnight stay at Chaullay.
Early breakfast at around 06:00 a.m.
Start hiking at approx. 07:00 a.m. from Chaullay to Sawayaco (approx. 5 hours), appreciating waterfalls, wild orchids, and natural wonders.
Arrival at Sawayaco (“La Playa”) for lunch and short rest.
Transfer by vehicle for about 45 minutes to Santa Teresa to camp and rest.
Visit to the hot springs (approximately 4 km away).
Return to Santa Teresa camp for dinner and overnight stay.
Breakfast at approximately 07:00 a.m.
Hike to the archaeological remains of Llactapata (recently discovered ruins) for approximately 3 hours (including visit).
Descent for about 2 hours to the Hydroelectric station, arriving around 3:00 p.m.
Take the local train for about 45 minutes to Aguas Calientes (or walk along the railway for about 3 hours).
Rest at your hotel in Aguas Calientes and dine at tourist restaurants of your choice.
Guide organizes details for the next day’s Machu Picchu visit.
Breakfast at the hotel at 05:30 a.m.
Pick-up from hotel by professional guide at 06:30 a.m.
Bus ascent to Machu Picchu (20 minutes).
Entry to Machu Picchu with guided tour (approx. 2 hours): Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Three Windows, Intihuatana, Agricultural Terraces, and other religious centers.
Free time to take photos and explore the citadel independently.
Return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included).
Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (approx. 2 hours).
Transfer by car from Ollantaytambo to Cusco (approx. 1 hour) and hotel drop-off.
Included
Required
Sleeping bag · Sturdy trekking boots · Layered clothing (warm layers for high altitude, light for lower zones) · Rain jacket & pants · Sunscreen (high SPF) · Hat & sunglasses · Reusable water bottle · Personal medications & basic first aid · Passport (original + copy) · Headlamp/flashlight · Daypack for personal items · Swimwear (for hot springs) · Insect repellent · Toilet paper & biodegradable toiletries.
Before Hike
Arrive in Cusco at least 2-3 days early for proper acclimatization to altitude. Book Huayna Picchu entrance ticket in advance (only 400 spaces per day; recommend 2 months ahead if interested — purchase with tour). Prepare for variable weather: cold nights at high camps, possible rain, strong sun. Pack light (pack animals carry group gear; personal daypack limit applies). Follow eco guidelines and stay hydrated.
Payment | Not Included
Not Included:
- The first breakfast in Mollepata.
- The last lunch in Aguas Calientes.
- Round-trip bus ticket Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu.
- Entrance ticket to the hot springs in Santa Teresa.
- Beverages: mineral water, soda, beer, chocolates.
- Extra horse for riding or carrying additional backpack.
- Sleeping bag (can be rented separately).
- Flashlight/headlamp (recommended personal item).
- Tips (for guide, chef, muleteers — customary and appreciated).
Full payment terms, deposit, and balance details provided upon booking. Contact for group rates or custom options.
Planning your Salkantay Trek? Read our complete Cusco altitude sickness guide before you arrive — it covers the day-by-day acclimatisation protocol we give every Salkantay trekker, including exactly what to do in your first 3 days in Cusco to prepare for the 4,630m pass crossing on Day 2.
Not sure whether the Salkantay Trek or the Classic Inca Trail is right for you? Our honest comparison — Salkantay Trek vs Inca Trail — covers every difference including distance, difficulty, permits, cost and which one suits your travel style.
The Salkantay Trek begins at Soraypampa — the same base camp used for our Humantay Lake full day hike. Many trekkers visit Humantay Lake as a standalone day hike 2–3 days before starting the Salkantay Trek — it is the ideal acclimatisation hike at 4,200m and gives you a preview of the landscape you will trek through on Day 1.
Classic Salkantay Trek
Frequently Asked Questions
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They offer different experiences. Salkantay is 5 days, crosses a higher pass at 4,630m, requires no advance permit, and passes through more diverse ecosystems. The Inca Trail follows original Inca stone paths through more archaeological sites and arrives at Machu Picchu through the iconic Sun Gate. Both end at Machu Picchu. Choose Salkantay for raw nature — Inca Trail for historical immersion.
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Moderate to challenging. Day 2 crossing the Salkantay Pass at 4,630m is the hardest section. Good fitness and 2–3 days acclimatisation in Cusco are required. Small groups of maximum 12 allow a comfortable, supported pace.
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Yes. The Kontiki Hikes Salkantay Trek 5D/4N includes your Machu Picchu circuit permit and guided tour on Day 5. All permit logistics are handled by us — simply provide your passport details at booking.
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No advance permit is required for the Salkantay Trek itself — unlike the Classic Inca Trail which has a daily cap of 500 people. Your Machu Picchu circuit permit for Day 5 is included and handled by Kontiki Hikes.
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The dry season from April to October offers the most reliable weather with clear views of the Salkantay glacier. May, June and July are ideal. The wet season (November–March) is possible but the Salkantay Pass can be affected by snow and rain.
