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We invite you to experience our Premium Salkantay Trek Glamping 5 Days to Machu Picchu, a unique journey that combines adventure, comfort, and breathtaking landscapes. This carefully designed itinerary takes you through the most spectacular destinations along the Salkantay route, from luxury glamping camps in the Andes to your final destination at the iconic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
Challenging
Hike, Camping, Culture Adventure
4600 meters
02ppl MIn Average 06ppl - 08ppl Max
The premium Salkantay trek Glamping 5 days is truly an adventure like no other. Over the course of the journey, you’ll traverse dramatic mountain landscapes, descend into lush tropical valleys, and walk through settings so breathtaking they feel straight out of a movie. It is a longer and more challenging trek compared to others, but every step is rewarded with beauty, discovery, and a deep sense of accomplishment. To make the experience even more unique, each night you’ll rest in luxury Sky Lodge domes at Soraypampa, Chaullay, and Loreta.
The adventure begins gently on the first day, with trails through wide-open fields framed by towering snow-capped peaks. But by the second day, the real challenge arrives: the climb to Salkantay Pass. At high altitude, the air grows thinner and the ascent tests your endurance, yet reaching the summit is unforgettable. Standing at the pass, surrounded by awe-inspiring views, the fatigue melts away in the face of pure wonder.
On the third day, the landscape shifts dramatically. The trail leads you down into warmer, greener terrain, trading glaciers and rugged peaks for forests, rivers, and the richness of a tropical environment. It feels as though you’ve stepped into an entirely new world, one that offers a refreshing change of pace after the rigors of the climb.
By the fourth day, the path winds closer to Machu Picchu, and anticipation begins to build. The terrain eases, offering time to breathe, enjoy the scenery, and pass through small towns where you can glimpse the everyday lives of local communities.
Finally, on the fifth day, the journey culminates at the citadel of Machu Picchu. After days of effort, standing before this ancient Wonder of the World is an indescribable experience. The sight of its timeless stone walls nestled among the clouds makes every challenge worthwhile.
The Salkantay Trek is not only about reaching Machu Picchu, it is about the transformation along the way. Each step reveals a new landscape, a new perspective, and a new memory, making this one of the most rewarding journeys you will ever take.
One of the highlights of the Salkantay Trek is the chance to rest in our exclusive Glamping Sky Lodge Domes at Soraypampa, Chaullay, and Loreta. These eco-friendly and innovative accommodations combine the thrill of being surrounded by nature with the comfort of a boutique hotel. After a full day of trekking, the domes provide the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.
Staying in these Sky Lodge Domes transforms your trek into more than just a hiking adventure, it becomes a unique blend of wilderness, comfort, and style.
Sites to visit:
Important Information:
Unlike the Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek does not require permits, making it a flexible and less crowded alternative. Campsite locations may vary depending on weather conditions and group pacing, ensuring safety and optimal experience.
You’ll enter Machu Picchu via Aguas Calientes, and your guided tour will follow circuit number 3, as per updated regulations by the Peruvian government. Make sure to take your iconic photo from the viewpoints before entering the lower circuit.
Please note that groups may consist of travelers with varied hiking experience. Our professional guides are trained to support everyone along the way, offering assistance, cultural insights, and ensuring a fulfilling trek. For a more personalized journey, we offer private group options, feel free to contact us to customize your experience!
We’ll kick off early, around 4 AM, picking you up from your hotel. After that, it’s about a 4-hour drive, passing through Anta and Mollepata, and ending up in Challacancha. Trust me, you’ll want to keep an eye out during the drive – you’ll get some amazing views of the snow-covered mountains, Salkantay and Humantay, towering over everything. These mountains were gods to the Incas, and it’s easy to see why. The scenery along the way is pretty mind-blowing, with peaks and valleys everywhere you look.
We’ll take a quick break in Mollepata after a couple of hours to use the bathroom, check out some local shops, and maybe grab a light breakfast. Then it’s off to Challacancha, where our trek really begins. We’ll meet the support crew there, who’ll get everything organized, and by around 9:30 AM, we’ll start hiking toward Soraypampa, where we’ll camp for the night.
The trail takes us across valleys and along the side of a mountain. You’ll even spot an old aqueduct still bringing water to farmers down below. After about 3 hours of hiking (around 7 km or 4.35 miles), we’ll reach Soraypampa for lunch. After a break, we’ll hike up to Humantay Lake – and trust me, the lake is out of this world. The water is a crazy blue-green, and it reflects the mountain glaciers perfectly. It’s like stepping into a postcard.
Back at camp, the sunset over the valley is something you’ll never forget. As night falls, the sky is so clear, you can see every star, and if you’re lucky, maybe even a shooting star or two. It’s peaceful and quiet, a perfect moment to relax and just enjoy being away from everything.
We’re up at the crack of dawn, around 5:30 AM, for a quick breakfast before starting the hike up to the highest point of the trek – Salkantay Pass. It’s tough, a 7 km (4.34 miles) climb that takes about 3 hours, but once you reach the top, the views of the valleys and mountains make it worth every step. Salkantay is one of the highest peaks in the region, and standing there, you can feel how sacred it is.
After soaking in the views, we’ll head downhill for lunch. The trail winds down and eventually leads us into the upper part of the Amazon jungle, known as the cloud forest. This part of the hike is incredible – you go from the cold mountain air to a warm, lush forest filled with colorful plants and wildlife. We’ll reach Challway Village by the end of the day, ready to rest after a long trek.
Today’s hike takes us through the Santa Teresa valley. We’ll pass rivers, waterfalls, and even coffee and avocado plantations. You’ll be able to try local fruits like passion fruit along the way. After lunch, we head to Lucmabamba, our campsite for the night. If you’re into coffee, you’re in for a treat – we’ll visit an organic coffee farm, and you can try some fresh, locally grown coffee.
Just like the previous mornings, the trek chef will wake you up early with a warm cup of coca tea, served right to your bed. You’ll get ready for the day while enjoying your last breakfast prepared by our talented chef. We’ll start the hike early, and you’ll get a chance to walk along a small section of the famous Inca Trail.
After about 2 hours of climbing, with stunning views of the Santa Teresa valley, we’ll arrive at the Llactapata Inca site, which is located directly across from Machu Picchu.
This will be the first archaeological site we visit connected to the legendary Lost City of the Incas! It’s a perfect spot to take in the history and culture of this land. From here, you’ll not only see the ruins of Machu Picchu but also Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain. We’ll explore this site together with the guide, who will share more about the Incas’ connection to the area. There will be plenty of time to snap photos and take in the views.
After exploring Llactapata, we’ll continue with a 2-hour downhill hike. Along this part of the trail, you’ll be able to catch glimpses of Machu Picchu until we reach the Hidroelectrica station for lunch. One of the highlights in this area is a towering 300-meter waterfall that powers the region.
After lunch, we’ll head to Intiwatana, an ancient Incan rock used as a sundial. According to legend, it worked together with the famous sundial at Machu Picchu to measure the winter solstice, marking the start of the Incas’ farming season.
From here, we’ll follow train tracks leading to Aguas Calientes. You’ve got two options: if you’re feeling tired, you can hop on the train to Aguas Calientes for an extra $31. If you’re up for more walking, you can hike for about 3 hours alongside the tracks, through the warm and lush cloud forest. This is the same path that Hiram Bingham, the American explorer, used when he rediscovered Machu Picchu after it had been lost to the outside world for centuries.
Note: In the rainy season, the Llactapata Trail can become dangerous, and we may need to change plans for safety.
Today marks the exciting finale of our trek, as we finally reach Machu Picchu, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site! After a restful night at our hostel, we’ll wake up early to beat the crowds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Machu Picchu in the soft morning light. The entrance is open from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM, giving us plenty of time to explore. We’ll hike up to the site (or take a bus for $12) and step into the ancient, hidden citadel of the Incas.
Once inside, we’ll take a two-hour guided tour of this incredible city. We’ll explore the temples, terraces, palaces, and the famous sundial, as well as the industrial and agricultural areas. You’ll be blown away by the brilliance of the Inca engineers, who built this city on the side of a mountain without modern tools.
They even created a system of canals to bring water through the city streets. When Hiram Bingham, the American explorer, first saw this site, it was nearly lost under thick vegetation. But now, it’s been restored and protected for the world to appreciate.
After the tour, you can explore more on your own. If you’ve got tickets, you can hike up to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, each taking about 3 hours to go up and back. If you’re looking for something a little easier, you can hike to the Sun Gate, the main entrance of the Inca Trail, which takes about 2 to 2.5 hours round-trip. Another option is to visit the Incan Bridge.
You’ll have up to 7 hours to soak in the magic of this place before we head back to Aguas Calientes. From there, we’ll catch the 6:20 PM train (depending on availability) to Ollantaytambo, where a private bus will take us back to Cusco. You should arrive at your hotel around 9:30 PM, tired but full of unforgettable memories that will stay with you long after the trek.
Here are the services and costs not included in the Salkantay Trek package. These are optional and can be paid directly on-site. Typically, these services are provided by the local community and are standard among all Salkantay Trek operators. Our aim is to provide you with clear and accurate information.
SALKANTAY PREMIUM TREK Returning by Train:
Adult: $680 USD per person
Student: $660 USD per person (Valid University student ID required) “under 24 years old”
Child (Minor): $660 USD per person (For visitors aged 8 to 17 years)
Train Return: Depart from Aguas Calientes between 2:30pm and 8:20 pm (subject to availability). After a 1.5-hour train ride to Ollantaytambo, you will transfer to a vehicle for a 2-hour drive to Cusco, arriving around 10:30pm or 12.20 am. Aprox.
In your duffel bag (5 kg limit including sleeping bag):
Toiletries:
In your daypack:
The 5-Day Salkantay Trek is one of the most exciting hikes you can do if you want to visit Machu Picchu. It’s a challenging journey that takes you through high mountains, down into tropical jungles, and finally to the famous ruins. Each day feels like a new adventure, with different landscapes and experiences. This trek is perfect for people who want more than just a simple walk to Machu Picchu.
5-Day Salkantay Trek
There are many tours available for the Salkantay Trek 5 Days, but it’s important to choose the right one. Some tours include more stops, like visiting Humantay Lake, which is a beautiful extra. Machu Picchu Expeditions offers great tours that include experienced guides and comfortable camping. They know how to make the Classic Salkantay Trek enjoyable and safe.
The weather on the 5-Day Salkantay Trek changes a lot. You can start the day in cold, windy mountain weather and end it in warm, humid jungle air. The higher you go, the colder it gets. At night, it can be freezing, especially when you camp near Salkantay Pass. But as you go down, the temperature gets warmer. Be prepared for rain, too, it can happen anytime, especially in the jungle areas.
5-Day Salkantay Trek
Before you start the Classic Salkantay Trek, it’s important to prepare. Spend a few days in Cusco to get used to the altitude. Drink lots of water and don’t push yourself too hard in the beginning. The altitude makes it harder to breathe, and you don’t want to get sick. Take it slow and listen to your body.
Not everyone can do the Salkantay Trek 5 Days. It’s a tough hike, especially because of the high altitude. People with heart problems or breathing issues should talk to a doctor before going. Also, the trail is long and steep in some parts, so it’s not for beginners. You need to be in good physical shape to enjoy it fully.
After the trek, you’ll need tickets to enter Machu Picchu. It’s a good idea to buy them in advance because they sell out fast, especially during the high season. Some tour packages include the tickets, so ask about that when booking with us.
The Salkantay Trek 5 days reaches some very high altitudes. The highest point is Salkantay Pass, which is about 15,000 feet above sea level. After that, the trail goes down into the jungle, where the altitude is lower, around 6,500 feet. The change in altitude is one of the most interesting parts of the trek, but it can also be tough on your body. That’s why it’s important to take your time and rest when you need to.
Briefing:
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Booking the Trek:
Student Discounts:
Changing Dates:
Essential Information for the Salkantay Trek
Original Passport Requirement:
Weather on the Salkantay Trek:
Altitude Sickness:
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Cooks and Pack Horses:
Hiking Details:
Trek Difficulty:
Toilets:
If You Can’t Finish the Trek:
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Thinking about hiking the Salkantay 5 day trek to Machu Picchu? You’re not alone, this scenic adventure is one of the most popular in Cusco. Below you’ll find answers to the most common questions travelers have about the route, altitude, weather and difficulty.
Need help deciding on the right trip? Whether it s a quick question or full itinerary advice, we re here to help.
