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Experience a premium 5-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with upgraded amenities like glamping, included hiking equipment, and experienced guides. Explore stunning landscapes from high-altitude glaciers to lush valleys on these highly-rated adventures.
Likely to Sell Out Trek the Salkantay trail to Machu Picchu, staying in comfortable lodges after visiting Humantay Lake and high passes.
Journey from Salkantay’s glacial peaks to tropical valleys, visiting Andean farms and remote Incan ruins.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Salkantay Trek — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Expect a physically demanding but visually spectacular 5-day journey through the Peruvian Andes. You'll transition from freezing, high-altitude glacial passes down into the humid, lush cloud forests of the high Amazon before finally arriving at the iconic Machu Picchu.
On the first day, you'll hike up to this stunning turquoise glacial lagoon. The vibrant emerald waters sit directly beneath the towering Humantay glacier, offering an incredible spot for photos.
The ultimate physical test of the trek. You'll climb to 4,630 meters (15,190 feet) to stand beneath the massive glaciers of the Savage Mountain, surrounded by panoramic views of the Vilcabamba range.
After freezing alpine zones, the trail drops 1,500 meters into a subtropical jungle. You'll hike past coffee, banana, and cacao plantations in a misty, warm environment.
Top-tier tours feature exclusive campsites like glass cabanas or sky domes. You can literally lie in a warm bed and stare up at the unpolluted Andean night sky and glowing glaciers.
Located near Santa Teresa, these natural thermal pools are a lifesaver for tired muscles. Soak in the warm waters surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery on day three.
The trek culminates with a visit to the world-famous Inca citadel. After hiking along the Urubamba River, you'll take a bus up to explore the ancient stone temples and terraces.
Booking a premium Salkantay Trek requires careful planning, especially regarding altitude preparation and securing tickets well in advance.
Machu Picchu entrance tickets sell out incredibly fast. Premium tour operators strongly recommend booking your trip at least five months in advance to secure your preferred circuit (usually Circuit 2).
Due to the non-refundable nature of train tickets and government-issued Machu Picchu permits, all sales for these premium treks are final. If you cancel, you will not receive a refund, so travel insurance is highly recommended.
Premium tours generally cover all logistics: hotel pickups, Machu Picchu entry, train tickets back to Cusco, a 10kg personal duffel allowance carried by horses, and meals cooked by a private chef.
This is a challenging 74-kilometer hike reaching elevations over 4,600 meters. You need a solid level of physical fitness. However, premium tours usually include an emergency horse for the toughest sections like Salkantay Pass.
While there is no strict government age limit for the trail, tour operators generally require participants to be at least 12 to 14 years old, and they must be accompanied by an adult. Pregnant travelers or those with heart conditions are not permitted.
Do not fly into Cusco and start trekking the next day. You must arrive at least two to three days before your departure to adjust to the high altitude and prevent severe altitude sickness on the trail.
You won't carry all your gear. Premium tours provide a duffel bag for up to 10 kg (22 lbs) of your personal items, which is transported by porters and horses. You only need to carry a lightweight daypack.
| Luxury Glamping Trek | Standard Premium Trek | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 5 Days / 4 Nights | 5 Days / 4 Nights |
| Accommodation Style | Sky Domes, Jungle Lodges & 3-Star Hotel | Roomy Tents & Standard Hotel |
| Train Included | Vistadome Observatory or Prime | Standard Tourist Train |
| Price From | $1,270 USD | $549 USD |
Trek Schedule: The Salkantay Trek itself does not have official opening or closing gates. However, tour operators run on a tight schedule. Hotel pickups in Cusco typically happen very early, between 4:30 AM and 5:00 AM.
Machu Picchu Entry: Your final day involves entering Machu Picchu. Entry times generally range from 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM to catch the sunrise views, though your specific entry time will depend on the circuit secured by your tour operator.
Starting the Trek: Tours begin with a private transport or colectivo ride from Cusco to Mollepata or Challacancha, covering about 100 kilometers. This drive takes roughly 3.5 hours.
Returning to Cusco: Premium tours include a train ride from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (about 1.5 hours), followed by a private van transfer back to your hotel in Cusco. Luxury packages often upgrade this to the panoramic Vistadome train.
Budget Alternative: Independent hikers sometimes take the 7-8 hour budget bus from Hidroelectrica, but this involves winding, poorly maintained cliffside roads and is not used by premium operators.
Dry Season (May to October): This is universally the best time to hike the Salkantay Trek. You'll get predictable weather, clear blue skies, and minimal rainfall, which is crucial for safe footing on the steep descents and clear views of the glaciers.
Rainy Season (November to April): Hiking during these months is highly discouraged and sometimes dangerous. Heavy rains can trigger landslides, wash out trails, and completely obscure the mountain views. The shoulder months can be a gamble.
Trail Accessibility: The Salkantay Trek is not wheelchair accessible. The terrain is extremely rugged, steep, and rocky, reaching altitudes over 4,600 meters. It is also not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnant travelers.
Machu Picchu Accessibility: At the end of the trek, wheelchair users can access certain parts of Machu Picchu (like the Main Entrance Plaza and Guardhouse Viewpoint) using specialized manual track wheelchairs, though this requires separate logistical planning outside a standard trek.
On the Trail: Facilities vary wildly depending on your location. The first few days feature basic or rustic toilets. Premium tours elevate this by providing private camping facilities, roomy dining tents, and sometimes hot showers at exclusive campsites.
Cash is King: Bring at least 1,200 Peruvian soles in cash. There are no ATMs on the mountain, and you'll need small bills to pay for local toilets, hot springs entry (about $5 USD), bottled water, and tipping your guide, chef, and porters.
Power: Electricity is sporadic in remote camps. Bring a high-capacity portable power bank to keep your devices charged.
No, you do not need a specific trail permit for the Salkantay route, unlike the classic Inca Trail. However, you absolutely need an entrance ticket for Machu Picchu, which premium tours purchase on your behalf.
The classic route covers approximately 74 kilometers (45.98 miles) spread over 5 days. The longest and toughest day is usually day two, where you'll hike up to 22 kilometers from Soraypampa to Collpapampa.
The highest altitude you will reach is the Salkantay Pass at 4,630 meters (15,190 feet). You tackle this challenging climb on the second day before descending into the cloud forest.
Yes, because the trail peaks at over 4,600 meters, altitude sickness is a real risk. Tour operators strictly advise spending at least 2 to 3 days in Cusco prior to the trek to acclimate.
No. Premium tours include a personal duffel bag allowance of up to 10 kg (22 lbs). This bag is carried by horses and porters, meaning you only need to hike with a small daypack for your water and camera.
Premium tours typically include access to an emergency horse for the hardest sections of the hike, specifically from Soraypampa up to the Salkantay Pass, just in case you struggle with the altitude or physical exertion.
Depending on the package, you'll spend three nights in upgraded camping accommodations—ranging from roomy tents to luxury glass sky domes—and your final night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes before visiting Machu Picchu.
Yes, premium tours include your Machu Picchu entrance ticket. They usually aim for Circuit 2, but if booked late, they will secure Circuit 3 or 1. This is why booking 5 months in advance is critical.
No. The cancellation policy for these premium treks is strict. All sales are final and non-refundable because train tickets and Machu Picchu government permits cannot be transferred or refunded once purchased.
During the first couple of days, bathrooms are rustic and basic. However, premium campsites often provide private toilet tents and sometimes hot showers. You will have a private bathroom with hot water on your final night at the hotel in Aguas Calientes.
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This route follows the Salkantay trail through the Peruvian Andes, eventually leading to the citadel of Machu Picchu. Along the way, you will visit the glacial waters of Humantay Lake and cross the high-altitude Salkantay Pass. The trek transitions from rugged mountain peaks down into the lush vegetation of the cloud forest. Instead of traditional camping, this trek utilizes a network of upscale lodges. Each stop includes private facilities, comfortable beds, and prepared meals. Traveling in small groups allows for a more flexible pace and direct support from guides throughout the journey to the final destination.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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This route transitions from the high-altitude glaciers of Mount Salkantay down into lush valleys where tropical fruit plants and local farms thrive. The path offers a direct look at the changing landscape, moving from snow-capped summits to fertile agricultural land. Along the way, you will visit traditional Andean communities and see the architectural legacy left by the Incas. This circuit is designed for those who want to see the region’s history and daily life away from the standard tourist crowds.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
English, Spanish