Cusco, Perú
2 days
16 people
18 yo
Hotel (Historic Center)
You'll be up nice and early today to be ready for us to pick you up around 4 am. You'll travel in our comfy transportation and after 2 hours we'll enjoy a brief stop in Mollepata for an optional breakfast. We'll then continue to Challacancha for another hour, where we'll start our hike.
First, you'll meet the cooks and horsemen, as well as do a last equipment check. Then, we'll be on our way. You'll start with a 3-hour moderate walk to Soraypampa (3900 masl / 12,796 ft ), where we'll be spending our first night.
The first section is relatively flat with a slight bit of uphill through a deep valley of glaciers. You'll notice that a lot of the trail follows a restored Inca water channel, which local farmers still make use of today. This section is 7 km overall.
Once you arrive in Soraypampa, you will settle in the Cabin with Glass Roof where you'll sleep this evening. You’ll have a bit of time to rest after enjoying your first lunch in the mountains. Feeling refreshed, it'll be time to start the hike up to the incredibly beautiful Humantay Lake (4200 masl / 13,780 ft).
This round trip takes about 3 hours and covers 3 km. It's not far but you need to take things slowly at this altitude. You'll have some time once you get to the lake to enjoy the fantastic scenery. There aren’t many places in the Andes quite as stunning as the turquoise waters glistening against the Humantay glacier. You’ll feel like you’re in a fairytale.
Back at camp, you'll enjoy a delicious and well-deserved dinner with a beautiful sunset as your company. You can't describe the energy here, but you'll feel its peacefulness for yourself once here.Then it'll be time to turn in to your Camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea Time, Dinner
Accommodation: Cabin with Glass Roof
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Hiking distance: 10 km (6.21 miles)
Trekking Time: 5 to 6 hours
Campsite Elevation: 4,000 m (1,323 ft)
Starting Elevation: 3,800 m (12,467 ft)
Highest Elevation: 4,200 m (13,780 ft)
Weather Forecast: Expect cold and windy nights
You'll be woken up today at the first signs of daylight with an energizing cup of coca tea to get you going. Enjoy a nourishing breakfast before we set off on our trek to the route’s highest point, the Salkantay Pass at 4630 masl.
You'll be walking 7 km over 3 hours. It's a difficult ascent up the "Trail of the 7 Snakes" rightly named due to its winding path. Once you reach the top, you'll appreciate the most magnificent view over the surrounding valleys as well as Salkantay Mountain sitting right next to you (6271 masl), which is the second-highest in the Cusco region and one of the Apus (Inca Gods).
Once at the top, you’ll have time to soak in the panoramic mountain views, take memorable photos, and listen as your guide shares stories and spiritual insights about the Apus—the sacred mountain spirits of the Andes. You’ll also participate in a brief Andean ceremony to honor these revered mountain deities.
After this profound experience, you’ll begin a 3 hours descent back to Soraypampa, where transportation will be waiting to take you to Mollepata for a well-deserved buffet lunch. Following the meal, you’ll return to Cusco by Bus, a journey of approximately 2 hours, arriving back in the city around 6:00 pm.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Hiking distance: 14 km (8.7 miles)
Trekking Time: 6 hours
Starting Elevation: 4,000 m (13,123 ft)
Highest Elevation: 4,630 m (15,191 ft)
Weather Forecast: Expect a bit cold
No—Salkantay doesn’t use permits. There is an entry fee for Humantay Lake not included (S/.20 soles) and no advance booking is required. However, we recommend booking the salkantay Trek in advance because we need to secure the best Machu Picchu circuits for your ticket.
Entry is by hourly time slot printed on your ticket, and there’s a limited tolerance window that varies by season (20 or 30 minutes). Our tours are usually between 6am and 8am. We plan your wake‑up and bus so you arrive within the window.
The time will also depend on final Machu Picchu availability. Our return train on the last day is usually around 1,3,4 or 6pm (It also depends on your reservation); the tour in Machu Picchu will be accommodated based on ticket availability and our train schedule.
The Salkantay Trek weather varies by season—dry (April to October) and wet (November to March). Temperatures rise slightly in the wet season, which is summer in the Southern Hemisphere. Because the route crosses different ecosystems and altitudes, weather can change quickly. Expect lows around 0°C in the high mountains and highs up to 24°C in the cloud forest.
Yes. Temperatures can drop to 0°C / 32°F—and sometimes lower—especially in winter (May to August). The coldest night is usually the first one, as you’ll be close to Salkantay Mountain and Humantay Peak.
After you pass the highest point, you’ll reach the edge of the jungle and feel a warm, humid climate. On a sunny day, temperatures can reach up to 24°C and, in rare cases, up to 30°C. The rainy season (November to March) usually brings the highest temperatures.
Salkantay Trek weather day by day:
Day 1: Expect daytime highs around 18°C / 64°F and nighttime lows below 0°C / 32°F. Pack warm layers—high places like Humantay Lake are chilly even in the sun.
Day 2: You’ll experience two very different climates. In the morning, you cross the Salkantay Pass—the highest and most challenging section. It’s often bright and sunny; however, if it rains, temperatures drop sharply—have a jacket, hat, and gloves.
In the afternoon, temperatures increase as we descend below the tree line (below 3,000 m) toward the Cloud Forest. Expect about 24°C / 75°F during the day and 10°C / 50°F at night.
Day 3: You’ll hike through tropical cloud forest all day. Wear light clothing, sun protection, and insect repellent, and carry plenty of water. Nighttime temperatures are around 10°C / 50°F.
Day 4: Similar to Day 3, we continue in the Cloud Forest and then descend to Aguas Calientes, with an average range between 12°C / 54°F and 24°C / 75°F.
Day 5: You’ll visit Machu Picchu in a warm, humid mountain‑forest climate that stays fairly constant year‑round.
The Salkantay route is doable for most travelers; however, you need a moderate fitness level to finish comfortably. You don’t need to be an expert hiker, but an active lifestyle helps—and preparing ahead prevents bad experiences.
You don’t need months of training. Start with occasional 1–2 hour hikes and increase frequency and duration as departure approaches. Time at the gym, jogging, or spinning also helps.
We recommend weekend hikes—or at least twice a month—on short routes that include uphill sections.
Altitude sickness is real and can affect anyone, even experienced hikers. Here are key tips to avoid it:
The best time to visit is from April to November (dry season), with April and November as shoulder months when weather can be more changeable.
January, February and March It’s the rainy season, but it’s still possible to do the trek. Our tour guides have extensive experience in the route.
On the 4-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, you’ll experience many of the same breathtaking landscapes as the 5-Day Trek. The key difference is that on Day 3, instead of staying at the Lucmabamba campsite (jungle domes), we go directly to Hidroeléctrica and Aguas Calientes. This makes Day 3 more challenging, as it includes a 3-hour hike from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes. On Day 4, you’ll visit the Machu Picchu site.
In contrast, the 5-Day Salkantay Trek offers a more relaxed pace. On Day 3, we stay at the Lucmabamba campsite (Jungle Domes), allowing time to unwind and even visit the Cocalmayo hot springs and the best Zipline in Cusco region (this activities are not included). On Day 4, we explore the remarkable archaeological site of Llactapata, walking part of the original Inca Trail, which is not covered in the 4-Day trek. We then continue to Hidroeléctrica and Aguas Calientes, with the visit to Machu Picchu scheduled for Day 5.
We offer a variety of local superfoods and traditional Peruvian dishes, such as rice, chicken, beef, salads, potatoes, vegetables, soups, and fruits, freshly prepared by our local chef. We also have excellent vegetarian and vegan options and cater to specific dietary requests with proper preparation and good communication.
Congratulations, adventure awaits you! We sent you a confirmation e-mail with more details about your trekking adventure. You just need to send us a photo of your passport for the Machu Picchu tickets and train tickets.
The day before your departure at 18:00 pm, please stop by our office to receive the informative briefing. Our professional guide will tell you everything about your trek and clarify any last questions you may have.
If you are a student, you could get a discount of $20 USD on the Machu Picchu ticket, as long as you meet the requirements set by the Peruvian government. This discount is non-negotiable.
To apply, send us a photo of both sides of your student ID and another of your passport after making the reservation. The student ID must be original, issued by your university, and meet the following requirements:
You must also bring your original student ID for the control at the entrance of Machu Picchu.
Please check if your student card includes the following requirements:
