4 daysSalkantay Trek 4 Days
The fast line over the Salkantay Pass, with two nights in sky domes.
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Salkantay Treks
Glacier pass, cloud forest and sky domes on the full length route to Machu Picchu.
National Geographic Traveler placed this route among the best treks on the planet, and the 5 day version is the one that walks all of it. You leave Cusco, climb beside the ice of Apu Salkantay (6,271 m) and then lose close to 3,500 meters of elevation on foot, passing from bare moraine to warm cloud forest where spectacled bears still live.
The extra day is what sets it apart from the shorter itinerary. It adds a night in the huts at Chaullay and the climb to Llactapata, an Inca site that looks straight across the valley at Machu Picchu.
The trip at a glance
Day 1. Humantay Lake and the sky domes
Drive from Cusco to Mollepata and Soraypampa, hike up to Humantay Lake and sleep at Quishwaraniyoc in a dome with a clear roof and Salkantay in front of the door.
Day 2. Over the Salkantay Pass
Reach the high point of the trek at 4,630 m with glaciers on every side, then drop into the upper jungle and spend the night in a hut at Chaullay.
Day 3. Coffee farm, hot springs or zipline
Walk down the Lucmabamba valley, roast and grind your own coffee with a local family, and pick between thermal pools and a zipline before a second night in domes.
Day 4. Llactapata and Aguas Calientes
Climb an original Inca path to Llactapata for a first look at Machu Picchu from the southwest, then follow the railway to a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Day 5. Machu Picchu and the way back
Tour the citadel with your guide and return to Cusco by train through Ollantaytambo or by road from Hidroelectrica, whichever you booked.
Highlights
Two nights in sky domes
No standard tents here. At Quishwaraniyoc and Lucmabamba you sleep in private domes built for stargazing, with the glacier or the valley right outside.
Mountain huts at Chaullay
After the hardest day you rest in warm, purpose built huts that open onto the cloud forest.
A real coffee workshop
In Lucmabamba you pick, roast and grind organic beans yourself and drink the cup you made.
Hot springs or zipline
Day 3 has an open afternoon. Fly over the canyon on a zipline or soak tired legs in the Cocalmayo thermal pools.
The Llactapata lookout
Few visitors ever see Machu Picchu from this side. Llactapata gives you a wide, crowd free view of the citadel and Huayna Picchu.
Two ways home
Choose the train via Ollantaytambo for comfort or the road from Hidroelectrica to keep the cost down.
From our guidesThe Classic Inca Trail runs on a fixed number of government permits that sell out months ahead. Salkantay has no permit cap, so dates stay open far longer. It suits hikers who want bigger scenery, more wildlife and a quieter trail.
Day by day itinerary
Day 1Cusco to Quishwaraniyoc. Humantay Lake and a night under glass
The first day takes you from dark city streets to the foot of the snow peaks. It mixes a mountain drive, a filling breakfast and your first acclimatization climb to a glacial lake, and it ends in a dome camp under a sky full of stars.
Pickup, checkpoint and breakfast
We collect you from your Cusco hotel between 4:40 and 5:00 a.m. and drive toward Mollepata. A short stop at the municipal checkpoint covers the Humantay Lake entry (20 soles per person, paid in cash), and then a full buffet breakfast is served.
Soraypampa and warm up
The vehicle continues to Soraypampa. A landslide on the road means we get out a little before the usual parking area. Your guide leads a round of stretches there so your legs are ready for the slope.
Climb to Humantay Lake
The path to the lake is steep and takes between 1 hour 45 minutes and 2 hours at a steady pace. At the top (4,200 m) there is plenty of time for photos and for sitting by the turquoise water under the Humantay glacier.
Lunch at Quishwaraniyoc
A short walk down from the lake brings you to our private camp at Quishwaraniyoc. The trail cooks have a generous buffet lunch waiting in the dining room, made with fresh produce from the region.
Afternoon and night in the domes
Move into your dome and rest. Each one faces the Salkantay massif with nothing in between. After a buffet dinner you can lie in bed and watch the southern constellations through the clear panels above you.
- Distance
- About 6 km (3.7 mi)
- Walking time
- Around 5 hours, up and down
- Highest point
- 4,200 m (13,779 ft) at Humantay Lake
- Optional horse
- Available at the trailhead for the climb to the lake, 100 to 120 soles
Day 2Quishwaraniyoc to Chaullay. The Salkantay Pass
This is the toughest and most rewarding day of the trek. You cross the high pass with ice fields all around and then watch the climate change by the hour as the trail falls from frozen rock into the green warmth of the upper jungle.
Coca tea at your door and breakfast
The crew wakes you at 5:00 a.m. with a hot cup of coca tea brought to your dome, an Andean habit that helps with altitude. The group then eats a hearty buffet breakfast before the climb.
Up to the Salkantay Pass
The ascent starts straight after breakfast. At 4,630 m above sea level the pass sits face to face with Salkantay, the second highest mountain in the Cusco region. There is time to take in the hanging glaciers and to join a short offering of thanks to the mountain spirits.
Down to Wayracmachay for lunch
From the pass a steady 2 hour descent over rocky moraine leads to Wayracmachay. The wind softens and the air warms as you go. A hot buffet lunch is ready at our rest point.
Arrival at the Chaullay huts
The afternoon stretch runs deeper into the upper jungle until the Chaullay camp. Your private hut is sheltered and comfortable, and it looks out over the cloud forest.
- Distance
- About 22 km (13.6 mi)
- Walking time
- Around 9 hours, depending on group pace
- Highest point
- 4,630 m (15,190 ft) at the Salkantay Pass
- Optional horse
- Can be arranged at the morning trailhead up to the pass, 120 to 130 soles
Day 3Chaullay to Lucmabamba. Coffee country
Day 3 is about the life of the upper jungle. It combines an easy downhill walk, time with a farming family and an afternoon you shape yourself, either active or restful, before another night in domes among the plantations.
Breakfast and jungle trail
After a buffet breakfast at Chaullay the path keeps descending beside the river. Wild orchids, bromeliads and stands of bamboo line the way.
Organic coffee workshop
At the plantation you take part in the whole process by hand. You pick the cherries, roast the beans over a fire and grind them to brew one of the best organic coffees of the region.
Buffet lunch
The group sits down to a freshly cooked lunch. The cooks set out a range of hot local dishes to carry you through the afternoon.
Your choice: zipline or hot springs
Two optional activities are on offer. One is a zipline circuit high above the canyon. The other is the Cocalmayo hot springs, where volcanic pools ease muscles that have worked hard for three days.
Dinner and domes at Lucmabamba
Everyone meets again at the Lucmabamba camp for a buffet dinner. Then you settle into your private dome and fall asleep to the sounds of the forest.
- Distance
- About 16 km (9.9 mi)
- Walking time
- Around 6 hours, not counting transfers to the optional activities
- Highest point
- 2,850 m (9,350 ft)
Optional extras: the zipline can be added when you book for 25 USD per person. Entry to the Cocalmayo hot springs is paid on site. Neither is required, though both help a lot with recovery.
Day 4Lucmabamba to Aguas Calientes. Llactapata
Day 4 is the historical high point of the walk. You climb a preserved stretch of Inca road to an archaeological site most travelers never reach, see Machu Picchu in the distance and finish in the lively town below the citadel.
Breakfast and the Inca path to Llactapata
After breakfast at the dome camp the trail gains height at once. It follows original stone paving through thick cloud forest up to the ridge.
Machu Picchu from the lookout
Llactapata is an Inca observatory built directly opposite the citadel. From here you get a rare panoramic view of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu from the southwest, with none of the usual crowds.
Descent to Hidroelectrica and lunch
Once the guide has explained the site, a long downhill walk leads to the Aobamba river. Near the Hidroelectrica station the group stops for a freshly cooked lunch before the last flat section.
Along the railway to Aguas Calientes
The final part of the day is a level walk beside the train tracks and the Urubamba river, closed in by green mountains. It ends in the busy streets of Aguas Calientes, also called Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Hotel, dinner and briefing
Check into your hotel room and freshen up. Over dinner your guide goes through the plan for the next morning: timings, the entry circuit and practical tips for the visit.
- Distance
- About 22 km (13.6 mi) on mixed terrain
- Walking time
- Around 9 hours with stops
- Highest point
- 2,700 m (8,858 ft) on the Llactapata ridge
This is rated the second hardest day of the trek because of the early climb and the total distance. A good night of sleep afterward makes a difference.
Day 5Machu Picchu and return to Cusco
The last day brings you to the Inca citadel itself. You explore it with your guide and then travel back to Cusco by the route you selected.
Early breakfast
The day starts at 4:00 a.m. with breakfast at the hotel, so the group has energy for the walk to the checkpoint and the climb beyond it.
The 1,600 steps
A 1.5 hour climb on the official footpath cuts across the bends of the bus road. It is steep, with about 1,600 stone steps, and it ends at the main gate.
Sunrise and guided visit
You enter in time to see first light on the green peaks. Your guide then walks you through the main circuit and explains the history, the building methods and the purpose of the sanctuary.
Extra mountains and departure
If your booking includes Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, the guide shows you to the trailhead and you climb on your own. If not, you head down to begin the return to Cusco.
- Distance
- About 6 km (3.7 mi) including the citadel visit
- Walking time
- Around 5 hours, longer with the road return
- Highest point
- 2,400 m (7,874 ft) at Machu Picchu
Choosing how you return
Train return
Walk down to Aguas Calientes after the visit and board an afternoon train (2:30, 2:55 or 3:20 p.m., subject to availability) to Ollantaytambo. Our driver meets you there and takes you to Cusco, one block from the main square, by about 7:30 p.m. Total travel time is 4 hours.
- Shorter and far more comfortable
- The safe choice if you have a flight or night bus that evening
- Required if you add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
- Costs more
Road return
Go down to Aguas Calientes and walk the railway trail back to Hidroelectrica, about 10 km in 3 hours. You need to be there before 2:30 p.m. Our driver then covers the 6.5 hour road to Cusco, arriving near 9:30 p.m.
- The lowest price
- A long and tiring trip
- Cannot be combined with the extra mountains
Elevation profile
1Cusco3,399 m (11,152 ft)
2Mollepata2,900 m (9,514 ft)
3Soraypampa3,900 m (12,795 ft)
4Humantay Lake4,200 m (13,780 ft)End of day 1
5Salkantay Pass4,630 m (15,190 ft)
6Chaullay2,900 m (9,514 ft)End of day 2
7Lucmabamba2,000 m (6,562 ft)End of day 3
8Llactapata2,700 m (8,858 ft)
9Hidroelectrica1,900 m (6,234 ft)
10Aguas Calientes2,040 m (6,693 ft)End of day 4
11Machu Picchu2,430 m (7,972 ft)End of day 5
What is included
Before the trek and transfers
Briefing. A meeting at your hotel or Airbnb at 6:00 p.m. the evening before departure to go over logistics.
Hotel pickup. Collection from your hotel or registered Airbnb in Cusco.
Private transport. Transfer from your accommodation to the trailhead.
Luggage storage. Free, secure storage in Cusco for your main bags while you are on the trail.
Machu Picchu and guiding
Circuit 2 ticket. Entry on Circuit 2, the most complete and scenic route through the site. If it is sold out for your date we contact you right away to agree on the best alternative.
Mountain guide. A certified bilingual guide with the group on the whole trail and inside the citadel.
Safety kit. First aid kit and emergency oxygen carried by the guide at all times.
Lodging, luggage and food
Four nights. Two nights in sky domes, one night in a hut at Chaullay and one night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Pack horses and duffel. Muleteers and horses carry the camp equipment. At the briefing you receive a duffel bag for up to 7 kg (15.4 lb) of personal gear, which travels on horseback.
Meals. 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners from our trail kitchen. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and allergy friendly menus cost nothing extra. Just tell us when you book.
Return to Cusco
Your chosen route. Either the train from Aguas Calientes or the private car from Hidroelectrica, according to your booking.
Not included
Humantay Lake entry. 20 soles (about 5.80 USD), paid in cash at the Mollepata checkpoint on Day 1.
Gear rental. Sleeping bag rated to minus 10°C: 15 USD for the trek. Trekking poles: 15 USD per pair for the trek.
Santa Teresa hot springs. 50 soles (about 14.50 USD) paid on site on Day 3. It covers the shuttle both ways and the entry ticket.
Mobile signal and internet. There is no coverage from about 9:00 a.m. on Day 1 until the second camp, where Wi-Fi can be bought for 10 soles. From Day 3 onward signal is usually stable.
Showers and toilets. Toilets at our camps are free. Family run toilets along the trail may charge 1 sol. The first camp has no showers because of the cold. The second camp has free cold showers or hot ones for 10 soles. Day 3 has the hot springs, and the hotel on Day 4 includes hot showers.
Riding horse on Days 1 and 2. Optional and arranged at the trailhead. The climb to Humantay Lake costs 100 to 120 soles (about 29 to 35 USD). The climb to the Salkantay Pass costs 120 to 130 soles (about 35 to 38 USD).
Tips. Entirely up to you. Tipping is common in Cusco, but nobody is obliged. Our trail staff are paid fair wages, so a tip is only ever a personal thank you for great service.
Travel insurance. Not part of the package. We strongly advise buying medical cover that includes high altitude trekking before you leave home, because it is hard to arrange once you are in Peru.
Salkantay Trek 5 Days group prices 2026
The price depends on how you travel back after Machu Picchu: by road (Aguas Calientes, Hidroelectrica, Cusco) or by train (Aguas Calientes, Ollantaytambo, Cusco).
| Adult | $330 |
|---|---|
| Student | $310 |
| Under 17 | $310 |
| Adult | $410 |
|---|---|
| Student | $390 |
| Under 17 | $390 |
Who gets the reduced rate
- Travelers under 17 pay the student rate automatically.
- University students need a physical plastic card showing the university name, their full name, a photo and an expiry date that covers the trek. They must be under 25 on the day they enter Machu Picchu.
- ISIC cards and digital IDs are not accepted at the government checkpoints. Send a clear photo of your card to info@incaoutdoors.com and we will confirm your discount.
Optional extras
- Vistadome trainOnly with the train return$45
- Huayna PicchuTrain return only$60
- Machu Picchu MountainTrain return only$60
- Trekking polesFor the whole trek$15
- Sleeping bagFor the whole trek$15
Private Salkantay Trek 5 Days prices 2026
- Walk at your own speed with no group to keep up with
- Start each day when you like, earlier or later
- Stop wherever you want for photos and viewpoints
- Pick your own Machu Picchu entry time
- A guide for your party only
- A 3 star hotel in Aguas Calientes in place of the standard one
- A good fit for families, couples and groups of friends
| 2 people | $780 |
|---|---|
| 3 people | $740 |
What the private service includes
Private transport from Cusco to the trailhead
Private guide from the trailhead to the end of the Machu Picchu visit
Private accommodation along the trek
3 star hotel in Aguas Calientes
Private transfer from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in the Sacred Valley or Cusco (train return)
What to pack
Essentials
Original passport
Cash in soles
Personal medication
Water bottle
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Toiletries
Clothing
Hiking boots
Light shoes
Sandals
Trekking pants
Trekking socks
Thermal base layers
Shorts
Long sleeve shirt
Fleece jacket
Waterproof jacket
Rain poncho
Sun hat
Sunglasses
Neck buff
Trail gaiters
Warm beanie
Gloves
Equipment
Sleeping bag
Trekking poles
Small daypack
Extras and electronics
Plug adapter
Headlamp
Swimwear
Quick dry towel
Energy snacks
Power bank
Camera or phone
Good to know
Salkantay or the Classic Inca Trail?
Most people planning a walk to Machu Picchu end up comparing these two. The right answer depends on how you travel and how far ahead you plan. The Inca Trail is rich in history, with ruin after ruin along the way, but the government limits daily permits and spaces are often gone six months before the date.
Salkantay gives you much more freedom with dates and puts the weight on landscape: glaciers, sharp changes of climate and comfortable camps. If you want to look at permits, seasons and prices for the other route before deciding, see our Classic Inca Trail 4 Days.
Apu Salkantay: climbing history and meaning
Salkantay rises to 6,271 m above sea level. It is the second highest summit of the Cusco region and one of the main protective spirits in Andean belief. Long before trekkers arrived, communities looked to it for weather and water, and the Incas treated it as a place of pilgrimage. Its steep ridges and fragile cornices also made it a serious target for climbers in the twentieth century.
A French and American team made the first ascent on August 4, 1952, in hard weather and on exposed ice. In June 2013 Luis Crispin, from Cusco, completed the first Peruvian ascent. The American Alpine Journal keeps the original reports. Knowing that story gives the pass a different weight when you stand on it.
Conservation and a changing climate
The high grassland and cloud forest along the trek form one continuous wildlife corridor, protected by law for species such as the spectacled bear, the Andean condor and the cock of the rock. It is also under pressure from a warming climate.
Monitoring shows that the Salkantay glacier has lost more than 60% of its ice in forty years, which affects water for the farming communities below. Peru applies strict environmental rules in the area, and you can read about them on the SERNANP protected areas portal. This is why we run the trek on zero waste principles and take part in trail clean ups.
Altitude safety and trail manners
Because the route goes above 4,600 m on Day 2, fitness and hydration matter. Walk slowly and evenly, drink often and tell your guide straight away if you feel unwell so that they can act.
We ask every hiker to follow Leave No Trace: carry out your rubbish, avoid single use plastic by bringing a bottle with a filter, and keep your distance from wildlife. Trekking poles need rubber tips so they do not chip the ground or the old stonework.
Frequently asked questions
How does the 5 day trek differ from the 4 day one?
Pace, lodging and how much of the trail you walk. The 4 day itinerary skips the climb to the Llactapata ruins. The 5 day trek also adds a night in the huts at Chaullay, while the shorter version has two dome nights and one hotel night.
How long should I acclimatize in Cusco first?
Plan at least 2 full days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley. Day 1 already goes high, and 48 to 72 hours of adjustment lowers the risk of altitude sickness a great deal.
What is the best season for the trek?
The dry months from May to September bring sunny days and clear nights, ideal for the domes. April and October are good too. January to March is the wettest period, with more mud in the cloud forest sections.
How far ahead do I need to book?
There is no permit cap, but we recommend 3 to 4 months. That is what it takes to secure Machu Picchu Circuit 2 tickets and space in the dome camps and hotels.
What if I get sick and cannot go on?
Safety comes first. You have until Day 2, before the pass, to see how your body responds. If you need to stop, the guide arranges your return to Cusco. You can rest and rejoin the group at Machu Picchu by train or by road through Hidroelectrica. That transfer has an extra cost, and we organize all of it so you do not miss the citadel.
How fit do I need to be?
The trek is rated moderate to challenging. Reasonable cardio fitness is needed. A few weeks of hiking, running or stair climbing before the trip will make the two 22 km days much more comfortable.
Can you cater for vegetarian, vegan or gluten free diets?
Yes. Our cooks prepare vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and allergy safe meals at no extra charge. Tell us about your needs when you book.
Can I join a group if I travel alone?
Yes, solo hikers are welcome. You join a small group, share the trail and the meals, and make friends from all over the world.
How much cash should I bring?
Between 400 and 600 soles per person, in small notes and coins. Cards and foreign currency are not accepted on the trail. The cash covers the Humantay entry, snacks, optional horses and the hot springs.
Do I have to attend the briefing?
Yes. It takes place at your hotel or Airbnb in Cusco at 6:00 p.m. the evening before. You meet your guide, confirm the schedule and receive the duffel bag for your 7 kg of gear.
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