5 daysSalkantay Trek 5 Days
Glacier pass, cloud forest and sky domes on the full length route to Machu Picchu.
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Salkantay Treks
The full Salkantay route with a private crew, luxury camps, a night facing Machu Picchu and a hotel to finish.
The Luxury Salkantay Trek in 5 days is the complete route, from Humantay Lake over the Salkantay Pass and down through cloud forest to Machu Picchu, walked with a crew that works for your party alone: guide, chef, personal porter and massage therapist.
You sleep three nights in luxury camps, at Salkantaypampa under the glacier, at Collpapampa in the forest and at Llactapata, looking across at Machu Picchu. The fourth night is in a hotel in Aguas Calientes, so you enter the citadel rested.
The trip at a glance
Day 1. Humantay Lake and Salkantaypampa
Early pickup in Cusco, the hike to the turquoise lake and the first luxury camp at the foot of Salkantay.
Day 2. Salkantay Pass
The climb to 4,630 m, a toast at the top when conditions allow, and the long descent into cloud forest at Collpapampa.
Day 3. Coffee farm, Pachamanca and Llactapata
A coffee farm visit and an earth oven lunch in Lucmabamba, then an Inca path up to the camp facing Machu Picchu.
Day 4. Hidroelectrica and Aguas Calientes
Sunrise at Llactapata, the walk down to the valley and along the river to your hotel.
Day 5. Machu Picchu and Cusco
An early private visit of the citadel and the Vistadome Observatory train back.
Highlights
A crew of your own
Private guide, chef, personal porter, massage therapist and support team.
Humantay Lake
One of the most striking glacier lakes in the Andes, on the first morning.
Luxury camps
Roomy tents with queen or twin camp beds, sheets, duvets and pillows, hot showers and a campfire at base camp.
Salkantay Pass
The high point at 4,630 m (15,190 ft), with a toast if weather and safety allow.
Pachamanca and coffee
A meal cooked under hot stones that you help prepare, and a cup of coffee you roast and grind yourself.
A night at Llactapata
Camp on a ridge across the valley from Machu Picchu.
Private visit of Machu Picchu
An early entry with your own guide, on Circuit 2 when available.
Vistadome Observatory train
Panoramic windows, an open air car, live music, snacks and drinks.
From our guidesFive days and not four is what buys you Llactapata. You walk up an original Inca path to a ridge directly opposite Machu Picchu and wake up with the citadel in the distance, a view very few visitors ever get.
Day by day itinerary
Day 1Cusco, Humantay Lake and Salkantaypampa
Early pickup in Cusco
Your private transport leaves the city before dawn and heads into the mountains. On the way your chef serves a fresh breakfast.
Humantay Lake, 4,200 m
The walk begins at an easy pace with open views of the range. At the lake there is time to sit, take photos and take in the color of the water under the glacier.
Lunch at Soraypampa
You come down to the valley floor, where lunch is cooked with local produce.
Luxury camp at Salkantaypampa
In the afternoon you walk on to one of the quietest camps on the route, right below the mountain. Hot showers, the massage tent and a campfire are ready when you arrive.
Andean ceremony
Before dinner a local shaman leads a ceremony with a coca leaf reading, a way of asking the mountain for a safe crossing. Dinner comes with Peruvian wine or pisco.
- Walking distance
- 16 km (9.5 mi)
- Walking time
- 8 hours
- Camp altitude
- 4,150 m (13,615 ft)
- Highest point
- 4,200 m (13,779 ft)
- Meals
- Breakfast, lunch, tea and dinner
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Day 2Salkantaypampa, Salkantay Pass and Collpapampa
Coffee or coca tea at your tent
You wake to a hot drink and the south face of Salkantay in the first light. After breakfast the climb begins.
Salkantay Pass, 4,630 m
The highest point of the trek, among glaciers and silence. Your guide gives you time to rest and take photos, and the crew opens a bottle to toast the summit if the weather and safety allow.
Lunch at Wayracmachay
The trail drops quickly to a sheltered spot for lunch. From here the cold rock gives way to green slopes and warmer air.
Camp at Collpapampa
By late afternoon you are in cloud forest, beside the river. This is the longest day, so the shower, the massage and dinner are especially welcome.
- Walking distance
- 18 km (11.2 mi)
- Walking time
- 9 hours
- Camp altitude
- 2,770 m (9,087 ft)
- Highest point
- 4,630 m (15,190 ft)
- Meals
- Breakfast, lunch, tea and dinner
- Difficulty
- Demanding
Day 3Collpapampa, Lucmabamba and Llactapata
Through the cloud forest
The path follows the river past waterfalls, orchids, fruit trees and small farms. The walking is gentle and the air is warm.
Coffee farm in Lucmabamba
A local family shows you the process from the plant to the cup. Depending on the season you pick the cherries, then roast, grind and brew your own coffee.
Pachamanca lunch
While you visit the farm, meat, vegetables and herbs cook underground on hot stones. You help to cover the oven and to open it.
Inca path to Llactapata
About three hours on an original Inca trail take you to Llactapata, an archaeological site on a ridge facing Machu Picchu. Your camp is set up with that view.
- Walking distance
- 16 km (10 mi)
- Walking time
- 8 hours
- Camp altitude
- 2,750 m (9,022 ft)
- Meals
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Day 4Llactapata, Hidroelectrica and Aguas Calientes
Sunrise opposite Machu Picchu
On a clear morning this is one of the best moments of the whole trek. Coffee is served while the light reaches the citadel.
Down to Hidroelectrica
A descent of about two hours through forest ends at the valley floor, where you have lunch and say goodbye to part of the crew.
Along the railway
The last stretch on foot follows the tracks beside the Urubamba river, among orchids and birds.
Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Your guide takes you to the hotel. You have the rest of the afternoon free for a shower, a walk around town or the hot springs, and dinner is at a local restaurant.
- Walking distance
- 14 km (8.7 mi)
- Walking time
- 6 hours
- Highest point
- 2,840 m (9,318 ft)
- Meals
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Lodging
- Selected hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Day 5Machu Picchu and return to Cusco
One of the first buses up
After breakfast at the hotel you ride up to the entrance while the site is still quiet.
Private guided visit
About three hours through the temples, plazas and terraces, with stops at the best viewpoints and time for photos.
Optional mountain
If you reserved it ahead, you can climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain after the guided visit.
Lunch beside the citadel
Lunch is served at the restaurant next to the entrance before you go down to the station.
Vistadome Observatory and transfer
The afternoon train has panoramic windows, an open air car and live music. A private vehicle meets you in Ollantaytambo and takes you to your hotel in Cusco.
- Machu Picchu visit
- About 3 hours with your guide
- Altitude
- 2,430 m (7,972 ft)
- Meals
- Breakfast and lunch
- Difficulty
- Easy
Circuit 2 is booked by default. If it is sold out for your date we secure the best official alternative, Circuit 1 or Circuit 3, and confirm it as soon as the tickets are issued.
Elevation profile
1Cusco3,399 m (11,152 ft)
2Soraypampa3,900 m (12,795 ft)
3Humantay Lake4,200 m (13,780 ft)- 4Salkantaypampa4,150 m (13,615 ft)End of day 1
5Salkantay Pass4,630 m (15,190 ft)- 6Collpapampa2,770 m (9,088 ft)End of day 2
7Lucmabamba2,000 m (6,562 ft)
8Llactapata2,750 m (9,022 ft)End of day 3
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 transport
Briefing. A private briefing at your hotel in Cusco.
Transport. Hotel pickup, private transport to the trailhead and transfer from Ollantaytambo back to your hotel.
Return train. Vistadome Observatory from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
Machu Picchu bus. Round trip between Aguas Calientes and the citadel.
Crew and tickets
Private guide. A professional bilingual guide (English and Spanish) for your party only.
Chef and trekking crew. A private kitchen and camp team.
Personal porter. Carries your duffel bag, up to 20 kg (44 lb).
Massage therapist. Travels with the crew on the camp nights.
Entry tickets. Salkantay route fee and Machu Picchu entry.
Camps and hotel
Three luxury camp nights. Salkantaypampa, Collpapampa and Llactapata.
Tents and beds. Roomy tents with queen or twin camp beds, sheets, blankets, duvets and pillows.
Camp comforts. Dining tent, comfortable chairs, hot showers, massage tent and a campfire at base camp.
Hotel. One night in a carefully selected hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Food, drink and experiences
Meals. Fresh meals by your chef, snacks, hot drinks and picnic lunches.
Pachamanca and coffee farm. On Day 3 in Lucmabamba.
Andean ceremony. With a local shaman and a coca leaf reading.
Drinks. Peruvian beer, soft drinks, water and coffee at lunch, Peruvian wine and pisco in the evening, and a toast at the pass when conditions allow.
Lunch at Machu Picchu. At the restaurant beside the entrance on Day 5.
Safety
Emergency kit. Oxygen, satellite phone and a complete first aid kit.
Not included
Flights to Cusco. Not included.
Dinner in Cusco on Day 5. You arrive back in the evening.
Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Extra ticket, booked ahead and subject to availability.
Travel insurance. Strongly recommended.
Personal spending and tips. Tips are optional.
Luxury Salkantay Trek 5 Days prices 2026
This trek runs as a private departure only. The price per person depends on the size of your party.
| 1 traveler | $4,300 |
|---|---|
| 2 travelers | $2,500 |
| 3 travelers | $2,100 |
| 4 travelers | $1,850 |
| 5 travelers | $1,620 |
| 6 travelers | $1,490 |
| 7 travelers | $1,390 |
| 8 travelers | $1,340 |
Good to know before booking
- For 9 travelers or more, write to us for a quote.
- Travelers under 17 and university students under 25 with a valid card get $30 off. ISIC cards are not accepted.
- The hotel in Aguas Calientes can be upgraded on request.
- We need each traveler's full name as in the passport, passport number, date of birth and nationality to issue tickets.
Optional extras
- Huayna PicchuSubject to permits, book ahead$60
- Machu Picchu MountainSubject to permits, book ahead$60
What to pack
Documents and essentials
Original passport
Small daypack
Water bottle
Cash in soles
Power bank
Headlamp
Sun, rain and personal care
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Sun hat
Rain poncho
Insect repellent
Toiletries
Personal medication
Clothing and footwear
Hiking boots
Trekking socks
Thermal base layers
Quick dry t-shirts
Trekking pants
Fleece jacket
Down jacket
Waterproof jacket
Warm beanie
Gloves
Neck buff
Sandals
Nice to have
Trekking poles
Camera or phone
Spare batteries
Energy snacks
Swimwear
Good to know
What makes this the luxury version
The route is the full Salkantay trail, with nothing cut out. The upgrade is in who travels with you and where you sleep: a private crew, tents with proper camp beds and duvets, hot showers and a massage therapist on every camp night.
If you prefer a small group, sky domes and a lower price, the same mountains are on our Salkantay Trek 5 Days.
Altitude and acclimatization
The first camp is at 4,150 m and the pass at 4,630 m (15,190 ft), so acclimatization makes a real difference. Arrive in Cusco at least two days before the trek, eat lightly, drink plenty of water and avoid strong alcohol on those days.
Tell your guide as soon as you feel unwell. Small symptoms are easy to manage when they are reported early, and the crew carries oxygen at all times.
Weather, signal and changes of plan
Expect cold mornings, strong sun, wind near the pass and humid warmth in the forest. April to October is drier, with colder nights. November to March is greener, with more rain.
Phone signal is weak for most of the route and returns near the villages. Bring a power bank. If weather, landslides or road closures affect the plan, we adjust times, transport or camps with safety first and keep you informed.
Frequently asked questions
Is this trek private?
Yes, it runs as a private departure only. The guide, chef, porter, massage therapist and camps are for your party alone.
How hard is it?
Moderate to demanding. Day 2 is the big one, with the pass at 4,630 m and nine hours on foot. The private pace and the comfort of the camps help, but fitness and acclimatization still matter.
Where do we sleep?
Night 1 at the Salkantaypampa camp below the glacier, night 2 at Collpapampa in the cloud forest, night 3 at Llactapata facing Machu Picchu, and night 4 in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Are drinks included?
Yes. Peruvian beer, soft drinks, water and coffee at lunch, and Peruvian wine and pisco at camp in the evening. At the pass there is a toast when weather and safety allow.
Can you cater for special diets?
In most cases, yes. Tell us about vegetarian, vegan or gluten free diets and any allergy when you book so the chef can plan ahead.
Which Machu Picchu circuit is included?
Circuit 2 by default. If it is sold out we book the best official alternative, Circuit 1 or Circuit 3, and tell you which one.
What do I carry each day?
A daypack with water, layers, snacks, sun and rain protection, your camera and your passport. Your duffel bag goes with your porter and is waiting at lunch stops and camps.
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