LO MAS DESTACADO:

Highlights of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

The Salkantay Trek is one of the most exciting adventures you can experience in Peru. This trek allows you to hike ancient Inca trails, traverse the cloud forest, and enjoy unique panoramic views of the Andes.

After the classic Inca Trail, the Salkantay route is the second most popular to Machu Picchu, but with much less traffic. Here you’ll have the opportunity to live your own adventure, camp under a starry sky with the Milky Way, and explore imposing mountains like Salkantay and Humantay.

Ideal for nature lovers, explorers, couples, and groups of friends, this trek offers:

• Natural bridges and spectacular waterfalls.
• Orchids, wildlife, and impressive glaciers.
• Hot springs to relax after a day of hiking.

A cloud forest teeming with biodiversity.

The Salkantay Trek has been recognized by National Geographic Adventure Travel as one of the 25 best treks in the world. With our tour, you’ll camp in remote locations and enjoy breathtaking views without the crowds.

Why Choose Our 5-Day Salkantay Trek?

1. Exclusive Itinerary

• We’ve uniquely designed the route, spending the night in remote campsites to fully immerse yourself in nature.

2. Unforgettable First Camp

• The first night is spent near Salkantay Mountain, allowing you to witness spectacular sunsets over the peak.

3. Trust and Experience

• We are a trusted local company with excellent reviews on TripAdvisor. We cater to both individual travelers and groups.

4. Secure Communication

• Our guides carry satellite phones, so you can always stay connected with your loved ones.

5. Commitment to Animals and Muleteers

• Horse Care: We do not overload the animals (maximum weight 50 kg).
• Muleteer Welfare: We provide fair wages, complete equipment, adequate food, and decent accommodations.

6. High-Quality Equipment

We provide Eureka tents, mountain sleeping bags, Black Diamond trekking poles, and sleeping mats. We only use premium materials to guarantee comfort and safety.

7. Small Groups

• A maximum of 2 to 8 people per group, avoiding crowds and ensuring a more personalized experience.

8. Expert and Up-to-Date Guides

• Our guides participate in professional development programs and are passionate about sharing the magic of the Salkantay Trek.

9. Additional Benefits

• Discounts for groups of more than 3 people.
  Timely payments for guides, cooks, and muleteers. Return train ticket included (day 5 at 2:55 PM or 3:20 PM), arriving in Cusco in time to rest or continue with other tours.

Experience a Unique Journey in the Peruvian Andes

With Expeditions, you’re not just undertaking an unforgettable trek, but also supporting a local company committed to the community, nature, and animal welfare. Prepare for an unforgettable adventure filled with epic landscapes, vibrant culture, and a deep connection with the mountains.

5 Multi Day Trek Salkantay

The Best Alternative Route to the Classic Inca Trail

The 5-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is an unforgettable experience for adventure and nature lovers. This hike takes you through majestic Andean landscapes, misty cloud forests, and tropical zones, culminating at the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu.
Recognized by National Geographic as one of the Top 25 Treks in the World, this route is the perfect choice for those seeking a less-crowded yet equally stunning alternative to the traditional Inca Trail.

Day 1: Cusco – Humantay Lake – Salkantaypampa

The journey begins early, around 5:00 a.m., with pick-up from your hotel in Cusco. A scenic drive takes you through the mountains to Mollepata and then Soraypampa, the starting point of the trek. From the very beginning, you’ll admire the majestic Salkantay and Verónica peaks, revered as protective deities by the Incas.

After an energizing breakfast prepared by our mountain chef, we’ll begin the hike to Humantay Lake (4,200 m), a turquoise mirror surrounded by glacial peaks. The ascent is challenging but well worth it — the view is one of the most iconic in the Andes.

After lunch in Soraypampa, we continue toward Salkantaypampa (4,150 m), a campsite nestled between glacial valleys where the stars illuminate the night sky without any light pollution — a paradise for stargazers and night photographers.

• Distance: 8 km
• Hiking time: 5 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
• Campsite: Salkantaypampa (4,150 m)

Day 2: Salkantaypampa – Salkantay Pass – Collpapampa

We’ll start the day with a warm cup of coca tea — perfect for acclimatization. Today, we’ll reach the highest point of the trek, the Salkantay Pass (4,650 m), located beneath the majestic Apu Salkantay (6,217 m).

The climb is intense but deeply rewarding. From the top, you’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of glaciers and mountain valleys. After celebrating the accomplishment with the group, we’ll begin our descent toward Huayracmachay for lunch.

In the afternoon, the trail leads into the cloud forest, a lush ecosystem filled with orchids, bromeliads, and exotic birds. Finally, we’ll arrive at Collpapampa (2,900 m), where the climate is warmer and the vegetation abundant.

• Distance: 18 km
• Hiking time: 10 hours
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Campsite: Collpapampa (2,900 m)

Day 3: Collpapampa – La Playa – Lucmabamba

Today we venture into the high jungle of Cusco, a natural transition zone between the Andes and the Amazon. We’ll walk along the Salkantay River, passing waterfalls and small farming communities.

Along the way, you’ll taste delicious tropical fruits such as mango, passion fruit, avocado, and papaya — and, with some luck, you might spot Peru’s national bird, the Cock of the Rock.

Our destination is Lucmabamba, a charming coffee-growing community where travelers enjoy a hands-on cultural experience: participating in the harvesting, roasting, and brewing of Andean coffee. Here, you can prepare your own artisanal espresso — one of the most memorable moments of the trek.

• Distance: 15 km
• Hiking time: 6–7 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Campsite: Lucmabamba (approx. 2,000 m)

Day 4: Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes

Day four is a perfect blend of culture, nature, and history. We’ll hike along an original Inca Trail section, surrounded by orchids, butterflies, and coffee plantations. After a few hours, we’ll reach Llactapata, an archaeological site offering a privileged view of Machu Picchu across the valley.

We’ll then descend to Hidroelectrica, where we’ll enjoy lunch before taking the panoramic train to Aguas Calientes, the charming town at the foot of Machu Picchu. Once there, you can enjoy a relaxing dinner and rest at a comfortable 3-star hotel.

• Distance: 12 km
• Hiking time: 6 hours
• Train: Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes (45 min)
• Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes

Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

The big day has arrived! At sunrise, we’ll take the bus up to the citadel of Machu Picchu. From the classic postcard viewpoint, you’ll witness the sun illuminating the ruins as the morning mist drifts away.

During the 2-hour guided tour, you’ll explore the temples, agricultural terraces, and sacred viewpoints of this magnificent site. You’ll then have free time to wander on your own or climb Huayna Picchu (optional entrance).

Finally, we’ll return to Aguas Calientes to take the train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by a bus to Cusco, where this unforgettable 5-day Salkantay adventure comes to an end.

Included: Breakfast – Machu Picchu Tour – Return transportation.

Why Choose the Salkantay Trail

A less crowded but equally spectacular alternative to the Inca Trail

• Diverse landscapes: mountains, glaciers, rainforest, and ancient ruins
• Living culture: local Quechua communities and hands-on coffee experiences
• Sustainable adventure: authentic connection with Andean traditions and nature
• Traveler Tips
• Acclimatize for at least 2 days in Cusco before the trek
• Bring thermal clothing, sunscreen, and a rain poncho
• Carry cash for local snacks and souvenirs
• Book your Huayna Picchu entrance in advance