5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu – Salkantay Trekking Peru

On the second day of the Salkantay Trek, you’ll wake up to the spectacular sight of the rising sun illuminating the walls of your Sky Dome, with the majestic Salkantay Peak in the background. We’ll serve you a cup of coffee or tea, followed by a traditional Andean breakfast to fuel your energy for the day.

The highlight of the day is hiking to the highest point of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, the Salkantay Pass, situated at an altitude of 4630 meters (15190 feet). We’ll traverse the iconic “Trail of the seven snakes,” named after its seven switchbacks that lead to the summit. This section of the trek is moderately challenging due to the altitude, but we’ll take it slow to allow for acclimatization and to appreciate the panoramic views of the Andean peaks.

Salkantay Peak, the second-highest peak in the Cusco region, holds great significance in Andean mythology, referred to as “Apus” meaning “Father” in Quechua. The locals perform sacred rituals, including the use of three Coca Leaves for blessings, known as K’intu, which our guide will share with you. At the summit, you’ll have plenty of time to soak in the views of Humantay, Taucarhuay, and Pumasillo peaks.

After enjoying the summit, we’ll continue our descent for about 7 kilometers (4.35 miles) to our lunch camp in Huacarmachay, located at an altitude of 3850 meters (12631 feet). Here, in a valley surrounded by snow-capped views, our crew will serve a freshly cooked Andean meal.

Following lunch, we’ll leave the Andean region and enter the Peruvian Amazon Jungle, covering a stretch of 8 kilometers (4.97 miles) in approximately three hours at a moderate pace. The trail will lead us through a diverse landscape, showcasing the dramatic change from the high Andean mountains to the lush greenery of the cloud forest.

As we descend into the jungle, you’ll notice a shift in the climate, vegetation, and wildlife. Keep an eye out for various bird species, orchids, and other unique flora and fauna that thrive in this rich ecosystem.

Our destination for the day is Chaullay, a small village located at an altitude of 2900 meters (9514 feet). Upon arrival, we’ll settle into our Sky Domes and enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by our talented chefs. After dinner, you can relax and reflect on the day’s adventures, surrounded by the vibrant sounds of the jungle.

Day 2 Trek Summary:
– Total distance: 22 km (approx.)
– Estimated walking time: 9-10 hours
– Maximum altitude point: 4,630 m (approx.)
– Campsite altitude: 2,900 m (approx.)

On the third day of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, our crew will wake you up at 6:00 AM with a knock on the door of your Skydome. After enjoying a cup of morning coffee, breakfast will be served.

Day 3 of the trek is relatively easier. We will hike through Santa Teresa Valley, which is home to various farms. The trek will start after crossing the Lluscamayo river towards La Playa, which will take approximately six hours.

Along the route, you will see several waterfalls, and the region is known for its avocado, banana, and coffee farms. You may even have the chance to spot the iconic Andean Cock of the Rock, which is the national bird of Peru.

We will have lunch at our campsite in La Playa, where our crew will serve a delicious meal. After lunch, we will visit some farms in the area and provide you with a guided tour. Alternatively, you can choose to relax in the natural hot springs of Ccocalmayo in the evening.

Dinner will be served later in the evening before you retire to your respective Sky Domes for a restful sleep.

Summary of Day 3 Trek:
Total distance: Approximately 16 km
Estimated walking time: 6-7 hours
Maximum altitude point: 2,750 m
Campsite altitude: 1,600 m

At 8:00 AM, breakfast will be served. After breakfast, we will begin the hike through a section of the Original Inca Trail, offering a breathtaking view of Machu Picchu in the distance. This spot provides the most beautiful vista of Machu Picchu.

We will hike uphill to reach one of the most stunning Inca complexes called Llactapata, located at an altitude of 2700m / 8858 ft. From here, you will have a closer view of the Machu Picchu complex.

Llactapata is the first Inca archaeological site you will visit on the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. Our local expert will provide a guided tour of the complex, immersing you in its history and Andean culture.

Afterward, we will descend the hill for about an hour and a half, with a view of Machu Picchu peak in the distance. We will stop for lunch at Hidro Electrica (1800 meters / 5096 ft), named after the artificial waterfall used for generating electricity.

After lunch, you will have two options:
1. Hike alongside the railway tracks, following the footsteps of Hiram Bingham III, who rediscovered Machu Picchu. This three-hour hike takes you through the tropical jungle, offering stunning views at every turn.
2. Take a 45-minute train ride to Aguas Calientes at an additional cost of 35 USD.

We highly recommend the hiking option, as it will also give you the opportunity to see Intihuatana, a sundial rock used by the Incas to observe the winter solstice. This rock, together with the stone in the Machu Picchu citadel, which you will visit the following day, played an important role.

Once in Aguas Calientes, you will be accommodated in an ensuite hotel room for the night. We will gather later in the evening for dinner.

Aguas Calientes is known for its hot springs, and you can enjoy a refreshing dip in the thermal waters during the evening.

Summary of Day 4 Trek:
Total distance: 12 km
Estimated walking time: 5-6 hours
Maximum altitude point: 1,600 m
Hotel (Aguas Calientes) altitude: 1,900 m

Early in the morning, after breakfast at the hotel, we will take a 25-minute bus ride up the hill to the entrance of the Machu Picchu citadel. Your original passport will be checked against your Machu Picchu ticket, so please ensure you have it with you.

As you enter the citadel, you will witness the morning sun’s golden rays illuminating the walls of Machu Picchu as the clouds unveil the citadel before you. We will provide a brief introduction to the Inca empire.

We will visit various significant sites within the citadel, including the ceremonial site, farming sector, and remains of the royal quarters.

After the guided tour, you will have some free time to take in the views of the Inca citadel. If you have booked to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu peak, our guide will direct youto the respective trailhead.

Alternatively, you can choose to hike to the Sungate, which offers a panoramic view of the Machu Picchu citadel. There is no entrance fee for this option.

Once you have enjoyed the sight to your heart’s content, we will exit the citadel and take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes. You will have some free time here to have lunch or explore the town.

In the evening, we will board a train bound for Ollantaytambo. Our representative will meet you at the train station and transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco. We expect to arrive in Cusco around 10:00 PM.

Summary of Day 5 Trek:
Total distance: 4 km
Estimated walking time: 1-2 hours
Maximum altitude point: 2,700 m