The Salkantay Trek 5 days is one of the most spectacular trekking routes in all of South America. It takes you through five completely different ecosystems – from high-altitude glacial landscapes to warm tropical valleys – before arriving at the legendary Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Furthermore, this route visits Humantay Lake and crosses the iconic Salkantay Pass at 4,630 m (15,190 ft). In addition, unlike the Classic Inca Trail, no government permit is required. Therefore, the Salkantay Trek 5 days is available on daily departures throughout the year – with no waiting list and no permit stress.
WHAT MAKES THE SALKANTAY TREK 5 DAYS SPECIAL?
The Salkantay Trek 5 days stands out for the extraordinary variety of landscapes it covers. On Day 1 you hike through high Andean grasslands beside glacier-fed streams. By Day 3 you are walking through coffee plantations and tropical cloud forest. Furthermore, the route includes a visit to Humantay Lake – one of the most beautiful glacial lakes in the Cusco region. In addition, on Day 4 you follow a section of the original Inca trail to the Llactapata archaeological site, with a distant view of Machu Picchu from above.
SALKANTAY - A SACRED ANDEAN MOUNTAIN
Salkantay Peak at 6,271 m (20,574 ft) is the second-highest mountain in the Cusco region. In Andean tradition, it is known as an Apu – a sacred mountain spirit. Furthermore, traditional rituals such as the K’intu, an offering of three coca leaves, are still practiced at the pass today. Your guide shares this tradition with you at the summit. Therefore, crossing the Salkantay Pass is not just a physical achievement – it is a deeply meaningful cultural moment.
SKY DOME GLAMPING - A UNIQUE WAY TO SLEEP UNDER THE STARS
This 5-day trek includes 3 nights in Sky Dome glamping accommodations along the route. The domes feature beds, thick blankets, and transparent sections that let you fall asleep under the Andean sky. Furthermore, hot water is provided through a solar heating system. In addition, 1 night is spent in a comfortable 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes. Therefore, you enjoy adventure without sacrificing rest and comfort.
SALKANTAY TREK 5 DAYS: BRIEF DAY-BY-DAY OVERVIEW
Below is a brief summary of each day. For the complete itinerary with all details, distances, meals, and accommodation, visit our full Salkantay Trek 5 days tour page.
DAY 1: CUSCO TO SORAYPAMPA VIA HUMANTAY LAKE
Pickup from your hotel at 4:30 a.m. After breakfast in Mollepata at 2,900 m (9,514 ft), you hike to the campsite at Soraypampa at 3,900 m (12,795 ft). In the afternoon, you visit Humantay Lake at 4,200 m (13,780 ft) – a stunning turquoise glacial lake at the foot of the Salkantay glacier. Accommodation: Sky Dome glamping.
DAY 2: SALKANTAY PASS AT 4,630 M (15,190 FT) TO CHAULLAY
The most challenging day of the trek. You ascend to the Salkantay Pass – the highest point at 4,630 m (15,190 ft) – between the snow-capped peaks of Salkantay and Tucarrhuay. Then you descend 15 km (9.3 miles) into warmer valleys as the landscape transforms from glacial to green. Accommodation: Sky Dome Small glamping in Chaullay at 2,900 m (9,514 ft).
DAY 3: CHAULLAY TO LA PLAYA SAHUAYACO THROUGH CLOUD FOREST
A 6-hour moderate hike descending through the Santa Teresa Valley. You pass coffee plantations, avocado trees, and tropical crops. Furthermore, you may spot the Andean cock-of-the-rock – Peru’s national bird. In the afternoon, visit a local farm and learn how coffee is grown and processed. Optional: Cocalmayo Hot Springs. Accommodation: Sky Lodge Dome in La Playa Sahuayaco at 2,060 m (6,759 ft).
DAY 4: LLACTAPATA, HIDROELÉCTRICA AND AGUAS CALIENTES
A 9-hour challenging day. You hike to the Llactapata Inca archaeological site at 2,700 m (8,858 ft), where – weather permitting – you enjoy a distant view of Machu Picchu from above. Then you descend to Hidroeléctrica at 1,800 m (5,906 ft) for lunch, followed by a 3-hour walk along the railway to Aguas Calientes at 2,040 m (6,693 ft). Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes.
DAY 5: MACHU PICCHU AND RETURN TO CUSCO
Early breakfast at your hotel, then a 2-hour uphill hike to Machu Picchu at 2,430 m (7,972 ft). Your guide leads a 2-hour tour of the citadel. Free time follows for exploration or optional Huayna Picchu Mountain access at US$75 per person. In the afternoon, you board the Expedition Train from Aguas Calientes back to Ollantaytambo, then private transport returns you to your hotel in Cusco by approximately 7:30 p.m.
DIFFICULTY, GROUP SIZE AND WHO THIS TREK IS FOR
The Salkantay Trek 5 days is rated challenging overall. Day 2 and Day 4 are the most demanding sections. However, any healthy traveler with a moderate level of fitness and proper acclimatization can complete it successfully. We strongly recommend spending at least 2 to 3 nights in Cusco at 3,350 m (11,000 ft) before the trek begins.
GROUP SIZE - MAXIMUM 10 TRAVELERS
This is one of the most important aspects of traveling with Callanga Family Explorers. We strictly limit every shared group to a maximum of 10 travelers. This is not simply a guideline – it is a firm commitment. Furthermore, smaller groups mean your guide can give proper attention to every single person on the trail. In addition, the experience feels more personal, more flexible, and more authentic. Therefore, you are never lost in a crowd – even on the most popular trekking route in the Andes. Both shared group and fully private departures are available.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE SALKANTAY TREK 5 DAYS PACKAGE
The package price covers everything listed below. There are no hidden costs. For the complete included and not-included list, visit our tour page.
KEY INCLUSIONS
Hotel pickup in Cusco, tourist transport, all entrance fees, Machu Picchu ticket, professional English-speaking guide, professional chef, porters and horses carrying up to 7 kg (15 lbs) of your belongings, 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners, filtered water throughout, daily coca tea, 3 nights Sky Dome glamping, 1 night 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes, first-aid kit, emergency oxygen, and all taxes.
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Sleeping bag rental is US$25 for the full trek. Trekking poles rent for US$25 per pair. Huayna Picchu Mountain access costs US$75 per person and must be requested at the time of booking. Furthermore, a bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu costs US$24 round trip and is optional – you may also hike up in approximately 2 hours at no extra cost. The train from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes on Day 4 is available for an additional US$40 per person.
SALKANTAY TREK 5 DAYS PRICE 2026
The group price starts at US$680 per person. This includes all services listed above in a shared group of up to 10 travelers. Private pricing is also available – contact us directly for a quote based on your group size and travel dates. A 40% deposit confirms your reservation. Furthermore, the remaining balance can be paid in cash in US dollars during your briefing in Cusco the evening before the trek.
The Salkantay Trek is one of the most popular alternative routes to Machu Picchu, according to National Geographic.
READY TO BOOK THE SALKANTAY TREK 5 DAYS?
The Salkantay Trek 5 days is a journey that stays with you long after you return home. Furthermore, it requires no permit – so your dates are flexible and booking is straightforward. Therefore, do not wait too long. Sky Dome spots fill up quickly during the dry season from May to October. In addition, the evening briefing in Cusco before departure is included – giving you time to ask questions and prepare properly. Send us a message today. Our team responds within 24 hours.
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