SALKANTAY TREK VIA LLACTAPATA TO MACHU PICCHU
5 Days & 4 Night
Group Size
Up to 8 people
Transportation
Van, Train, Bus
Max Altitude
4650 m.s.n.m
Difficulty
Challenging
Service
Group
Duration:
5 Days
SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU VIA LLACTAPATA – THE BEST HIKING EXPERIENCE IN PERU
The 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is the best alternative to the Inca Trail, crossing the Vilcabamba mountain range from glaciers to cloud forests. Hike past the snow-capped peaks of Salkantay (6,217 m) and Humantay, turquoise lakes, and remote Andean landscapes, visit Llactapata ruins, and finish with a guided tour of Machu Picchu. This route offers private campsites, rich biodiversity, and an authentic high-Andes trekking experience.
5-DAY SALKANTAY TREK VIA LLACTAPATA TO MACHU PICCHU –TRIP DETAILS
DAY 1: CUSCO - SORAYPAMPA - HUMANTAY LAGOON - SOYROCOCCHA.
Start your Andean adventure early at 4:30 AM with hotel pickup. Travel 3 hours by private bus through scenic towns like Iscuchaca and Limatambo, with stunning views of the valleys and snow-capped Salkantay.
Hike to Humantay Lagoon: Enjoy a cup of coca tea before hiking 2.5 hours round-trip to the crystal-clear Humantay Lagoon (5,900 m / 19,356 ft). Marvel at the breathtaking glacier views of Humantay and Salkantay (6,217 m / 20,396 ft).
Lunch & Trek to Camp: Return to Soraypampa for a delicious lunch before hiking to Salkantay Pampa. End the day at Soyroccocha Camp (4,400 m / 14,517 ft) at the foot of Salkantay. Afternoon tea and dinner included.
- Difficulty: Easy to difficult
- Distance: 12 km / 7.5 mi
- Hiking time: 5–6 hours
- Meals included: Lunch, snacks, tea, dinner
DAY 2: SOYROCCOCHA - SALKANTAY PASS - COLPAPAMPA
Machupicchu Condor Trek staff wake you up with a hot cup of tea and breakfast before starting the hike to the Salkantay Pass (4,650 m / 15,367 ft). Enjoy breathtaking views of the snow-capped Salkantay and the lush jungle valleys below. Learn about its sacred significance as an Apu (Andean mountain deity), an important part of Andean culture.
After taking photos at the pass, descend for 2 hours to Huayracmachay for a hot lunch. Continue descending 4 hours to the rural community of Collpabamba, surrounded by green valleys and spectacular landscapes. End the day with dinner and camping.
- Distance: 19 km / 11.8 mi
- Hiking time: 7–8 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
- Meals included: Lunch, snacks, tea, dinner
DAY 3: COLLPAPAMPA – PLAYA – HOT SPRINGS – LUCMABAMBA
Machupicchu Condor Trek takes you through lush cloud forests and Andean valleys, hiking to Lucmabamba. Along the way, enjoy native orchids, bromeliads, ferns, hummingbirds, toucans, and cock-of-the-rocks, as well as fruit, cocoa, and coffee plantations.
Arrive in Lucmabamba for lunch and rest. Afterward, visit Cocalmayo hot springs to relax and recharge. Later, explore local coffee plantations: pick, roast, grind, and brew your own Peruvian coffee—a unique cultural experience. Return to camp for tea and dinner.
- Distance: 14 km / 8.7 mi
- Hiking time: 5–6 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate to easy
- Meals included: Lunch, snacks, tea, dinner
DAY 4: LUCMABAMBA - LLACTAPATA - MACHUPICCHU VANTAGE POINT - AGUAS CALIENTES
Begin the day hiking the ancient Inca Trail to Puncuyoc Pass, enjoying spectacular views of fruit plantations and Andean valleys. Continue to the archaeological site of Llactapata, offering a breathtaking first view of Machu Picchu, framed by the Aobamba Canyon and peaks like Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu.
Descend to the Hydroelectric Plant of Machu Picchu for lunch, then take the train to Aguas Calientes. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel.
- Distance: 15 km / 9 mi
- Hiking time: 5–6 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
- Meals included: Lunch, snacks, tea, dinner
DAY 5: AGUAS CALIENTES - MACHU PICCHU – OLLANTAYTAMBO - CUSCO
Machupicchu Condor Trek takes you early from your hotel to the Aguas Calientes bus station, then board the bus to Machu Picchu. Witness the sunrise over this iconic Inca city and enjoy a 2-hour guided tour, visiting the most important sites and capturing unforgettable photos.
Optional activities include climbing Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for panoramic views of the citadel (reservation required, additional cost). Other options: visit the local museum or relax at the thermal baths in Aguas Calientes.
After the tour, return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included) and take the train back to Ollantaytambo, where private transportation will bring you to your hotel in Cusco.
- Area: Subtropical forest
- Weather: Varied
- Meals included: Breakfast
INCLUYE
- Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Cusco is optional
- Collection from your hotel in the morning of the trek departure.
- Private transport from Cusco to Mollepata-Soraypampa (starting point of the trek).
- Entry fee to Machu Picchu.
- Entry fee to salkantay Trek.
- English speaking, experienced professional Tour guide.
- Comfortable tents (sleeping 2 people in a 4 person tent).
- All camping equipment such as: dining tent, table, chairs, kitchen tent and toilet tent
- Bus ticket from Aguas Calientas to Machu Picchu (Two way).
- First Aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle.
- Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
- Private transport from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco.
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes with private room and bathroom.
- Mules and horses (for equipment and personal items) including horsemen – 7 kilos of your personal items such as extra clothes, sleeping bag will be carried by our mules.
- Basic foam sleeping mattress.
- Excellent Meals: Food includes pancakes, omelets, soups, fresh fruit, avocado, pasta, chicken, fish, meat, rice, all before rich in carbohydrates and suitable for trekking (Vegetarian, vegan or special diet meals upon request).
- Boiled water to refill your bottles (for drinking) every morning
- Buckets of hot water for washing in your tent every day.
- rovision of a horse in case of emergency such as illness, to ensure trek can be completed by all participants
- All local taxes.
NO INCLUYE
- First day breakfast.
- Last day Lunch/ dinner.
- Entry to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain ($75).
- Travel insurance.
- Personal expenses.
- Tips for the crew (horse man, chef and guide)
- Sleeping bag. If you don’t want to bring your own, you can hire this from us.
WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU
The Salkantay Trek and Machupicchu 4 Days 3 Nights is a challenging high-altitude adventure, requiring thorough preparation. To ensure a smooth and comfortable trek, especially since it begins early in the morning, make sure to pack the following essential items:
- Original passport (it has to be the same you have used for booking your trek)
- Valid student ID card (if you booked as a student)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: 2-3L (Please bring reusable bottles, not disposable ones).
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
- Sleeping bag (can be rented from Machupicchu Condor Trek)
- Headlamp: essential
- Toilet paper
WHAT TO PUT IN THE DUFFEL BAG (The horse will carry it)
As a trusted local tour operator, we provide every guest with a personal duffel bag during your pre-trek briefing, along with an extra porter included at no additional cost to carry up to 7 kg (14 lbs) of your gear, including your sleeping bag, mattress, and extra clothing.In accordance with Peruvian law, duffel bags cannot exceed 7 kg (15 lbs) to ensure the well-being of our porters and horses. All bags are weighed prior to departure. If you need to carry more than this limit, the additional weight will be your responsibility and should be packed in your day pack. We prioritize your comfort while respecting the health and dignity of our support team.
RECOMENDAMOS LLEVAR:
- 4 t-shirts
- 2 hiking pants at least
- 4 sets of undergarments
- 4 sets of hiking socks
- 2 Fleece/ Thermals
- Warm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite temp around 3º C.
- Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
- Comfortable shoes for camp
- Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something larger.
- Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash.
- Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek.
- Large plastic bags will be provided at the office — Please ask for them.
- Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us for $25 USD.
TOILETRIES
- Face moisturizer
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and paste
- Personal medications
- First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.
WHAT TO CARRY IN THE DAYPACK
We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40L for hiking in the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.
- Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch. Bring your own water bottles.
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Headlamp: essential
- Wool hat
- Rain gear
- Fleece
- Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
- Rain plastic poncho
- Gloves
- Camera
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU – 5D/4N TOUR PRICE
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu can be enjoyed any time of the year, offering breathtaking landscapes and a unique connection with nature. All you need is a minimum of 2 travelers to embark on this unforgettable journey.
GROUP TOUR – PRICE PER PERSON
A group tour means other trekkers can join your adventure. You’ll hike with people of different fitness levels, but our expert guides ensure everyone enjoys the journey at their own pace
$560 USD per person with 3* hotel
$530 USD per person (hotel not included)
- Feel free to choose and book your own hotel for a more flexible and comfortable travel experience! Important: Price includes up to 7 kilos of your personal belongings to be carried by the mules (NO need of extra Porter in Salkantay only Inca Trail!).
PRIVATE TOUR PRICE PER PERSON:
2-3 Trekkers: $687 per person
4-5 Trekkers: $627 per person
- For groups of 6 or more travelers, please contact us for a special group price: info@www.machupicchucondortrek.com
Important: Price includes up to 7 kilos of your personal belongings to be carried by the mules (NO need of extra Porter in Salkantay only Inca Trail!).
SPECIAL DISCOUNTS
- 18 to 25 years old: $25 USD Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card is required at booking for government approval for discount.
- Under 18 years old: $25 USD Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
- Under 11 years old: $30 USD Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
Groups of 6 or more: $30 USD discount per person – just book your trek together at the same time.
SALKANTAY TREK VIA LLACTAPATA
5/DAYS
FROM
$
530
USD
Per Person
Group Size
Up to 16
Activity Level
Moderate
5/ DAYS SALKANTAY TREK DAILY VIDEOS: SEE WHAT EACH DAY IS LIKE!
THE MACHUPICCHU CONDOR TREK DIFFERENCE
Since its inception, Machu Picchu Condor Trek has been dedicated to providing authentic and enriching tours to Machu Picchu, combining exploration of archaeological sites with immersion in local culture. With a team of expert local guides and meticulous attention to detail, the agency has earned a reputation for delivering exceptional experiences that go beyond travelers’ expectations.
Camping Equipment
7 kg personal porters included
Private restroom tents
Safety on the Inca Trail
Social Projects
The best trekking food in Peru!
MEET THE MACHUPICCHU CONDOR TREK TREKKING TEAM!
The majority of our team has been with us from the beginning, witnessing the evolution of Roots & Rhythms and contributing to the unique bond we share with our city. We are grateful to have such a dedicated, talented and happy team who share our mission of delivering authentic and transformative experiences. With Roots & Rhythms, you’ll not only explore New Orleans, but you’ll also fall in love with the people who make it special.”
Our Super Porters
Equality Matters
Our Guides
Our Chefs
VIDEOS OF MACHUPICCHU CONDOR TREK STAFF
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
At Machupicchu Condor Trek, we understand that travel can present logistical problems, so we are committed to making your experience as safe as possible. We have a detailed manual that covers all logistical aspects, from proper storage of camping equipment to recommendations on accommodation and restaurants in Cusco. In addition, our staff is available at all times to answer any additional questions you may have. From your arrival to your last day in Cusco.
SIMILAR TRIPS IN CUSCO
The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with Machupicchu Condor Trek is Latin America’s most sought-after 4-day trek, featuring unmatched ecological diversity and iconic Inca archaeological sites.
This Classic Inca Trail 5D/4N route follows quieter campsites away from crowds, making it ideal for families and seniors, and culminates with a perfectly guided tour of the Sacred Inca City of Machu Picchu.
This 7-day Salkantay & Inca Trail trek offers a unique adventure through stunning natural landscapes, featuring views of the snow-capped Salkantay, the original Inca Trail, and iconic sites like Wiñay Wayna near Machu Picchu.
Walk the 2-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, hiking through the national park, camping in lush vegetation, exploring impressive Inca ruins, and entering Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate with spectacular views.
The 2-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is ideal for travelers with limited time, combining scenic train travel, a short hike, and stunning Inca archaeological sites on the way to Machu Picchu.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS IN TRIP ADVISOR
Our goal at Machupicchu Condor Trek is to create the best experience for all of our clients. We create journeys that are to be remembered for a lifetime. Journeys you can be proud of and can share with everybody around you.
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