How difficult is the Salkantay Trek?

Moderate to challenging — suitable for travelers in good physical condition with some trekking experience.

Do I need Inca Trail permits?

No — the Salkantay route doesn’t require government-issued permits.

What type of accommodation is included?

Combination of camping (domes or tents), eco-lodges, and hotel nights in Aguas Calientes and Cusco.

How can I prepare for the altitude?

Stay at least 1–2 days in Cusco before departure and drink coca tea to help acclimatize.

When is the best time to go?

From April to October (dry season) for clear skies and best conditions.

Humantay Lake + Salkantay Trek + Machu Picchu (6D/5N) -

Maximum Altitude
2,040 – 4,650 m a.s.l.
Meeting Point
Hotel in Cusco
Guide
Professional bilingual mountain guide
Language
English / Spanish
Best Season
April – October
Payment Method
Cash, card, or online booking before departure
Destinations
Cusco
Activities
Culture, Trekking
Trip Type
Mountains, Packages, Treks
Difficulty
Challenging
Trip Tag
Adventure, Cultural, Nature & Wildlife, Trekking

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

🧭 Overview

Challenge yourself on one of the most spectacular trekking routes in Peru: the Salkantay Trek, combined with the turquoise beauty of Humantay Lake and the legendary Machu Picchu.
This 6-day / 5-night experience blends mountain adventure, local culture, and Inca heritage, offering a diverse landscape of glaciers, jungles, and archaeological sites.
Perfect for those who want a true trekking journey without needing Inca Trail permits, while still ending at one of the world’s greatest wonders.

✨ Highlights

Visit the breathtaking Humantay Lake
Trek across the Salkantay Pass (4,650 m) under the glacier’s shadow
Experience authentic coffee plantations and jungle scenery
Hike along part of the ancient Inca Trail to Llactapata
Explore Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World
Ideal for adventurous travelers seeking an alternative to the Inca Trail

🏞️ Day 1 :

Cusco → Humantay Lake → Soraypampa

Early morning pick-up from your hotel (around 4:30 a.m.) and transfer to Mollepata (2,900 m) for breakfast.
Continue to Soraypampa (3,900 m), the starting point of your trek.
Begin a 2-hour ascent to Humantay Lake (4,200 m), a stunning turquoise lagoon at the foot of the glacier.
After taking photos and enjoying the view, descend back to camp for lunch and spend the afternoon relaxing in the mountain air.
Dinner and overnight in Andean domes or tents at Soraypampa.

Walking Distance: ~6 km Hiking Time: 3 hrs Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: Mountain camp (Soraypampa, 3,900 m)

🏔️ Day 2 :

Soraypampa → Salkantay Pass → Chaullay

Wake up early to coca tea and breakfast before beginning the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek.
Ascend for about 3 hours to reach the Salkantay Pass (4,650 m), the highest point of the trail, with breathtaking views of Mount Salkantay (6,271 m) and surrounding glaciers.
After celebrating your achievement, begin a gradual descent toward the cloud forest region of Chaullay (2,900 m), where you’ll have dinner and overnight.

Walking Distance: ~22 km Hiking Time: 8–9 hrs Difficulty: Challenging
Accommodation: Camp or eco-lodge (Chaullay, 2,900 m)

🌿 Day 3 :

Chaullay → Lucmabamba (Coffee & Jungle Experience)

After breakfast, continue your trek through lush tropical valleys filled with orchids, waterfalls, and coffee plantations.
Arrive at Lucmabamba (2,050 m) for lunch and a local coffee experience, where you’ll learn how Andean families grow and roast coffee.
Afternoon at leisure to relax in the jungle climate. Dinner and overnight at an eco-lodge.

Walking Distance: ~15 km Hiking Time: 6 hrs Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: Eco-lodge (Lucmabamba, 2,050 m)

🏔️ Day 4 :

Lucmabamba → Llactapata → Aguas Calientes

After breakfast, hike up the original Inca Trail for about 3 hours to reach Llactapata (2,740 m), an archaeological site with the first view of Machu Picchu from across the valley.
Descend for lunch near the Hidroeléctrica area, then continue walking along the train tracks for about 2.5 hours to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town).
Check into your hotel and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Aguas Calientes.

Walking Distance: ~20 km Hiking Time: 7 hrs Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes (2,040 m)

🏯 Day 5 :

Machu Picchu Guided Tour → Return to Cusco

Early breakfast and transfer by bus to Machu Picchu (2,430 m).
Enjoy a 2-hour guided tour through the sacred citadel, visiting:

Temple of the Sun
Intihuatana Stone
Temple of the Condor
Main Plaza and terraces

After your visit, you’ll have free time to explore or climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (optional with pre-booking).
Return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch, then take the train to Ollantaytambo and private transfer to Cusco. Overnight in Cusco.

🎁 Day 6 :

Free Morning in Cusco / Departure

After breakfast, enjoy a free morning to relax, explore Cusco’s artisan markets, or simply rest before your airport transfer.