salkantay trek 5 days and night

Prepare for the breathtaking Abra Salkantay and the journey into the tropical forest. You’ll wake up to the first light of day, sipping energizing coca tea while admiring Apu Salkantay. After a hearty breakfast, you’ll begin the 7 km hike, taking about three hours to reach the trek’s highest point: Abra Salkantay (4,630 m / 15,190 ft). This challenging climb follows the winding “Snake’s Path,” offering stunning views along the way.

At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the valleys and the towering Salkantay Mountain (6,271 m / 20,574 ft), one of Cusco’s highest peaks and a sacred Apu. You’ll also spot the peaks of Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo. After soaking in the scenery, you’ll descend 7 km (4.35 miles) to Huayracmachay (3,850 m) for lunch. This rocky, steep section provides spectacular valley views.

After lunch, you’ll enter the edge of the tropical forest, or “cloud forest,” where lush vegetation marks the transition from the Andes to the Amazon. Witness the dramatic change in landscape as you hike.

By the end of this rewarding day, you’ll arrive in Collpapampa for an overnight stay. Enjoy a hearty dinner before resting in our exclusive Mountain Sky View accommodations, surrounded by the serene beauty of the mountains.

Difficulty: Challenging Hike  

Distance: 22 km (10 hours) 

Initial Elevation: 3,900 m 

Maximum Elevation: 4,630 m 

Camp Elevation: 2,950 m

Accommodation: Sky View 

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Today, we’ll kick off the day at 6:00 AM with a hearty breakfast before embarking on a 5-hour hike through the breathtaking Santa Teresa Valley, ending at La Playa. Along the way, you’ll be surrounded by lush landscapes, rivers, wild orchids, and coffee, banana, and avocado plantations. You’ll even have the chance to taste fresh guava.

We’ll pass through the small village of Collpapampa and continue to the base of the mountains, crossing to the other side of the valley. This tropical stretch of the trail features waterfalls, vibrant birds, fruit-bearing trees, and rich flora and fauna.

Upon reaching La Playa, we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch, followed by a one-hour drive to Lucmabamba (2,000 m / 6,562 ft), where our campsite is located. In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to explore the tropical surroundings and visit an organic coffee farm—a treat for coffee lovers. Even if you’re not a coffee enthusiast, the aroma in the air is irresistible.

This region is a hub for agriculture, exporting products to the United States, Asia, and Europe. You’ll also explore avocado and orange plantations.

After dinner, you’ll spend the night at our exclusive Jungle Domes campsite. As you rest, listen to the soothing sounds of nature and feel completely in harmony with the environment.

• Difficulty: Moderate Hiking 
• Distance: 18 km (5-6 hours) 
• Initial Altitude: 2,950 m 
• Maximum Altitude: 2,950 m 
• Accommodation Altitude: 2,000 m
• Overnight: Jungle Domes 
• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

After a satisfying breakfast, you’ll be ready for the final day of trekking. In the morning, you’ll walk along a section of the original and world-famous Inca Trail.

Following a two-hour hike with stunning views of the Santa Teresa Valley, you’ll reach the Llactapata Valley. After ascending, you’ll arrive at Llactapata (2,700 m / 8,858 ft), an Inca archaeological site directly across from Machu Picchu.

From here, you’ll catch your first glimpse of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu, building excitement for the next day. You’ll then descend for about an hour and a half, with Machu Picchu visible in the distance, heightening your anticipation. We’ll stop for lunch in Aobamba before continuing with a 30-minute hike to Hydroelectric.

At Hydroelectric, you’ll have two options:

• If you’re tired, you can take a train to Aguas Calientes (not included).

• If you’d like to enjoy one last hike, you can follow the flat path along the riverbank, which takes about three hours. This stretch lets you soak in the warm jungle environment.

Along the way, you’ll see an ancient Inca rock used as a sundial, which worked in harmony with Machu Picchu’s Intihuatana stone. This sundial marked the winter solstice, signaling the start of the Inca agricultural season. Finally, you’ll reach the train tracks leading to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll enjoy dinner and spend the night at a comfortable hotel.

• Difficulty: Challenging / Distance of Hike: 25 km (8-9 hours) / Initial Altitude: 2,000 m / Maximum Altitude: 2,800 m / Altitude of Aguas Calientes: 2,000 m
• Overnight: Hotel in Aguas Calientes 
• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

In the morning, at the scheduled time, our guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the bus station. From there, you’ll embark on a 20-minute ride, ascending 400 meters along a winding road to reach the incredible wonder of the world, Machu Picchu, also known as the “Lost City of the Incas.” Upon arrival, our guide will lead you through the entrance, and we’ll begin a comprehensive tour of the citadel, visiting its main sites for approximately 2.5 hours.

In the afternoon, we’ll return to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have free time to enjoy lunch at one of the many local restaurants (lunch not included). Afterward, we’ll board the train to Ollantaytambo (subject to train schedule availability). The return journey will follow the same route as the outbound trip. Once we arrive in Ollantaytambo, a train representative will be waiting to transfer you to a bus that will take you back to your hotel in Cusco.

Overnight : Hotel in Cusco (at your own expense)

Meals: Breakfast