Salkantay Trek Cusco: 5-Day Glamping & Machu Picchu

Five Days Crossing the Andes to Machu Picchu, Sleeping Under Stars

You hike five days from Cusco across the Salkantay Pass (4,630m) to Machu Picchu, sleeping in glamping camps and a jungle lodge with all meals and a mountain guide included. The trek visits Humantay Lake, a coffee farm, and the original Inca Trail section before sunrise at the citadel. Small groups, private transport, and an emergency horse option make it manageable for fit, prepared travelers.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Cusco to Humantay Lake and Sky Camp

• Pick up from Cusco accommodation
• Breakfast in Mollepata
• Arrive at Challacancha and meet team
• Hike to Soraypampa and lunch
• Ascend to Humantay Lake
• Dinner and rest at Sky Camp

Day 2: Salkantay Pass to Mountain Sky View Camp

• Breakfast and prepare for trek
• Ascend to Abra Salkantay summit
• Descend to Huayracmachay and lunch
• Continue to Collpapampa through cloud forest
• Dinner and overnight at Mountain Sky View Camp

Day 3: Santa Teresa Valley to Sacred Jungle Lodge

• Wake up to river and birds
• Hike through Santa Teresa Valley
• Transport from Granadilla to La Playa
• Visit coffee farm and lunch
• Travel to Lucmabamba and Sacred Jungle Lodge
• Relax or visit Cocalmayo hot springs
• Dinner and overnight at Sacred Jungle Lodge

Day 4: Llactapata Hike to Aguas Calientes

• Breakfast and start Inca Trail hike
• Climb to Llactapata archaeological site
• Descend to Ahobamba and lunch
• Continue to Hidroelectrica
• Walk or train to Aguas Calientes
• Dinner and overnight in Aguas Calientes hotel

Day 5: Machu Picchu Tour and Return to Cusco

• Early bus to Machu Picchu
• Guided tour of Machu Picchu
• Free time or optional mountain climbs
• Lunch in Aguas Calientes
• Train to Ollantaytambo
• Private transport to Cusco

The experience

You wonder if you're fit enough for this. That's the honest question most people ask before booking a trek that climbs to 4,630 meters and camps in the mountains for three nights. The Salkantay Trek from Cusco is genuinely challenging (the second day hits the highest pass, and you'll feel the altitude), but it's built so you don't have to white-knuckle it alone. A specialized mountain guide stays with your small group the whole way, an emergency horse is available from Soraypampa onward if you need it, and the camps themselves (Sky Camp with panoramic igloos, Mountain Sky View cabins, Sacred Jungle Lodge in the rainforest) are nothing like roughing it. You sleep in a real bed, eat hot meals prepared by an expert chef, and wake to views that make the climb feel obvious in hindsight.

The route itself moves through three distinct worlds. Day one takes you from Cusco (pickup at 5 a.m.) through Mollepata and up to Soraypampa at 3,900 meters, where you'll see Apu Salkantay rising above the camp. In the afternoon, a shorter hike brings you to Humantay Lake, turquoise water ringed by snow peaks, and back to the igloo for dinner. Day two is the crux: you climb through glaciers and sparkling streams to Abra Salkantay at 4,630 meters, the highest point, then descend into the cloud forest where orchids and exotic birds start appearing. By day three, the landscape has shifted completely. You're hiking through the Santa Teresa Valley past coffee and banana plantations, visiting a working coffee farm to learn how Andean coffee is grown, then settling into the Sacred Jungle Lodge near Lucmabamba. There's time to soak in the Cocalmayo hot springs if you want.

Day four follows a section of the original Inca Trail. You'll pass through Llactapata, an archaeological site where you can see Machu Picchu itself in the distance, then descend to Hidroeléctrica and either take the train or walk three hours along the railroad to Aguas Calientes. The final morning, you board one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu and arrive at sunrise: the crowds haven't arrived yet, and the light is soft. A two-hour guided tour covers the temples, terraces, and ceremonial centers. Afterward, you're free to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain if you have energy left. The train back to Ollantaytambo and a private transfer to Cusco close the loop.

One practical note: book at least five months ahead. Machu Picchu entry slots sell out quickly, and this trek reserves them in advance. You'll need your passport details at booking, and Cusco recommends arriving two days early to acclimatize to the altitude. That's not optional if you want to feel good on the trail. Vegetarian and vegan meals are available. Just mention it when you book.

What’s included

Your five days include early pickup from your Cusco hotel, all meals on the trail (with vegetarian and vegan options available), three nights in glamping camps and a jungle lodge with private facilities, one night in a superior 3-star hotel at Aguas Calientes, a specialized mountain guide and porter team, basic hiking equipment (sleeping bag, trekking poles, rain poncho, backpack cover), entry to Salkantay Trek, Humantay Lake, and Cocalmayo Hot Springs, Machu Picchu entry (Circuit 2 for five-month bookings), the Vistadome or Prime train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, round-trip buses between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu, an emergency horse available from Soraypampa to the pass, daily snacks and tea on the trail, cultural immersion at a local coffee farm, and all private transport and transfers during the tour.

Options for this experience

3 options

Guide in English or SpanishNo fixed time

Guide in English or SpanishNo fixed time

Guide in English or SpanishNo fixed time

You pick the guide language when booking. Options with the same name differ in details you'll see when you pick a date.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayLast departure this season: 31 Jan 2027

AgesAdult (18 to 70 years) · Under 18: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Demanding physical levelPets welcomeNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Salkantay Trekking

Is this one for you?This trek suits fit, prepared travelers who want the full Salkantay experience without arranging logistics themselves: the guide, camps, meals, and transport are all coordinated, which is what makes five days of high-altitude hiking feel supported rather than solo.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

How fit do I need to be for the Salkantay Trek?

The trek is challenging and requires a high level of physical fitness. You'll climb to 4,630 meters on day two and hike 5–7 hours daily. Arriving in Cusco two days early to acclimatize helps significantly. An emergency horse is available from Soraypampa onward if needed.

What's included in the price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco, all meals on the trail, three nights camping (Sky Camp, Mountain Sky View, Sacred Jungle Lodge), one night in a hotel at Aguas Calientes, mountain guide, porter support, entry fees to Salkantay Trek and Humantay Lake, Machu Picchu entry, buses and train transfers, and basic hiking equipment (sleeping bag, trekking poles, backpack cover).

When should I book?

Book at least five months in advance. Machu Picchu entry slots sell out quickly, and this trek reserves them ahead of time.

Do I need to be acclimatized before starting?

Yes, it's strongly recommended to arrive in Cusco at least two days before the trek begins to adjust to the altitude (3,400m). This reduces the risk of altitude sickness on the higher passes.

What if I can't make it to the top on day two?

An emergency horse is available from Soraypampa to Abra Salkantay if you need support. Your guide will assess your condition and help you decide.

Are meals vegetarian or vegan options available?

Yes. Notify the operator at booking if you need vegetarian or vegan meals, and they'll prepare them throughout the trek.

What's the weather like on the trek?

Conditions vary by altitude and season. Higher elevations are cold, especially at night. Lower sections (cloud forest, jungle) are warm and humid. Rain is possible year-round. Pack layers and rain gear.

Can children do this trek?

Children aged 12 and over may participate and must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times. The physical demands are high, so consider your child's fitness level carefully.

What happens if the Llactapata trail is closed?

During the rainy season, the Llactapata section of the original Inca Trail may close for safety. If it does, an alternative route to Aguas Calientes will be used.

Do I need a passport for this trek?

Yes. You'll need your passport name, number, expiry date, and country at booking. Ensure your passport is valid for your travel dates.