Salkantay Trek & Machu Picchu: 5-Day Glamping Adventure

Summary

Hike ancient trails glamp in sky domes and reach Machu Picchu

You’ll start early from Cusco with hotel pickup, trekking through high passes beside Salkantay Mountain before relaxing in jungle hot springs and sleeping under stars in glass-roofed domes. With a local guide leading you to Machu Picchu’s gates at sunrise, every step feels both challenging and deeply rewarding.

What’s the experience like?

I felt a weird mix of nerves and excitement as we left Cusco before sunrise, bundled up in the van with blankets and half-awake strangers who’d soon feel like friends. Our guide, Julio, handed out coca tea at Soraypampa — honestly, it tasted earthy but did wake me up. The first real moment that hit me was standing by Humantay Lake. The water is this wild blue-green I didn’t expect, and the air smelled sharp, almost metallic. There was a hush around us except for one guy’s laughter echoing off the rocks — he slipped on some mud and just laughed it off. That’s when I realized how far from city noise we really were.

The next morning started with more coca tea (Julio swears by it), then the climb to Salkantay Pass. That part is no joke — the “Trail of 7 Snakes” winds forever, or so it feels. My legs burned but I kept going because every time I looked back, the valleys opened wider behind us. At the top (4,630 meters!), everyone just stood there catching their breath, staring at Salkantay Mountain looming so close you could almost touch its icy sides. Lunches always tasted better after hiking — maybe it’s just hunger or maybe something about eating outside under that sky.

By day three we’d dropped into green valleys thick with birdsong and humidity. Walking through Santa Teresa Valley felt softer somehow; my boots squished in mud instead of crunching frost. We soaked in Cocalmayo hot springs that afternoon — steam rising off the pools while locals chatted nearby in Spanish I only half understood (but their smiles said enough). Back at camp, someone built a bonfire and we sat around sharing cookies and stories until late. I still think about those stars overhead through the dome roof before sleep.

The last stretch took us past Llactapata ruins — Julio pointed out where Machu Picchu peeked through clouds across the valley. It was strange seeing it from so far away after all that walking; made tomorrow feel even bigger somehow. In Aguas Calientes we finally had real beds and hot showers (which felt like luxury by then). Dinner at a local spot was loud and a little chaotic but good-natured — lots of clinking glasses for tomorrow’s big day.

Machu Picchu itself? Hard to put into words without sounding cheesy. Our guide walked us through temples and terraces as mist drifted between stones; sometimes he’d pause so we could just stand there quietly together. After all those days on foot, being there felt earned — not just seen but lived in some small way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Travel and Humantay Lake hike

• Wake up early for 4 am pickup
• Drive 2 hours to Mollepata
• Optional breakfast stop in Mollepata
• Continue to Challacancha to start hike
• Hike to Soraypampa and settle at camp
• Lunch at camp in the mountains
• Hike to Humantay Lake (4200 masl)
• Dinner and sunset at camp

Day 2 — Trek to Salkantay Pass

• Wake at dawn with coca tea
• Breakfast at camp
• Trek 7 km to Salkantay Pass (4630 masl)
• Enjoy views of Salkantay Mountain
• Descend to Collpapampa campsite (2950 masl)
• Dinner and overnight in Sky Domes camp

Day 3 — Santa Teresa Valley and hot springs

• Wake at 6 am for tea and breakfast
• Trek from camp to La Playa
• Lunch at La Playa camp
• Optional visit to Cocalmayo Hot Springs
• Return to camp for tea and dinner
• Group bonfire and overnight in Jungle Domes

Day 4 — Llactapata and Aguas Calientes

• Breakfast at camp
• Hike 2 hours uphill to Llactapata site
• View Machu Picchu from Llactapata
• Walk downhill 2 hours to Hidroeléctrica
• Lunch at Hidroeléctrica
• Walk 2 hours to Aguas Calientes town
• Check in to hotel with private bathroom
• Dinner at local restaurant

Day 5 — Machu Picchu guided tour

• Breakfast at hotel
• Travel to Machu Picchu citadel
• 1.5 hour guided tour of Machu Picchu
• Free time to explore or optional hikes

Top questions

How difficult is the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu?

The trek is considered challenging due to altitude (up to 4,630m) and long daily hikes; moderate fitness is needed.

Are meals included during the Salkantay Trek?

Yes, all meals are included during the trek with options for vegetarian or vegan diets at no extra charge.

Is hotel pickup included from Cusco?

Yes, pickup from your hotel in Cusco historic center is included before starting the trek.

What kind of accommodation is provided?

You’ll stay in glass-roofed cabins and sky/glamping domes for three nights plus one night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes.

Do I need to carry my own luggage on the trek?

No, horses carry up to 6 kg of your personal belongings; you only need a daypack while hiking.

Are guides English-speaking?

Yes, professional guides speak English and Spanish throughout the tour.

Is entrance to Machu Picchu included?

Yes, entry ticket for Circuit 2 of Machu Picchu is included along with a guided tour.

Can I visit Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?

You can opt for these climbs if tickets are booked in advance; they’re not automatically included.

What’s included

Your journey includes pickup from your Cusco hotel, private transport to the trailhead, all meals during trekking (with vegetarian/vegan options), three nights glamping in sky domes or glass-roof cabins under mountain skies plus one night at a comfortable hotel near Machu Picchu town with breakfast and luggage storage. Local guides lead every step; horses carry most gear; entrance fees for Machu Picchu are covered along with guided visits and daily snacks like popcorn or cookies after long hikes—plus plenty of coca tea mornings to keep you going.