Salkantay Trek & Machu Picchu: 5-Day Glamping, Coffee & Train

Summary

Trekking salkantay from cusco past coffee farms and glacial lakes

You’ll hike ancient Inca paths from Cusco past glacial lakes, sleep under mountain stars in glamping tents, share Pachamanca barbecue with locals, and wake up facing Machu Picchu itself. With expert guides handling logistics and chef-prepared meals along the Salkantay trek, you’ll feel both challenged and welcomed every step of the way.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — my rain poncho was inside out when we left Cusco. Our guide, Luis, just grinned and helped me fix it before we even got to Mollepata for breakfast (which was way heartier than I expected — eggs, bread, that thick local coffee). The drive up through the Andean highlands felt like a slow reveal: clouds rolling over valleys, dogs chasing our van in tiny villages. When we finally started walking at Challacancha, I realized how thin the air felt compared to home. Humantay Lake looked almost fake with its turquoise water under those snowy peaks. My legs were already complaining by lunch but somehow the soup tasted better up there. That first night at Salkantay glamping — eating hot stew while the wind rattled the tent walls and stars came out sharp as pins — I couldn’t sleep much but didn’t really care.

The second day was all about climbing: coca tea at sunrise, then up and up to Abra Salkantay. I kept stopping “for photos” (really just catching my breath), but nobody minded. Luis pointed out vizcachas hopping on rocks and told us stories about old Inca trails — he said his grandfather used to walk these routes with mules. Crossing into cloud forest was wild; suddenly everything smelled green and wet, with waterfalls everywhere. Dinner in Collpapampa was simple but perfect after that long descent — I still think about that moment sitting outside the hut listening to frogs.

Day three surprised me most. We walked through banana trees and crossed wobbly wooden bridges until Lucmabamba, where this family showed us how they roast coffee over a wood fire (I tried grinding beans by hand — not easy). The Pachamanca barbecue was smoky and earthy; Li laughed when I tried to say “pachamanca” in Quechua — probably butchered it. The climb up to Llactapata nearly broke me but seeing Machu Picchu across the valley in late afternoon light made it worth every step. We camped right there with that view lingering even after sunset.

Waking up with coffee facing Machu Picchu is something I’ll never forget (even if my socks were still damp from yesterday). The walk down to Hidroelectrica was full of orchids and bright birds I’d never seen before; Luis knew all their names somehow. Lunch with our trekking chef felt like a goodbye party before we followed the railway tracks into Aguas Calientes — feet aching but spirits weirdly high. That hotel shower might have been the best of my life.

The last morning we caught one of the first buses up for sunrise at Machu Picchu itself. Our local guide walked us through temples and terraces while mist curled around everything; he talked about how his own family comes here for ceremonies sometimes. By then I was tired in a way that feels good — like you’ve earned it. The Vistadome train back had windows everywhere so you could watch mountains slide by, which felt like a nice slow ending after so much walking.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cusco to Salkantay Glamping

• Depart early from Cusco
• Drive through Andean highlands
• Stop for breakfast in Mollepata
• Begin trek at Challacancha
• Hike to Humantay Lake
• Descend to Soraypampa for lunch
• Hike uphill to Salkantay Glamping
• Dinner and rest at campsite

Day 2 — Salkantaypampa to Collpapampa

• Wake up and have hot tea or coffee
• Breakfast at campsite
• Ascend to Abra Salkantay
• Enjoy views at highest point
• Descend to Wayracmachay for lunch
• Spot wildlife on trail
• Descend through cloud forest
• Arrive at Collpapampa and have dinner

Day 3 — Collpapampa to Llactapata

• Breakfast at Collpapampa
• Trek through valley and cross bridges
• Arrive at Lucmabamba for Pachamanca experience
• Visit organic coffee farm and prepare coffee
• Lunch at Lucmabamba
• Climb Inca Trail to Llactapata
• Camp and watch sunset at Llactapata

Day 4 — Llactapata to Aguas Calientes

• Wake up and enjoy sunrise over Machu Picchu
• Breakfast at campsite
• Descend to Hidroeléctrica
• Final meal and farewell to support team
• Walk along railway to Mandor
• Explore Mandor botanical gardens
• Arrive in Aguas Calientes and check in
• Dinner and relax in town

Day 5 — Machu Picchu and Return to Cusco

• Early bus to Machu Picchu
• Guided tour of Machu Picchu
• Optional hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
• Return to Aguas Calientes for lunch
• Board Vistadome train to Ollantaytambo
• Private transfer back to Cusco

Top questions

How difficult is the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu?

The Salkantay Trek is challenging due to steep ascents and high altitude (up to 4,630m), so moderate fitness is recommended.

Is hotel pickup included for this Salkantay trek?

Yes, hotel pickup in Cusco is included at the start of your trek.

What kind of accommodation is provided during the trek?

You’ll stay 2 nights camping (including 1 night glamping), 1 night in rustic Andean huts, and 1 night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes.

Are meals included during the Salkantay Trek?

Yes, all trail meals are prepared by expert chefs along the route; special experiences like Pachamanca barbecue are also included.

Do I need to carry my own gear on this trek?

No, muleteers carry your main duffle bag (up to 7 kg); you only need a daypack for essentials.

Is entrance to Machu Picchu included?

Yes, entry tickets for both Salkantay Trek and Machu Picchu are included in your booking.

How do we return from Machu Picchu to Cusco?

You return via panoramic Vistadome train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, then private transfer back to Cusco.

Are vegetarian or special diets accommodated?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if requested at booking; advise any dietary needs ahead of time.

What’s included

Your journey includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Cusco, all entrance tickets for both Salkantay Trek and Machu Picchu itself, duffle bag transport by muleteers so you can hike light each day, two nights camping (one glamping), one night in an Andean hut plus a comfortable hotel stay in Aguas Calientes town before your visit to Machu Picchu. You’ll get daily chef-prepared meals—like traditional Pachamanca barbecue—and a hands-on coffee experience with locals along the way. Safety gear such as satellite phone and oxygen tank are carried by your guide throughout this five-day adventure before your scenic return via Vistadome panoramic train back toward Cusco.