Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

SALKANTAY | MACHU PICCHU

The Salkantay Trek is a popular trekking in Cusco and is a good option to the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Along this hike, you’ll be able to see some of the most beautiful landscapes scenarios around the Cusco’s city. You will also have the chance to see the snow covered Mountain, and also pass through Salkantay Pass, Salkantay altitude is 20,574 ft (6,271 m). You will have the opportunity to see beautiful landscapes with a variety of endemic flora and fauna, and camping at night in the middle of the sacred mountain and finally arrive to the Ancient Machu Picchu Citadel.

Adventure
Cusco
Challenging

Summary

During this hike you will explore the sacred Salkantay Mountain, one of the highest and nicest mountains in the Peruvian Andes.

The sacred Sallkantay mountain is one of the highest in the Peruvian Andes. Then you will pass through Quechua communities and lesser-known Inca ruins, to finally reach Aguas Calientes on the fourth day. This trekking is a good alternative to the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

View Full Itinerary

Overview

DAY 1

Cusco to Soyroccocha (The Impressive Salkantay Peak)

Hiking through unique landscapes and delight yourself the turquoise lagoon!

DAY 2

Soyroccocha to Collpapampa

Enjoy the fabulous and breath-taking beauty of this day’s hike!

DAY 3

Collpapampa to Playa/Lucmabamba

Hike through the lush vegetation, waterfalls, and try the passion fruit!

DAY 4

La Playa/Lucmabamba to Aguas Calientes

Appreciate some remains of the highly-acclaimed Inca trail!

DAY 5

Machu Picchu Tour & Train Back to the Sacred Valley

Machu Picchu will take your breath away with its enigmatic and historical atmosphere.

Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 1

Cusco to Soyroccocha (The Impressive Salkantay Peak) (B, S, L, D)

Hiking through unique landscapes and delight yourself the turquoise lagoon!

This morning, we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco to start this majestic adventure. During this way, you will pass through Limatambo, this town was one of the main access Cusco City during the Inca Times. Our first stop will be the cozy Mollepata village. After walking a bit more you will get into Cruzpata and finally you will meet your wranglers and horses in Challacancha. After enjoy a savory lunch in Salkantaypampa, you will ascend around two hours to your campsite located at Soyroccocha, it is located just right away to the impressive glacier of the Salkantay (4200m/13776ft). It can be a bit cold, so do not forget to bring very warm clothes for this night.

Overnight at Campsite.

DAY 2

Soyroccocha to Collpapampa (B, S, L, D)

Enjoy the fabulous and breath-taking beauty of this day’s hike!

Enjoy a delicious breakfast and continue the trekking walking up around 1 ½ hours with direction to the impressive Salkantay Mountain. During this hike delight yourself with the gorgeous snow-capped peaks of the Vilcabamba Range and with the Salkantay Peak looming majestically above you.

Along the way, you will have the chance to see the characteristic flora and fauna and if you are very lucky you will see some condors flying around. Then you will descend to a more tropical climate into the cloud forest.

A long yet easy descent along the Salkantay River takes you to your second camp in the afternoon, Qollpapampa (2890m/9479ft)..

Overnight at Campsite.

DAY 3

Collpapampa to Playa/Lucmabamba (B, S, L, D)

Hike through the lush vegetation, waterfalls, and try the passion fruit!

This will be a beautiful day, after the savory breakfast, you will pass the waterfalls at Coripacchi, the settlement at Wiñaypoko, then the town of La Playa and finally you will arrive to the Lucmabamba campsite. During this hike you will admire the variety of fauna and flora such as banana, avocado and the highest coffee plantations of the Region. Delight yourself with the lovely parrots that accompany yours descend. At dinner, you can enjoy a glass of wine by the light of the campfire.

Overnight at Campsite.

DAY 4

La Playa/Lucmabamba to Aguas Calientes (B, S, L, D)

Appreciate some remains of the highly-acclaimed Inca trail!

This morning enjoy a delicious breakfast. Then, you will walk uphill for around 2-4 hours to arrive to El Mirador or Q’elloqasa located about 2860m. From this place you can appreciate an overwhelming view of Machu Picchu. Enjoy your last lunch in the nature at the lookout point of Llaqtapata (2650m/8692ft), from where you can get an unbeatable view of Machu Picchu and the Salkantay Mountain. Also, you can appreciate the Llactapata Ruins, which have been recently restored. A 2-hour descent towards the Aobamba River crossing lush bamboo forests and more orchard and coffee plantations brings you to the hydroelectric plant of Machu Picchu from where you’ll board a train that will take you to Aguas Calientes (short, scenic 40-minute train ride). Accommodation at the chosen hotel.

Overnight at Aguas Calientes

DAY 5

Machu Picchu Tour & Train Back to the Sacred Valley (B, L)

Machu Picchu will take your breath away with its enigmatic and historical atmosphere.

Today, your private guide will show you the Machu Picchu Wonder. Watch the mist rise off the mountains and the sunrise illuminate the Ancient Citadel. Truly, this amazing spectacle it is worth it.

There are also short treks you can do in Machu Picchu like the Inti Punku Hike (the Sun Gate Hike) or the Inca Bridge Hike (both 40 minutes). Alternatively, you can climb the spectacular Wayna Picchu Mountain which takes almost 2 hours (you need to book a permit in advance for this).

After finishing your visit to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes.

Then, take the train to Ollantaytambo Train Station, where a friendly face from XXXX will await you, holding a sign with your name to bring you back to your hotel located at the Sacred Valley. Spend a peaceful night rest.

Day 1 Cusco to Soyroccocha (The Impressive Salkantay Peak)
Day 2 Soyroccocha to Collpapampa
Day 3 Collpapampa to Playa/Lucmabamba
Day 4 La Playa/Lucmabamba to Aguas Calientes
Day 5 Machu Picchu Tour & Train Back to the Sacred Valley

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Included

What To Expect…

Explore Perú in a personalized way. Plan with your expert Travel Advisor the best itinerary based on your needs and interests.
Personalized assistance during your complete stay in the country, we want you to enjoy a hassle-free vacation!
We listen to you! So, we can adapt your itinerary based on your interests, it is possible to add or to cut the activities of your preference, just let us know.
We are available 24 hours per day, during the week, our operations area never stops. We are here to assist you whenever you need it.
We work with the most experienced English-Speaking tour guides around the country, every excursion, visit, activities, will be in short groups or absolutely private.

Included

Pre-departure briefing
Transfer from your hotel in Cusco to Soraypampa (starting point of the trek)
English speaking adventure guide
Personal tents: 2 people in each 3-people-capacity tent (4 seasons)
Duffel bag to place your belongings
One foamy sleeping pad per person
Dining tent with tables and chairs
Expedition Train
Toilet tent with biodegradable toilet facilities
Cook and cooking equipment and your belongings
Pack animals to carry camping equipment
One emergency horse for every 6 people (days 1 to 4)
Wranglers (days 1 to 4)
Meals (3 breakfasts, 1 box lunch, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, daily morning snack, daily tea service except last day) – vegetarian or special menus are available at no extra cost –
Transfer train station – hotel in Cusco
Sales taxes and payment transaction fees

Not Included

International and national flights
Visas required to enter Peru
Airport taxes
Drinks
Tips
Lunch on Day 5
Dinner on Day 5
Sleeping bag
Inflatable sleeping pad
Walking poles

Pricing

The price is fully customizable and can be tailored and flexible to your personal preferences and style, the price is basically based on final accommodation, travel dates and other custom preferences during the tour.

Feel free to reach us via email at info@auriperu.com
or by calling us directly at 1(800)590-5784

Signature Add-on Experiences

The unique golden threads that make up your journey.

Pisac's master artisan Vicente Rayo keeps the Inca craft tradition alive through his unique clay creations.

Sounds of the Andes - Vicente Rayo

Venture 3 hours from Cusco to a family home, learning the intricate processes behind coffee and chocolate production.

Coffe and Chocolate Adventure

This Sacred Valley research center preserves Inca farming techniques for cultivating diverse potato varieties.

Potato Park - Hidden Gem of Cusco

Explore astronomy through projection rooms, a dome, and telescopes with expert guidance. Advance booking advised.

Cusco Planetarium - An Astronomical Experience

A local shaman will perform a welcoming ceremony to the Sacred Valley and the mystical Andes Mountains that surround it.

Sacred Valley Shaman Welcoming Ceremony

marta b

Highly recommended!!! We had an absolutely perfect experience with this tour agency for our trip to Machu Picchu. From the initial organization all the way through to the end of the trip, everything ran smoothly and was perfectly taken care of. Communication throughout the process was excellent, and our guide was always on time, which made everything stress-free. A special mention goes to Ibrahim, our guide, who was fantastic — he taught us so much about the Inca civilization and the history of Machu Picchu, making the whole experience even more meaningful. Highly recommended for anyone planning a trip to Machu Picchu!

leticia t

EXTRAORDINARIO Extraordinario servicio de Lizbeth, desde el comienzo de la planificación, hasta cada detalle pensado para que todo salga mas que bien. Un viaje de lujo. Desde los paseos hasta la gastronomía, el guia Franco y el chofer Elisban hicieron todo y más, para que estemos contentos y honrados de estar en Peru. Gracias totales Lizbeth por estar pendiente durante toda nuestra estadia. Recomendable 100%

A Dream Trip Backed by an Amazing Team Our trip to Peru was planned and flawlessly managed by Lizbeth. From the very beginning, her attention to detail, prompt communication, and willingness to help exceeded every expectation. The itinerary was outstanding and allowed us to experience the very best of Peru. Unfortunately, our vacation was unexpectedly interrupted when I suffered a medical emergency that required an urgent evacuation from Machu Picchu. From that moment on, Lizbeth and her team were simply extraordinary. They immediately coordinated my medical care, arranged all necessary logistics, and ensured that Auri representatives stayed with us throughout the entire process. We never felt alone. Their professionalism, compassion, and constant support turned an overwhelming situation into one that was manageable. What impressed us most was that their commitment did not end when our trip was over. For weeks afterward, Lizbeth continued to assist us by gathering the documentation needed for my insurance claim and following up until the claim was successfully resolved. That level of dedication is incredibly rare. We hope to return to Peru one day, and when we do, there is no question that we will travel with Lizbeth and her team again. They don't just organize exceptional trips—they genuinely care about their clients and stand by them when it matters most. We recommend them without hesitation.

Wayne S

Magical Peru Incredible experience. Every detail was thought out. Some unforeseen issues with an internal flight that was cancelled and the agency handled rescheduling. Lizabeth was great from beginning g to end of trip. She checked in and tweaked things as needed to ensure a great experience. Wonderful country and wonderful people.

Alice V

Unforgettable experience! We are very happy with our experience with Auri travels! First of all, it was very nice to feel well taken care of: from the moment we landed in Perú to the moment we go to airport again, everything was sorted for us! This allowed us both to feel safe and to enjoy a stress-free trip! Plus, every day we took part in unforgettable tours with knowledgeable guides. Lizbeth was available all the time and flexible with us when we need anything. Also, she surprised us twice with some presents from the travel agency team. A trip of a lifetime that we will never forget 😍*

Diane S

Fabulous Trip! We had an absolutely fantastic trip to Peru from start to finish. The planning process with Lisbeth was seamless and well-organized, making everything easy and stress-free from the very beginning. Every detail was thoughtfully handled, which allowed us to fully relax and enjoy the experience. Our drivers and guides were exceptional—professional, friendly, and incredibly knowledgeable. They went above and beyond to ensure we were comfortable and informed throughout the journey. Every activity and experience exceeded our expectations. From the breathtaking sights of Peru to the overall atmosphere, everything was truly amazing. This trip created unforgettable memories, and we would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a well-coordinated and enjoyable adventure.

Taya V

Peruvian AMAZON ADVENTURE Lizbeth from Auri Peru Travel helped me arrange a 3-day tour in the Peruvian Amazon, and everything was excellent. The hotel staff were incredibly kind, friendly, and always willing to help. The cabins were comfortable, and the food was very good, especially considering the price. The tour guides were also very informative and knowledgeable, which made the experience even more enjoyable. Lizbeth was outstanding throughout the trip. She stayed in constant contact and regularly checked in to make sure everything was going smoothly. Thank you, Lizbeth, for helping make my Amazon jungle adventure such a memorable experience! I highly recommend Auri Peru Travel to anyone planning a trip to Peru.

Shobhit

Great family trip to Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountains Auri Peru helped us complete a great trip to Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountains organized. Their guides, transport, food and overall planning were awesome. Lizbeth Masias coordinated the whole trip flawlessly and professionally 👍😍🤩

Sightseer20724883234

WOW Our trip to Peru was a truly breathtaking adventure. We were so lucky to rely on Auri expertise in planning the trip to the minute detail. Starting in Lima with its palpable and vibrant energy to the lushes of Amazon basin and to ascending beauty of Machu Picchu, Cusco and Titicaca - everything was perfectly planned and flawlessly executed. Our point of contact, Lizbeth was extraordinary. Her support around the clock was something we never experienced. For those who are planning to visit Peru, marvel the sunrise over Machu Picchu, explore the cobbled streets of Cusco and Sacred Valley, navigate the pristine waters of Titicaca and immerse into Peruvian food scene Auri will be your the best and only bet.

travel kween

Amazing trip of a lifetime in Peru carefully curated by Auri Peri Travel Oustanding experience with Lizbeth at Auri Peri Travel. It truly was a carefully curated family trip of a lifetime and one that I would highly recommend. We stayed in Belmond hotels throughout Peru and they were amazing. Highly highly recommend staying at the Belmond at the top of Machu Picchu. After hiking 16km to the summit, this hotel was a welcome refuge and allowed us to break up the hike and the tour around Machu Picchu into 2 days. It is a very small hotel so book early. The only part of the trip I would not recommend was the last 3 nights we spent on the "Pure Amazon" boat. It was not worth the lengthy travel to and from and also was not a good financial value. There was nothing much to see. The boat is beautiful and we met another family that made the time onboard fun but other than that not something I would recommend.

Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu