The Salkantay Trek is one of the most spectacular alternative
routes to Machu Picchu. Passing through the mighty Salkantay
mountain at 6,271 meters, this 5-day adventure takes you through
diverse ecosystems from snow-capped peaks to lush cloud forests.
🏔️ TREK OVERVIEW
Distance: 74km total
Maximum altitude: 4,650m (Salkantay Pass)
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Start: Mollepata, Cusco
End: Machu Picchu
📅 ITINERARY
DAY 1 — Cusco to Soraypampa (3,900m)
✔ Pickup from hotel in Cusco
✔ Drive to Mollepata
✔ Trek to Soraypampa campsite
✔ Views of Salkantay glacier
✔ Dinner and overnight camping
DAY 2 — Salkantay Pass (4,650m) to Chaullay
✔ Early morning trek to Salkantay Pass
✔ Incredible panoramic views
✔ Descend to cloud forest
✔ Lunch in Chaullay
✔ Overnight camping
DAY 3 — Chaullay to La Playa
✔ Trek through cloud forest
✔ Exotic birds and orchids
✔ Lunch in Santa Teresa
✔ Optional hot springs in Santa Teresa
✔ Overnight camping
DAY 4 — La Playa to Aguas Calientes
✔ Final trek to Hydroelectric station
✔ Train to Aguas Calientes
✔ Check in hotel
✔ Free time to explore town
✔ Overnight in Aguas Calientes
DAY 5 — Machu Picchu
✔ Early morning bus to Machu Picchu
✔ 2-hour guided tour of the citadel
✔ Free time to explore
✔ Return train to Ollantaytambo
✔ Transfer to Cusco
✅ WHAT IS INCLUDED
✔ Airport/hotel pickup and dropoff
✔ Professional bilingual guide
✔ All meals during trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
✔ Camping equipment (tent, sleeping mat)
✔ Horse for luggage
✔ Train Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
✔ Bus Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu
✔ Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
✔ First aid kit and oxygen
✔ Cook and kitchen equipment
❌ NOT INCLUDED
✘ Sleeping bag (can be rented)
✘ Trekking poles (can be rented)
✘ Travel insurance
✘ Tips for guide and cook
✘ Personal expenses
✘ Hot springs Santa Teresa $7
💡 IMPORTANT TIPS
✔ Acclimatize in Cusco for 2-3 days before
✔ Bring warm layers for cold nights
✔ Wear comfortable trekking boots
✔ Bring sunscreen and sunglasses
✔ Stay hydrated throughout the trek
✔ Book 1-2 months in advance
🎒 BOOK YOUR SALKANTAY TREK
TripCusco is your local expert agency in Cusco since 2018.
Small groups maximum 12 people.
📞 WhatsApp: +51 973 309 975
🌐 www.tripcusco.com