Trips to Machu Picchu
About this trip
Looking for the best Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu? Our 5-day guided tour offers a world-class hiking experience through the heart of the Peruvian Andes. Unlike the classic Inca Trail, the Salkantay route requires no permits and offers more dramatic mountain scenery, including the majestic Salkantay Mountain and the vibrant Humantay Lake. This comprehensive itinerary includes professional local guides, high-quality camping gear, and a full day exploring the Machu Picchu citadel. Book your Peru trekking adventure today!
What’s included
Briefing
Pre-departure briefing
Hotel Pick up and Bus
Private Tourist Transportation from Cusco to Mollepata and Extra 1 hour minutes to Challacancha to get better views and skip the dusty road. (We never share Bus service with other companies as most agencies do here to minimize costs)
Entrance Ticket
Salkantay Trek and Machu Picchu entrance fees.
Tour guide
English speaking professional guide (2 guides for groups of over 10 people)
Accommodations
Accommodations in domes and 1 night in a 2* hotel in Aguas Calientes
Chef
Chef and cooking equipment
Horseman and Horses
Horseman and Horses.(To carry our camping equipment, food and 6 kilos of your personal stuff like: ) We Never overload our Horses(well Animal Welfare). And we will Provide you a Duffel bag(at The Briefing Time) for all your personal stuff to be carried by horses.
Daily tea
Daily tea service (Wake up Coca tea and afternoon tea time(Happy hour) with full of popcorn and special snacks made by our cooks)
Snaks
Snacks (Fruits, energy bars)
Meals
Meals (04B, 04L, 04D + daily morning snack + daily tea service except last day). Vegetarian or special menus are available at no extra cost
Water
Filtered boiled water from lunch time on 1st day onwards
Visit to Machu Picchu
Visit to Machu Picchu on the 5th day (2 hours guide tour to explore the whole inca site)
Bus Ticket
One way up-hill Consettur Bus to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes.
Train Ticket
Return Tourist Expeditions train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.(2 hours ride)Train time is Between 14:55 , 18:20, 19:00pm. And if you upgrade to Vistadome the train will be at 15:48, 16:22. US$80
Bus Transfer
Transfer train station to hotel in Cusco
First-aid kit
First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
What’s not included
Meals
Breakfast on the first day, Lunch and dinner on the last day: after the guided tour at Machu Picchu, you can enjoy free time to further visit the ruins and choose to have lunch either in Machu Picchu or in Aguas Calientes at your own expense. Arrival in Cusco is estimated after nightfall, dinner being at your own expense too
Sleeping Bag
Sleeping bag US$20
Walking sticks
Walking sticks US$15
Hot Springs
Visit to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes: a relaxing way to end-up the trek while you’re awaiting the return train to Cusco, only 10 minutes from the village center, entrance fee is s/15.00 (Peruvian Soles). Towels can be hired in Aguas Calientes
Huaynapicchu entrance fee
if you would like to climb this mountain a new entrance fee applies (US$ 80)
$550
Itinerary
5-Day Salkantay Trek Dome Tour to Machu Picchu: Itinerary
Embark on the legendary 5-Day Salkantay Trek, named one of the top 25 treks in the world by National Geographic. This immersive journey takes you from the turquoise depths of Humantay Lake and the towering 4,630m Salkantay Pass to the lush high jungle of the Amazon basin. Witness the incredible transition from snow-capped Andean peaks to organic coffee plantations, concluding with a spectacular sunrise tour of Machu Picchu. It is the ultimate challenge for those seeking a diverse, off-the-beaten-path alternative to the Inca Trail.
Day 1: Cusco – Challacancha – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa Sky Lodge Dome
Experience the luxury of the Salkantay Sky Domes and the beauty of the turquoise Humantay Lake.
- Morning Pick-up: Begin your Salkantay adventure with a 4:30 AM hotel pick-up in Cusco. Enjoy a traditional breakfast in Mollepata before heading to Challacancha, the official trailhead.
- Andean Trekking Begins: Our expert Salkantay Trek team (professional cook and horseman) prepares the gear as you embark on a scenic 25-minute uphill hike. Marvel at panoramic views of the magnificent Humantay Mountain (4,120m/13,500ft) and the towering Salkantay Peak (6,271m/20,575ft).
- Humantay Lake Excursion: Trek to Soraypampa (3,800m), our highest campsite. After lunch, we’ll hike to the mesmerizing turquoise waters of Humantay Lake, the most iconic photo spot on the Salkantay Route.
- Exclusive Sky Dome Stay: Spend the night in our Soraypampa Sky Lodge Domes. Sleep under the Andean stars in a comfortable, wind-proof dome—the ultimate way to start your Machu Picchu trek.
Day 1 Stats:
- Distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles
- Max Altitude: 3,800 m / 12,467 ft
- Accommodation: Luxury Sky Domes
Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Chaullay Domes (Cloud Forest)
Conquer the highest point of the Salkantay Trail and descend into the lush Peruvian jungle.
- The Salkantay Pass Challenge: After a nourishing breakfast, we begin our most challenging day at 5:30 AM. A rewarding 4-hour climb leads to the Salkantay Pass (4,650m/15,200ft), the literal peak of your Salkantay trekking journey.
- Unparalleled Mountain Vistas: Stand between the colossal peaks of Salkantay and Tucarhuay. This is the best spot for high-altitude photography in the Andes.
- Descent to the Cloud Forest: Descend through the dramatic changing landscapes of the Peruvian Cloud Forest to Huayracpunku for lunch. We continue into the high jungle to reach our second campsite: the Chaullay Domes (3,000m).
Day 2 Stats:
- Distance: 19 km / 11.8 miles
- Max Altitude: 4,650 m / 15,255 ft (Salkantay Pass)
- Accommodation: Private Domes in Chaullay
Day 3: Chaullay – La Playa – Domes (Tropical Jungle & Coffee Plantations)
Immerse yourself in biodiversity, waterfalls, and optional hot springs.
- Jungle Trekking Experience: At 6:30 AM, enter the vibrant Upper Amazon Jungle. Cross the Lluskamayo River and trek through a region rich in biodiversity, passing cascading waterfalls and exotic fruit orchards.
- Coffee & Tropical Flora: Discover organic coffee plantations and avocado groves during your 6-hour walk to La Playa.
- Cocalmayo Hot Springs (Optional): Relax at our La Playa Domes campsite. In the afternoon, you have the option to visit the Santa Teresa Hot Springs (Cocalmayo) to soothe your muscles in natural volcanic waters.
Day 3 Stats:
- Distance: 16 km / 10 miles
- Max Altitude: 2,750 m / 9,022 ft
- Highlights: Tropical jungle, Coffee tours, Cocalmayo Hot Springs.
Day 4: Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes
Hike an authentic Inca Trail section and enjoy a rare distant view of Machu Picchu.
- Llactapata Ruins & Inca Trail: After breakfast at the Lucmabamba Domes, ascend an original Inca Trail to the Llactapata archaeological site. This is a "hidden gem" of the Salkantay Trek, offering a breathtaking, distant view of the Machu Picchu Citadel from across the valley.
- Scenic Train Track Walk: Descend through coffee and banana plantations to Hidroelectrica for lunch. Enjoy a picturesque 2.5-hour walk along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town).
- Hotel Stay: Check into a comfortable 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes to prepare for your final day.
Day 4 Stats:
- Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
- Max Altitude: 1,600 m / 5,249 ft
- Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Day 5: Machu Picchu Guided Tour – Return to Cusco
Witness the sunrise at Machu Picchu and explore the "Lost City of the Incas."
- Machu Picchu Sunrise: The climax of your Salkantay Dome Tour. Wake up at 4:00 AM to take the first bus or hike up to the citadel to witness the Machu Picchu sunrise.
- Comprehensive Guided Tour: Your expert local guide will lead a 2-hour walking tour, sharing the secrets of Incan architecture, history, and spirituality.
- Huayna Picchu Hike (Optional): For those seeking more adventure, climb Huayna Picchu Mountain (2,720m) for the most famous aerial view of the ruins (requires advance booking).
- Return Train to Cusco: Descend to Aguas Calientes and board the Expedition or Vistadome train to Ollantaytambo, followed by a private transfer back to your hotel in Cusco.
Day 5 Stats:
- Activity: 2-hour Guided Tour + Optional Mountain Hikes.
- Max Altitude: 2,700 m / 8,858 ft
- Return: Train and Bus back to Cusco.
Location
Your Organizer
Trips to Machu Picchu
Trips to Machu Picchu by Manu Explorers Peru specializes in authentic tours to one of the world’s wonders. Our offerings include the Classic Inca Trail, Salkantay, Lares, and Choquequirao treks, alongside the high-adventure Inca Jungle Trek and scenic train tours to Machu Picchu. Looking for more adventure? We also provide expert-guided jungle expeditions to the Manu National Park Reserved Zone.
