Salkantay Trek 5D/4N
Salkantay Trek 5 Days: Coffee Farms, Llactapata and Machu Picchu
The Salkantay Trek 5 days route includes Humantay Lake, the Salkantay pass at 4,600 meters and the cloud forest valleys. Then you stay at a coffee farm and hike to the Inca site of Llactapata, where you see Machu Picchu in the distance before visiting the citadel.
Five days among glaciers, coffee and sacred mountains
Summary
Trip overview
The Salkantay Trek 5 days itinerary is the most complete way to experience this route. Because the stages are more balanced, you can calmly enjoy every change of scenery, from the glaciers of Salkantay to the tropical valleys of the cloud forest.
In addition to the turquoise Humantay Lake and the Salkantay pass, you spend a night in Lucmabamba, an area of coffee farms where you learn how organic coffee is produced. Then, the next day, you walk a section of Inca trail to Llactapata, an archaeological site with a privileged view of Machu Picchu.
Finally, the adventure ends with a night in Aguas Calientes and a guided tour of the citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you have one day less, the 4-day version follows the same route at a faster pace.
The best of this journey
Itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1
Cusco, Soraypampa and Humantay Lake
Transfer to the mountains, then a hike up to Humantay Lake.
We pick you up early at your hotel and drive to Mollepata for breakfast, then on to Soraypampa (3,900 m a.s.l.), at the foot of Salkantay. Later, in the afternoon, we hike up to Humantay Lake (4,200 m a.s.l.) and then return to camp for dinner and rest.
Day 2
Salkantay pass and Chaullay
Climb to the highest point of the route and descent into the cloud forest.
We climb to the Salkantay pass (4,600 m a.s.l.), with impressive views of the glacier. After a break at the top, we begin the descent through the Huayracmachay valley. Meanwhile, the landscape gradually changes to cloud forest vegetation until we reach the Chaullay campsite (2,900 m a.s.l.).
Day 3
Santa Teresa Valley and Lucmabamba
Waterfalls and fruit trees, then a night among coffee plantations.
We walk through the Santa Teresa River valley among waterfalls, forests and tropical fruit plantations to La Playa, and then continue to Lucmabamba. There, we spend the night in an area of coffee farms, where we learn about the harvesting, roasting and brewing of the region’s organic coffee.
Day 4
Llactapata, Hidroeléctrica and Aguas Calientes
Inca trail with a view of Machu Picchu before arriving in town.
We climb a section of Inca trail to the archaeological site of Llactapata (2,700 m a.s.l.), from where Machu Picchu can be seen in the distance. Then we descend to Hidroeléctrica. Later, in the afternoon, we walk alongside the railway to Aguas Calientes, where you spend the night in a hotel.
Day 5
Machu Picchu and return to Cusco
Guided tour of the Inca citadel, then return to Cusco.
You take one of the first buses to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of the main sectors of the citadel. Afterwards, you go down to Aguas Calientes. Finally, in the afternoon you take the return train to Ollantaytambo, where our transportation takes you to your hotel in Cusco.
Include
Included and not included
The trip includes
- Pre-trek briefing
- Hotel pickup and transportation to Soraypampa
- Professional guide in English or Spanish
- Cook, horseman and pack horses for the equipment
- Transport of up to 5 kg of personal belongings by horse
- Double tents or domes, sleeping mats and dining tent
- Meals during the trek as per itinerary
- Coffee production demonstration
- 1 night in a tourist hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Entrance to Machu Picchu and round-trip bus
- Return train to Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen
What's not included?
- Breakfast on the first day and lunch on the last day
- Sleeping bag (available for rent)
- Trekking poles (available for rent)
- Riding or emergency horse
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
- Tips for guides, cook and horseman
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
Important information
What to bring
- 25 to 35 liter daypack
- Sleeping bag for sub-zero temperatures
- Waterproof, broken-in hiking boots
- Thermal clothing, warm jacket and gloves
- Rain jacket or waterproof poncho
- Trekking poles with rubber tips
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and hat
- Reusable water bottle and water purification tablets
- Original passport
Weather
In the high zone, nights are very cold and it can snow; however, in the cloud forest the climate is warm and humid. Therefore, dress in layers to adapt to temperature changes.
Best season
The trek operates all year. From April to October the weather is drier; however, from December to March rain is frequent and trails can be slippery.
Acclimatization
Spend at least two days in Cusco before the hike, because on the first two days you will be above 4,000 meters. Good acclimatization is key to enjoying the route.
Recommendations
Bring insect repellent and long-sleeved clothing for the cloud forest. We also recommend travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and evacuation.
Accommodations
Accommodations and services
Campsites and hotel
Three nights camping in tents or domes and then one night in a tourist hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Transportation
Transfer from Cusco to Soraypampa and, at the end, the return from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco.
Return train
Tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo when the visit to Machu Picchu ends.
Meals
Meals prepared by our cook during the trek, with vegetarian options on request.
Support team
Guide, cook, horseman and pack horses that carry the camping equipment, so you only carry a daypack.
Gallery
Photo gallery
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference with the 4-day version?
Compared with the 4-day version, the Salkantay Trek 5 days route adds a night at a coffee farm and the hike to Llactapata along a section of Inca trail. Therefore, it has shorter stages and a more relaxed pace.
How difficult is the trek?
It is demanding because of the altitude on the second day. The following days are easier, although they include constant ups and downs.
Can you see Machu Picchu from Llactapata?
Yes. On clear days, Llactapata offers a distant and unusual view of the citadel as well as Huayna Picchu mountain.
Who carries the luggage?
The horses carry the camping equipment and up to 5 kg of your personal belongings. As a result, you only carry a daypack.
Do I need a trail permit?
No. You only need the Machu Picchu entrance ticket, which is included in the program.
Can I customize this itinerary?
Yes. We can operate it as a private service, change the type of accommodation or include Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, although this is subject to availability.
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