5-Day Luxury Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
If you’re looking for an adventure unlike any other—an extravagant journey that will bring you in front of the world’s marvelous wonder—our 5-Day Luxury Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu might just be the one for you!
This trek takes you through the stunning Salkantay mountain(6,271 m/20,569 ft), part of the majestic Andes Mountains. The Salkantay trek luxury is challenging, but the reward is worth it as you end up at Machu Picchu, one of the world’s most famous and awe-inspiring ancient ruins.
During the Luxury Salkantay trek, you will be accompanied by experienced guides who will help you navigate the terrain and provide you with information about the history and culture of the region. You will also have access to luxurious accommodations and amenities, including comfortable bed feather duvets, cotton sheets, blankets, pillows, and delicious meals. This ensures that you can enjoy the trek without sacrificing comfort or convenience.
Recently featured on National Geographic’s Ultimate Adventure bucket list, this trek is one of the planet’s most extreme, hair-raising, legendary adventures. With nearly a hundred trekkers using this path, this trek is accessible to all. It is a highly sought-after option to the Inca Trail leading to Machu Picchu, boasting abundant natural beauty.
Indulge in a 5-day journey through various landscapes, including highlands, cloud forests, rain forests, and dry mountains. Embark on a journey filled with awe-inspiring sceneries of Apu Salkantay, Pumasillo Mountain, and Humantay Mountain, three of the most majestic peaks in the Cordillera Vilcabamba Mountain range.
Our luxury Salkantay trek features gourmet dining, with delicious and nutritious meals from our talented chefs. We use fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create various dishes, including vegetarian and gluten-free options. Our meals are served in a comfortable dining tent, with tables and chairs for trekkers to relax and enjoy their meals.
We also provide only the most comfortable and spacious tents with high-quality sleeping bed and air mattresses. Our tents are set up at scenic campsites, giving stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
OVERVIEW OF OUR 5-DAY LUXURY SALKANTAY TREK:
DAY 1: Cusco – Soraypampa – Umantay Lake – Salkantaypampa.
DAY 2: Soyrococha – Abra Salkantay – Colpapampa
DAY 3: Colpapampa – Lucmabamba – Coffee Tour
DAY 4: Lucmabamba – Llactapata Inca Ruins – Aguas Calientes
DAY 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu Cusco
- Overall distance hiked: 51 km / 31 ½ miles
- Maximum altitude reached: 4,650 m / 15,252 ft.
- Level of Difficulty: Challenging
PRE-TREK BRIEFING:
Briefing is necessary for trekking to avoid being left in the dark during the actual trek. It also gives you a chance to talk about any expectations or questions that you might have about the trek.
Our comprehensive Luxury Salkantay Trek pre-trek briefing happens at our office or your hotel in Cusco. This is where you’ll receive the trek schedule and your duffle bag for packing your gear.
Briefings are typically arranged for the morning or afternoon before your trek begins. If your journey starts on a Monday, the briefing will be set for the Saturday prior.
As such, it’s essential to remember this when scheduling your travel arrangements to Cusco, ensuring you reach in time for the briefing.
Day 1: From Cusco to the snow-capped mountains of Soraypampa
For our first day of the trek, you’ll be picked up from your hotel in the morning for a scenic 3-hour drive to Mollepata, where you’ll enjoy breakfast.
Following breakfast, we’ll continue our journey for 1 hour and 45 minutes until we arrive at Soraypampa, the starting point of the trek. At this point, you’ll catch a first glimpse of the stunning Salkantay and Humantay Mountains while also taking in the sight of vibrant vegetation and locals called Quechuas, tending to their crops and traditional lifestyle.
Upon arrival at Soraypampa (3,800 m/12,467 ft), our team will efficiently prepare for the trek by packing and loading the equipment onto the horses. Our adventure starts with a trip to the stunning high-altitude lake, Humantay. Located just beneath the Humantay glacier, this body of water is a gorgeous shade of blue. This excursion lasts an impressive 2 ½ hours.
Following the expedition, we will head back to the trailhead to commence the hike with a 2-hour ascent to Salkantaypampa, where we will have lunch for the day. We’ll trail a small stream from the Salkantay glacier during this trek. We’ll also see the moraines and glaciers of Apu Salkantay and Humantay mountains.
Following our meal, we will hike uphill for a couple of hours until we reach Soyrococha (4,400 m /14,332 ft), where we will set up camp for the night.
Day 2: Soyrococha to Colpapampa, the heart of the Peruvian Andes
For our second day, start your day with a piping hot cup of coca tea to kick things off. Following breakfast, we will embark on a 1-hour hike uphill to reach the summit of the trek, the Salkantay Pass (4,650 m / 15,252 ft). We will start by presenting an offering to Apu Salkantay, also known as the protector who looks over Limatambo, Mollepata, Machu Picchu, and Choquequirao, and discussing the importance of the mountain in Inca culture and why this location is revered.
The Salkantay Pass is a perfect destination to view the majestic peaks of the Salkantay, Pumasillo, Humantay, and Tacarhuay mountains. These mountains are known to transmit fresh and captivating energy that connects you with nature.
We will then hike downhill to Huayracmachay (3,800 m/12,464 ft) for at least 2 hours, followed by lunch. After our break, we’ll trek downhill for another 4 hours until we arrive at our campsite for the night, Colpapampa (3,100 m/ 10,170 ft). During this part, we will journey from the highlands to the cloud forest and eventually into the rainforest.
Day 3: Colpapampa to Lucmabamba, a coffee connoisseur’s paradise
Since the second day was full of endless hikes, we’ll take it easy for the third day with a gentle hike. After breakfast, we will embark on a 5 to 6-hour hike through varying terrain.
We are going to hike through the rainforest, tracing the route of the Santa Teresa River. You’ll visit various coffee plantations, banana plantations, and passion fruit fields. On this route, you’ll come across stunning waterfalls perfect for any picture.
By midday, we’ll arrive at Lucmabamba, our campsite for the evening, where we will enjoy a delicious lunch.
Following lunch, we’ll embark on a fascinating coffee tour at the plantation beside the campsite. We’ll start by exploring the fields, discovering the various types of beans, and selecting our beans.
However, this spot isn’t just famous for its coffee beans and vast fields of different produce like tomatoes and avocados. Here, we’ll select the vegetables for the chef to use in dinner that evening.
Once we harvest our beans, they will be roasted and ground. Finally, we will make and enjoy our coffee, capping off the day for a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
Day 4: Lucmabamba to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu
After an early breakfast, we will embark on an exciting hike with a 3 ½ hour climb through the lush rainforest, culminating at the Llactapata Inca site (2,700 m/8,856 ft) for a comprehensive tour.
This spot offers the initial glimpse of Machu Picchu in the far distance. You will also have a sneak peek of the mountain you’ll be conquering tomorrow, Huayna Picchu. After departing from Llactapata, we will embark on a 2 ½ hour downhill journey to Hydroelectric, where we will enjoy a delightful and filling meal. We will then hop on the train for a 40-minute trip to Aguas Calientes.
Upon reaching Aguas Calientes, you will proceed to your hotel for check-in. As we are committed to making your trek a memorable and enjoyable experience, we have also provided 5-star hotels for every trekker to stay at, along with a gourmet dinner.
Day 5: From the gate to Machu Picchu, then back to Cusco
After a four-day trek, it’s finally time to see the majestic Machu Picchu. After breakfast at your hotel, we will board a bus to Machu Picchu to explore the impressive citadel. Upon arrival, a guided 2-hour walking tour of the site awaits us.
After a guided tour to fully appreciate the ancient Incan city, you will be welcomed with a 5-star buffet lunch at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge right outside Machu Picchu.
If you need more than Machu Picchu, you can also hike Huayna Picchu Mountain in the morning. But remember that the cost of the ticket for Huayna Picchu Mountain is separate from the trek price.
Meanwhile, if you’d rather spend time exploring the citadel, you can do so before taking the bus back to Aguas Calientes.
Upon reaching Aguas Calientes, you will ride the luxurious Hiram Bingham train bound for Poroy or Ollantaytambo. From there, you will be welcomed with private transportation from the station to Cusco until we finally drop you off at your hotel.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Our 5-Day Luxury Salkantay Trek is carefully crafted to offer you comfort and peace of mind from beginning to end. Here’s what’s included in the trek:
Staff
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Private chef and assistant
- Fully-trained porter crew to carry personal luggage and camping equipment
- Private extra muleteer for your personal belongings
- Specialized massage therapists for every camping night (1 for every 2 customers)
Meals
- All meals are cooked on-site with fresh, local produce while on the trail.
- Breakfast at Alpaca Expeditions Porter House
- Lunch at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge on Day 4
- Daily snacks
- Water
- Open bar at each campsite
- If you have any food preferences, feel free to let us know ahead of time and we will prepare them for you at no additional cost
Equipment
- Luxury camping tools and equipment for 3 nights
- 1-night luxury hotel in Aguas Calientes (sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel or Inkaterra El Pueblo Hotel)
- Private bedroom tent
- Air mattress and camping cot
- Walking sticks
- Bed feather duvets, cotton sheets, blankets, pillows, and silk robes
- Lanterns inside bedroom tent
- Dining tent and chairs
- Ceramic crockery and glassware
- Portable chemical toilets and toiletries
- Hot shower tent including cotton towels for face, hands, and body
Tickets
- Salkantay permits
- Entry ticket to Machu Picchu
- Round trip bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu on day 5.
- Luxury Belmond Hiram Bingham train from Aguas Calientes to Poroy.
Others
- Private pre-trek briefing session
- Personal duffle bag for packing personal belongings to up to 15 kg per traveler
- Private pick-up and drop-off from the hotel in Cusco
- Private overland transport from Cusco to trailhead
- Separated private transportation for our crew and camping equipment
- Private guided tour of Machu Picchu
- First aid kit and oxygen bottle
NOT INCLUDED:
Unfortunately, the following items are not included in our Luxury Salkantay Trek:
- Meals that are not listed
- Personal hiking backpack
- Flights
- Travel insurance (which we highly recommend that you get)
- Hotel accommodation in Cusco for before and after the trek
- Extra transportation required and resulting from unforeseen and force majeure circumstances
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities
PRICE PER PERSON IN USD:
Price : $3400
DURATION:
5 Days / 4 Night
AVAILABLE ADD-ONS
- Huayna Picchu Permit – USD: $75 per person
OVERVIEW
- Duration: 5 Days, 5 Night
- Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Soyrococha
- Day 2: Soyrococha – Abra Salkantay – Colpapampa
- Day 3: Colpapampa – Lucmabamba – Coffee Tour
- Day 4: Lucmabamba – Llactapata Inca Ruins – Aguas Calientes
- Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
- Beginning Altitude: 3,800 m/12,467 ft.
- Maximum Altitude: 4,650 m / 15,252 ft.
- Hike Total Distance: 51 km / 31 ½ miles
- Overall Trek Difficulty: Challenging
INQUIRE ABOUT THIS EXPERIENCE
WHY WE'RE DIFFERENT
Your Full Satisfaction or Your Money Back
We understand planning a big trip like ours at EAT takes a lot of trust, and we’re here to make sure that trust pays off from the moment you book to the day your adventure wraps up. We’re fully committed to making your experience unforgettable. If something doesn’t go as planned—whether it’s an issue with the service or something unexpected along the way—we’ll step in to fix it.
That even includes offering a refund if needed so you can book with total peace of mind.
Your Peruvian adventure means the world to us, and we’ll go the extra mile to make sure it not only meets but exceeds your expectations. With our satisfaction guarantee, you can relax and focus on taking in all the incredible beauty and culture Peru has to offer.
We Help You Experience Peru Through The Eyes of a Local
We’re 100% locally owned and operated, with guides, porters, and chefs who grew up in the Cusco region. Fluent in Spanish, English, and Quechua, our team brings unmatched cultural and historical knowledge to share with you. Traveling with us means gaining insight into Peru’s traditions, landscapes, and stories from those who know them best.
We Work With Professional Guides Who Provide Exceptional Service
Our guides are the best of the best. Truly skilled experts with at least 5 years of experience, every guide we employ is ready to share their expertise on Peru’s trails, culture, and history. Our porters are no exception. They work hard to make your journey one for the books, while our chefs will prepare you delicious meals along the way. With a 99% recommendation rate, we’re dedicated to making every detail of your trip unforgettable.
We’re Committed to Our Team
Our porters and horsemen are easily the backbone of every trek. That’s why we are fully committed to prioritizing their well-being. We ensure they’re paid above-average wages—higher than those offered by most tour companies—recognizing their hard work and dedication to the team. Beyond fair pay, we truly care for their well-being, providing proper gear, meals, and working conditions so they’re not just safe but comfortable, too.
We Look Out for Our Community
A portion of every trek we sell supports local projects, like helping fund a much-needed school roof in Sacsayhuaman, where many of our team live. For years, children in the area had no nearby school and faced grueling four-hour walks in harsh conditions to get an education. Today, thanks to these contributions, they have a local school, and we continue to donate to its upkeep—because making an impact goes beyond the trek.
We Customize Our Adventures to Suit Your Travel Style
We want every trip to feel like it was made just for you. Whether you’re keen on hiking the famous Inca Trail, exploring lesser-known spots in the Sacred Valley, or tackling our one-of-a-kind Ancashcocha + Inca Trail trek, we’ll plan your adventure to fit your travel style. To keep things personal, we keep group sizes small—and if your group is larger than eight, we’ll bring in an extra guide so no one misses out on the experience.
We Travel with Purpose – Serving the Women, Children, & Men of Peru
Every journey with us has a ripple effect. Your adventure supports ethical tourism, fair wages for porters, and opportunities for female trekkers–many of whom are breaking barriers on the Inca Trail–and children. We’re passionate about creating opportunities for local children to grow up healthy and learn about everything their heart desires. Through initiatives like repairing schools, donating educational materials, and funding projects, we make it a mission to build a brighter future for kids in the Cusco region. Every trek you take with us contributes to this mission. When you book with us, you’re not just exploring Peru; you’re investing in it and setting a standard for all other tourism companies and tourists.
Our Reputation is Built on Trust
Year after year, Eco Andes Trekking has earned top ratings on TripAdvisor and the prestigious Certificate of Excellence. We’ve worked hard for these awards and are proud to see our hard work recognized. Even prouder to know our travelers leave with unforgettable memories and stories worth sharing.
We Travel Sustainably & Responsibly
Peru’s landscapes are magnificent. That’s why we work so hard to protect them. We prioritize sustainable traveling by working with our local communities and employing indigenous guides––thus promoting economic empowerment and preserving cultural heritage. Along the journey, we’ll always encourage travelers to embrace responsible practices as advocates for the environment.
