5 Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – Salkantay Trek Peru

The day begins early with hotel pickup in Cusco. The journey from Cusco to Mollepata unfolds through spectacular landscapes, gently preparing you for the days of adventure ahead.

Mollepata, a small town nestled among the Andean valleys, serves as a prelude to the beauty that awaits. From there, the vehicle will take you to Challacancha, the starting point of the hike. In this place, an atmosphere of anticipation and excitement blends harmoniously with the fresh mountain breeze.

You will tighten your boots and begin your hike toward Soraypampa, your destination for the day. The trek starts with moderate inclines that allow your body to acclimate to the altitude. As the trail opens up, you will be welcomed by green meadows offering panoramic views of rolling mountains.

Gradually, Soraypampa reveals itself gracefully before your eyes. This will be your camp for the night, a place of rest to recharge amid the imposing Peruvian Andes.

The sunset bathes the landscape in a golden glow. You relax and begin preparing dinner, while excitement for the days ahead fills the camp.

Day 1 Salkantay Trek Statistics:

• Distance: Approximately 12 km (7.5 miles)
• Highest altitude: 3,900 meters (12,800 feet) at Soraypampa
• Lowest altitude: 2,900 meters (9,500 feet) at Mollepata
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Estimated hiking time: Approximately 6 hours

The second day of the 5-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is challenging yet highly rewarding.

The day begins early in Soraypampa, located at 3,850 meters above sea level. After a hearty breakfast, you prepare for the day’s hike.

Departing from Soraypampa, you will gradually ascend toward the majestic Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the route at an impressive 4,650 meters (15,255 feet). Take a moment to admire the breathtaking panoramic views that surround you.

After crossing the pass, you will descend toward Huayracmachay, a campsite located at 3,800 meters (12,467 feet).

Continuing through the lush cloud forest, you will arrive at Chaullay, your destination for the day, located at 2,800 meters (9,186 feet). Here, you will rest and enjoy a well-deserved dinner, preparing for the adventures ahead.

Day 2 Salkantay Trek Statistics:

• Distance: Approximately 22 km (13.7 miles)
• Highest altitude: Salkantay Pass at 4,650 meters (15,255 feet)
• Lowest altitude: Chaullay at 2,800 meters (9,186 feet)
• Difficulty level: Challenging, with significant altitude changes

On the third day of the Salkantay Trek in Peru, we continue our extraordinary journey from Chaullay to La Playa, a region renowned for its coffee plantations.

We start early from Chaullay, at an altitude of 2,800 meters (9,186 feet). As we move forward, the landscape transitions into a lush subtropical environment.

Along the way, you will admire beautiful local coffee plantations. The aroma of freshly harvested coffee beans fills the air, offering a sensory delight.

The trail winds through enchanting cloud forests and dense vegetation, allowing you to immerse yourself in the region’s unique flora and fauna. We will cross small streams and enjoy the tranquility of forest paths.

Our descent leads us to La Playa, located at approximately 2,135 meters (7,005 feet). Here, you will enjoy a well-earned rest surrounded by picturesque scenery.

This day offers a moderate difficulty level, focusing on natural beauty and cultural experiences rather than demanding terrain.

Day 3 Salkantay Trek Statistics:

• Distance: Approximately 15 km (9.3 miles)
• Highest altitude: Chaullay at 2,800 meters (9,186 feet)
• Lowest altitude: La Playa at 2,135 meters (7,005 feet)
• Difficulty level: Moderate

The fourth day of the 5-day Salkantay Trek is diverse and exciting. You will begin in La Playa, known for its lush vegetation and hot springs.

After breakfast, you will ascend toward Llactapata, an important archaeological site offering a unique distant view of Machu Picchu. The altitude here is approximately 2,650 meters (8,694 feet).

After enjoying the views, we descend to the town of Santa Teresa at 1,550 meters (5,085 feet), crossing varied terrain ranging from dense forests to open fields.

In Santa Teresa, you will enjoy a well-deserved lunch before continuing to Hydroelectric, located at approximately 1,900 meters (6,234 feet). This area is known for its unique natural beauty and serves as a gateway to Aguas Calientes.

From Hydroelectric, you will walk alongside the train tracks following the Urubamba River until reaching Aguas Calientes, located at 2,040 meters (6,693 feet).

Upon arrival, we will provide a hotel room with private bathroom. You will enjoy a hot shower and a well-earned rest in preparation for your visit to Machu Picchu the next day.

Day 4 Salkantay Trek Statistics:

• Distance: Approximately 16 km (9.9 miles)
• Highest altitude: Llactapata at 2,650 meters (8,694 feet)
• Lowest altitude: Santa Teresa at 1,550 meters (5,085 feet)
• Difficulty level: Moderate

The final day marks the highlight of your journey. You will depart early from Aguas Calientes to reach Machu Picchu before the crowds and witness the unforgettable sunrise.

A 30-minute bus ride takes you to the entrance of Machu Picchu at approximately 2,430 meters (7,972 feet), where you will complete the entry formalities.

As you explore the breathtaking Machu Picchu, an expert guide will share insights into its history, significance, and remarkable architecture.

After the guided tour, you will descend back to Aguas Calientes, where you will enjoy a delicious lunch. The descent takes approximately two hours.

You will then board a train to Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley, enjoying panoramic views of the Andean landscape. From Ollantaytambo, we will transfer you back to Cusco, concluding your Salkantay Trek adventure.

Day 5 Salkantay Trek Statistics:

• Distance: Approximately 4–6 km (2.5–3.7 miles)
• Highest altitude: Machu Picchu entrance at 2,430 meters (7,972 feet)
• Lowest altitude: Aguas Calientes at 2,040 meters (6,693 feet)
• Difficulty level: Moderate