The Salkantay Trek 5 Days is one of the top-rated alternatives to the classic Inca Trail, perfect for adventurous travelers seeking breathtaking views and cultural depth. This unforgettable 5-day Salkantay hike takes you from the towering snowcapped peak of Salkantay Mountain through cloud forests, glacial lakes, and remote Andean villages—all leading to the majestic Machu Picchu.
Unlike busier routes, the Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu offers a quieter, more immersive experience in nature. You’ll cross the dramatic Salkantay Pass at 4,650 meters, visit the stunning Humantay Lake, and hike through the lush jungle before arriving at the Lost City of the Incas. With expert guides, top-notch service, and breathtaking scenery, this trek is a true once-in-a-lifetime journey.
Salkantay Trek Tour Overview
The Salkantay Trek 5 Days is one of the most scenic and adventurous routes to Machu Picchu. It’s a perfect choice for those who love nature, remote landscapes, and high-altitude hiking. This unforgettable journey leads you through towering snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear lakes, lush cloud forests, and the diverse ecosystems of the Andes before arriving at the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu. Ideal for travelers looking for a less crowded, equally impressive alternative to the Classic Inca Trail.
Tour at a Glance
Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Route: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Lucmabamba – Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu
Tour Type: Adventure + Nature
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Max Altitude: 4,650 m (15,255 ft) at Salkantay Pass
Group Size: Small group or private
Ideal For: Active travelers, nature lovers, photographers
Highlights of the Trek
Hike to Humantay Lake, one of Peru’s most beautiful turquoise lakes
Cross the breathtaking Salkantay Pass (4,650 m)
Camp under the stars in scenic mountain locations
Descend into lush tropical forests full of orchids and wildlife
Explore Llactapata ruins, with a unique view of Machu Picchu
Arrive at Machu Picchu via Aguas Calientes with a full guided tour
Salkantay Trek vs. Classic Inca Trail
While the Classic Inca Trail is known for its historic ruins and stone-paved paths, it requires a permit that often sells out months in advance. In contrast, the 5-day Salkantay Trek offers more natural beauty, bigger mountain views, and no permit restrictions. It’s a longer route with higher altitudes, ideal for hikers who prioritize adventure and scenery over archaeological sites along the way.
Why Hike the Salkantay Trek?
The Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu is a top alternative for those looking for dramatic scenery and fewer crowds. It's a non-permitted trek, which means more availability and flexibility than the Classic Inca Trail. You’ll experience a wide range of landscapes, from high alpine peaks to jungle valleys, offering a more varied and visually stunning adventure.
Why Hike with Champions Peru Travel?
At Champions Peru Travel, we specialize in authentic, small-group and private trekking experiences. Our Salkantay Trek 5 Days itinerary is carefully crafted for comfort, safety, and adventure. You'll enjoy real mountain camping, personalized service, gourmet meals prepared by our trail chef, and expert local guides who bring the journey to life. We focus on quality over quantity, giving you a deeper, more meaningful connection to the Andes with the best support every step of the way.
Salkantay Trek Itinerary - Best tour option
Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Salkantaypampa
Your adventure begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Cusco. We drive through the Andean highlands to Soraypampa (3,900 m), where a nourishing breakfast awaits. After meeting our trekking team and loading the gear, we take a scenic acclimatization hike to the stunning Humantay Lake (4,200 m), famous for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and snow-capped backdrop. After exploring and taking photos, we return to Soraypampa for a gourmet lunch prepared by our chef. In the afternoon, we hike a short distance to Salkantaypampa, our first campsite nestled at the base of the mighty Salkantay Mountain. Dinner and star-gazing cap off this magical day in the Andes.
Day 2: Salkantaypampa – Salkantay Pass – Wayracmachay – Colpapampa
We start the day with a warm wake-up coca tea served at your tent, followed by a hearty breakfast to fuel your most challenging day. The trail begins with a steady 2-hour ascent to the awe-inspiring Salkantay Pass (4,650 m), the highest point of the trek. At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the snowcapped Salkantay Glacier, one of Cusco’s highest and most sacred peaks.
After soaking in the majesty of the Andes, we descend for about 2 hours to Wayracmachay, where our chef awaits with a delicious, energizing lunch. The afternoon continues with a 4-hour descent into the warmer climate of the high jungle, surrounded by lush vegetation and waterfalls. We arrive at Colpapampa (2,600 m), a peaceful camp nestled in greenery where you can relax and unwind under the stars.