Salkantay Trek Lodge 5 Days

Our journey starts early between 4:00 and 5:00 a.m., when your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco. Together, we’ll board a private tourist van and drive for about two hours along a winding mountain road. Along the way, you’ll see snow-covered peaks and beautiful valleys until we reach the town of Mollepata, where you’ll have the chance to enjoy breakfast (not included).

Afterward, we continue by bus for about 45 minutes to Challacancha (3,600 m / 11,811 ft.), the official starting point of our trek. Here, we’ll prepare our gear and begin the hike to Soraypampa.

The trek starts with a gentle 30-minute climb, following an ancient water channel still used by local farmers. During this section, we’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the Humantay Glacier. In total, we’ll walk about 7 km over three hours before arriving at Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft.), where we’ll have our first lunch and settle into the lodge.

In the afternoon, after a well-deserved rest, we’ll set out on a short but steep hike to the stunning Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,780 ft.). The walk takes about 1 to 1.5 hours uphill. When we reach the lake, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of turquoise waters framed by the towering Humantay Glacier (5,950 m / 19,521 ft.), a perfect spot for unforgettable photos. After about an hour exploring, we’ll descend for 40 minutes back to our lodge.

The evening at Soraypampa is just as magical. We’ll enjoy a delicious dinner while watching the sun set behind the glaciers. If the skies are clear, you’ll also have the chance to admire a brilliant blanket of stars before resting in cozy cabins with comfortable double beds, preparing for the adventures to come.

• Accommodation: local Lodge
• Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles.
• Hiking Time: 6-7 hours.
• Food: lunch and dinner.
• Lowest Elevation: 3,600 meters/ 11,811 feet.
• Highest Elevation: 4,200 meters/13,780 feet.
• Difficulty: Medium to Challenge

After a hearty breakfast, we set out on what is considered the most demanding and rewarding day of the Salkantay Trek, covering nearly 20 km of diverse terrain.

We begin from the lodge in Soraypampa, gradually ascending through the stunning Salkantay Valley. After about an hour, we reach Salkantay Pampa (3,850 m / 12,631 ft), where we pause to take in breathtaking views of the majestic Salkantay Glacier, the second-highest peak in the Cusco region. Here, you’ll also find a small shop to refill your water before we continue upward.

From this point, the trail climbs more steeply through a rocky valley for about two and a half hours until we conquer the trek’s highest point: the Salkantay Pass (4,632 m / 15,196 ft). Standing here is a moment of true achievement—surrounded by panoramic views of Mount Salkantay (6,270 m / 20,570 ft) and neighboring peaks. We’ll pause to learn about the mountains’ deep spiritual significance in Inca culture, take photos, and celebrate this milestone.

Our descent then begins, following a rugged path for roughly two hours until we reach Wayracmachay (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), where a well-earned lunch awaits with spectacular views of Salkantay and Humantay. After a rest, the trail leads us deeper downhill for another three hours, transitioning from high Andean landscapes into the lush cloud forest and high jungle. As the climate grows warmer, we’ll pass through vibrant vegetation, spotting shrubs, orchids, bamboo, and even butterfly-adorned flora.

By late afternoon, we arrive at our cozy lodge in Chaullay (2,900 m / 9,514 ft). Here, you can relax in cabin-style cozy accommodations with, hot shower, and WiFi (not included). The day concludes with a delicious dinner before a well-deserved night’s rest.

• Accommodation: Local Lodge
• Distance: 20 km (12.5 miles)
• Hiking time: 10-11 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Lowest elevation: 2,900 meters (9,514 ft)
• Highest elevation: 4,632 meters (15,196 ft)
• Difficulty: Challenging

We begin the morning with the call of nature and a hearty breakfast to fuel the day ahead. Today’s section of the Salkantay Trek is relatively gentle, starting from our cozy lodge in Chaullay. The trail descends into the Santa Teresa Valley, surrounded by lush vegetation. Known as the High Jungle or Mountain Jungle, this region offers a warm, semi-tropical climate and is home to vibrant crops such as passion fruit, avocados, coffee, and traditional medicinal plants.

By midday, we reach our lodge in Lucmabamba, where a delicious lunch prepared by our local hosts awaits. After some well-deserved rest, we’ll dive into the Coffee Experience Tour—an immersive visit to an organic coffee farm. Here you’ll learn the full process of coffee cultivation, from harvest to roasting, and even prepare your own fresh cup of organic coffee. It’s an authentic, hands-on experience you won’t forget.

For those seeking extra relaxation, there’s an optional visit to the Cocalmayo hot springs (approximately one hour away by car, with an additional fee for transport and entry). A soak in these natural thermal baths is the perfect way to ease your muscles before returning to the lodge.

In the evening, we’ll share a tasty dinner and settle into our comfortable accommodations—drifting into a restful night’s sleep after another unforgettable day on the trail.

• Accommodation: Local lodge
• Distance:14 km / 8.5 miles
• Hiking Time: 6 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Lowest Elevation: 2,000 m/ 6,560 ft.
• Difficulty: Easy

We begin the day early with a hearty local breakfast before setting off from our lodge, located beside the original stone-paved Inca Trail. The journey starts with a two-and-a-half-hour ascent through coffee plantations, leading us to the highest point of the hike (2,818 m / 9,245 ft). After a short break to enjoy the views, we descend toward the archaeological site of Llactapata (2,750 m / 9,022 ft). From here, the distant sight of Machu Picchu unfolds against the backdrop of the Sacred Valley’s towering peaks, including Huayna Picchu, Vizcachani, Veronica, and the mighty Salkantay.

Following an exploration of Llactapata and insights from our guide about its historic link to Machu Picchu, we continue with a 90-minute descent into the Aobamba Valley, crossing a hanging bridge before reaching flat terrain. A short walk brings us to the Hydroelectric station (1,780 m /5,839 ft), where we pause for a well-deserved lunch around 1:00 p.m.

The adventure continues along the railway tracks and the Urubamba River (10 km / 6.2 miles) toward the town of Aguas Calientes (2,040 m / 6,692 ft). Along the way, you’ll enjoy close-up views of Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain. Travelers who prefer may opt for the train ride from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes (not included), a short 35-minute journey.

As we follow the Urubamba valley through the lush cloud forest, the path reveals a vibrant ecosystem filled with orchids, bromeliads, and possibly even sightings of Peru’s national bird, the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock. After roughly three hours, we arrive in Aguas Calientes around 5:00 p.m.

Here, you’ll settle into a comfortable hostel and enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, included in the Salkantay Trek Lodge package. During dinner, your guide will share key details about the following day’s visit to Machu Picchu and provide tips for exploring the site to its fullest (advance booking ensures access to the best circuits).

• Accommodation: Hostel.
• Distance: 20 km / 12.5 miles.
• Hiking Time: 9-10 hours.
• Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• Highest Elevation: 2,750 meters / 9,022 ft.
• Lowest Elevation: 1,780 meters / 5,839 ft.
• Difficulty Level: Moderate to challenging.

Today is the grand finale of your adventure—a full day dedicated to discovering the legendary sanctuary of Machu Picchu. To make the most of this extraordinary experience and witness the sunrise over the ancient citadel, the day begins early, with the schedule adjusted according to your reserved circuit and entry time.

After breakfast, your guide will meet you at the hostel and accompany you to the bus station. From there, a scenic 25–30 minute ride along winding mountain roads takes you to the entrance gate of Machu Picchu, located at 2,400 meters (7,850 feet). With passports and tickets in hand, you’ll pass through the checkpoint and begin your exploration according to the circuit assigned on your entry ticket.

A two-hour guided tour will bring Machu Picchu to life, unveiling its fascinating history through the urban and agricultural sectors, ceremonial plazas, and iconic viewpoints that have earned this site its place as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

For those seeking an extra challenge, optional hikes to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain are available (advance booking required due to limited permits). These climbs reward adventurers with breathtaking panoramas and unique perspectives of the citadel below.

After immersing yourself in the wonder of Machu Picchu, you may choose to descend by bus (not included) or hike down to Aguas Calientes in approximately 1.5 hours. There, you’ll have time to enjoy lunch at one of the town’s well-regarded restaurants (not included) and keep exploring the town before boarding the train to Ollantaytambo at 20:50 hrs. The journey takes less than two hours, after which you’ll be transferred back to Cusco. In total, the return trip takes around four hours.

Note: Train service is included in the standard package, but it is subject to availability. The Expedition Train 86 departs at 20:50 hrs.

If you prefer, you may upgrade to a different train service or purchase your own ticket directly. In that case, we will apply a $60 discount to the total price of your tour.

Here is the official link to the train company for your reference: Peru rail.

This is how we wrapped up our incredible adventure on the Salkantay Trek Lodge 5-days.