The Salkantay Trek 5 Days is an extraordinary journey through Peru’s Andean highlands, connecting majestic mountain landscapes with the lush tropical valleys leading to Machu Picchu. Renowned for its raw beauty and cultural depth, this trek is a favorite among adventurers seeking an alternative to the Inca Trail. Below is a more detailed breakdown of the trek.
The Salkantay Trek is a transformative adventure that combines the raw beauty of nature, physical challenge, and cultural exploration, ultimately rewarding hikers with the awe-inspiring sight of Machu Picchu.
Here’s a detailed Salkantay Trek Itinerary – a popular and scenic alternative to the Inca Trail, leading to the legendary Machu Picchu:
Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa (Humantay Lake)
- Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles) | Duration: 5-6 hours | Altitude: 3,800 m (12,467 ft)
- Highlights:
- Start with an early morning drive from Cusco to Mollepata.
- Begin the hike through picturesque valleys and mountain landscapes.
- Reach Soraypampa, the first campsite.
- Optional hike to Humantay Lake – a stunning turquoise glacial lake at the base of Humantay Mountain.
- Overnight: Soraypampa campsite.
Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Chaullay
- Distance: 22 km (13.7 miles) | Duration: 8-10 hours | Altitude: 4,650 m (15,255 ft) at the highest point
- Highlights:
- Early morning ascent to the trek’s highest point: Salkantay Pass (4,650 m). Enjoy incredible views of snow-capped Salkantay Mountain.
- Descend into the cloud forest, passing dramatic landscapes of glaciers, waterfalls, and lush vegetation.
- Arrive at Chaullay for the second night.
- Overnight: Chaullay campsite.
Day 3: Chaullay – La Playa – Lucmabamba
- Distance: 16 km (10 miles) | Duration: 5-6 hours | Altitude: 2,000 m (6,562 ft)
- Highlights:
- Trek through the tropical cloud forest, passing coffee plantations, waterfalls, and vibrant flora.
- Arrive at La Playa or Lucmabamba, where you can visit local coffee farms and enjoy a coffee-tasting experience.
- Relax and take in the lush jungle surroundings.
- Overnight: Lucmabamba campsite or lodge.
Day 4: Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Aguas Calientes
- Distance: 15 km (9.3 miles) | Duration: 6-7 hours | Altitude: 2,800 m (9,186 ft)
- Highlights:
- Hike to the archaeological site of Llactapata, where you’ll get a distant, first glimpse of Machu Picchu.
- Descend through lush forests to Hidroeléctrica.
- Walk alongside train tracks to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.
- Overnight: Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
- Highlights:
- Early morning bus or hike up to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of the iconic ancient Inca citadel.
- Explore Machu Picchu’s main attractions, such as the Sun Gate, Intihuatana stone, and terraces.
- Optional hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for panoramic views (requires advance permits).
- Return to Aguas Calientes, take the train to Ollantaytambo, and transfer back to Cusco.
Salkantay Trek Key Information
- Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
- Distance: ~72 km (45 miles)
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
- Best Time to Visit: April to October (dry season)
This Salkantay Trek itinerary offers a blend of adventure, diverse landscapes, and cultural experiences, ending with the awe-inspiring beauty of Machu Picchu.
