Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: A 5-Day Adventure with Tour Leaders Peru

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is one of the most thrilling and visually captivating adventures in Peru, offering a dynamic mix of natural beauty, challenging paths, and cultural immersion. Tour Leaders Peru’s 5-day guided trek brings the landscape, culture, and history of the region to life, providing an unforgettable experience that rivals even the famous Inca Trail.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you can expect from this journey, from stunning mountain vistas and lush cloud forests to the grand finale at Machu Picchu itself.

Day 1: The Journey Begins - Cusco to Soraypampa

Highlights:

• Altitude Acclimatization in Mollepata
• Scenic Hike to Humantay Lake
• Overnight Stay at Soraypampa

Your Salkantay Trek begins in Cusco, where you’ll be picked up early in the morning by your Tour Leaders Peru guides. The drive from Cusco to Mollepata, a quaint town at 2,800 meters above sea level, provides a smooth start to your trek and offers time for breakfast and last-minute preparations. This initial stretch helps with altitude acclimatization, preparing your body for higher altitudes ahead.

From Mollepata, the group continues to Soraypampa (3,900 meters), where you’ll get your first taste of the stunning Andean landscape. The highlight of the day is a side trek to Humantay Lake, a mesmerizing turquoise glacial lake with Humantay Mountain as its backdrop. This moderate hike takes around 2-3 hours, and the beauty of the lake rewards every step. After returning to camp, you’ll settle in for your first night under the stars, surrounded by towering mountains.

Day 2: Challenging Heights - Soraypampa to Chaullay

Highlights:

• Conquering the Salkantay Pass
• Breathtaking Andean Views
• Descending into Cloud Forest

Day two is one of the most challenging days but also the most rewarding. Early in the morning, you’ll set out from Soraypampa towards the Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the trek at 4,650 meters. The ascent is steep, but with the encouragement of Tour Leaders Peru’s experienced guides, the journey becomes manageable.

Reaching the Salkantay Pass is a monumental achievement, offering awe-inspiring views of Mount Salkantay, one of Peru’s highest and most sacred peaks. After taking in the scenery and snapping some memorable photos, the trek continues with a descent into the cloud forest. As you make your way down, the landscape transitions from rugged alpine terrain to lush greenery, abundant with orchids, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. The day ends at Chaullay, where you’ll camp overnight, surrounded by tropical foliage.

Day 3: Into the Jungle - Chaullay to La Playa

Highlights:

• Exploration of Lush Cloud Forest
• Rich Biodiversity
• Visit to Local Coffee Plantations

On day three, you’ll truly experience the cloud forest’s wonders. The hike from Chaullay to La Playa takes you through dense vegetation, with rivers, waterfalls, and an array of flora and fauna. Your knowledgeable Tour Leaders Peru guides will point out exotic plants, colorful butterflies, and maybe even spot a few Andean birds along the way.

A highlight of this leg of the journey is a visit to a local coffee plantation. Here, you’ll learn about traditional coffee-growing techniques and enjoy a freshly brewed cup of Peruvian coffee. This hands-on experience is a great way to support local farmers and appreciate the region's agricultural heritage. You’ll spend the night in La Playa, a small village offering a warm, friendly atmosphere.

Day 4: Llactapata Inca Trail to Aguas Calientes

Highlights:

• Hiking the Llactapata Inca Trail
• First Glimpses of Machu Picchu
• Arrival in Aguas Calientes

Day four begins with a trek along the Llactapata Inca Trail, a lesser-known section of ancient Inca pathways that provide a unique perspective on Machu Picchu. As you hike, your guide will share insights into the Inca civilization, making this not only a physical journey but also an enriching historical experience.

Reaching Llactapata ruins offers a special reward: your first view of Machu Picchu from a distance. The sight is breathtaking and serves as a reminder of what awaits the next day. After spending some time at Llactapata, you’ll descend to the Hydroelectric Station and take a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes, the gateway town to Machu Picchu. You’ll spend the night in a comfortable hotel, enjoying a hot shower and a good meal in preparation for the following day’s highlight.

Day 5: The Grande Finale - Exploring Machu Picchu

Highlights:

• Guided Tour of Machu Picchu
• Optional Hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
• Return to Cusco

The fifth and final day of the Salkantay Trek brings you to the highlight of the entire journey: Machu Picchu. After an early breakfast, you’ll take a short bus ride to the entrance, arriving just in time for the sunrise over the ancient citadel. This magical moment is a perfect culmination of your five-day adventure.

Tour Leaders Peru’s guides will provide a thorough tour of Machu Picchu, explaining its significance, architectural marvels, and history. For those who have the energy, there’s an option to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, both of which offer panoramic views of the citadel and surrounding valleys. After exploring Machu Picchu, you’ll return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and then catch the train back to Cusco, bringing this unforgettable journey to a close.

Why Choose Tour Leaders Peru for the Salkantay Trek?

• Expert Guides and Local Knowledge: Tour Leaders Peru’s guides are local experts with extensive knowledge of the Salkantay region. They offer a unique perspective on the trek and provide invaluable support, making the journey safe and enjoyable for everyone.
• Sustainable and Responsible Travel: Tour Leaders Peru is committed to sustainable tourism, supporting local communities and minimizing environmental impact. The company partners with local farms, artisans, and coffee growers to provide an authentic cultural experience, benefiting both travelers and locals alike.
• Top-Notch Equipment and Support Team: From camping gear to meals, Tour Leaders Peru takes care of all the details, so you can focus on the adventure. The support team includes chefs who prepare hearty, nutritious meals to keep you fueled, and porters who carry most of the equipment, allowing you to enjoy the trek without the burden of a heavy backpack.
• Customizable Options and Flexibility: Tour Leaders Peru offers options for travelers with different fitness levels and preferences. They can tailor aspects of the itinerary to suit your needs, and optional add-ons like hikes up Huayna Picchu ensure a personalized experience.

Preparing for the Salkantay Trek

• Physical Preparation: The Salkantay Trek is a challenging journey, and it’s recommended that travelers be in good physical condition. Regular cardiovascular exercises, such as hiking, running, and stair climbing, can help you prepare for the high-altitude trek.
• Packing Essentials: Pack smart with essentials like sturdy hiking boots, a high-quality sleeping bag, layered clothing for changing weather conditions, and essential toiletries. Tour Leaders Peru will provide a comprehensive packing list to ensure you’re well-prepared.
• Acclimatization Tips: Altitude sickness is a common concern, so it’s advised to spend at least two days in Cusco before the trek to acclimate. Drinking plenty of water, avoiding alcohol, and taking it easy on the first day will also help you adjust to the higher elevation.

Conclusion

The 5 day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with Tour Leaders Peru is an adventure that goes beyond a typical travel experience. From the breathtaking Salkantay Pass to the serene beauty of Machu Picchu, this trek immerses you in Peru’s natural and cultural richness. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a first-time adventurer, Tour Leaders Peru ensures a seamless, safe, and truly enriching journey that will leave you with memories for a lifetime.