Departure from Cusco
Pickup and road transfer to Mollepata and the trailhead.
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Very early
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days
Machu Picchu trek ★★★★★5.0
Take a five-day journey from the high Andes into cloud forest and Machu Picchu. The route passes Soraypampa, Salkantay Pass at about 4,650 metres, Chaullay, Lucmabamba, Llactapata and Hydroelectric before reaching Aguas Calientes. This demanding trek includes camping, major climate changes and a final guided visit to the Inca citadel.
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General information
Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
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Start: early pickup in Cusco
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Finish: return to Cusco on the evening of day 5
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Service: group trek
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Languages: English and Spanish
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Difficulty: challenging
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Maximum altitude: about 4,650 m / 15,256 ft
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Distance: roughly 60–75 km / 37–47 mi, depending on route
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What to expect
Day 1
Cusco — Mollepata — Challacancha — Soraypampa
Challacancha
Group organization and gradual hike toward Soraypampa through mountain scenery.
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Trek begins
Soraypampa
Arrival, meals and rest at high altitude.
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Camp
Humantay Lake
Additional acclimatization hike depending on schedule, weather and group condition.
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Optional when conditions allow
Day 2
Soraypampa — Salkantay Pass — Huayracmachay — Chaullay
Ascent from Soraypampa
Sustained high-mountain climb toward the highest pass.
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Morning
Salkantay Pass
Cross the highest point with glacier views when weather permits.
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About 4,650 m
Huayracmachay
Descend for lunch and continue into a wetter environment.
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Descent
Chaullay
Reach the cloud forest for dinner and rest.
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Camp
Day 3
Chaullay — La Playa — Lucmabamba
Santa Teresa Valley
Descend among vegetation, rivers and warm-climate crops.
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Hike
La Playa
Break and contact with the local agricultural environment.
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Lunch
Lucmabamba
Reach the overnight area and rest.
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Camp
Cocalmayo
Optional hot springs visit with transportation and admission paid separately.
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Optional
Day 4
Lucmabamba — Llactapata — Hydroelectric — Aguas Calientes
Ascent to Llactapata
Hike a historic section with a steep climb.
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Morning
Llactapata viewpoint
First distant view of Machu Picchu on a clear day.
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Scenic view
Hydroelectric
Descend into the valley and pause before the final section.
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Lunch
Aguas Calientes
Final walk into town and lodging according to the confirmed category.
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Walk beside the railway
Day 5
Aguas Calientes — Machu Picchu — Ollantaytambo — Cusco
Access to Machu Picchu
Bus or walking ascent according to the confirmed package and option.
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Reserved entry time
Machu Picchu
Visit the circuit assigned on the admission ticket. Circuits cannot be freely selected that day.
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Guided visit
Aguas Calientes
Coordinated time to return to town and board the train.
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After the visit
Return to Cusco
Train to Ollantaytambo and road transfer to Cusco as booked.
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Afternoon or evening
What you should know
Recommended gear
- Original passport used for booking
- Daypack and waterproof liner
- Broken-in trekking boots
- Thermal clothing and layering system
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Hat, gloves, sunscreen and UV sunglasses
- Headlamp and spare batteries
- Reusable bottle, snacks and personal medication
- Repellent and hygiene items
- Peruvian soles and portable charger
Preparation, altitude and safety
Seek medical advice for heart, respiratory, blood-pressure, mobility or other relevant conditions. Never ignore altitude symptoms; tell the guide immediately. Obtain insurance covering high-altitude trekking, evacuation and trip changes. Follow instructions, hydrate, stay with the group and leave no waste. The operator may stop participation or arrange evacuation for safety, and uncovered costs remain the traveler’s responsibility.
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Before booking
This program requires good fitness and prior acclimatization in Cusco. Machu Picchu admission, circuit and train availability must be confirmed before payment. Camps, distances, meals and exact services may vary by season and package; review the final confirmation.
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Acclimatize in Cusco for at least 2 days before departure.
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Salkantay Pass exceeds 4,600 m and may bring cold, wind, rain or snow.
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Transported luggage has a confirmed limit; carry your own daypack.
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Machu Picchu uses named tickets with a fixed circuit and entry time.
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The route may change because of landslides, official closures, weather or group condition.
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Included
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- Pre-departure briefing
- Transportation from Cusco to the trailhead
- Professional bilingual guide
- Cook and trek meals according to the program
- Camping equipment and stated accommodation
- Pack horse for the permitted luggage allowance on enabled sections
- First-aid kit and emergency oxygen
- Machu Picchu admission and return transportation stated in confirmation
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Not included
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- Breakfast on day 1 and meals after the final visit
- Sleeping bag and trekking poles unless rented or expressly included
- Cocalmayo transport and admission
- Aguas Calientes–Machu Picchu bus unless listed
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
- Travel, evacuation or rescue insurance
- Water and snacks beyond the stated service
- Gratuities and personal expenses
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Location
Cusco, Peru
Frequently asked questions
How long should I acclimatize?
Allow at least two full days in Cusco before the trek, with light activity and good hydration.
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Is Humantay Lake guaranteed?
No. It is an additional visit depending on arrival time, weather, route and group condition.
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Which Machu Picchu circuit will I visit?
The available circuit is confirmed when the ticket is issued and is subject to official capacity.
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Where do we sleep?
Packages commonly combine route camps with lodging in Aguas Calientes. Your confirmation states the exact category.
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Can I rent a sleeping bag and poles?
Usually yes, at extra cost and with advance booking. Confirm rating, availability and price.
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What if the route closes?
The safest authorized alternative will be used. Extra costs depend on the cause, suppliers and your insurance.
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Reviews
5.0
70 reviews
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Rene is very passionate about the history of the places. He knows many histories of the places and the local culture.
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Hi! I'm Maribel from Argentina. What can I say about our amazing experience in Cusco! It was incredible! I traveled there in October to celebrate my birthday. Words can't describe the wonderful experience we had! Thank you, Lost in Peru, for providing everything we agreed upon, and much more! A company to hire without hesitation! We paid for our tour, including accommodation, all covered by the company. Congratulations and may you continue to grow! I will definitely contact you again to plan my return trip to Peru! See you soon! Greetings from Argentina! Sending you kisses! Maria, Melissa, Ana, and Maribel
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I feel incredibly fortunate and grateful to have connected with such a wonderful company as Lost in Peru, with its amazing people. From the very first contact, over 3,000 km away, they arranged our entire stay, accommodations, transfers, guided tours, and much more, with remarkable kindness. And as if that weren't enough, they welcomed us and said goodbye with beautiful gifts. THANK YOU!! Highly recommended, without a doubt. Tupananchiskama
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Voy a recomendarlos siempre! Fue una experiencia maravillosa viajar a Perú con Lost in Perú. Estuvieron atentos todo momento, puntuales, en cada detalle y respondiendo todas las consultas...gracias por hacer de nuestro viaje, un viaje inolvidable...
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I highly recommend Lost in Peru!!! I want to thank everyone, especially Bertha and Alonso, for their attention during those 10 days of the tour!!! Also, thank you for the gift!!! I'm so happy to have visited Peru!!! Lost in Peru...thank you so much for everything!!! 🥰❤️🇦🇷
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