Machu Picchu

SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU

(7)

Hiking

What you'll do

The Salkantay Trek is one of Peru’s most breathtaking journeys, blending stunning mountain landscapes, ancient Inca paths, and lush jungle ecosystems before culminating in the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu. Over five days, you’ll cross diverse terrains, stay in unique lodges like glass cabins and even a Hobbit House, and immerse yourself in the magic of the Andes. Each day brings a new adventure: crystal-blue lakes, high passes beneath towering glaciers, coffee plantations, waterfalls, and finally, the citadel itself. It’s a journey through time, nature, and living culture. For sure, you won’t forget this adventure easily!

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Cusco

As soon as you arrive in Cusco, you’ll have a briefing with your guide at 6:00 PM, and you set into your hotel to rest after the journey. If you arrive earlier, enjoy a stroll through the city’s cobblestone streets, its mix of Inca and colonial architecture, and lively plazas. Have an early dinner and a good night’s sleep—your adventure begins the next morning.

Day 2 – Into the Andes & the Turquoise Jewel

Your adventure starts bright and early (pick up time 4/4.30 AM) with a 3-hour drive from Cusco through valleys and villages. Upon arrival in Soraypampa (3,900m / 12,795 ft), you’ll be welcomed at our exclusive Glass Cabañas. After breakfast in your stunning accommodation, you’ll hike up to the beautiful Humantay Lake, a turquoise gem cradled beneath glaciers. Take your time to enjoy the crisp air and jaw-dropping views before heading back for lunch. In the afternoon, relax or join a hands-on Andean cooking class. The day ends with a hearty dinner and stargazing from your glass retreat. Distance: 13 km (8.1 mi) | Elevation Gain/Loss: +760 m (+2,493 ft) / –600 m (–1,968 ft) | Time: 6–7 hours

Day 3 – Conquering the Salkantay Pass

Fuel up with an early breakfast, today’s the big one! You’ll hike gradually upward, resting at Salkantay Pampa before continuing to Soyrococha for a glacier-side lunch. The final push takes you to the mighty Salkantay Pass, the trek’s highest point, where the panoramic views are unforgettable. After honoring Pachamama (mother earth), you’ll descend into greener valleys and end the day at the camp in Wayracmachay with the comfort of glass domes, dining, and sleeping under a sky full of stars. Distance: 14 km (8.7 mi) | Elevation Gain/Loss: +830 m (+2,723 ft) / –870 m (–2,854 ft) | Time: 7–8 hours

Day 4 – From Peaks to Jungle & the Hobbit House

Wake up with tea at your door, then start a scenic descent as the Andes give way to lush high jungle. You’ll hike past waterfalls, orchids, and coffee plantations, stopping in Colpapampa for a jungle-inspired lunch. By late afternoon, you’ll reach Loreta and your whimsical Hobbit House, hidden among the trees. Hot showers, cozy beds, and the sounds of the forest make this a magical place to rest after a long day on the trail. Distance: 18 km (11.1 mi) | Elevation Gain/Loss: +140 m (+459 ft) / –1,740 m (–5,709 ft) | Time: 7–8 hours

Day 5 – Inca Trails & the First Glimpse of Machu Picchu

Today combines history, culture, and nature. After breakfast, a short drive takes you to Lucmabamba, where you’ll hike a preserved section of the original Inca Trail. The climb leads to Llactapata, a fascinating site with a rare view of Machu Picchu from across the valley. After lunch at Hidroelectrica, you’ll follow railway tracks through a biodiverse canyon toward Aguas Calientes. With waterfalls, orchids, and wildlife along the way, it’s the perfect prelude to tomorrow’s visit to the legendary citadel. Distance: 22.1 km (13.7 mi) | Elevation Gain/Loss: +1,280 m (+4,199 ft) / –1,210 m (–3,970 ft) | Time: 7–8 hours

Day 6 – The Wonder of Machu Picchu

The grand finale of your trek! After an early breakfast, you’ll board one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu. Your guide will take you to the classic postcard viewpoint before leading a comprehensive tour through the citadel’s most iconic areas. Expect to learn about the Incas’ genius in architecture, spirituality, and engineering while soaking up breathtaking views. If you’ve pre-booked Huayna Picchu, you’ll enjoy an extra climb with stunning aerial perspectives. Afterward, return to Aguas Calientes for free time before catching the train to Ollantaytambo and a private transfer back to Cusco (ETA 7:30/8:00 PM), arriving in the evening with memories to last a lifetime. Distance: 10+ km (6.2+ mi) | Elevation Gain/Loss: +460 m (+1,509 ft) / –480 m (–1,574 ft) | Time: N/A (guided tours)

Important stuff

From the highest peaks to the hidden trails, we've got your back

100% Guaranteed Departures

Once you book, your trip is guaranteed to run, allowing you to book your flights with confidence.

Flexible Changes

Want to change your departure date or trip? No problem—enjoy maximum flexibility to make changes up to 60 days before departure.

Comprehensive Insurance & Assistance

Travel with peace of mind. Our insurance package covers accidents and rescue during outdoor activities, medical expenses, and luggage protection, as well as trip cancellations and 24/7 medical assistance from our insurance partner.

100% Guaranteed Departures: Once you book, your trip is guaranteed to run, allowing you to book your flights with confidence.
Flexible Changes: Want to change your departure date or trip? No problem—enjoy maximum flexibility to make changes up to 60 days before departure.
Comprehensive Insurance & Assistance: Travel with peace of mind. Our insurance package covers accidents and rescue during outdoor activities, medical expenses, and luggage protection, as well as trip cancellations and 24/7 medical assistance from our insurance partner.

see more on How it works

What's included

Accident insurance

Medical and luggage insurance

Travel cancellation insurance

Hiking Guide

Cook to prepare meals

Pre-trip briefing in Cusco

Mules carry gear and your 7 kg of items

Hotel pick-up in central Cusco

Water after first 4 hours (bring your own initially)

Tent with tables and chairs for meals

Big shared tents for two (spacious for comfort)

Entrance tickets to the Sacred Valley, Salkantay, and Machu Picchu included

Guidance by an experienced, English-speaking tour guide

Personal duffle bag provided for trek belongings (up to 7 kilos)

Porter service to carry duffle bags, accessible only at evening campsites

Round-trip bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu

Return train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Cusco on the Expedition class

Safety gear including a first aid kit, oxygen tank, and satellite phone for the trek

1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes

5 breakfasts

Accommodation in tents

1 night in Cusco (3-star hotel)

Machu Picchu entrance

Flight

Visa (if applicable)

Transport from airport

Transport to airport

Extra food and drinks

Everything not mentioned in the “What’s included”

Tips

Optional Huayna Picchu Mountain climb available for $75 per person, must be booked in advance

Expenditure of personal nature

Dinner on Day 1

All the meals not mentioned in the what's included section

Lunch and dinner on the last day

Sleeping Bag rental: $30

Inflatable Air Mattress rental: $25

Walking Sticks (Pair) rental: $22

Accommodations

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3-star hotel in Cusco - Day 1

Your classic 3-star hotel in Cusco offers comfort and charm double rooms. You can enjoy friendly services, and warm décor with local touches. Perfect for resting before setting off on the adventure.

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Glass Cabanas - Day 2

Situated in Soraypampa at an elevation of 3,800 meters, these cabanas provide us with stunning views of glacier peaks, offering an unmatched setting for photography. We enjoy the luxurious ambiance and have the privilege to witness spectacular sunrises and sunsets from this unique vantage point.

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Dome Accommodation, Wayracmachay Campsite - Day 3

Enjoy a unique night surrounded by nature, resting in cozy domes specially prepared for you. Upon arrival at the campsite, you’ll find everything ready, including your belongings and warm water for you to freshen up. After changing into warmer clothes, you can relax during happy hour with a hot drink like chocolate or coffee, followed by a homemade dinner served in the mountain’s warmth. As night falls, don’t miss the clear sky filled with Inca constellations that light up the experience.

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Hobbit House - Day 4

As we head to the Hobbit Houses, we enjoy the sights of lovely plants, animals, waterfalls, and rivers. When we arrive, our rooms feel cozy with sleeping bags, hot showers, and a jacuzzi area. We can also buy drinks. The staff make our stay special with their friendly service. We eat dinner with views of the Salkantay River and stargaze at the beautiful night sky.

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Aguas Calientes Hotel - Day 5

This marks our final rest stop before visiting Machu Picchu. Our exceptional hotel is equipped with Wi-Fi, hot showers, and offers a cozy spot to relax after our day's hike. Nearby, we find local hot springs available for an entry fee of ten soles. In the evening, our local partner treats us to our last dinner, preparing us for the next day's adventure.

Guides

Raul & Alpaca Expeditions

Raul is the owner and director of Alpaca Expeditions. They have tour guides 100% local. They mastered the craft of leading groups through the most beautiful places and over the highest elevations without losing any bit of information and any tip to make the hiking more enjoyable. All the guides have graduated in Tourism and passed tests to be able to guide along the treks.

Meeting point

Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Cusco Region, Machu Picchu, Perù

Frequently asked questions

Departures

All departures are guaranteed to run

August 2026

Wed

19 Aug

5:00 PM

Mon

24 Aug

8:00 PM

Sold Out

1240 €

(409 € deposit)

Ambassador

Tue

25 Aug

5:00 PM

Sun

30 Aug

8:00 PM

Sold Out

1240 €

(409 € deposit)

August 2026

Wed

19 Aug

5:00 PM

Mon

24 Aug

8:00 PM

1240 €

(409 € deposit)

Sold Out

Ambassador

Tue

25 Aug

5:00 PM

Sun

30 Aug

8:00 PM

1240 €

(409 € deposit)

Sold Out

October 2026

Sun

4 Oct

5:00 PM

Fri

9 Oct

8:00 PM

Sold Out

1240 €

(409 € deposit)

Mon

5 Oct

5:00 PM

Sat

10 Oct

8:00 PM

Sold Out

1240 €

(409 € deposit)

Thu

15 Oct

5:00 PM

Tue

20 Oct

8:00 PM

Confirmed

9 spots left

1240 €

(409 € deposit)

Ambassador

October 2026

Sun

4 Oct

5:00 PM

Fri

9 Oct

8:00 PM

1240 €

(409 € deposit)

Sold Out

Mon

5 Oct

5:00 PM

Sat

10 Oct

8:00 PM

1240 €

(409 € deposit)

Sold Out

Thu

15 Oct

5:00 PM

Tue

20 Oct

8:00 PM

1240 €

(409 € deposit)

Confirmed

9 spots left

Ambassador

November 2026

Mon

2 Nov

5:00 PM

Sat

7 Nov

8:00 PM

Sold Out

1240 €

(409 € deposit)

November 2026

Mon

2 Nov

5:00 PM

Sat

7 Nov

8:00 PM

1240 €

(409 € deposit)

Sold Out

June 2027

Tue

15 Jun

5:00 PM

Sun

20 Jun

8:00 PM

Confirmed

8 spots left

1240 €

(409 € deposit)

Ambassador

Thu

24 Jun

5:00 PM

Tue

29 Jun

8:00 PM

Confirmed

6 spots left

1240 €

(409 € deposit)

Ambassador

June 2027

Tue

15 Jun

5:00 PM

Sun

20 Jun

8:00 PM

1240 €

(409 € deposit)

Confirmed

8 spots left

Ambassador

Thu

24 Jun

5:00 PM

Tue

29 Jun

8:00 PM

1240 €

(409 € deposit)

Confirmed

6 spots left

Ambassador

Reviews 4.3

7 total

J T (Jun 2026)

Josh adventures are the best!!! Ever since I went on Josh’s climbing trip in Mallorca I have had nothing but the best moments, friends, and memories become a part of my life! Peru was no different. Such invaluable time and memories spent on this trip that I would not trade for anything! Can’t wait for the next trip with Josh! Best host ever!!!

Matthew Q. (Jun 2026)

Setting up with MapoTapo was incredibly easy. I really admired how informative the company was and I felt like anything I needed to know was laid out well. Cancellation wise the company is not the most accommodating and a friend of mine was not able to come or get his money back. As long as you commit it is worth it.

Avery (Jun 2026)

Holy cow, life changing trip!!!! It was so much fun, the food was excellent, the guides were fun, friendly, and knowledgeable. And the people on the trip were very fun to be around. 10/10 would go on another MapoTapo trip!

Joshua (Jun 2026)

One of the best trips i've had in my life. The people that I met and memories i made will last a lifetime, and i will definitely be doing more trips with them.

Emily (Jun 2026)

Mapo Tapo was quick to answer any questions related to the trip. They set us up with the most amazing guides for the Salkantay Trek, I highly recommend Alpaca Expeditions. It was unclear however that we would be paired up with another group on the hike.