A five-day private trek from Cusco over the Salkantay pass to Machu Picchu, mixing alpine crossings, cloud forest walks and a final arrival at the citadel. Expect high-altitude challenges, varied ecosystems and home-stay accommodation.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Dawn in the high Andes arrives with thin light and the hiss of breath in cold air. You board a vehicle from Cusco before 4:00 a.m., and the road winds up toward Soraypampa where the trailhead opens to glaciers and a skyline dominated by the Apu Salkantay. The pass at roughly 4,600 m presses the lungs; above, Salkantay’s icefields watch like a slow-moving clock.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
5 days (approx. 30–40 hours hiking)
Fitness Level
Good cardiovascular fitness and prior high-altitude hiking experience recommended; be comfortable with steep ascents and long days.
Wildlife
History
The route crosses territories used by the Inca for pilgrimage and trade; terraces and waterworks in the valleys reflect centuries of Andean agricultural engineering.
Conservation
Stick to marked trails, pack out waste and use local guides to support community-based tourism; fragile puna and cloud forest habitats recover slowly from trampling.
Reserve your spot on the 5-Day Private Guided Salkantay Trek from Cusco with Accommodation today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize in Cusco
Spend 48–72 hours in Cusco before the trek to lower risk of altitude sickness; start slowly and drink extra water.
Layer for temperature swings
Bring a warm midlayer and a waterproof shell—the days can be sunny and cold at high passes and hot and humid in the jungle.
Footwear matters
Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots with good ankle support will help on rocky descents and muddy jungle sections.
Carry cash for extras
Small vendors and some stops (hot springs, tips, snacks) prefer cash; bring Peruvian soles in small denominations.
Waterproof hiking boots
Support and traction for high-altitude passes, rocky descents and wet jungle trails.
Insulating midlayer (fleece/down)
Cold mornings at 4,600 m require a reliable warm layer between base and shell.
Hydration system (2–3L)
High effort and altitude increase fluid needs—carry enough water and a purification option.
Lightweight rain shell
Cloud forest and mountain weather change fast; a breathable waterproof shell keeps you dry and warm.