THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
A five-day crossing from high Andean ice to warm jungle, the Salkantay Trek takes you past Humantay Lake, over a 4,630 m pass and down through coffee valleys to Machu Picchu. Expect steep climbs, changing climates and nights in mountain and jungle cabins.
A five-day crossing from high Andean ice to warm jungle, the Salkantay Trek takes you past Humantay Lake, over a 4,630 m pass and down through coffee valleys to Machu Picchu. Expect steep climbs, changing climates and nights in mountain and jungle cabins.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Inca Jungle Trek | Sap Adventures · Cusco, Cusco
You wake before dawn in Cusco, board a quiet van and watch highland light crawl across potato fields as the Andes tighten around you.
challenging.
5 days.
Requires high level of fitness and experience with long uphill days at altitude; good cardiovascular conditioning recommended
You don’t need technical climbing skills, but you should be accustomed to long, multi-day hikes and have good cardiovascular fitness to handle altitude and steep sections.
The pass reaches about 4,630 m and includes sustained steep ascents; many hikers find the elevation the main challenge rather than technical terrain.
Humantay is a short side hike from Soraypampa—about 3 km round-trip—but the elevation gain makes it slow, so allow 2–3 hours for the excursion.
The itinerary includes return options via the Vistadome or Panorama train from Aguas Calientes; some legs (Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes) offer walking alternatives or a local train at extra cost.
Salkantay and the surrounding valleys were part of Inca ritual geography; local communities continue offerings to the Apus (mountain spirits) on high passes.
The route crosses fragile alpine and cloud-forest ecosystems—stick to trails, pack out waste and support operators that use established camps and local guides.
Inca Jungle Trek | Sap Adventures operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
Book with Inca Jungle Trek | Sap Adventures
Book directly with Inca Jungle Trek | Sap Adventures for the best rates and real-time scheduling.
Reserve Now