This five-day Salkantay route pairs high-Andean challenge with unexpected comforts—from glass cabanas beneath glaciers to a Hobbit House in the cloud forest—ending at Machu Picchu. Read on for what to expect, how to prepare, and local insights for a safer, more rewarding trek.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You wake before dawn in Cusco, the air sharp and thin, boarding a van that climbs through Andean valleys toward Soraypampa. By mid-morning the mountains close in: Salkantay’s glacier stares down like a slow-moving force, and the trail ahead alternates between wind-swept ridgelines and shady cloud-forest gullies.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
5 days
Fitness Level
Good aerobic fitness and previous day-hike experience are recommended; comfortable with sustained uphill and downhill hiking at altitude.
Wildlife
History
Sections of the route follow original Inca paths and pass small archaeological sites like Llactapata that once connected local communities to the Inca heartland.
Conservation
Choose operators that use local porters, limit camp waste, and follow leave-no-trace practices; stick to marked trails to protect fragile high-altitude vegetation.
Reserve your spot on the Salkantay Trek 5D/4N with Glass Cabins, Domes & Hobbit House 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 doing light activity before the trek to reduce altitude sickness risk.
Stagger your pace on the pass
The ascent to Salkantay Pass is steep and high—use short, steady steps and take breaks to breathe and hydrate.
Protect against sun and cold
High-altitude sun and cold nights demand a sun hat, SPF, and an insulated jacket; layer for rapid temperature swings.
Respect local systems
Bring reusable water bottles to refill at provided stations and tip porters and guides for local support.
Sturdy hiking boots
Support and traction for steep, rocky ascents and muddy jungle trails.
Insulated down jacket
Warmth for nights at high camps and the cold Salkantay Pass.
Hydration system (2–3 L)
Keeps you hydrated at altitude where exertion dehydrates quickly.
Lightweight rain shell
Necessary during the wet season to stay dry on jungle approaches and afternoon storms.
summer