Trade crowded tracks for high passes, glamping camps, and an approach to Machu Picchu that crosses glaciers, cloudforest, and coffee valleys. This 5-day Salkantay trek pairs tough ascents with comfortable camps and hot springs en route.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Dawn arrives cold and sharp at Soraypampa. Steam from thermoses curls into a sky fretted with the jagged silhouette of Salkantay; underfoot, packed trail dust gives way to scree and then to the turquoise bowl of Humantay Lake. Over five days you’ll move from high Andean tundra to humid cloudforest, each ecosystem changing the soundtrack—the wind testing the ridges, a river daring you on switchbacks, and the jungle answering with the hum of insects.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
5 days
Fitness Level
Good aerobic fitness with prior day-hiking experience and ability to handle sustained uphill at altitude; ability to walk 6–10 hours across varied terrain helps.
Wildlife
History
The route parallels lesser-known Inca terraces and caminos that fed imperial centers; Salkantay itself was venerated as an Apu (mountain spirit) in Andean cosmology.
Conservation
Trail use and glamping setups should minimize impact—stick to established camps, pack out waste, and support local guides who employ sustainable practices.
Reserve your spot on the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days 4 Nights by Glamping today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize in Cusco first
Spend at least 24–48 hours in Cusco doing light activity to reduce altitude sickness risk before beginning the trek.
Layer for rapid temperature change
Temperatures swing from freezing at the pass to warm in the jungle—pack breathable base layers, an insulating mid-layer and a waterproof shell.
Limit your daypack weight
Only carry essentials (water, snacks, layers, camera); horses carry up to 6 kg of personal items on this trip.
Reserve Machu Picchu add-ons early
If you want Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, book those entrance slots well before your trek as they sell out.
Sturdy waterproof hiking boots
Support and traction for steep, rocky ascents and wet jungle descents.
Mid-weight down or synthetic insulated jacket
Warmth for nights at 3,000–4,600 m and wind-exposed passes.
Trekking poles
Reduce knee strain on long descents and provide stability on loose scree.
Water purification tablets or filter
Useful for topping up water from natural sources when boiled water isn’t available.