Unlike the Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek has no permit restrictions and no quotas — but it is more physically demanding and scenically diverse. You’ll sleep under stars at over 4,000m, wake up to glacial mountain views, walk through bamboo forest, and arrive at Machu Picchu having earned every step.
Our senior guides have walked this exact route hundreds of times under the direction of Wayra, who built this program. The team — expert chef, support staff, pack animals — ensures you walk light and eat extraordinarily well throughout.
Senior certified guide
All meals included
Trek chef
Trekking · Camping
5 Days · 4 Nights
4,650m pass · 74km
No permit required
Itinerary
| Day 1 | Cusco → Soraypampa → Humantay Lake 4:00 AM pickup from Cusco. 3.5-hour drive to Soraypampa (3,850m). Optional morning detour to Humantay Lake (+$5 entrance). Afternoon acclimatization walk with your guide. Chef prepares first dinner at camp. Night at Soraypampa (3,850m). |
| Day 2 | Salkantay Pass — The Big Day (4,650m) Earliest start — 5:00 AM. 6–7 hour hike to the summit of Salkantay Pass at 4,650m, in the shadow of the 6,271m Salkantay peak. Your lead guide performs a traditional Pago a la Tierra (offering to Mother Earth) at the pass — a ceremony that honors Pachamama and the sacred Salkantay Apu. Descent to Chaullay for lunch. Night in camp at Challwaq (2,900m). The hardest day is done. |
| Day 3 | Cloud Forest & Jungle Descent Wake up in the cloud forest. Hike through dramatically changing vegetation — from Andean scrub to bamboo, orchids, and ferns. 4–5 hour hike to La Playa or Colpa camp. Optional: visit local coffee and cacao farms. Night at camp or local hostel (2,100m). |
| Day 4 | Jungle Walk to Aguas Calientes Morning hike or optional zip-line through the jungle canopy. Walk to Hidroeléctrica station along the railway tracks — a beautiful 2-hour flat walk beside the Urubamba River. Arrive Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). Check in to your hotel. Free afternoon to explore town, hot springs ($10), and prepare for tomorrow. |
| Day 5 | Machu Picchu 5:00 AM early bus to Machu Picchu entrance. Beat the crowds to the Sun Gate for the most iconic view of the citadel at sunrise. 2-hour expert guided tour of the full citadel. Free time at Machu Picchu. Early afternoon train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. Private transfer back to Cusco. Arrive approximately 20:00. |
What’s Included
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✓ Included ✓ All transport: Cusco pickup, van to trailhead, train return, transfer to Cusco ✓ 4 nights accommodation: 3 nights camping + 1 night hostel in Aguas Calientes ✓ All meals: breakfast days 1–5, lunch days 1–4, dinner days 1–4 (trek chef) ✓ Professional senior lead guide + assistant guide (trained by Wayra) ✓ Trekking chef and cooking equipment ✓ Pack horses/mules for camp equipment ✓ Camping equipment: tents, sleeping mats, dining tent, kitchen tent ✓ Machu Picchu entrance ticket ✓ Return train ticket Aguas Calientes → Ollantaytambo (Expedition class) ✓ Bus Aguas Calientes ↔ Machu Picchu (round-trip) ✓ First aid kit and emergency oxygen |
✗ Not Included ✗ Sleeping bag ($20 USD rental — recommend own bag rated to -5°C) ✗ Trekking poles ($10 rental available) ✗ Tips: guide $15–20/day, chef $10/day, assistant $8/day (recommended) ✗ Huayna Picchu Mountain ticket (+$53 USD) ✗ Hot springs in Aguas Calientes (~$10 USD) ✗ Vistadome train upgrade (+$75 USD) ✗ Personal travel and medical insurance (required) ✗ Alcoholic beverages |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this trek more difficult than the Inca Trail?
It’s comparable but different. The Salkantay Pass (4,650m) is higher than the Inca Trail’s Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215m). However, the Salkantay Trek covers more diverse terrain and some find the gradual altitude gain easier to manage. Both are challenging — physical fitness preparation is essential.
Do I need the Inca Trail permit for Salkantay?
No — this is the major advantage of the Salkantay Trek over the Inca Trail. There are no permits required, no quotas, and you can book at any time. However, Machu Picchu entrance tickets still need advance booking.
How many people can I expect on the trail?
The Salkantay has grown in popularity but is far less crowded than the Inca Trail, especially on the first 3 days. Days 4–5 see more trekkers as you approach Aguas Calientes.
What is the minimum fitness level required?
You should be able to hike 6–8 hours a day with a daypack for 5 consecutive days. The altitude is the biggest factor. We recommend cardio training for at least 4 weeks before the trek. Your guide will pace the group conservatively on Day 2 (Salkantay Pass).
What’s the difference between the 4-day and 5-day options?
The 5-day version includes the optional Humantay Lake detour on Day 1 and a more relaxed pace. The 4-day version skips Humantay Lake and compresses the itinerary. We strongly recommend the 5-day for first-time trekkers.
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Upgrade: Book This Tour Privately with Wayra
Want the founder’s personal experience? Adrián ‘Wayra’ Yabar Luna, 35 years of guiding, trilingual (Spanish/English/Quechua), featured in El Comercio, is available for private tours exclusively. Private groups (2–6 people) get Wayra himself as your guide: deeper stories, flexible pace, personal Andean spiritual insights, and a truly one-of-a-kind experience. Contact us on WhatsApp to get your private tour quote.
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