The Salkantay snow peak above Humantay lagoon

Nature · 13 days · The Salkantay pass

Luxury Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

The Salkantay pass on foot, with a lodge, a hot tub and a massage waiting at the end of each walking day. Luxury where nobody expects it.

Design this journey See the day by day

Private pricingA travel designer sends the full price for your dates within 24 hours.

What this journey is

Discover the secrets of Machu Picchu with an exceptional excursion along the original Inca route from Cusco. Experience the scenic path to this Inca citadel by embarking on a hike along the lesser-known Salkantay Trail.

Highlights

The Salkantay pass on footSix days walking to 4,600 m, with a lodge, a hot tub and a massage waiting at the end of each stage.

Machu Picchu after the walkArriving on foot changes the citadel. You have earned it, and the guide has the morning to explain it.

Cloud forest and glaciers in a weekThe route crosses from glacier to jungle in five days: few places in the world compress that much.

Humantay lagoon under the Salkantay range

Day by day

Lima and Cusco

Days 1–2
  • Day 1

    Arrival to Lima

    Welcome to Peru! Private transfer to your hotel in Lima, the City of Kings.

  • Day 2

    From Lima to Cusco

    Fly over the Andes to Cusco. Afternoon at leisure for acclimatization and Salkantay Trek briefing.

Sacred Valley

Days 3–4
  • Day 3

    The Sacred Valley

    Explore the Sacred Valley with a visit to the Pisac archaeological complex and a traditional hacienda.

  • Day 4

    Cusco

    Private city tour discovering Sacsayhuamán, San Blas, Qoricancha, and Santo Domingo monastery.

The Salkantay trek

Days 5–10
  • Day 5

    Salkantay Trek

    Begin your Salkantay Trek journey. Visit Tarawasi ruins and hike to Soraypampa. Overnight at Salkantay Lodge.

  • Day 6

    Salkantay Trek

    Relax and enjoy Soraypampa with a tranquil excursion to Lake Humantay. Outdoor jacuzzi and massage available.

  • Day 7

    Salkantay Trek

    Reach the highest point of the trek at Abra Salkantay (15,213 ft). Descend to Wayra Lodge for dinner and rest.

  • Day 8

    Salkantay Trek

    Descend into the cloud forest. Enjoy a traditional Pachamanca feast at Colpa Lodge. Outdoor jacuzzi available.

  • Day 9

    Salkantay Trek

    Walk alongside rural farms in the Santa Teresa River valley. Private transfer to Llactapata. Overnight at Lucma Lodge.

  • Day 10

    Salkantay Trek

    First glimpse of Machu Picchu from Llactapata Pass. Explore Llactapata ruins and take the train to Aguas Calientes.

Machu Picchu

Day 11
  • Day 11

    Machu Picchu

    Private guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel. Return to Aguas Calientes for a late lunch and train back to Ollantaytambo.

Ollantaytambo and home

Days 12–13
  • Day 12

    Exploring Ollantaytambo

    Discover the ancient town of Ollantaytambo, preserving its original Inca urban planning, including street canals, trapezoidal doorways, and the impressive Inca fortress.

  • Day 13

    Farewell

    Breakfast and planned transfer to Cusco airport for your return flight, carrying invaluable memories of your luxury Andean expedition.

Where you sleep and how you move. Hotels are chosen for each journey and named in your written proposal, with transport private throughout.

Questions

Is the Salkantay Trek suitable for beginners?

The Salkantay Trek is moderately challenging and suitable for hikers with a reasonable fitness level. Previous trekking experience is helpful but not required. Our expert guides will set a comfortable pace and provide support throughout the journey. The luxury lodges and daily massages help with recovery after each day's hike.

What is the altitude of the Salkantay Trek?

The highest point of the trek is Abra Salkantay at 15,213 feet (4,636 meters). The trek is designed with gradual acclimatization in mind, starting with nights in Cusco and the Sacred Valley before beginning the hike. Our lodges are equipped with oxygen and our guides are trained to handle altitude-related concerns.

What is the accommodation like during the trek?

You'll stay in luxury mountain lodges throughout the trek. These include Salkantay Lodge, Wayra Lodge, Colpa Lodge, and Lucma Lodge. Each offers comfortable beds, private bathrooms, hot showers, and outdoor jacuzzis. Some lodges also offer massage services to help you recover after hiking.

What should I pack for the Salkantay Trek?

Pack layers for varying temperatures: thermal base layers, fleece or wool mid-layers, waterproof jacket and pants, hiking boots, hiking poles, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, gloves, and a daypack. We'll provide a detailed packing list upon booking. Porters will carry your main luggage between lodges.

How do I get to Machu Picchu after the trek?

On Day 10, you'll take the train from the Santa Teresa area to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. On Day 11, you'll take a bus up to the Machu Picchu citadel for your private guided tour, then return to Aguas Calientes and take the train back to Ollantaytambo.

The glacier above the Salkantay pass

Extend your journey

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The first step

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alvalderrama@inkarainbow.com +51 906 974 952 How booking works