From Cusco: Salkantay trek 5 days/4 nights meals included

The striking thing about this five-day trek is the change of worlds: you climb to the high, cold Salkantay Pass, then descend through warmer valleys before reaching Machu Picchu on foot. Along the way, you see Humantay Lake, visit Llactapata, and spend several nights out in the mountains.

I like two things in particular: the route gives you a proper mountain crossing rather than a simple transfer to Machu Picchu, and the chef-prepared meals make a long day of walking easier to face. The small-group limit of 18 also gives your guide a better chance to keep the group together.

This is a demanding trek, not a gentle sightseeing tour. The high pass, long walking days, early starts, and final climb to Machu Picchu call for good fitness and sturdy shoes. You should also plan for extra costs, including the Humantay Lake fee and, if you want it, the hot springs.

Five details that shape the trek

• Humantay Lake comes on day one, after a two-hour uphill walk from Soraypampa.
• Salkantay Pass reaches 4,650 meters, the highest point of the route.
• The scenery and climate change quickly, from the high mountain environment into the warmer Santa Teresa Valley.
• Llactapata offers views toward Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu, before the route drops to Hidroeléctrica and follows the railway to Aguas Calientes.
• Food is a strong part of the experience, with a chef and kitchen team preparing meals, plus vegetarian and vegan options on request at no extra charge.

A five-day route from Cusco to Machu Picchu

This trek is for people who want to earn their arrival at Machu Picchu. You spend four days walking through varied terrain, then reach the citadel early on day five for a guided visit. The route combines mountain trails, a high pass, valley paths, Inca ruins, and a railway-side walk. It is a full itinerary, with little spare time and several early mornings.

The group is limited to 18, and the guiding is offered in English or Spanish. A professional chef and kitchen team handle meals, while horses carry a duffel bag with up to seven kilos of your belongings for the first three days. That support matters: you still need to carry what you need during each walk, but you do not have to shoulder all your overnight gear.

The first two days include Mountain Sky cabins with thick mattresses, glass doors, and night and panoramic lighting. The tour also includes three nights of camping and one hotel night in Aguas Calientes. Bring a sleeping bag, or rent one for $10. The supplied double-foam pad is 2.5 inches thick, but a sleeping bag is not included.

Day one: Soraypampa, Humantay Lake, and camp

The day begins early, with hotel pickup in Cusco at about 5:45 am. A two-hour drive brings you to Mollepata for breakfast, followed by another hour by vehicle to Soraypampa. From there, you start the uphill walk to Humantay Lake, which takes about two hours.

The lake is the first major reward, but getting there is not a casual stroll. At altitude, even a steady climb can feel harder than the distance suggests. Take your time, drink water, and wear shoes with a secure grip. The tour information does not specify the lake’s altitude, so if you are sensitive to altitude, ask the operator about preparation at the required briefing the evening before departure.

After the lake, you descend for about two hours to Quiswarniyoc for lunch. The afternoon is free to explore the area before the first night at camp. This pause is useful after a long first day, though you should not expect a leisurely morning: the early pickup, drives, climb, and descent add up.

The $20-sol fee to enter Humantay Lake is not included. Bring cash for this local charge, and remember that the exact amount listed is 20 soles.

Day two: Salkantay Pass at 4,650 meters

After breakfast, the route climbs for roughly four hours to Salkantay Pass, the trek’s highest point at 4,650 meters above sea level. This is the hardest day for many people, not simply because of the climb but because thin air can make a familiar walking pace feel strenuous. Your guide leads the group, but you should be prepared to manage your own pace and take breaks when needed.

From the pass, the trail descends for about four hours to Chaullay, at 2,900 meters. The shift in elevation brings a noticeable change in conditions and scenery. That dramatic transition is one of the trek’s defining features, but it also means you should have layers handy: a jacket is on the recommended packing list, along with comfortable hiking clothes.

At camp, the team provides your camping equipment, hot tea, and dinner. The day includes a long stretch on foot, so the included meals are more than a convenience. A dedicated cook and kitchen team take care of food, and the meals have been singled out as a highlight. There can even be a cake at the end of the trek, a small but welcome surprise after several days outdoors.

Day three: Down the Santa Teresa Valley

Day three starts with breakfast, then a roughly five-hour walk through the Santa Teresa Valley, formed by the Salkantay River. The route leads to Playa Sahuayaco, where tourist transport takes you to the third camp in Santa Teresa. Compared with the pass day, this is a lower and warmer stretch, so insect repellent and comfortable, breathable clothing are sensible choices.

Lunch is served at camp. You can then choose to visit the Colcamayo hot springs, about 15 minutes away by car. This is optional, and the entrance and transport cost 10 USD. Bring swimwear if you plan to go, but do not count on it as part of the included package.

The day’s combination of a long walk and a possible hot-springs outing makes it tempting to say yes to everything. Be realistic about your energy. You have another demanding hiking day ahead, so resting at camp is a perfectly good use of the afternoon.

Day four: Llactapata, Hidroeléctrica, and Aguas Calientes

Breakfast is around 5:30 am, followed by a 45-minute ride to Lucmabamba. From there, you walk uphill for about three hours to the Inca site of Llactapata. Its views toward Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu give you a first look at the destination you have been walking toward, and a useful sense of the surrounding terrain.

The route then descends for about two hours to Hidroeléctrica, where lunch is provided. After lunch comes a three-hour walk along the railway tracks to Aguas Calientes. This part is less about high mountain scenery and more about steadily covering the final distance to town. Expect a long day, and keep your attention on the walking surface.

In Aguas Calientes, you stay in a hotel and have dinner at 7:00 pm. This is your one hotel night, a welcome change after camping. The walk is not over for good, though: the next morning begins around 4:00 am, and the tour’s return to Cusco is by train or by walking and car, depending on your choice.

Day five: Early entry to Machu Picchu

The final morning starts at about 4:00 am. You receive a packed breakfast, then walk for about 30 minutes to the Puente Ruinas checkpoint. Bring your passport, your Machu Picchu ticket, and a student ID if applicable. Once through the first checkpoint, you climb stairs for about an hour to reach the main entrance, with arrival planned for around 6:00 am.

The guided visit lasts about two and a half hours and covers key areas including the main square, urban sector, circular tower, solar clock, and Inca cemetery. A guided visit helps give structure to the site, especially after four days on the trail. The ticket is included, as is the guided tour.

After the visit, you return to Aguas Calientes. The trek package includes the return journey to Cusco by train or by walking and car, according to your choice. The transport up and down between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu is not included, however, and is listed at $24. Confirm which option you have selected and what it covers before you set out. Ticket arrangements and lines can be confusing, so keep your documents close and ask your guide to clarify the day’s plan at the briefing.

What the $460 price covers, and what it does not

At $460 per person, this is a substantial package rather than a bare-bones trek. It includes hotel pickup in Cusco, private transport to the trail, an English- or Spanish-speaking guide, a chef and kitchen team, four breakfasts, four lunches, four dinners, three nights camping, and one hotel night in Aguas Calientes. It also covers the Machu Picchu entrance ticket and guided visit, plus the return trip to Cusco by one of the stated options.

The seven-kilo duffel allowance carried by horses for the first three days adds practical value. You still need a daypack with your essentials, but you can leave some of your overnight belongings to be transported. Camping pads and the first two days’ Mountain Sky cabins are included as described, which helps make the nights more comfortable than carrying and setting up all your own kit.

The main extra expenses are the Humantay Lake entrance fee of 20 soles, a sleeping bag rental at $10 if needed, transport between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu at $24, and the optional Santa Teresa hot springs visit at $10. Travel insurance and personal expenses are also not included. Vegetarian and vegan meals are available at no extra charge if you request them.

Who should choose this trek

Choose this trip if you enjoy long hikes, want a mountain route to Machu Picchu, and like the idea of sleeping outdoors for part of the journey. It also suits you if you value having meals, a guide, transport, and the Machu Picchu ticket arranged together. The chef-prepared food is a real plus on a route where you will need plenty of energy.

Think twice if you have limited mobility, are pregnant, or do not have the fitness for several consecutive days of walking. The tour is specifically not suitable for pregnant people or people with mobility impairments. You should be comfortable with a high-altitude pass, steep uphill and downhill sections, a three-hour railway-side walk, and an early climb of about an hour to Machu Picchu’s main entrance.

Bring your passport or ID, hiking pants, long pants, comfortable clothes, sturdy shoes, a jacket, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, a camera, swimwear if you want the hot springs, and a sleeping bag or money to rent one. A small group does not mean a private trek: up to 18 people can join.

The operator offers a briefing at 7:00 pm the evening before departure. Use it to confirm pickup details, the return option, the Machu Picchu ticket process, and what to pack in your day bag. Pickup is from your hotel, and you should wait in the lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled time. Booking allows you to reserve now and pay later, and cancellation up to 24 hours in advance is eligible for a full refund.

Should you book it?

Book this Salkantay trek if you want the journey to Machu Picchu to be part of the trip, not just the destination. The pass, the change in climate, the camp nights, and the views from Llactapata give the route real variety, while included meals, horse-carried luggage, and a final guided visit make the $460 price easier to justify.

Skip it if you want a relaxed visit, dislike early starts, or are unsure about several demanding days on foot. Go prepared, ask clear questions at the briefing, and bring good shoes. If you can meet the physical demands, this is a memorable way to approach Machu Picchu on foot.

FAQ

How long is the Salkantay trek?

The tour lasts five days, with four nights away from Cusco. It includes three nights camping and one night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.

How high is Salkantay Pass?

The pass reaches 4,650 meters above sea level and is the highest point of the route.

Are meals included?

Yes. The package includes four breakfasts, four lunches, and four dinners. Vegetarian and vegan options are available on request at no extra charge.

Is the Machu Picchu entrance ticket included?

Yes. The entrance ticket and a guided visit of about two and a half hours are included.

Do I need to bring a sleeping bag?

Yes, unless you rent one from the operator for $10. A personal foam pad is included.

What extra costs should I plan for?

The listed extra costs include 20 soles for the Humantay Lake entrance, $24 for transport between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu, and $10 for the optional Santa Teresa hot springs entrance and transport. Sleeping bag rental is $10 if needed.

Is the trek suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or pregnant women.