This Salkantay Trek Detailed Itinerary covers the complete 5-day route, spanning 74 kilometers (46 miles) through glacial mountains and high cloud forests to Machu Picchu. Unlike the traditional trail, it requires no permit but demands strong physical preparation to cross the 4,630-meter Salkantay Pass.
Day-by-Day Route Overview
The 5-day Salkantay Trek is a visually striking but physically grueling adventure that takes you from freezing glacial flats to warm, humid valleys. Below is the detailed breakdown of the path and daily waypoints.
| Day | Start & Finish Points | Distance | Max Altitude |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Challacancha to Soraypampa (Humantay Lake) | 13 km (8 miles) | 4,200 m (13,779 ft) |
| Day 2 | Soraypampa to Chaullay (via Salkantay Pass) | 22 km (13.6 miles) | 4,630 m (15,190 ft) |
| Day 3 | Chaullay to Lucmabamba (La Playa) | 16 km (10 miles) | 2,900 m (9,514 ft) |
| Day 4 | Lucmabamba to Aguas Calientes (via Llactapata) | 19 km (11.8 miles) | 2,810 m (9,219 ft) |
| Day 5 | Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu & Return | 4 km (2.5 miles) | 2,430 m (7,972 ft) |
Day 1 – Cusco to Challacancha, Soraypampa and Humantay Lake
Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from Cusco to Challacancha, where the trek starts. The path follows an ancient aqueduct to Soraypampa, the first base camp. In the afternoon, you will ascend the steep switchbacks to Humantay Lake, a brilliant turquoise glacial pool situated beneath the towering Humantay glacier, before returning to camp for the night.
Day 2 – Soraypampa, Salkantay Pass and Chaullay
This is the most challenging day of the expedition. You will climb slowly from Soraypampa up to the Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the route at 4,630 meters (15,190 feet). The pass features dramatic views of the glaciated peaks and the glacier moraine. From the summit, you will make a long, steep descent through rocky terrain into the warmer high jungle area, arriving at Chaullay camp.
Day 3 – Chaullay to Lucmabamba (La Playa)
Entering the cloud forest, the climate shifts to warm and tropical. You will hike alongside the Santa Teresa River, passing coffee plantations, passion fruit orchards, and small local hamlets. You will reach the Lucmabamba campsite by early afternoon, where you can participate in a local coffee roasting demonstration and enjoy freshly brewed organic espresso.
Day 4 – Lucmabamba to Llactapata Ruins and Aguas Calientes
You will ascend an original stone Inca road through lush cloud forest to the ruins of Llactapata, situated directly opposite Machu Picchu. From these ruins, you will enjoy a unique, distant viewpoint of the citadel. The path then descends steeply to the hydroelectric station, followed by a flat, scenic walk along the railway tracks to Aguas Calientes.
Day 5 – Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu and Cusco
An early morning bus takes you up to the Machu Picchu citadel for your guided tour. You will visit the temples, agricultural terraces, and sacred plazas of the sanctuary. In the afternoon, you will board the return train to Ollantaytambo, followed by private transport back to Cusco.
“Crossing the high pass of Salkantay at 4,630 meters feels like stepping onto another planet. The glacier looms directly over the trail, and the transition from snow-covered moraines to tropical coffee groves within a single day highlights the incredible geological diversity of the Cusco region.”
— Mathias, Cusco Trekking Guide
For more details on alternative routes, view our complete portfolio of treks leading to Machu Picchu, and make sure to review our packing list to prepare for the freezing nights at Soraypampa.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total hiking distance of the Salkantay Trek?
The total walking distance of the 5-day Salkantay Trek is approximately 74 kilometers (46 miles), with the longest hiking day being Day 2 (22 kilometers/13.6 miles) crossing the high pass.
Where do we sleep during the Salkantay Trek?
On Nights 1 and 2, you will camp in high-altitude campsites (Soraypampa and Chaullay) in dome shelters or double-walled tents. Night 3 is spent at Lucmabamba camp, and Night 4 is in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes town.
How do I access the Salkantay Trek?
You can book the tour directly through our website. For booking context, visit our main page Salkantay Trek 5 Days where you can secure your reservation and check availability.
