Hiking the Salkantay Trek, Peru – A Day by Day Itinerary

So, you’ve decided to book the Salkantay Trek to reach Machu Picchu and now you’re wondering what those 5 days will look like? If so, then you’ve found the right post, because below we’ll detail how you’ll be spending your days when hiking the Salkantay Trek (one of the best 25 treks in the world according to National Geographic Adventure Magazine).

In case you’re still deciding whether to book the Salkantay Trek or the Inca Trail, then make sure to read our detailed guide on everything you need to know before you book your trek. It’ll give you a good insight into what you can expect and if it’s really the right trek for you.

If you’d like to see our adventures, then check out the Salkantay Trek video on our YouTube Channel. For more Peru videos check out our Peru Playlist.

Hiking the Salkantay Trek – Day by Day

Below is a detailed day by day summary of the Salkantay Trek and a stats card at the end that you can always refer to.

Day 0 of the Salkantay Trek: Briefing in Cusco

The Salkantay Trek actually starts the evening before your first hiking day. Normally you’ll have to visit the company’s office in Cusco where you’ll meet with your fellow hikers and the guide you’ll be spending the next 5 days with.

During this briefing your guide will break the trek down day by day, tell you a bit more about the logistics and will ask if you have any dietary requirements (e.g. vegetarian, vegan). We suggest reaching out to the company about any special dietary restrictions, such as allergies, before booking.

This is also your chance to ask your guide any last minute questions. You’ll have to bring your passport and any remaining fee in cash to this meeting. At the end, you’ll be given a duffel bag each which you’ll have to pack according to the company’s weight restrictions. These will be carried by a horse or mule, so please don’t over pack them.

Lastly, you can also collect your sleeping bag and walking poles if you’ve rented those. Note that your sleeping bag will need to fit in the duffel bag!

After the meeting, we recommend you go back to your accommodation, pack your bags and have an early night. You’ll need to be up at the crack of dawn the next day, so try to rest.

Day 1 of Hiking the Salkantay Trek: Lake Humantay

Morning: Challacancha – Soraypampa

You’ll have a very early alarm and a 4AM pick up from your hotel or the closest main square in Cusco. A minivan will drive you to Mollepata, about two hours away from Cusco. There you’ll have an optional breakfast, which we recommend having unless you’ve packed your own food. The restaurant will have toilet facilities for free.

Then you’ll be driving to the trailhead in Challacancha (3,800 m / 12,467 ft). Here you’ll give your duffel bag to your horseman, may get given some snacks to keep you going until lunch and will normally have some group cheer to get you in good spirits after the early morning. You can also use the toilets for around S/.1 before you set off.

You’ll be hiking for around 3 hours (7 km / 4.3 mi) to Soraypampa located at 3,900m (12,795 ft). This is where you’ll be sleeping on the first night. Depending on the company you’ve booked with you may be sleeping in one of the Sky Domes, Sky Lodges or at one of the campsites. You’ll normally have lunch here and a little rest before the afternoon activity.

Afternoon: Soraypampa – Lake Humantay

After some food and rest, you’ll have the chance to hike up to Lake Humantay. This stunning emerald lagoon is one of the best day trips from Cusco, so you really can’t miss it. It’s only a 3 km (1.8 mi) roundtrip but it’s located at 4,200 m (13,780 ft) above sea level. This means that you’ll be gaining around 300 m (984 ft) of elevation. It normally takes about 3 hours to complete the loop including some time spent at the top. We got up to the lake in record time which allowed us to have it almost all to ourselves for a few minutes!

The emerald lagoon with the Humantay mountain towering above it, has to be one of the dreamiest places in the area. The lake gets its emerald colour from the minerals within the glacier that melt into the lake. Depending on the time of year you’re visiting, the shade of the colours can vary a bit.

It can get quite busy there, since most trekkers will go up around the same time. However, it’s still a beautiful place and one of the main reasons we wanted to sign up for the Salkantay Trek.

Evening: Lake Humantay – Soraypampa

Once you’re back at your accommodation, you’ll share a filling dinner prepared by the group’s cook. Your guide will tell you about the next day including wake up times and the rough itinerary. You can then socialise with others for a bit if you wish but we recommend getting to bed early.

We stayed at the Sky Dome accommodations, which are pretty cool, but they can get super cold during the night so prepare for that. Our campsite also switched off the electricity and running water quite early, so if you want to use the facilities and refresh yourself, then maybe get it done before dinner. Bringing a torch or headlamp will come in handy to move around the camp at night. Also, don’t be surprised if the toilets get a bit messy since there won’t be running water until early morning!

Day 2 of Hiking the Salkantay Trek: The Salkantay Pass

You’ll have another early wake up on your second day of hiking the Salkantay Trek. Normally the guides will bring you some coca tea in the morning to help with the altitude. Starting your day with a warm drink will also feel nice since it’ll be pretty cold. After a big breakfast you’ll start the toughest day on the Salkantay Trek.

Morning: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Huayracmachay

You’ll have to make your way up to the Salkantay Pass which sits at 4,630 m (15,190 ft) above sea level. Guides normally say that if you survive the second day, you’ll be absolutely fine. This is kind of true since you’ll be in lower altitudes after the second day.

It’s about a 7 km (4.3 mi) route to the Salkantay Pass which is normally completed in about 3 hours. The hardest part is the ‘7 snakes’ section which is a steep ascent with many switchbacks. After a flatter part, you’ll have another short section to climb before you reach the Salkantay Pass. You’ll have gained over 730 m (2,395 ft) of elevation by this point.

The Salkantay Pass viewpoint is a really beautiful place where you’ll have some more coca tea and learn a bit more about the tales surrounding the Salkantay Mountain, the second highest peak in the Cusco region at 6,271 m (20,574 ft). Most trekkers will arrive here around the same time, so it can get quite busy.

From there, you’ll have another 7 km (4.3 mi) to go before lunch. It’ll be all downhill, which is fantastic but can also be a bit hard on the knees since the path is quite rocky. Hiking poles will come in handy here for sure.

Note. There won’t be any toilet facilities until your lunch spot. If you struggled on your first day with the ascent and altitude you can hire a mule to get you up to Salkantay Pass for an additional cost. You’ll still need to hike the downhill part on the other side though.

Afternoon: Huayracmachay – Chaullay

After your lunch in Huayracmachay (3,850 m / 12,631 ft) you’ll be entering the cloud forest part of the Amazon Jungle. This will feel like a crazy transition going so quickly from snowcapped mountain views to lush jungle.

It’s going to be an 8 km (4.9 mi) long hike before you reach your accommodation in Chaullay village at 2,900 m (9,514 ft). After leaving the Salkantay Pass, you’ll lose around 1,730 m (5,675 ft) of elevation, which will definitely make your breathing much easier.

Top Tip. It’ll be much warmer here too, so make sure to dress in layers because you’ll be going from gloves and hats to t-shirt and shorts. Before exposing any of your skin, make sure to put on sun-cream and bug repellent.

Evening: Chaullay

After arriving to your campsite somewhere in the village, you’ll have some free time in the evening. Our accommodation offered hot showers for an additional S/.10 per person. We recommend taking this offer as it’ll make you feel much more refreshed.

We slept in some cute looking Andean Huts that were tiny but much warmer than the Sky Domes on the first night. The combination of being warmer and at lower altitude will definitely guarantee you a better nights’ sleep.

As always you’ll have some snacks and dinner prepared by your cooks and you can hang out with your group or go to bed and relax. We recommend opting for an early night again, since you’ll have another early wake-up call the next day.

Day 3 of Hiking the Salkantay Trek: Amazon Jungle

You’ll be waking up to another early alarm, followed by some coca tea and breakfast prepared by your cook. After dropping off your duffel bags, you’ll start your 18km (11.18 mi) hike through the Amazon Jungle.

Morning: Chaullay – La Playa

After saying goodbye to Chaullay village, you’ll start your hike through the lush Santa Teresa Valley. You’ll pass Colcapampa, a village located close to Chaullay. Some hikers might be staying here on their trek. Luckily, the whole day you’ll be gradually losing elevation.

On the flip side, whilst the scenery is stunning, the trail itself will be rather boring as you’ll be following a dirt track pretty much the entire way. Although this sounds easy, walking that distance on the same path will be just as challenging both physically and mentally. However, trust us, it’s not the most boring part of the trek as we initially thought!

Luckily there are some random rest spots offering snacks and drinks along the way which do have toilet facilities.

Afternoon: La Playa – Lucmabamba

Just before lunch, you’ll arrive at La Playa where you’ll get the chance to take a quick coffee tasting tour. We love coffee and attended a few of these tours in Mexico, Costa Rica and Colombia. So, having another coffee tour included in the Salkantay Trek was a lovely bonus.

Honestly, even if you’re not a coffee drinker, we think it’s interesting to learn about how coffee is made. You can even get hands on and help to roast the beans, then grind them and finally smell and taste the product of your ‘hard’ work. You couldn’t drink fresher coffee if you tried!

Once you’re caffeinated, you can either have lunch there or power walk the rest of the trail to your Jungle Dome accommodation in Lucmabamba (2,000 m / 6,562 ft) and have lunch there.

Evening: Lucmabamba (+ Cocalmayo Hot Spings)

After lunch you’ll have the chance to visit some hot springs called Aguas Termales Cocalmayo de Santa Teresa located in Santa Teresa. It’s an optional activity, so you don’t have to go. However, who wouldn’t want to soak their muscles in some beautiful hot springs after 3 days of hiking? Plus, you can have a shower there too, in case your accommodation doesn’t offer that.

Please note that the entry fee of S/.10 and a further S/.40 per person for the transport there is not included in your tour package. Make sure to bring enough cash to cover this.

It’s also worth noting that the drive there is rather bumpy and sketchy. You better not look out of the window when you cross the wooden plank bridge which is only about an inch wider than the minibus! It was still worth going though as the hot springs were really relaxing and the scenery was stunning too.

Upon returning from Santa Teresa, your evening will look very much like most evenings during the trek. You’ll have dinner together, then a quick briefing and some more free time with an early night.

Day 4 of Hiking the Salkantay Trek: Aguas Calientes

Day 4 of the Salkantay Trek is special for multiple reasons. It’s the last day of hiking. Yippie! Day 4 is also going to be the longest distance you’ll have to walk, including some of the worst sections you’ll have to hike on the entire trek (25 km / 15.43 mi). Not so good! However, it’s also going to be the day where you’ll get your first glance of Machu Picchu and…drumroll please…you’ll be sleeping in a hotel or hostel room in a comfy bed. So all in all, a lot to look forward to.

Morning: Lucmabamba – Llaqtapata

Again, after an early wake-up call, some tea and a yummy breakfast you’ll actually say goodbye to both your cook and your horseman. So, it’s going to be the time where you can express your gratitude with some cheering and, of course, remember to tip them both.

Your stuff will be transported to Aguas Calientes by a vehicle and you’ll be having lunch and dinner at a restaurant. Trust us, although the food will still be delicious, you’ll miss your cook! Probably for the rest of your life for that matter…

Soon you’ll be going uphill to Llaqtapata Archaeological Site (2,700m / 8,858 ft). This section of the hike actually follows some of the original Inca Trail which is a little bonus in case you were hesitating between the two. You’ll be hiking for about 2 hours before reaching the Inca site, from where you get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu.

This viewpoint is honestly an incredible highlight on the Salkantay Trek. After a bit more information on the Llaqtapata ruins, you’ll start your downhill walk to your lunch spot at Ahobamba. They will have toilet facilities for around S/.1 at Llaqtapata and for free at your lunch spot.

Note. Some trekking sites say that during the rainy season hiking up to Llaqtapata isn’t guaranteed due to the path becoming dangerous after heavy rain.

Afternoon: Llaqtapata – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes

After lunch, you’ll have a short walk before you reach a place called Hidroelectrica (1,800 m / 5,906 ft). It is a 250m tall man-made waterfall that generates electricity for the whole of Cusco.

This is also the lowest altitude you’ll be at along the entire trek. From this point the next stop is going to be Aguas Calientes, which is the final stop in terms of trekking.

It’s probably worth noting that the Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes hike will be one of the most physically and mentally demanding sections of this entire Salkantay Trek. At least it was for us, for a few reasons. Firstly, you’ve already been trekking for 4 full days now, so you’re inevitably going to be tired. This is also the longest day of trekking at around 25 km (15.4 mi). You’re also more aware that this is the last leg, and your brain just wants to be in town and be finished. Whilst lower altitude is a gift for your lungs, it’s going to be quite hot, especially if you’re visiting in the dry season.

Lastly, this section of the trek is basically a 3-hour long hike along train tracks. Whilst it’s fun at first, at the end of the day it’s a rather flat and rocky path, so soon the fun feeling will wear off and you’ll be just dragging your feet to Aguas Calientes.

Luckily there are some shops along the path so you can fuel up on some drinks and ice cream. In case you don’t want to hike this section, you can actually take the train from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes for an additional cost.

Note. Be careful walking along the train tracks as trains do go through here!

Evening: Aguas Calientes

Just when you’re thinking the train tracks will never end, you’ll get your first glimpse of Aguas Calientes (2,040m / 6,693 mi). Your guide will lead you to your hotel or hostel for the evening. This also means that you’ve officially completed the Salkantay Trek!

Once you’ve checked in and collected your duffel bag, you’ll have a free evening. The groups will normally go out for a final meal together, which is a lot of fun. Make sure to treat yourself with a Pisco Sour; you’ve definitely earned it!

Once dinner is over, you can just relax and look forward to finally seeing Machu Picchu in the morning.

Day 5 of Hiking the Salkantay Trek: Macchu Picchu

The day you’ve been waiting for has finally arrived. You’re about to see one of the new Seven Wonders of the World: Machu Picchu.

Morning: Machu Picchu

After a final early morning alarm, you’ll have a quick breakfast and then head to the bus stop. The bus ticket is normally included in your tour, but it’s worth checking this detail before booking. It’ll be a short, but scenic drive up to the entrance of Machu Picchu (2,430 m / 7,972 ft).

First, you’ll head to the viewing platform where you’ll get that iconic view of this incredible Inca site. Now, it’s worth noting here that you may or may not get to see Machu Picchu straight away. This is because it can be pretty foggy in the mornings and the site can become pretty much invisible. Guides will say that in about half an hour the fog will disappear. Well, we waited 2 hours before Machu Picchu decided to reveal its beauty to us!!

We were honestly giving up by this point, but once the fog cleared, the energy and the cheering of other tourists was definitely an incredible moment we’ll never forget. I think we appreciate the beauty of Machu Picchu even more, having had to wait for the fog to clear before we could see it.

Once you’ve taken about 100 photos of the same thing, you’ll start a 2-hour guided tour around the site. This is very interesting because you’ll learn a lot about the different buildings and what the Inca used them for. It’ll be very similar to other Inca Ruins you may visit in the Sacred Valley.

For those wanting some extra hiking, you can hike up to either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Note that the tickets are very limited per day, so you need to book this way in advance!

Once the tour is over, you can either buy a bus ticket back to Aguas Calientes or walk back. This ticket is normally not included in your package. We decided to take the stairs and it was a relatively quick hike.

Afternoon: Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo

You’ll spend the afternoon in Aguas Calientes before boarding a scenic train back to Ollantaytambo. Lunch and dinner aren’t normally included on this day, but there are plenty of restaurants and ‘Menu del Dia’s’ in town.

If you want to, you can head over to the Ministry of Culture at the Main Plaza where you can get a Macchu Picchu ‘passport’ stamp. This is the place where people buy their Machu Picchu ticket, so it can be pretty busy. However, if you just want a stamp they will let you go through. Please make sure that you DO NOT stamp your actual passport! This isn’t an official border stamp and would make your passport invalid. Bring a notebook or travel journal instead.

In the early afternoon, you’ll board your train to Ollantaytambo. Depending on the tour company, you’ll either be travelling with PeruRail or the Vistadome train which is a more expensive option. It normally costs at least an extra 60USD if it isn’t included in your trek cost. This train journey is a pretty scenic one thanks to the panoramic design that allows you to see through the roof of the carriages as well as through the huge side windows.

Evening: Ollantaytambo – Cusco

After a nearly 2-hour long train journey, you’ll arrive in Ollantaytambo. From here, you’ll board a minivan that will take you back to Cusco.

This means that you’ll have completed the 5-day Salkantay Trek and also visited one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Final Thoughts on Hiking the Salkantay Trek

I think it’s safe to say that we absolutely loved hiking the Salkantay Trek, and are very happy that we decided to book it instead of the Inca Trail. We loved that we could visit Lake Humantay, challenge our bodies with high altitude hiking at the Salkantay Pass, taste some coffee in the jungle and relax our tired bodies halfway through in some picturesque hot springs.

For us, seeing Machu Picchu after hiking for 4 full days was a much deeper and memorable experience than a simple day-trip would’ve been.

We also realised a few things while hiking the Salkantay Trek. By the end of your trek you’ll have become a morning person even if you hate mornings. (Luckily, we didn’t have an issue with that). You’ll also realise that you really don’t need much stuff and won’t even care or notice if you don’t take a shower every day. But most importantly, you’ll see that your body can walk many miles every day and can repeat the same thing the next day even if you feel like you’re about to collapse in the evenings.

Have you ever hiked the Salkantay Trek? If so, what was your experience? Which were your most and least favourite days? If not, would you consider hiking the Salkantay Trek over the Inca Trail? Let us know in the comments below.