Classic Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu
Classic Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu
One of Peru’s most iconic trails, the Salkantay route takes you from high Andean peaks into the lush, tropical valleys that lead to Machu Picchu.
Built for travelers who want both challenge and comfort, this 8-day experience showcases towering glaciers, ancient Inca pathways, and remote Quechua communities along the way.
Outer’s verified local partners handle all logistics, safety standards, private transport, great meals, and on-the-ground support, so you can stay focused on the journey itself.
Experience for yourself why the Salkantay is considered one of the world’s great treks.
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Key information
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Cusco
Meet your guide at the airport for a private transfer to your hotel in
Cusco. Use the rest of the day to rest, hydrate, and acclimatize to the
altitude.
- Overnight in Cusco
- Meals: none
Day 2: Sacred Valley Acclimatization Day
Visit two key sites of the Sacred Valley, Pisac and Ollantaytambo, to help you acclimatize while exploring Inca history and engineering. After the visits, return to Cusco for a short pre-trek briefing with your guide. Evening at leisure to prepare for the journey
ahead.
- Overnight in Cusco
- Meals: breakfast, lunch
Day 3: Cusco to Soraypampa
Early pick-up and drive to Mollepata/Challacancha to begin the trek.
Walk along a gradual trail until reaching Soraypampa, your first base camp. In the afternoon, hike to Humantay Lake for acclimatization and glacier views.
- Overnight in Soraypampa (mountain huts)
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4: Soraypampa to Colpapampa
Begin with the ascent to the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft), the
highest and most challenging point of the trek. After time at the summit, descend into the cloud forest and continue toward Colpapampa.
- Overnight in Colpapampa (lodge)
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5: Colpapampa to Lucmabamba
Continue through the lush valley, passing waterfalls, rivers, and
agricultural communities. Arrive in Lucmabamba for lunch and a hands-on coffee experience with a local family. Afternoon
at leisure.
- Overnight in Lucmabamba (domes)
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6:
Lucmabamba to Aguas Calientes
Ascend along the original Inca Trail to Llactapata for a panoramic first view of Machu Picchu. After exploring the site, descend to Hidroeléctrica for lunch, then take the train to Aguas Calientes.
- Overnight in Aguas Calientes (hotel)
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7: Machu Picchu & Return to Cusco
Early bus to Machu Picchu for a guided exploration of the citadel.
Optional hikes (Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain) available with prior reservation. Afternoon train and vehicle transfer back to Cusco.
- Overnight in Cusco
- Meals: breakfast
Day 8: Farewell!
After completing your journey through the Andes, your private transfer will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the airport for your onward flight. A smooth and comfortable end to an unforgettable adventure.
- Meals: Breakfast
What's included
- Airport transfers in Cusco
- 7 nights’ accommodation (2 in Cusco + 5 in lodges + 1 in Aguas Calientes)
- All meals except Day 1 (none), Day 2 dinner, Day 6 dinner, Day 7 lunch and Day 8 lunch and dinner.
- Professional English-speaking guides
- Train + bus tickets to/from Machu Picchu
- All entrance fees (archaeological sites + Machu Picchu)
Not included
- International flights
- Travel insurance (required)
- Single supplement
- Huayna Picchu / Machu Picchu Mountain permits (extra cost, limited availability)
- Personal expenses (snacks, laundry, tips, drinks)
Packing list
- Trekking boots (broken in)
- Trekking poles
- Warm layers (fleece, down)
- Waterproof jacket/poncho
- Quick-dry trekking pants/shirts
- Hat, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Daypack (20–30 L)
- Reusable water bottle/hydration pack
- Headlamp
- Personal meds & toiletries
Weather
Weather & Climate Conditions
- Andean Highlands: Cold nights 0–5 °C / 32–41 °F, while days are usually sunny and range between 15–20 °C / 59–68 °F. Layering is essential to manage the strong contrasts.
- Cloud Forest & Jungle: Warm, humid, and lush. Daytime temperatures average 25–30 °C / 77–86 °F, with high humidity and frequent afternoon showers or mist. Nights are milder (18–22 °C / 64–72 °F).
Seasonality: The dry season (Apr–Oct) is the most stable, with clearer skies and easier trekking. The wet season (Nov–Mar) brings heavier rains and higher river levels, but also greener valleys and richer wildlife.
Accomodation
- 2 nights Hotel Tierra Viva Centro Cusco or similar
- 1 night at mountain cabins with sky view at Soraypampa
- 1 night at pod hanging off a cliff in Colpapampa (overlooking Santa Teresa Valley)
- 1 night at deluxe dome in Lucmabamba
- 1 night at hotel in Aguas Calientes (Partner hotel)
- 1 night Hotel Tierra Viva Centro Cusco or similar
How to get there?
Fly into Cusco (CUZ).
- Private airport transfers included (arrival & departure).
- Overland transfers + train Aguas Calientes–Ollantaytambo included.
FAQs
Before the Trip
How do I get to Cusco?
International flights land in Lima. From there, domestic airlines connect to Cusco. If you arrive late at night, staying in Lima overnight is recommended before continuing your journey.
Can you help with hotels and extra travel plans?
Yes. We can help arrange accommodations in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, and organize add-on trips to destinations like Lima, Arequipa, Lake Titicaca, the Amazon, or other regions in Peru, just contact our adventure specialists.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. Travel insurance is mandatory and should cover adventure activities, medical expenses, and emergency evacuation.
How should I prepare physically?
For treks like Salkantay or similar routes, good physical condition is important. We recommend cardio training and doing practice hikes beforehand. Spending a few days acclimatizing in Cusco also helps a lot.
What’s the weather like?
The dry season (April to October) brings sunny days and cold nights, sometimes below 0°C. The rainy season (November to March) can bring muddy trails and cloudy conditions. Pack layers and waterproof gear.
How can I avoid altitude sickness?
Spending at least two nights in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before your adventure helps. Stay hydrated
and rest well. For more serious symptoms, oxygen and medical support are available.
How much luggage can I bring?
For multi-day hikes, you'll carry a small daypack while your main bag is transported. For experiences involving train travel to Machu Picchu, the luggage limit is 8 kg (17 lbs), so pack light.
Will I be camping?
No. This itinerary doesn’t require tents. One of the standout features of the Salkantay route is its upgraded lodging: mountain cabins with sky views, cliffside pods, and comfortable domes.
All accommodations offer proper beds, and many include hot showers and private facilities. It’s one of the most comfortable ways to reach Machu Picchu on foot.
Is the electricity compatible with my devices?
Most outlets in Peru use 220V. If your devices are made for 110V only, bring a converter to avoid damage.
During the Trip
What kind of terrain should I expect?
You’ll hike through diverse terrain, mountains, cloud forests, valleys, and Inca trails. Some paths may be steep, rocky, or muddy. Good hiking shoes are essential.
Is ground transportation included?
Yes. Private transportation is included throughout the experience, including pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Cusco.
What should I know about money?
The local currency is the Peruvian Sol (S/). US dollars are widely accepted in some places. Bring clean bills and expect ATMs in Cusco to accept Visa or MasterCard.
Are tips included?
Tips for lodging and logistics staff are usually included. However, tipping your guides is customary. A suggested amount is $5–10 per day, depending on the experience.
Will I have cell service or Wi-Fi?
In remote areas, cell service is limited. Some accommodations have Wi-Fi, but it may be slow or inconsistent. Disconnecting is part of the experience.
What happens in case of an emergency?
We follow strict safety protocols. Our guides are certified in wilderness first aid and carry medical kits, oxygen, and communication equipment like radios or satellite phones when necessary.
After the Trip
Can I share my experience?
Absolutely! Tag us or use our hashtag to inspire others to live their own adventure.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory for all our adventures and you’ll need to share your policy details before departure. Your cover must include overseas medical treatment, emergency evacuation/repatriation, baggage and equipment, plus all the activities in your itinerary.
We also strongly recommend cancellation and curtailment cover in case illness or other unforeseen events prevent you from travelling.
Standard policies often exclude adventure activities, so please check the fine print. Many travelers choose World Nomads for adventure, focused protection, select the policy that fits your needs and fully covers your trip.