Classic Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu 5 days / 4 nights "Backpack service"

The second day of the Salkantay Trek 5 days to Machu Picchu starts early, at 5:00 a.m., with a traditional coca leaf drink called “wake-up tea”, offered by the kitchen team to help acclimatize to the altitude. At 5:30 a.m., you’ll enjoy a nutritious breakfast before beginning the ascent to the highest point of the trek: Salkantay Pass, located 4,630 meters above sea level.

The hike from Quiswarniyoc to the top of the pass takes between 3 and 3.5 hours, with planned breaks every hour to recharge and enjoy the spectacular Andean scenery. Although the ascent is challenging, proper acclimatization makes it completely achievable.

Upon reaching the Salkantay Pass, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Salkantay Mountain and its neighboring peaks. This is one of the most memorable moments of the trip, ideal for taking photographs and experiencing a spiritual connection with the mountain. Your guide will share local stories and traditions with you, and you might even witness a small Andean ritual honoring the Apus, the protective spirits of the mountains.

After enjoying the pass, you’ll begin the descent to Wayracmachay, where a delicious lunch prepared by the kitchen team will await you. After a short break, you’ll continue down a trail that gradually transitions from the cool Andean landscape to the subtropical vegetation of the Peruvian high jungle. The descent to Chawllay Camp takes 2.5 to 3 hours and offers spectacular views of the valley. Upon arrival (approximately 2,900 meters above sea level), your guide will escort you to your accommodation to rest. The day culminates with a hot dinner and a briefing about the next day of the Salkantay Trek 5 days to Machu Picchu, while you enjoy the relaxing sounds of the Amazonian nature.

The third day of the Salkantay Trek 5 days to Machu Picchu begins at 5:30 a.m. with a cup of coca tea served by the cooking crew, followed by time to pack and prepare for the trek. You will then enjoy a delicious breakfast before departing for the Lucmabamba Camp, crossing the beautiful Santa Teresa Valley.

The hike lasts approximately 5 hours, with mostly flat terrain that will allow you to enjoy the tropical landscape, full of fruit plantations, orchids, and exotic birds. Along the way, you’ll appreciate how the environment changes from the cold Andes to the warm Peruvian high jungle, offering a unique visual and sensory experience.

Upon arriving in Lucmabamba, you’ll visit a local family to participate in a coffee tour, one of the most authentic activities in the area. You’ll learn about the entire production process of the famous Santa Teresa coffee, from harvesting to roasting, and you’ll be able to taste a cup of the freshest and most aromatic coffee in the region. After the tour, you’ll enjoy a healthy lunch prepared by the kitchen team. The afternoon is free of scheduled hikes, but you will have the option to visit the Santa Teresa hot springs, an optional activity with an additional cost (approximately 40 soles for transportation and 20 soles entrance fee). This tour lasts about an hour each way, and you can relax for about two hours in the natural waters, ideal for soothing your muscles after several days of hiking.

Upon returning to camp, a hot and nutritious dinner awaits you, accompanied by the relaxing sounds of the Amazonian nature. You can choose to rest or chat with your guide about the next day’s activities, continuing your adventure to Machu Picchu.

After waking up at 6:00 a.m., you’ll have time to pack your gear before enjoying a nutritious breakfast. From the Lucmabamba campsite, you will begin one of the most special sections of the Salkantay Trek 5 days to Machu Picchu: a hike along the ancient Inca Trail to the archaeological site of Llactapata.

The ascent takes approximately 3 hours, following original Inca trails surrounded by lush vegetation. Upon arriving at Llactapata, you’ll find a set of little-visited Inca ruins that offer a stunning panoramic view of Machu Picchu, Wayna Picchu, and the Andean mountains. This is an ideal spot to reflect on the Inca legacy and take unique photographs of the sanctuary from a different perspective.

After exploring the archaeological site, you’ll begin the descent to Hidroeléctrica, a steep stretch of around 2 hours where trekking poles are very helpful. During the tour, you will stop to enjoy a al fresco lunch surrounded by the nature of the high jungle.

Once at the Hydroelectric Plant, you will have a short break before continuing to Aguas Calientes, the base of Machu Picchu. The journey takes approximately three hours and follows the train path, with occasional views of the archaeological site from the valley below.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, your guide will escort you to your selected accommodation. There you can shower, rest, and prepare for the final dinner of the tour, sharing experiences with your fellow travelers. This will be the perfect time to organize the details of the eagerly awaited visit to the Machu Picchu sanctuary the following day.

Visit the “Lost City of the Incas”
After a well-deserved night’s rest, you’ll want to get up before sunrise to beat the throng. You will be traversing the secret streets of Machu Picchu, the gorgeous historical refuge! You’ll travel a short distance from your hotel to catch a bus that will transport you 25 minutes to the entrance of the Inca citadel. You’ll arrive just as the sun rises and paints the Wonder a stunning golden tone. After snapping your first few shots, your guide will lead you on a two-hour tour of the site. Your local expert will take you to some of Machu Picchu’s most important sites and teach you all about its construction and history.

After the trip, you can climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (pre-booked permits are necessary for an additional US$ 75.00), which take 2 and 3 hours to hike up and down, respectively. When you’re ready to go, you’ll return to Aguas Calientes after taking in more breathtaking sights.

Then begin a three-hour hike from Machu Picchu to the hydroelectric station no later than 11:00 a.m. This hike begins with a 30-40-minute descent and lasts around 1.5-2 hours on flat terrain along train tracks. Get to the hydropower station by 2:30pm to catch the 3:00pm car. The automobile ride takes approximately 6-7 hours and returns you to Cusco around 10 p.m., with a last stop at Plaza Regocijo in the city center. (It is possible to return by tourist train instead of driving; contact any travel specialist for our options.)

Now it’s time to take a well-deserved break and put your feet up. Your vacation may be done, but we guarantee that your heart will continue to pound for many years as you reflect on your fantastic adventure.

Meals: 01 breakfast at hotel
Highlights: Visit to Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes