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Few trekking routes in Peru offer such dramatic contrasts in scenery as the Salkantay Trek. Over five days you'll journey from snow-capped mountain peaks and glacial lakes into warm jungle valleys before arriving at the ancient city of Machu Picchu, all while travelling with your own private guide.
Along the route you'll experience traditional local hospitality, visit remote communities, enjoy freshly prepared regional meals and witness landscapes that change every day. Finishing with a guided visit to Machu Picchu makes this an excellent choice for travellers looking for a rewarding alternative to the Classic Inca Trail.
Choosing a private trek means the pace of each day can be better suited to your group while allowing more time to stop for photographs, ask questions and appreciate the remarkable scenery surrounding you. Throughout the journey, your experienced guide shares the history of the Inca civilisation alongside insights into local traditions, wildlife and mountain culture.
Accommodation, transport, most meals and entrance tickets are all included, making it easy to concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than organising the practical details. From the first morning in Cusco until your return after visiting Machu Picchu, every stage of the adventure has been carefully planned.
Before sunrise, you'll be collected from your accommodation in Cusco for the drive towards Soraypampa, where the adventure begins. After arriving, you'll set out on a rewarding hike to the spectacular Humantay Lagoon, whose bright turquoise waters sit beneath towering mountain peaks.
Following time to enjoy the views and take photographs, you'll return to your accommodation for a freshly prepared local lunch. The remainder of the afternoon provides an opportunity to relax, settle into your surroundings and enjoy dinner before preparing for the following day's climb.
After an early breakfast, today's trek climbs steadily towards the impressive Salkantay Pass, reaching approximately 4,600 metres above sea level. This is one of the highest and most rewarding sections of the route, offering sweeping views of the snow-covered Apu Salkantay mountain.
Once you've taken time to appreciate the scenery, the trail descends towards Huayracmachay for lunch before continuing to Callway. Dinner and overnight accommodation in a local family home provide a warm welcome after one of the trek's most demanding days.
Dense cloud forest gradually replaces the high mountain scenery as today's walk follows rivers through increasingly tropical surroundings. Coffee plants, colourful flowers and native vegetation line much of the route, offering a completely different landscape from the previous day's terrain.
Lunch is served in Lucmabamba using locally sourced ingredients before continuing towards Santa Teresa. If you wish, there's the option to visit the nearby Cocalmayo Hot Springs before enjoying dinner and an overnight stay in a rustic lodge.
Breakfast is followed by the option to experience an exciting zipline before continuing towards Hidroelectrica. Those who prefer can instead begin the day's walk directly, meeting the route further along before stopping for lunch.
Later in the afternoon you'll continue alongside the railway tracks leading towards Aguas Calientes, surrounded by lush jungle scenery and impressive mountain views. Dinner is served after arriving at your hostel, with time to relax before the final day at Machu Picchu.
Early morning brings the highlight of the journey as you make your way to the entrance of Machu Picchu. Entering before the busiest part of the day allows you to enjoy the atmosphere while your guide explains the history, engineering and cultural importance of this remarkable Inca city during a guided tour lasting around three hours.
Once your visit has finished, you'll return to Aguas Calientes before boarding the train to Ollantaytambo. A connecting bus completes the journey back to Cusco, bringing an unforgettable five-day trekking adventure to a close.
Over four nights you'll stay in a variety of locally owned accommodation, including traditional family homes, rustic lodges and a tourist hostel in Aguas Calientes. Each overnight stop has been selected to provide a comfortable place to rest while keeping you close to the trekking route.
Although the accommodation focuses on authenticity rather than luxury, it offers an excellent opportunity to experience local hospitality and enjoy freshly prepared meals before continuing your adventure each morning.
This trek is ideal for travellers looking for a rewarding multi-day hiking experience with plenty of variety along the way. The route combines mountain scenery, jungle landscapes and cultural experiences while finishing at one of the world's most famous archaeological sites.
A moderate level of fitness is recommended because you'll spend several consecutive days walking over uneven terrain and at high altitude. Previous trekking experience is helpful but is not essential for those who regularly enjoy long walks.
Yes. Your group will have a private guide throughout the journey, allowing the experience to feel more personal and flexible than travelling as part of a larger group.
This also gives you more opportunities to stop for photographs, ask questions and walk at a pace that suits everyone in your party rather than following a fixed group schedule.
Several days involve steady uphill walking, uneven mountain trails and long descents, making this a moderately challenging trek suitable for active travellers.
The highest point reaches approximately 4,600 metres above sea level, so the altitude can make the walking feel more demanding than similar distances at lower elevations.
Yes. The beautiful Humantay Lagoon is visited on the very first day after arriving at Soraypampa, allowing you to experience one of Peru's most photographed mountain lakes.
Its striking turquoise water and dramatic mountain backdrop make it one of the highlights of the entire itinerary and a fantastic introduction to the adventure ahead.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included throughout most of the journey, helping to keep you fuelled for each day's hiking.
Meals are prepared using local ingredients wherever possible, giving you the opportunity to enjoy regional dishes while travelling through different parts of Peru.
Accommodation includes traditional family homes, rustic lodges and a tourist hostel, offering a comfortable place to rest each evening after a full day on the trail.
While facilities are generally simple, they provide an authentic experience and allow you to experience local hospitality throughout the trek.
About the centre
Soraypampa
Operated by Reserv Cusco, a partner of adventuro.
Arunachal Himalaya (Tawang & Siang Region), Nepal
From $2000
