Price

Per preson

380.oo

Important Note

To hike the Classic Inca Trail, a government-issued Inca Trail Permit is mandatory.

Permit availability is extremely limited and sells out months in advance, especially for dates from April to September.

Without a permit, you cannot access the trail under any circumstance.

We strongly recommend booking as early as possible.

WhyNotMachuPicchu can secure your permits and Machu Picchu entrance tickets (subject to availability).

Additional Info

MANDATORY: To issue the Inca Trail permit and Machu Picchu ticket, the government requires:

• Full name

• Passport number

• Date of birth

• Nationality

Permits and tickets are NOT refundable and cannot be modified.

If you need to change your travel date, you will need to purchase a new permit/ticket.

Cancellation Policy

This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason.

If you cancel or request an amendment, the amount paid cannot be refunded.

Overview

Embark on the extended Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu (5 Days / 4 Nights), an immersive Andean journey designed for travelers who want to experience the route at a more relaxed and rewarding pace. This version of the trek offers additional time for acclimatization, deeper exploration, and unforgettable moments along one of the most scenic trails in the Andes.

Over five days, you will hike beneath the imposing Salkantay Glacier, visit the iconic Humantay Lake, and cross the high mountain pass of Abra Salkantay. The route then leads into remote valleys and lush cloud forest, where you’ll enjoy natural hot springs, allowing your body to recover and relax after days of trekking.

A highlight of this extended itinerary is the visit to Llactapata, an impressive Inca site offering a unique and lesser-known panoramic view of Machu Picchu from across the valley—a moment few travelers ever experience. The journey continues toward Aguas Calientes, culminating with a guided visit to the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu.

This trek is ideal for travelers seeking adventure with comfort, balance, and depth, combining epic landscapes, cultural discovery, restorative experiences, and a truly special approach to Machu Picchu.

Highlights

• Hike one of the most scenic and complete trekking routes in the Andes, with extra time for acclimatization

• Visit the iconic Humantay Lake, famous for its turquoise waters and dramatic mountain setting

• Cross the legendary Abra Salkantay (4,600+ m / 15,000 ft), the highest point of the trek

• Enjoy breathtaking views of the Salkantay Glacier and surrounding snow-capped peaks

• Relax in natural hot springs, a perfect reward after days of trekking

• Explore Llactapata (Yachtapata) and enjoy a rare panoramic view of Machu Picchu from across the valley

• Experience dramatic changes in scenery, from high Andean landscapes to lush cloud forest

• Reach Machu Picchu after an epic multi-day journey through remote terrain

• Professional bilingual guide (English / Spanish) throughout the trek

• Full trekking experience with camping equipment, meals, pack animals, and support team

• Ideal for travelers seeking adventure, balance, and a deeper connection with nature

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake

Early in the morning, we depart from Cusco on a scenic drive toward Mollepata, where we enjoy breakfast surrounded by Andean landscapes. We then continue to Soraypampa, the starting point of our trek. After settling in, we begin an uphill hike to the breathtaking Humantay Lake, one of the most iconic highlights of the journey, framed by dramatic snow-capped peaks. After taking time to explore and capture photos, we return to camp to relax, followed by dinner and an overnight stay under the Andean sky.

Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Huayracmachay – Chaullay

We start the day with a traditional wake-up coca tea to help energize the body at high altitude, followed by breakfast. We then begin one of the most challenging and rewarding days of the trek, gradually ascending toward the Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the route. Along the way, we are rewarded with awe-inspiring views of the Salkantay Glacier and surrounding Andean peaks. After reaching the pass, we descend to Huayracmachay, where we enjoy a well-earned lunch. The trail continues through changing landscapes, from high alpine terrain to warmer valleys, until we arrive in Chaullay for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 3: Chaullay – Lucmabamba – Cocalmayo Hot Springs – Lucmabamba

After breakfast, we begin our hike through the lush cloud forest, surrounded by rivers, waterfalls, and vibrant native flora. Along the trail, we pass coffee plantations and tropical fruit farms, experiencing a completely different ecosystem. We continue to Lucmabamba, where we enjoy lunch in a peaceful rural setting. In the afternoon, you may choose an optional visit to the relaxing Cocalmayo Hot Springs. Optional transportation costs approximately 40 Peruvian soles, and the entrance fee is around 10 soles. After the visit, we return to Lucmabamba for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 4: Lucmabamba – Llaqtapata – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes

After breakfast, we set out on a scenic uphill hike toward the archaeological site of Llaqtapata, a hidden Inca settlement nestled in the cloud forest. Along the trail, we enjoy breathtaking mountain views and, from Llaqtapata, a rare panoramic perspective of Machu Picchu from across the valley. After exploring the site and capturing memorable photos, we descend toward the Hydroelectric station for lunch. In the afternoon, we continue walking alongside the railway through lush jungle landscapes until we arrive in Aguas Calientes, where dinner and an overnight stay at a comfortable hotel await.

Day 5: Machu Picchu – Cusco

Early in the morning, we set off toward Machu Picchu, ascending to the citadel as the first light of day reveals its iconic stone terraces and surrounding mountains. During a guided tour, we explore the most important sectors of this legendary Inca site, learning about its history, architecture, and cultural significance while taking in breathtaking views. After time to enjoy the atmosphere and take final photos, we return to Aguas Calientes and later board the scenic train back to Cusco, bringing this unforgettable Andean adventure to a perfect close.

What’s Included

• Pre-trek briefing prior to departure

• Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco

• Private transportation to the starting point of the trek

• Professional bilingual guide (English / Spanish) throughout the journey

• All meals during the trek (as specified in the itinerary)

• Freshly prepared meals by a professional trekking cook

• Camping equipment: tents, sleeping mats, dining tent, and kitchen equipment

• Pack animals and muleteers to carry camping and food equipment

• Accommodation in campsites (3 nights)

• Hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes (1 night)

• Entrance to natural hot springs along the route

• Visit to Llactapata (Yachtapata) with panoramic views of Machu Picchu

• Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu

• Guided tour of Machu Picchu

• Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo

• Private transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco

• First-aid kit and emergency oxygen

What’s Not Included

• Breakfast on Day 1

• Lunch on Day 5

• Sleeping bag (available for rent)

• Trekking poles (available for rent)

• Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (optional)

• Travel insurance (highly recommended)

• Personal expenses (snacks, drinks, souvenirs)

• Tips for guides, cooks, and muleteers (optional)