Salkantay Trek Premium: Sacred Route of Machu Picchu
Enjoy a premium, private experience guided by accredited experts, with everything planned so you can relax and enjoy yourself
Overview
Salkantay Trek Premium is the perfect adventure for those who want to discover the grandeur of the Peruvian Andes with comfort and style. Over five days, you will hike through incredible landscapes: sacred lakes, towering snow-capped peaks, cloud forests, and high jungle, culminating at the iconic Machu Picchu citadel.
This tour combines the thrill of trekking with the comfort of fully equipped camps and chefs preparing delicious meals, along with expert guides who will accompany you every step of the way to ensure a safe, enriching, and unique experience.
From the breathtaking summit of Salkantay Pass at 4,600 meters to the coffee culture in Lucmabamba and the magical encounter with Machu Picchu, this journey connects you with nature and history like never before.
Book now and get ready to experience a premium trip that exceeds all your expectations.
- Enjoy a unique adventure on the Salkantay Trek with Conde Travel's exclusive route .
- Visit two natural wonders , the impressive Qoyllor and Inkachiriasqa lagoons.
- Hike along the foothills of the majestic Salkantay, one of the most sacred mountains in the Andes.
- Admire the towering glaciers of Humantay, Salkantay, and Qoyllor.
- Enjoy comfortable, affordable stays at our 3-star hotel, designed for your ultimate relaxation.
- Discover the finest essence of coffee at its source by visiting the coffee plantations.
Salkantay Trek Premium 5-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Qoyllor and Inkachiriasqa Lake - Salkantaypampa Base Camp (16km approx. 7hrs)
Your adventure begins early in the morning with pick-up from your hotel between 4:00 am and 4:30 am. We’ll drive to Limatambo, where you’ll have the option to enjoy breakfast (not included) at a local restaurant. This is also a good opportunity to buy drinks, snacks, or use the restroom facilities before we continue.
We’ll start the hike from the Qoyllor community, following scenic mountain trails toward the beautiful Qoyllor Lagoon. After crossing this lagoon, we’ll reach Qoyllor Pass, where we’ll meet our muleteers and horses. They will carry the camping equipment, allowing you to hike with just your personal gear as we head toward Inkachiriasqa Lagoon.
After visiting this impressive glacial lagoon, we continue trekking to our base camp at Salkantaypampa, located at the foot of the majestic Salkantay Glacier. Here, our team will welcome you with a freshly prepared lunch, afternoon tea, and a delicious dinner, surrounded by breathtaking views of the Andean peaks.
Optional: Horse rental is available for specific sections of the hike (mainly uphill sections) for USD $95. We recommend reserving this in advance if you wish to use the service. While it may be possible to arrange a horse during the trek, availability is not guaranteed without prior booking.
Day 2: Salkantaypampa Base Camp – Chaullay (18km approx. 7hrs)
Wake up to a warm cup of coca tea and breakfast with fantastic mountain views. We then embark on a 3-hour hike to reach the Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the traditional route, surrounded by dramatic snow-capped peaks and glaciers.
From the summit, we’ll descend to Wayracmachay for a well-deserved lunch. In the afternoon, the trail continues into the lush high jungle, where towering trees, waterfalls, orchids, and bromeliads create a vibrant natural setting.
We’ll spend the night camping at Chaullay, deep in the Andean jungle, with the sounds of nature all around.
Day 3: Chaullay – Lucmabamba (16km approx. 6hrs)
After a hearty breakfast, we’ll continue hiking through the lush cloud forest. This section of the trail is rich with biodiversity—rivers, waterfalls, orchids, and bromeliads line the path.
After about 3 hours, we’ll stop for lunch and take a break surrounded by beautiful scenery. We’ll then continue for another 3 hours until we reach Lucmabamba (2,000 m), where we’ll set up camp for the night.
Once at the campsite, you’ll have the rest of the afternoon free to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
If you wish, you can also participate in an authentic coffee experience with a local family, learning about traditional coffee production from harvesting to roasting and brewing.
Additionally, you can visit the Cocalmayo Hot Springs (optional). This requires about 1 hour by car each way (2 cars in total, round trip). The transportation and entrance fees are not included, and prices range from 90 soles (about 25 USD) to 150 soles (about 40 USD) depending on availability and group size.
Day 4: Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes (14km approx. 6hrs)
After breakfast, we’ll ascend along an ancient Inca trail to reach the Llactapata archaeological site, where you’ll get your first partial view of Machu Picchu from across the valley.
We’ll then continue descending through lush vegetation until we reach Hidroeléctrica, where we’ll stop for lunch.
Afterwards, we’ll hike for about 3 more hours along the train tracks through the cloud forest until we arrive at Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town). Here, you’ll stay in a comfortable hotel with a private bathroom and hot shower to rest and prepare for the next day’s visit to Machu Picchu.
Day 5: Machu Picchu – Cusco
Today is the highlight of the journey. We’ll board one of the first buses to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
With your professional guide, you’ll explore the site’s main temples, ceremonial plazas, agricultural terraces, and viewpoints, discovering the secrets and history of this extraordinary Incan legacy during a guided tour of approximately 2 to 3 hours.
At the end of the guided tour, you’ll also have around 20 minutes of free time to explore on your own, take photos, or simply enjoy the atmosphere. Your guide will let you know when and where you can do this.
Afterwards, we’ll take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll board the train back to Ollantaytambo. From there, we’ll continue the journey to Cusco, concluding this unforgettable adventure.
Note: If you wish to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you must book at least 3 months in advance, as spaces are limited and sell out quickly. This activity is optional (USD $70).
Included
- Pre-trip briefing the night before at our office
- Pick-up from your hotel – private transport to the start of the trek
- 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners (vegetarian options available)
- Entrance ticket to the Inkachiriasqa Lagoon
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu (Circuit 2)
- Professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish)
- Chef and assistants
- Spacious dining tent and kitchen
- Sleeping bag for temperatures as low as -15ºC (5ºF)
- 3 nights camping in scenic locations
- 1 night accommodation in Aguas Calientes in a hotel (Machu Picchu Town)
- Round-trip bus Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu
- Train return Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
- Private transport in van from Ollantaytambo – Cusco
Not Included
- Breakfast on the first day and lunch on the last day
- Walking poles (available to rent)
- Tips for guides, muleteers, and chefs
- Personal care items
- Entrance & transport to/from Cocalmayo hot springs
- Entrance to Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu (US $70 – book at least 3 months in advance)
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Your journey, in expert hands
With more than 15 years of experience organizing trips in the Andes, Conde Travel has become a renowned agency known for its excellence and safety. Thousands of international travelers choose us every year for our personalized service and professionalism.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I book the Salkantay Trek Premium?
Reservations can be made directly through our website, by calling our contact number, or by sending a message via WhatsApp (+51 984800095). You can also email us at (booking@conde.travel) with the details of the tour you want.
What does Salkantay mean and what makes it so special?
Salkantay is a mountain located in the Andes Mountain Range in Cusco, Peru, with an altitude of 6,271 meters above sea level. Its name, Quechua “Salkantay,” means “wild mountain” or “cold mountain” due to its extreme climate. It is considered an “Apu” in Andean cosmology, a protective deity revered by local communities. Geographically, it features a diverse landscape, ranging from high-altitude grasslands to cloud forests. The Salkantay Trek is a popular hike that takes travelers from the high mountains to Machu Picchu. This route offers a more remote and challenging experience than the traditional Inca Trail. The mountain is a sacred and majestic symbol of the Andean region.
Is it necessary to be in excellent physical condition to do the trek?
Although it is not necessary to be a professional athlete, we recommend having moderate physical fitness, as the trek includes mountainous terrain and high altitudes, which can be demanding.
What is the best time to travel to Cusco?
The best time to visit Cusco and take the tours is during the dry season, from May to September. However, we offer tours year-round, tailored to different weather conditions.
What happens if I don't feel well during the trek?
Our team is trained to assist in emergency situations. If you experience altitude sickness or any discomfort, our guides will be there to help you. If necessary, your return will be coordinated with safe transportation.
What is included in the tour price?
The tour price includes transportation, a professional tour guide, entrance fees to archaeological sites and activities, and some tours also include meals and accommodation, depending on the selected package.
Can I change the date of my tour after making the reservation?
Yes, you can change the date of your tour with a minimum of 48 hours’ notice. For more details about changes, contact us directly to coordinate.
Book your adventure now!
- Offer valid until: Oct 31, 2025
- Book months in advance
