Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – 5 Days / 4 Nights

Both routes are exciting options for adventure seekers. However, the Salkantay Trek stands out as a compelling alternative, offering fewer crowds without sacrificing the thrill. The route features dramatically diverse terrain — from alpine mountain passes to tropical jungle — and covers a greater distance through different ecosystems.

What makes this trek especially memorable is the upgraded lodging along the way: sky-view mountain cabins, a pod hanging off a cliff with valley views, and geodesic glass domes in the heart of the rainforest. Combine that with a coffee plantation tour, a visit to the remote Llactapata Ruins, and a grand finale at Machu Picchu, and you have an adventure that truly can’t be matched.

This trek is rated moderate to challenging. The highest point is the Salkantay Pass at 4,630 meters (15,190 ft). No technical climbing is required, but altitude and long hiking days (up to 9–10 hours on Day 2) can be physically demanding.

You should be comfortable hiking 6–10 hours daily over varying terrain. Some pre-trip training is strongly recommended. If you’re very fit and short on time, ask us about the 4-day Short Salkantay Trek option as well.

The best time to hike is during the dry season, which runs from April through October. Days are typically clear and sunny, offering excellent mountain views and stable trail conditions. Nights can be cold at higher elevations, especially in the early dry season months, so warm layers are essential.

The rainy season (November–March) is possible, but expect some muddy trails and limited visibility on the high passes. Rainbow Mountain Vip runs the trek year-round — just pack your rain gear regardless of the season.

Altitude is a significant factor on this trek, especially on Day 2 when you cross Salkantay Pass at 4,630 meters (15,190 ft). We strongly recommend spending at least two full days in Cusco (3,400 m / 11,152 ft) before the trek begins to allow your body to acclimatize.

Common symptoms of altitude sickness include headache, nausea, loss of appetite, and fatigue. To minimize risk: stay well hydrated, avoid alcohol before and during the trek, take it slow on ascents, and consider speaking to your doctor about altitude medication before you travel. Our guides always carry supplemental oxygen and a first-aid kit, and an emergency horse is available on the steepest sections.

No tents needed on this trip! One of the biggest highlights of the Rainbow Mountain Vip Salkantay Trek is the upgraded accommodation. You’ll sleep in comfortable sky-view mountain cabins on Night 1, a pod hanging off a cliff on Night 2, and a geodesic glass dome on Night 3 — all with comfortable beds, hot showers, and modern facilities. Night 4 is spent in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.

All main meals during the trek are included: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners (Day 1 breakfast and Day 5 lunch in Aguas Calientes are not included). Meals are freshly prepared by a professional chef using high-quality local ingredients, and daily snacks and boiled drinking water are also provided.

Vegetarian, vegan, and other special dietary requirements can usually be accommodated with advance notice. Please inform us at the time of booking.

Yes! On Day 3, you’ll enjoy a fully immersive, hands-on coffee experience at a working, family-run plantation in Lucmabamba. You’ll harvest, process, roast, and brew your own fresh cup of Peruvian coffee guided by welcoming local farmers. This is one of the unique cultural highlights of the Rainbow Mountain Vip Salkantay Trek — and it’s completely included in the tour price.

No — you only need to carry your daypack with daily essentials like water, snacks, layers, sunscreen, and your camera. Horses will carry your provided duffel bag (up to 8 kg / 17 lbs) containing your personal belongings between camps. Note: your sleeping bag counts toward this 8 kg limit.

Absolutely — Machu Picchu is the grand finale of the entire trek! On Day 5, you’ll take the early morning bus up to the citadel and enjoy a fully guided tour with your expert Rainbow Mountain Vip guide. Your Machu Picchu entrance ticket is included. After the tour, return by bus to Aguas Calientes and board the Expedition train back through the Sacred Valley to Cusco.

Your Cusco hotel will store your extra luggage for free while you’re on the trail. Alternatively, Rainbow Mountain Vip’s Cusco office offers free luggage storage at no additional cost — just bring what you need for the five days.

Rainbow Mountain Vip keeps groups intentionally small for a better experience. The average group size is 3–5 people, with a maximum of 16 trekkers per group plus the full trekking team. For a fully exclusive experience with no other travelers, select the Private option at booking.

Yes, the Salkantay route can be trekked year-round. For the best trail conditions and the most stunning clear-day views — especially at Machu Picchu on Day 5 — we recommend avoiding the heart of the rainy season (November–March). April through October offers the most reliable weather and clearest skies.

Yes. All three lodges on the Rainbow Mountain Vip Salkantay Trek — the sky-view cabins, cliff pod, and glass dome — feature private or shared toilet facilities and hot showers. We recommend carrying hand sanitizer for use at any public trail facilities you may encounter along the route.

Our guides are among the very best in the region — born and raised in Cusco and the Sacred Valley, with fluent English, Spanish, and Quechua. Most have 8–10 years of experience leading treks to Machu Picchu and hold specialist training in the history, spirituality, ecology, and culture of the Inca world. They’re not just guides — they’re passionate storytellers who bring the Andes to life.

No. There are no ATMs anywhere on the Salkantay route itself. Bring enough Peruvian Soles from Cusco to cover tips for your guide, muleteers, and chef, plus your own lunch on Day 5 in Aguas Calientes and any personal extras. ATMs are available in Aguas Calientes if you need to withdraw additional cash before the train ride home.