Salkantay Premium Private Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days 4 Nights

5.0 (83 reviews) Cusco, Peru
Duration5 days
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish, Spanish
Group sizeUp to 12 travelers
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

Experience the Salkantay Trek in the most exclusive way possible. This 5-day private journey is designed for travelers who want more than just a trek, it’s a fully personalized mountain experience with a dedicated guide, private service, and carefully selected premium camps.

Unlike standard group departures, this experience gives you total flexibility, personalized pacing, and full attention from your team. From the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake to the breathtaking Salkantay Pass and the unique view of Machu Picchu from Llactapata, every moment is crafted around you.

You’ll enjoy tranquility, comfort, and seamless logistics from start to finish, including an expert guided tour of Machu Picchu. If you’re looking for adventure without crowds, stress, or compromises, this is the ultimate way to experience the Andes.

Options

With Huchuy Picchu Mountain

Huchuy Picchu Mountain Ticket
Pickup included

Salkantay Premium Private Trek to Machu Picchu -5 Days / 4 Nights

Pickup included

With Machu Picchu Mountain

Machu Picchu Mountain Ticket
Pickup included

With Huayna Picchu Mountain

Huayna Picchu Mountain Ticket
Pickup included

What's included

  • Walkie-talkies, oxygen, and first aid kit available at all times
  • Pre-departure briefing
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Experienced Mountain Guide
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • 1 night in a superior 3-star hotel at Aguas Calientes
  • Breakfast
  • Entrance to Machu Picchu (Circuit 2 for 5-month bookings; if unavailable, Circuit 3, then Circuit 1)
  • Basic hiking equipment: Sleeping bag, trekking poles, backpack cover, and hand towel.
  • All private transport and transfers during the tour
  • Cultural immersion at a local coffee farm
  • An emergency horse available from Soraypampa to Abra Salkantay
  • Private Camping Facilities & Equipment
  • Entry fees to Salkantay Trek, Humantay lake, and Cocalmayo Hot Springs
  • Water, Tea Time, and daily snacks on the trail
  • Transportation of personal belongings
  • Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo tourist train (Vistadome Observatory or The Prime Machu Picchu)
  • Expert chef, porters, and horsemen
  • Personal duffel bag (up to 10 kg / 22 lb) for your travel gear
  • Train Transfer from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes
  • Round-trip bus between Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu
  • 3 nights camping accommodation (Sky Camp, Mountain Sky View, Sacred Jungle Lodge)
  • Optional horseback ride from Soraypampa to Humantay Lake (Day 1)(paid on-site to local providers)
  • Clothing and personal hiking equipment
  • Travel Insurance (Recommended)
  • Gratuities for the staff (Optional)
  • Dinner in Cusco (Day 5)

What to expect

Day 1: Cusco - Mollepata - Challacancha - Sky Camp - Humantay Lake
  1. Cusco
    2h
    We will pick you up at your hotel in the historic center around 5:00 a.m. to travel two hours to Mollepata
  2. Mollepata
    30m
    In Mollepata, you will enjoy an energy-packed breakfast.
  3. 30m
    Then we continue to Challacancha, the starting point of the hike. Here you will meet the local team that will accompany you throughout the experience.
  4. 3h · Admission ticket included
    You will begin a 3-hour hike to Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), where our exclusive Sky Camp is located. The 7 km / 4.35 mile route winds through glacial valleys and an ancient Inca canal that is still in use.
  5. 1h · Admission ticket included
    Upon arrival, you will have time to rest and enjoy a delicious lunch.
  6. Humantay Lake
    3h · Admission ticket included
    In the afternoon, you will hike to the impressive Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,780 ft), a 3 km / 1.86 mile stretch that takes approximately 3 hours round trip. You will enjoy its turquoise views as you connect with the energy of the Andes.
  7. 10h · Admission ticket included
    Back at camp, a comforting dinner and a unique night under the starry sky await you, with the imposing Apu Salkantay in front of your panoramic igloo.
Day 2: Soraypampa - Abra Salkantay - Huayracmachay - Chaullay - Collpapampa
  1. 1h · Admission ticket included
    Today you will wake up with the first rays of light and a comforting cup of coca tea, followed by a full breakfast.
  2. 2h
    Then you will begin a 2-hour horseback ride to Abra Salkantay (4,630 m / 15,190 ft), the highest point on the route. This section, without horses, is usually demanding, so the horseback ride reduces the effort and allows you to better enjoy the landscape.
    At the top, you will be able to appreciate mystical views of glaciers, Andean mountains, and the imposing Salkantay mountain (6,271 m / 20,574 ft), the second highest in Cusco and considered an Apu (Inca god).
  3. 3h
    After some free time for photos, we will begin the descent to Huayramachay (3,850 m / 12,631 ft), where a hearty lunch awaits you.
  4. Colcapampa
    4h
    You will continue downhill, leaving the snow-capped mountains behind and entering the cloud forest, full of vegetation and wildlife. After hiking 9.5 km / 5.9 miles for approximately 3.5 hours, you will arrive at Collpapampa
  5. 10h · Admission ticket included
    In Collpapampa, where our exclusive Mountain Sky View Campsite is located.
    In the evening, you will enjoy a hearty dinner before resting in a warmer environment.
Day 3: Collpapampa - La Playa - Lucmabamba - Cocalmayo - Sacred Jungle Lodge
  1. 1h · Admission ticket included
    We will start the day at 6:00 a.m. with a nutritious breakfast before beginning the hike to the Santa Teresa Valley.
  2. Santa Teresa
    3h
    The trail is mostly downhill and offers views of rivers, waterfalls, orchids, and coffee, banana, and avocado plantations. If you pay attention, you might spot the Cock-of-the-Rock, Peru's national bird.
  3. 3h · Admission ticket included
    Upon arrival at Zona Propiedad, a vehicle will be waiting to take us to La Playa to visit an organic coffee farm where you will learn about the entire production process, from bean to export.
  4. 2h · Admission ticket included
    After this activity, we will continue our journey to Lucmabamba (2,000 m / 6,562 ft) to enjoy a delicious lunch and settle into our exclusive Sacred Jungle Lodge camp.
  5. Banos Termales de Cocalmayo
    2h · Admission ticket included
    In the afternoon, you can explore the area or visit the Cocalmayo hot springs, ideal for relaxing in their warm natural pools.
  6. 10h · Admission ticket included
    Upon returning to the camp, you can enjoy a delicious dinner and rest surrounded by the harmonious sounds of the jungle.
Day 4: Lucmabamba - Llactapata - Ahobamba - Hydroelectric Plant - Aguas Calientes
  1. 1h · Admission ticket included
    After a hearty breakfast, we will begin our hike along a section of the original Inca Trail.
  2. Mirador de Llactapata
    3h · Admission ticket included
    We will ascend for two hours to Llactapata (2,700 m / 8,858 ft), an archaeological viewpoint with spectacular views of the Santa Teresa Valley and a first panoramic view of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu. Your guide will tell you about Inca history while you capture unforgettable photos.
  3. 4h
    We will then descend for an hour and a half to Ahobamba, where you will enjoy a local lunch. We will continue for another half hour to Hidroeléctrica (1,800 m / 5,906 ft), where you will pass by a 250-meter artificial waterfall that supplies energy to much of Cusco.
  4. 1h
    From here, we will board the train to Aguas Calientes, a journey with breathtaking scenery.
  5. Aguas Calientes
    10h
    Upon arrival, you will enjoy dinner at an exclusive restaurant and rest in a comfortable hotel before the big day.
Day 5: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco
  1. Aguas Calientes
    2h
    We start the day early with breakfast and board one of the first buses to Machu Picchu to avoid the crowds.
  2. Machupicchu
    3h · Admission ticket included
    Once at the citadel, your guide will take you to the most important temples, terraces, palaces, and ceremonial enclosures during a two-hour guided tour. Afterwards, you will have a short amount of free time to take pictures.
    If you booked the ascent to Huayna Picchu (2,720 m / 8,924 ft) or Machu Picchu Mountain (3,000 m / 9,843 ft), we will re-enter the site to complete the experience.
  3. Aguas Calientes
    1h
    Later, we will return to Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time to have lunch and buy souvenirs.
  4. 2h · Admission ticket included
    You’ll then board a panoramic train back to Ollantaytambo—either PeruRail’s Vistadome Observatory or Inca Rail’s Prime Machu Picchu Train, depending on availability at the time of booking
  5. Ollantaytambo
    2h
    Upon arrival, our private transportation will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Cusco.
  6. Cusco
    Pass by
    We’ll drop you off at your hotel so you can relax and rest after your journey.

Meeting and pickup

Pickup details

We recommend booking hotels in the center of Cusco.
We pick up all travelers from their hotels between 04:30 and 05:00 am.

Additional information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
  • It's recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before the trek to adjust to the altitude.
  • Spots at Machu Picchu sell out quickly. Book this trip at least five months in advance to secure spaces.
  • Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
  • Please ensure your passport is up to date and ready for use on your travel day
  • Children aged 12 and over may participate and must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.
  • Keep in mind this hike is a challenging trek. travellers have to be in good health and physical shape to fully enjoy every moment of this adventure.
  • Vegetarian or, vegan options are available, please advise at time of booking if required

Cancellation policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Reviews

5.0 (83)
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$1,920.00 per person
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