Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days / 4 Nights by Glamping

Experience the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: A Journey of Natural Wonders and Authentic Adventure

If you’re dreaming of reaching Machu Picchu without the usual crowds, the Salkantay Trek offers a remarkable alternative. For $310 per person over 5 days and 4 nights, this tour combines spectacular scenery, remote wilderness, and the comfort of glamping sky huts. Starting from Cusco, you’ll travel through cloud forests, high mountain passes, and lush valleys, culminating in a guided visit to the iconic Inca citadel.

Two aspects truly stand out. First, the stunning views of Salkantay Mountain and the surrounding valleys are genuinely breathtaking, making every step worthwhile. Second, the luxurious glamping experience at night transforms what could be a rugged trek into a more comfortable adventure, allowing you to rest well amid extraordinary scenery.

A possible consideration is the long and challenging days of hiking, especially Day 2’s ascent to the Salkantay Pass and the overall physical demand. Travelers should be prepared for some tough climbs and rugged terrain.

This tour is perfect for those who crave natural beauty, want to avoid the crowded Inca Trail, and enjoy a mixture of adventure and comfort. It’s especially well-suited for active travelers with a moderate fitness level who appreciate genuine experiences and beautiful vistas.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Fewer crowds and a more remote route offer a quieter, more immersive journey.
• Stunning Scenery: Expect jaw-dropping views of Salkantay Mountain and picturesque valleys.
• Comfortable Glamping: Sleep in cozy sky huts and domes, a nice upgrade over tents.
• Comprehensive Itinerary: Includes visits to Humantay Lake, hot springs, and the Inca archaeological site of Llactapata.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides enhance learning and ensure safety.
• Value for Price: At $310, the trip offers good value considering transportation, accommodation, guided tours, and entrance fees.

Starting Off: An Early Rise to Humantay Lake

We loved the way the tour begins well before dawn, with a pickup around 4 am. The comfortable transport with blankets helps mitigate the early wake-up, and the drive to Challacancha offers a chance to nap or enjoy the scenery. A brief stop in Mollepata for breakfast is optional but a nice touch, giving you a quick taste of local cuisine before hitting the trail.

Your first hike takes you to Soraypampa, where you’ll settle into one of the exclusive private camps—a real highlight of this tour. Unlike traditional camping, the sky huts or domes provide cozy, sheltered sleeping spaces, adding a touch of luxury to the wilderness experience. After a restful lunch, the highlight of the day is the hike up to Humantay Lake at 4,200 meters (13,780 ft). The lake’s vivid turquoise waters and the towering backdrop of Humantay Mountain are postcard-perfect, and the effort to reach it is rewarded with some of the most memorable views you’ll see on this trek.

Day 2: Scaling the Salkantay Pass

The second day is a real test of endurance but also one of the most spectacular. Waking up early with coca tea in hand, you’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast before tackling the highest point of the trek at Salkantay Pass—a challenging 7 km ascent over roughly 3 hours. The trail, aptly nicknamed the “Trail of the 7 Snakes,” is winding and steep, but the panoramic vistas of Salkantay Mountain (the second highest in the region at 6,271 meters) and the surrounding valleys make every step worth it.

One reviewer praised the guide’s responsibility, noting that “the overall atmosphere of the team was fantastic, and the guide was very responsible.” That sense of camaraderie and professional guidance really helps when the terrain gets tough. After the summit, you descend into lush green valleys, arriving at Collpampa, your campsite for the night—another cozy spot to rest and share stories around the campfire.

Day 3: Relaxation and Hot Springs

Day three offers a more relaxed pace with a mix of walking and leisure. After waking up at 6 am, you’ll trek through the Santa Teresa Valley, passing through scenic landscapes that evoke a true sense of wilderness. The visit to Cocalmayo hot springs provides a well-deserved break, with natural, clean waters that soothe tired muscles—an optional activity, giving you flexibility if you’d prefer to relax at camp.

Lunch at La Playa is a highlight, and the chance to unwind in the hot springs adds another layer of comfort to this adventure. For those who prefer, a relaxing day at the campsite is perfectly fine; this flexibility is a thoughtful touch that makes the tour accessible to various fitness levels.

Day 4: Approaching Machu Picchu

The final trekking day begins with an uphill climb along the original Inca Trail, a real thrill for history buffs and nature lovers alike. Expect to walk about 2 hours uphill to Llactapata, an impressive Inca archaeological site with a commanding view of Machu Picchu. This part of the journey offers some of the best photo opportunities and gets you excited for what’s to come.

After a downhill walk towards Hidroeléctrica, where lunch awaits, you’ll make your way into Aguas Calientes. The arrival here marks the end of the trek but the start of your exploration of Machu Picchu itself. The evening can be used to relax and prepare for the early start the next day.

Day 5: Discovering Machu Picchu

Finally, the highlight—visiting Machu Picchu. The guided tour takes about 1.5 hours, revealing the key spots like the temples, terraces, and the sundial. For those with energy left, optional hikes to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (both require separate tickets) are available, offering incredible bird’s-eye views of the site and surrounding mountains.

The tour concludes with a bus ride back to Cusco, completing a full and satisfying experience. The inclusion of entrance tickets and a guided tour ensures you get a rundown of this iconic site, and the overall package offers a good value for the price, considering the transportation and accommodations included.

Authentic Experiences and Practicalities

What makes this tour stand out is the blend of adventure, comfort, and authenticity. The glamping huts provide a comfortable night’s sleep amid remote scenery, unlike traditional camping. The professional guides enhance the experience with their knowledge, making history and geography come alive. On top of that, the hot springs, Humantay Lake, and Llactapata add unique stops that many other tours don’t include.

From the reviews, travelers emphasize that “the guides were responsible and knowledgeable,” and that the views are truly magnificent. The tour’s design allows you to appreciate the diverse landscapes of the Andes—from lush valleys to high mountain passes—without feeling rushed.

The Value of This Trek

At $310, this tour offers a lot: transportation from Cusco, all entrance fees, multiple nights of comfortable glamping, guided visits, and meals. For those seeking an off-the-beaten-path route to Machu Picchu, it’s a solid deal. The optional activities, like hot springs and side hikes, add flexibility and personalized touches, making it a better experience for many.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trek suits active travelers who enjoy hiking and are comfortable with some physical challenge. It’s an excellent choice for those who want a more authentic, less crowded experience compared to the Inca Trail, and who value a cozy sleeping arrangement after long days of walking. If you’re looking for a blend of adventure, comfort, and stunning scenery, this tour will meet your expectations.

If you’re craving beautiful landscapes, fewer crowds, and a taste of authentic Peruvian wilderness, the Salkantay Trek is a fantastic option. The combination of well-organized logistics, knowledgeable guides, and comfortable glamping makes it accessible to many travelers. You’ll love the spectacular mountain views, the cultural stops, and the feeling of accomplishment crossing challenging passes with fellow adventurers.

However, be prepared for some lengthy days of hiking and altitude—this is not a casual walk in the park. The longer, more strenuous days mean this trip is best for travelers with a moderate fitness level who enjoy a challenge. If you’re after a luxurious but authentic experience and want to see Machu Picchu from a less touristy route, this tour is an excellent choice.

Is transportation included from Cusco?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from your hotel in Cusco’s historic center and private transportation to the trailhead, making logistics hassle-free.

How physically demanding is the trek?
The trek involves some long and steep days, especially Day 2’s climb to Salkantay Pass. A moderate fitness level is recommended, and the tour provides coca tea and support to help with altitude.

Are meals provided during the trek?
Yes, the tour includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner on most days. You also get snacks and coca tea to start each morning. Vegetarian and vegan options are available at no extra cost.

What’s the sleeping arrangement like?
You’ll stay in glamping sky huts or domes, which are cozy, covered structures designed for comfort after a day of hiking. The last night is spent in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.

Can I visit Machu Picchu if I have limited time?
The tour includes enough time for a guided visit and optional hikes. You’ll arrive early in Aguas Calientes to beat some crowds and have ample time to explore Machu Picchu.

Is this tour suitable for families or less active travelers?
While suitable for active travelers, the physical demands may be challenging for some. Less active travelers might prefer a shorter or less strenuous option, but the optional rest days and flexible activities make it adaptable.

In sum, the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with glamping offers a compelling mix of adventure, comfort, and authentic scenery. It’s an ideal choice for those looking to escape the crowds, enjoy stunning landscapes, and experience the Andes in a meaningful way. Just prepare for some challenging days and be ready for some of Peru’s most unforgettable vistas.