Complete Day-by-Day Route, Prices, and Definitive Tips
Planning the Salkantay Trek can raise many questions: How difficult is each day? Where do you sleep? How cold is it? Is it worth doing 5 days instead of 4? In this 2026 guide, you’ll find a detailed itinerary, altitudes, actual times, costs, and practical recommendations so you can make an informed decision without surprises.
🌎 What is the 5D/4N Salkantay Trek and why choose this option?
The Salkantay Trek is the most scenic alternative to the Inca Trail for reaching Machu Picchu.
The 5-day, 4-night version is considered the most balanced because it:
- Allows for better acclimatization
- Distributes physical effort
- Includes sufficient time in each ecosystem
- Reduces the risk of accumulated fatigue
📍 Maximum altitude: 4,650 m (Salkantay Pass)
📏 Approximate total distance: 70 km
🗺️ Complete Day-by-Day Itinerary
🚌 Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Humantay Lagoon
- Early departure from Cusco.
- Transfer by tourist transport (3–4 hours)
- Arrival at Soraypampa (3,900 m)
- Optional hike to Humantay Lagoon (4,200 m)
- Hiking time: 3–4 hours total
- Overnight in campsites or domes
🔹 Elevation gain: +300 m
🔹 Difficulty: Moderate (due to altitude)
🔹 Nighttime temperature: can drop to 0°C or below
👉 This day serves as an introduction and initial physical test.
⛰️ Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Huayracmachay – Chaullay
The most challenging day of the trek.
- Gradual ascent to Salkantay Pass (4,650 m)
- Views of the Salkantay snow-capped mountain
- Long descent into the high jungle
- Hiking time: 7–9 hours
🔹 Total elevation gain: +700 m
🔹 Elevation loss: -1,500 m
🔹 Difficulty: Moderate–High
Weather:
- Very cold mornings
- Sudden temperature changes
- Possible strong winds at the pass
This is the key day of the trek.
🌿 Day 3: Chaullay – Collpapampa – La Playa
Radical change of landscape.
- Transition to cloud forest
- Tropical vegetation
- Warmer and more humid climate
- Hiking time: 5–6 hours
🔹 Difficulty: Moderate
🔹 Temperature: 18°C – 25°C
Physical exertion decreases compared to Day 2.
☕ Day 4: La Playa – Hydroelectric Plant – Aguas Calientes
- Hike to the Hydroelectric Plant
- Train option (extra)
- Hike parallel to the railway tracks to Aguas Calientes
- Overnight in a hotel
🔹 Total time: 5–7 hours
🔹 Difficulty: Low–Moderate
More comfortable accommodations compared to previous campsites.
🌄 Day 5: Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco
Guided tour of Machu Picchu.
Optional:
- Ascent to Huayna Picchu (advance booking required)
Return by train + transport to Cusco.
This day is more cultural than physical.
📊 Technical Table
| Factor | Salkantay Trek 5D/4N |
|---|---|
| Duration | 5 days |
| Maximum altitude | 4,650 m |
| Total distance | ~70 km |
| Average price | USD 550–900 |
| Difficulty | Moderate–High |
| Best time | May–September |
| AccommodationCamp + hotel | Camp + hotel |
🌦️ Weather and Best Time
☀️ Dry season (May–September)
✔ Clear skies
✔ Less mud
✔ Best views
Cold nights at altitude (-5°C possible).
🌧️ Rainy Season (November–April)
✔ Green landscapes
✔ Fewer tourists
⚠️ Slippery trails and greater physical exertion.
February is the rainiest month.
💰 Transaction Value: Detailed Costs
💵 Price
- Standard Group Tour: USD 550 – 900
- Premium Service (Domes): USD 900 – 1,500
- Private Service: from USD 1,800
✅ Typically Includes
- Transportation from Cusco
- Certified Bilingual Guide
- Professional Cook
- Mules for carrying equipment
- Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Entrance to Machu Picchu
- Return train
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes
❌ Does Not Include
- Sleeping bag (additional rental USD 20–40)
- Trekking poles
- Travel insurance
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu
- Tips
🏔️ Actual Difficulty Level
Requires:
- Good cardiovascular endurance
- Ability to hike for 6–9 hours
- Tolerance for temperature changes
No technical mountaineering experience required.
🎒 Advanced Pro-Tips for Foreigners
🏔️ 1. Strategic Acclimatization
Spend 2–3 days in Cusco before the trek.
Take short hikes beforehand for gradual acclimatization.
🧥 2. Complete Layering System
- Thermal base layer
- Mid-layer fleece
- Waterproof jacket
- Gloves and hat
The morning of day 2 can be below freezing.
👟 3. Suitable Boots
Waterproof and with good ankle support.
💧 4. Hydration and Electrolytes
Altitude and exertion increase dehydration.
🌞 5. UV Protection
High altitude = intense radiation even in cold weather.
🧠 Why Choose 5 Days Instead of 4?
Advantages:
✔ More balanced pace
✔ Less accumulated fatigue
✔ Better adaptation to the climate
✔ More enjoyment of the scenery
This is the recommended version for international travelers.
🎯 Who is the 5D/4N Itinerary Ideal For?
✔ Active travelers
✔ People with plenty of time
✔ Lovers of extreme landscapes
✔ Those seeking a less regulated alternative to the Inca Trail
Not ideal for:
- Travelers with limited mobility
- People who are not acclimatized
The 5-day, 4-night Salkantay Trek is the most complete and balanced way to reach Machu Picchu.
It combines:
High mountain terrain
Glaciers
Rainforest
Cultural experience
It is challenging, but achievable for prepared travelers.
