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Extended Salkantay Trek

Name: Extended Salkantay Trek
Brand: Bookatrekking
Price: 620.00 EUR
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.4 (1611 reviews)

Duration: 5 days

Trails: T3 trails

Distance: 15 - 20 km per day

Ascent per day: 500 - 1000 m ascent per day

Overview
Itinerary
What's Included
FAQ
Reviews

+ 3 days glamping and 1 night in a 3 star hotel
+ Machu Picchu tickets & guided tour
+ Return by expedition train
- Last day lunch not included

This is probably the most popular alternative trek. It is slightly more challenging than the Inca Trail, with longer days and more hiking. You will experience many different micro-climates as the scenery changes drastically each day. This trek is an unforgettable journey that connects you with the majesty of the Peruvian Andes. Recognised as one of the world's best treks, this route offers breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture and unique experiences.

Hike through snow-capped mountains, tropical forests, and deep-blue lagoons. Spend magical nights in glass cabins offering views of the Salkantay glacier, relax in cosy hobbit-style lodges with hot showers and wake up at Llactapata, a secluded campsite with stunning views of Machu Picchu.

Although alternative treks are growing in popularity, you are still likely to hike through the Andes with only your own group. The trails are not crowded with tourists, and you will visit places that can only be reached on foot.

Note: This itinerary will be valid starting March 2026.

Itinerary

Day

Cusco – Soraypampa (Glass Cabins, 3,800 m) – Humantay Lake

Duration: 06:30 h

Distance: 13 km

Highest Point: 4200 m

Your adventure begins between 4:00 and 4:30 a.m. with pickup from your hotel in Cusco. We will drive toward the picturesque town of Mollepata, passing traditional Andean villages such as Anta and Limatambo, with beautiful views of valleys and the Andean mountain range.

After approximately 2 hours, we arrive in Mollepata for a local breakfast. Then we continue one more hour to Challacancha, the starting point of the trek. Here, you will have time to prepare before beginning the hike.

The first section is a gradual ascent, ideal for acclimatization. After 1.5 hours of hiking, we reach Soraypampa, home to our exclusive Glass Cabins, offering spectacular glacier views. Here, you will enjoy a freshly prepared lunch.

In the afternoon, we begin the hike to the famous Humantay Lake (about 1.5 hours). The path starts gently and becomes steeper near the lake. At the top, you will admire the turquoise waters framed by Humantay Mountain (5,960 m)—a truly magical landscape.

We return to Soraypampa around 4:00 p.m., with free time to rest. In the evening, you will participate in a Peruvian cooking class, followed by a delicious dinner. Your first night will be spent in a cozy Glass Cabin under a star-filled sky.

Cabañas de Cristal

Info

Day

Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Wayracmachay (Glass Domes, 3,800 m)

Duration: 07:30 h

Distance: 14 km

Highest Point: 4630 m

This is the most demanding and spectacular day of the trek. We begin with an early breakfast at 5:30 a.m. in Soraypampa.

We start the hike with a moderate 2-hour ascent to Salkantay Pampa (4,100 m), an excellent viewpoint to appreciate the majesty of Salkantay Mountain.

We continue climbing for about 1 more hour on a zigzagging trail until reaching Soyrococha, located directly below the Salkantay peak. Here, our chef will be waiting with a comforting hot lunch surrounded by glaciers.

After lunch, we take on the final 1-hour ascent to the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m), the highest point of the trek. Here, we hold a short gratitude ceremony to Pachamama, surrounded by breathtaking snowy peaks.

From the pass, we begin the descent. The first 2.5 hours take us from alpine landscapes back into the valley. Our final destination is Wayracmachay (3,800 m), where our comfortable Glass Domes await.

Enjoy a hot dinner and a clear night sky ideal for stargazing.

Wayracmachay (Glass Domes)

Info

Day

Wayracmachay – Rayanpata – Colpapampa – Loreta (Hobbit House, 2,000 m approx.)

Duration: 07:30 h

Distance: 18 km

Highest Point: 3800 m

Today you will experience a complete change of ecosystem. After a hot drink inside your dome and a nutritious breakfast, we begin descending toward the cloud forest.

After 2 hours of hiking, we reach Rayanpata, where the climate becomes warmer and more humid, with tropical vegetation and wildflowers.

We continue for another 2 hours to Colpapampa (2,950 m), where our chef will prepare a fresh lunch inspired by Amazonian flavors.

We then walk 4 more hours into the high jungle, passing waterfalls, orchids, coffee plantations, and rich subtropical vegetation.

Finally, we arrive at Loreta, home of our charming Hobbit House ecolodge, surrounded by forest and rivers.

Loreta (Hobbit House)

Info

Day

Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes

Duration: 06:30 h

Distance: 24 km

Highest Point: 2700 m

After breakfast surrounded by nature, we take a 30-minute drive to Lucmabamba, where we begin a 4-hour ascent along an original section of the Inca Trail.

Along the route we pass coffee, banana, and avocado plantations until arriving at Llactapata (2,700 m), one of the best distant viewpoints of Machu Picchu. Your guide will explain the site and give you time for panoramic photos.

We descend for 1.5 hours to Hidroeléctrica, where our chef prepares the last lunch of the trek. This is a perfect moment to thank the trekking team.

We then continue walking for about 3 hours along the train tracks, an easy and scenic route full of biodiversity, until reaching Aguas Calientes. You will check into your hotel and rest.

Note: the stage distance is approximately 24 km, including a train section.

Aguas Calientes

Info

Day

Machu Picchu (2,430 m) – Return to Cusco

Today you visit Machu Picchu, the long-awaited highlight of your entire journey. After an early breakfast, we board one of the first buses to the citadel. Upon arrival, your guide will assist you at the entry checkpoint (passport + ticket required).

We begin the visit in the upper area, where you will enjoy the iconic postcard view of Machu Picchu—an unforgettable moment and the perfect opportunity for photos.

Your guided tour continues through the most important sectors: Agricultural terraces, Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana (sacred solar stone), Urban and residential zones, Ceremonial and astronomical temples.

Your guide will share historical, cultural, and architectural details that reveal the significance and engineering brilliance of the Inca civilization.

If you booked the optional Huayna Picchu hike, your guide will escort you to the entrance. This additional climb offers extraordinary bird’s-eye views of the citadel.

After the visit, we return by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time for lunch, shopping, or simply relaxing.

In the afternoon, you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo (typical schedule: 2:55 p.m.). Upon arrival, your private driver will be waiting to bring you back to Cusco, arriving approximately between 7:30 and 8:00 p.m.

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Included

Guides

A well-trained English-speaking guide is included in the price. The guides all grew up in the Cusco region and are committed to sharing their history and culture with visitors. The guides are friendly and professional and will make sure you don't miss anything.
Satellite phones

Guides are equipped with satellite phones and can organise anything on the fly.
Taxes and fees

All tourist taxes and permit fees applicable are included in the listed price.
First aid

Your guide has received training in first aid from a physician. Mandatory training sessions are conducted every year. Your tour guide will always have a first-aid kit for basic medical problems (traveler’s diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.) and oxygen. You will be escorted off the trail as quickly and comfortably as possible, if needed, and taken to a clinic for treatment.
Food and water

Food and water are included and will be provided as per the itinerary. Water is boiled, filtered, and then cooled before distributing. You must bring your water bottles and or camelback. We recommend carrying about 3L worth per day. You will be able to restock your water supplies at each meal.
Getting to and from

Getting to and from the start/end point of this trekking is included, as per the itinerary.
Gear

All (camping) equipment will be provided, built up, and taken down again. This is included in your trekking package. Please note that a sleeping bag and air mattress are not included but are available for rent.
Duffel

You will receive your duffel bag that will stay with your porters while you hike. This bag should not exceed 7kg/14 lbs and does need to include your sleeping bag and air mattress.
Porters

A personal porter will carry most of your belongings using a duffel bag. There is no additional fee for this. You will have access to your duffel bag in the mornings and evenings.
Trekking Briefing

The night before your trek, you will come to the local office for a briefing. The entire itinerary will be explained and the final logistics for the Salkantay Trek will be taken care of.
Permits

Permits for both your Salkantay Trek trek and for the entry to Machu Picchu are included and will be taken care of.

Excluded

Accommodation in Cusco including breakfast

Before and after the trek you have to take care of your own accommodation.
Rentals

Every trekker needs a sleeping bag when camping. Inflatable air mattresses and walking sticks (with rubber tips) are optional but encouraged. If you don’t want to bring any of the above, they are all available for rent: Sleeping Bag: USD 25, Inflatable Air Mattress: USD 20, Trekking Poles (Pair): USD 20.
Huayna Picchu

Huayna Picchu is the mountain that stands next to Machu Picchu. It is a 45-minute hike to the top. Going back down is quite steep if you are scared of heights. You would do this after your tour of Machu Picchu. The cost is USD 75. Arrangements need to be made at least one month in advance due to popularity. Please understand that the weather is out of our control.
Travel Insurance Including Repatriation

Your international travel insurance is your own responsibility. It is important that your travel insurance also covers adventures at a high altitude. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before you travel to Peru.
Tipping

Tips for guides, cook and porters are not included. You decide what you want to tip, but be generous.

FAQ

When is the best season to do the Salkantay Trek?
Is the Salkantay Trek Something For Me?
How Do I Get a Permit for the Salkantay Trek?
What if the dates I want are not available?
If I book now, can I immediately arrange the rest of my trip?
How do I know if this trek is right for me?

How to Book

Booking
Availability
Cancellation policy

Reviews

Just for You

Extended Salkantay Trek

Itinerary

Cusco – Soraypampa (Glass Cabins, 3,800 m) – Humantay Lake

Cabañas de Cristal

Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Wayracmachay (Glass Domes, 3,800 m)

Wayracmachay (Glass Domes)

Wayracmachay – Rayanpata – Colpapampa – Loreta (Hobbit House, 2,000 m approx.)

Loreta (Hobbit House)

Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes

Aguas Calientes

Machu Picchu (2,430 m) – Return to Cusco

Included

Guides

Satellite phones

Taxes and fees

First aid

Food and water

Getting to and from

Gear

Duffel

Porters

Trekking Briefing

Permits

Excluded

Accommodation in Cusco including breakfast

Rentals

Huayna Picchu

Travel Insurance Including Repatriation

Tipping

FAQ

When is the best season to do the Salkantay Trek?

Is the Salkantay Trek Something For Me?

How Do I Get a Permit for the Salkantay Trek?

What if the dates I want are not available?

If I book now, can I immediately arrange the rest of my trip?

How do I know if this trek is right for me?

How to Book

Booking

Availability

Cancellation policy

Reviews

Reviews

Just for You

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