Salkantay Trek 5 Days – Alternative Route to Machu Picchu

Includes

1. Permits.
2. Guide.
3. Cook.
4. Tents.
5. Meals.
6. Entrance.
7. Hostel Day 4.
8. Train.

Excludes

1. Sleeping bag.
2. Lunch Day 5
3. Hot springs.
4. First breakfast.
5. Entrance.
6. Optional hydroelectric bus.

Before starting the Salkantay Trek, plan for altitude, changing weather and several days of continuous hiking so you can enjoy the route safely and with realistic expectations.

1. Acclimatize in Cusco before the trek: the route reaches 4,630 masl at Salkantay Pass, so arriving early and taking it easy before departure is strongly recommended.
2. Assess your fitness level: this is a medium-high difficulty trek with long walking days, altitude and varied terrain.
3. Review inclusions and exclusions carefully: confirmed inclusions mention permits, guide, cook, tents, meals, hostel on Day 4 and train; exclusions mention sleeping bag, lunch on Day 5, hot springs, first breakfast, entrance and optional hydroelectric bus.
4. Clarify entrance details before booking: because “entrance” appears in both included and excluded information, confirm exactly which entrance ticket is covered for your departure.
5. Bring or rent a suitable sleeping bag, as it is listed as not included.
6. Inform the operator in advance about dietary needs, allergies or medical conditions so the team can advise what is possible for the trek.
7. Prepare for changing climates: the route moves from cold high mountains to warmer cloud forest and jungle zones.
8. Carry personal cash for excluded items, optional services, snacks, tips or local payments where cards may not be practical.

Pack light but strategically for the Salkantay 5 Days route, prioritizing layers, trekking comfort, altitude protection and items that are confirmed as not included.

1. Valid passport or travel document: essential for identification and Machu Picchu-related controls.
2. Sleeping bag: listed as not included, so bring your own or confirm rental options before departure.
3. Broken-in trekking boots: choose comfortable footwear with good grip for mountain, descent and jungle trail sections.
4. Layered clothing: thermal base layer, fleece or warm mid-layer, trekking pants and breathable shirts.
5. Rain jacket or waterproof shell: useful because mountain and cloud forest weather can change quickly.
6. Warm accessories: beanie, gloves and warm socks for cold high-altitude areas.
7. Sun protection: sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm and a hat or cap.
8. Small daypack for water, snacks, documents, camera, rain gear and personal essentials during each hiking day.
9. Reusable water bottle or hydration system to stay hydrated throughout the trek.
10. Personal medication, basic blister care and any altitude-related medicine recommended by your doctor.
11. Toiletries and hygiene items: biodegradable tissues, hand sanitizer, wet wipes and a small towel.
12. Swimwear and sandals if you plan to use the hot springs area, noting that hot springs are listed as excluded.
13. Cash in local currency for excluded meals, optional bus, hot springs, snacks or personal expenses.
14. Power bank, phone charger and camera, especially for remote sections where charging may be limited.

How difficult is the Salkantay Trek 5 Days?

The tour is rated medium-high difficulty. The most demanding section is the ascent to Salkantay Pass at 4,630 masl, combined with several consecutive hiking days and changing terrain.

What is the highest point of the trek?

The highest confirmed point is Salkantay Pass at 4,630 masl on Day 2. This is why acclimatization in Cusco before the trek is highly recommended.

Does the tour visit Humantay Lake?

Yes. Day 1 follows the route from Cusco to Soraypampa and includes Humantay Lake, one of the scenic highlights of the trek before continuing deeper into the Salkantay route.

Where do travelers sleep during the tour?

The confirmed information mentions tents as part of the inclusions and hostel accommodation on Day 4. Day 4 ends in Aguas Calientes before the Machu Picchu visit on Day 5.

What is included in the Salkantay Trek?

The listed inclusions include permits, guide, cook, tents, meals, an entrance, hostel on Day 4 and train. Because the tour information also lists “entrance” under exclusions, confirm the exact entrance coverage before booking.

What is not included?

The listed exclusions include sleeping bag, lunch on Day 5, hot springs, first breakfast, entrance and optional hydroelectric bus. Bring cash for excluded or optional items you may want during the route.

Does the itinerary include hot springs?

Day 3 goes through the jungle route toward Santa Teresa and the hot springs area. However, hot springs are listed as excluded, so any entrance or use should be considered an additional cost unless confirmed otherwise.

How does the tour reach Aguas Calientes?

On Day 4, the route goes from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes by trekking. This positions the group for the Machu Picchu visit on Day 5.

Is this a good alternative to the Inca Trail?

Yes. The Salkantay Trek is an adventure-focused alternative route to Machu Picchu, ideal for travelers who want high mountains, cloud forest and a more rugged trekking experience before reaching the Inca citadel.