Split view: on the left, a small group of hikers with trekking poles walks a narrow mountain path flanked by shrubs and a high Andean peak; on the right, the sunlit stone terraces of Machu Picchu rise against a backdrop of lush green mountains. — Hikers traversing the Salkantay Trail beneath snow-capped peaks, en route to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu.

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Salkantay Trek: 5 Days to Machu Picchu

By María and Thomas, Hiking in London Club

Introduction

The Salkantay Trek spans 5 days of dramatic altitude changes—from the icy heights of the Salkantay Pass to the steamy greenery of Peru’s cloud forest—culminating at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu. As Machu Picchu is protected under UNESCO regulations, no mandatory local guides are required for entry, making this truly a self-guided adventure with the comfort of eco-lodges and hostels along the way.

Day 1: Challacancha to Soraypampa (2,900 m → 3,900 m)

Distance: ~25 km | Elevation gain: +1,000 m

Scenic Highlights: Andean wheat fields around Mollepata; optional lakeside detour to Laguna Humantay (4,200 m) with turquoise glacial waters.
Flora & Fauna: Wild lupins, Polylepis woodlands, spotting the Andean goose.
Sunset Viewpoint: The ridge overlooking Soraypampa—watch Salkantay’s summit glow pink at dusk.

Lodging: Soraypampa eco-lodge—private rooms, hot showers, communal dining. Dinner features quinoa soup and trout from the mountain streams.

Day 2: Soraypampa to Collpapampa (3,900 m → 2,900 m)

Distance: ~18 km | High Point: Salkantay Pass at 4,600 m

Key Sights: Glacier-carved valleys; panoramic vista of Nevado Humantay and the cordillera.
Wildlife Encounters: Andean condors soaring on thermal currents.
Descent Trail: Winding switchbacks through puna grasslands to the lush Collpapampa valley.

Lodging: Collpapampa eco-lodge—cozy cabins, hot meals, with views of the Collpa River gorge.

Day 3: Collpapampa to Santa Teresa (2,900 m → 2,000 m)

Distance: ~20 km | Elevation loss: –900 m

Cloud Forest: Stands of giant ferns, orchids, bromeliads; listen for the raucous call of the cock-of-the-rock.
Local Community: La Playa hamlet—sample freshly harvested coffee and plantain snacks.
Rest Stop: Natural pools beside the Santa Teresa River.

Lodging: Santa Teresa hostel—private room, hot spring dip at Cocalmayo, local dinner buffet.

Day 4: Santa Teresa to Aguas Calientes (2,000 m → 2,040 m)

Distance: ~16 km | Trail Type: Mixed jungle trail & riverside rail path

Hydroelectric Plant: Brief photo stop to see the dam and old railroad bridges.
Flora: Cacao and coffee plantations; occasional sightings of spectacled bears in tall grasses.
Village Vibes: Artisan stalls in Aguas Calientes; riverfront cafés serving fresh trout.

Lodging: Aguas Calientes guesthouse—range from budget to boutique, all with breakfast included.

Day 5: Machu Picchu Exploration and Return

Early Ascent: 5:30 AM bus to the citadel entrance. Experience sunrise lighting the terraces in golden hues.

Must-See Ruins: The Temple of the Sun, Royal Tomb, Intihuatana stone, agricultural terraces.
Optional Hikes: Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for panoramic overlooks.
UNESCO Status: As a designated World Heritage Site, independent travel is permitted without local guide insurance—though an expert commentary by María or Thomas adds cultural depth.

Return Journey: Afternoon train to Ollantaytambo, then transfer by minibus back to Cusco.

The Salkantay Ecosystems

High Andean Puna: Grassy plateaus, native sheep and vicuñas.
Cloud Forest: Lush biodiversity of orchids, hummingbirds, and epiphytes.
Yunga Jungle: Warm valleys with coffee farms, orchids, and occasional tapir tracks.

Traveler Recommendations

Acclimatization: Spend 48+ hours in Cusco (3,400 m) before departure.
Essential Gear: 0 °C sleeping bag, pad, trekking poles, waterproof cover.
Water & Nutrition: 3–4 L per day; electrolyte supplements and energy bars.
Self-Guided Freedom: No mandatory local guide for UNESCO sites; navigate via clear trail markers and GPS waypoints.