This stage of the Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu includes the ascent to the highest point of the route and the transition from high Andes to lower-altitude environments.

Early Morning Preparation

• Wake-up at approximately 5:00 AM with coca tea (“te despierto”)
• Preparation time: approximately 30 minutes
• Breakfast served at 5:30 AM

Ascent to Salkantay Pass

• Departure from campsite at approximately 6:00 AM
• Destination: Salkantay Pass (4,700 meters above sea level)
• Hiking duration: 3 to 3.5 hours
• Route includes a continuous uphill section with scheduled rest stops

The main challenge at this stage is altitude rather than technical difficulty.

At Salkantay Pass

• Time allocated: 30 to 45 minutes
• Opportunity for rest, photography, and observation
• Guide provides contextual information about the area

Descent to Wayracmachay (Lunch Point)

• Duration: approximately 2 hours
• Arrival at lunch location with prepared meal

Afternoon Descent to Chawllay

• Short rest period after lunch
• Final descent: 2.5 to 3 hours
• Terrain becomes progressively warmer and more vegetated

Arrival at Chawllay Campsite

• Elevation: 2,900 meters
• Allocation of accommodation
• Dinner prepared by the cooking team

Day 2 Summary

• Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Mountain Sky Hut
• Difficulty Level: Challenging
• Maximum Altitude: 4,700 meters (Salkantay Pass)
• Hiking Distance: 22 km
• Hiking Duration: 9 to 10 hours
• Campsite Elevation: 2,900 meters
• Weather Conditions: Warmer temperatures at lower elevations

Additional Information

This is the most physically demanding day of the trek due to altitude and distance. It also represents the main transition point between Andean highlands and the cloud forest region.

This stage of the Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu focuses on a lower-altitude route through the Santa Teresa Valley, combining trekking with cultural and optional recreational activities.

Morning and Departure

• Wake-up at approximately 5:30 AM with tea service
• Breakfast served at 6:00 AM
• Departure from Chawllay at approximately 6:30 AM

Trek to Lucmabamba

• Hiking duration: 4 to 5 hours
• Terrain: mostly flat and gradual
• Route: Santa Teresa Valley with increasing vegetation and warmer climate

This section allows observation of local agriculture and biodiversity typical of the cloud forest region.

Arrival in Lucmabamba

Lucmabamba is a coffee-producing area where participants visit a local coffee farm. The visit includes an explanation of cultivation, harvesting, and roasting processes, with an opportunity to taste locally produced coffee.

Optional zipline activities may be available in the area, depending on individual preference and coordination with the guide.

Lunch and Accommodation

• Lunch served at the campsite
• Accommodation in panoramic domes (Star Domes or similar)
• Free time after lunch for rest or optional activities

Optional Activity – Santa Teresa Hot Springs

Participants may visit the hot springs in Santa Teresa:

• Transport duration: approximately 1 hour each way
• Time at the site: approximately 2 hours
• Additional cost: approximately 40 PEN (includes transport and entry fee)

Participation is optional and coordinated on site.

Evening Activities

• Dinner served at approximately 7:00 PM
• Briefing with instructions for Day 4

Day 3 Summary

• Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Panoramic domes (Lucmabamba)
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Hiking Distance: 15 km
• Hiking Duration: 4 to 5 hours
• Campsite Elevation: 2,000 meters
• Weather Conditions: Warm and humid during the day, cooler at night

Additional Information

This day represents a transition into the Amazonian zone of the route, with reduced physical intensity and increased focus on cultural and environmental experiences.

This stage of the Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu combines a historical visit with a long descent toward the access town of Aguas Calientes.

Morning and Departure

• Wake-up at approximately 6:00 AM
• Breakfast served at 6:30 AM
• Departure at approximately 7:00 AM from Lucmabamba

Ascent to Llactapata

• Hiking duration: approximately 3 hours
• Route: original Inca trail
• Maximum altitude: approximately 2,700 meters

At Llactapata, participants have a view of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu from a different perspective. Time is allocated for observation and exploration of the site.

Descent to Hidroelectrica

• Duration: approximately 2 hours
• Terrain: steep descent

Arrival at Hidroelectrica is followed by lunch at a local restaurant.

Final Walk to Aguas Calientes

• Hiking duration: approximately 3 hours
• Distance: approximately 11 km
• Route: along the railway line through a subtropical environment

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, participants are transferred to their accommodation.

Evening

• Dinner at approximately 7:00 PM
• Final briefing for the visit to Machu Picchu

Day 4 Summary

• Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
• Difficulty Level: Challenging
• Hiking Distance: 24 km
• Hiking Duration: 8 to 9 hours
• Maximum Altitude: 2,700 meters
• Final Altitude: 2,000 meters (Aguas Calientes)
• Weather Conditions: Warm and humid

Additional Information

This day combines archaeological exploration with a long descent through cloud forest terrain, concluding at the base town for the Machu Picchu visit.

The final stage of the Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu includes access to the archaeological site and return logistics to Cusco. Entry is regulated by the time indicated on the official ticket and must be respected.

Access from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu

Two options are available from Aguas Calientes:

Hiking Option

• 30-minute walk to Puente Ruinas (control point)
• 1-hour ascent via stone steps (approximately 1,700 steps)
• Total duration: approximately 1.5 hours
• For a 6:00 AM entry, departure is recommended at 4:30 AM

Bus Option

• Bus service begins at approximately 5:30 AM
• Travel time: approximately 30 minutes
• Cost: USD 12 per person (one way)
• Frequency: every 5 to 10 minutes

Arrival at the main entrance must match the scheduled entry time.

Guided Visit

• Guided tour duration: approximately 2 hours
• Route follows the circuit assigned on the entrance ticket
• Includes explanation of historical and architectural aspects
• Time allocated for observation and photography

Optional Mountain Hikes

Participants with additional permits may access:

• Huayna Picchu
• Machu Picchu Mountain

These hikes require prior reservation and take approximately 2.5 to 3 hours round trip.

Return to Cusco

Option 1: Return by Train

• Descent to Aguas Calientes (walking or bus)
• Train to Ollantaytambo (approximately 1.5 hours)
• Transfer to Cusco (approximately 2 hours)
• Departure window: 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM
• Estimated arrival: 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Option 2: Return by Car via Hidroelectrica

• 3-hour walk from Machu Picchu to Hidroelectrica
• Required arrival before 2:30 PM
• Vehicle departure at 3:00 PM
• Travel time to Cusco: 5 to 6 hours
• Estimated arrival: 10:00 PM to 10:30 PM

This option is only feasible for entry times between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM.

Additional Considerations

If entry times do not allow connection with return transport, an additional overnight stay in Aguas Calientes will be required at the traveler’s expense.