Salkantay Trek Cultural 5 Days | Trekking to Machu Picchu

The 5-day Salkantay Cultural Trek is a unique adventure that combines the spectacular landscapes of the Peruvian Andes with authentic cultural experiences. This immersive journey takes travelers beyond the typical hiking trails, offering a trek along the classic Inca Trail.

Throughout the trek, hikers will cross high mountain passes, admire the majestic Salkantay Mountain, explore lush landscapes, and discover remote villages. Along the way, visitors will gain valuable insights into Andean culture, agriculture, textiles, gastronomy, and the spiritual connection that local communities maintain with the mountains and nature.

The trek offers a perfect balance between adventure and cultural discovery. Participants have the opportunity to experience a section of the classic Inca Trail. They will have authentic encounters, creating unforgettable memories while supporting responsible and sustainable tourism initiatives.

Overview

Salkantay Trek Cultural. New and surprising alternative - We offer you a new hiking alternative where you can enjoy the Salkantay Trek & Inca Trail 5 days, where you can observe microclimates, enjoy beautiful valleys, meadows, glaciers, cloud forests, and enjoy the classic Inca Trail. Salkantay trek and Inca Trail 5 days new option.

Salkantay trek cultural, is a good option to get off the beaten track, and enjoy the best that the Andes has to offer, this hiking alternative is very good for people who love adventure 100%.

By booking your Salkantay Trek Cultural 5 days, with Pacha Expeditions, you are choosing the best. See our recommendations on TripAdvisor.

*Difficulty level depends very much on your fitness and acclimatization.

We offer daily departures in the Inca Trail and alternative routes: check availability here.

It is recommended to book the Inca Trail at least 4 months in advance, because this is the most famous road in South America and many people want to do.

Useful Information

Starting Altitude – 2900m / 9515ft.
Highest Altitude – 4650m / 15,200ft
Walking Distance – 60.5 km / 37.5 miles
Longest Day – Day 2, approx 18 km/11 miles
Coldest Night – Day 1 around 0º Celsius
Meals: Lunch – Tea – Dinner
Accommodation: Camping facilities
Difficulty: Moderate

Overview Day to Day

Day 01: MOLLEPATA - SORAYPAMPA
Day 02: SORAYPAMPA - INKACHIRIASKA - PAMPACAHUANA.
Day 03: PAMPACAHUANA - PAUCARCANCHA - QORIWAYRACHINA.
Day 04: QORIWAYRACHINA - KM 82 - AGUAS CALIENTES.
Day 05: MACHU PICCHU CITADEL - CUSCO.

* Note: Level of difficulty depends a lot on your fitness and acclimatization.

*The train service on all tours includes (Expedition to Ollanta) and bus to Cusco.
* If you want to stay an extra night in Aguas Calientes, you have to tell us in advance to arrange your hotel and modify the train service return, the camps mentioned in the program are referential, as it depends on the time and date of reservation and Availability of the Ministry of Culture-Cusco
* Campsites are subject to approval by the decentralized department of the Ministry of Culture and also depend a lot on the time of your reservation, therefore, the above fields are for reference.

Itinerary

DAY 01: MOLLEPATA - SORAYPAMPA

We will pick you up from your hotel and continue by bus to Mollepata. Where we will have breakfast and will continue for one hour to Challacancha, where we can organize the entire team to begin the walk here will have the panoramic view of the beautiful snowy (Humantay; 5700 m and Salkantay 6271 m) – is just the beginning! of the salkantay Trek & Inca Trail 5 days, new option. We will begin our trek to soraypampa (3.horas), our first camp (3800 m, the highest and coldest travel camp), having a beautiful scenery along the road to soraypampa where we will have lunch a short break to continue the walk hill above to visit the lagoon of the beautiful Humantay by the color of the water due to the presence of many minerals return to the camp.

Meals: Lunch – Tea – Dinner
Accommodation: Camping facilities
Minimum Altitude: 2850 masl
Maximum Altitude: 3850 masl
Distance: 14 km/9 miles
Time: 5h approximately
Difficulty: Moderate

DAY 02: SORAYPAMPA - INKACHIRIASKA - PAMPACAHUANA.

This day we will rise very early since it is the more difficult travel day we will have breakfast at 5.30 and begin our trek to the top of this trip (5,300 InkaChiriaska) located halfway between the mountains of Salkantay (approximate 4 hours walk). There is the possibility of snow here. After a break, we will continue our (downhill) walk through a spectacular mountain road, towards Sisaypampa, where we will have lunch. In addition, a brief rest, to walk in the direction of the pampacahuana and observing the famous canal of Inca construction, where we will camp in a ravine very Beautiful by nature. Dinner.

Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Tea – Dinner
Accommodation: Camping facilities
Minimum Altitude: 2920 masl
Maximum Altitude: 4650 masl
Distance: 21km / 13.5 miles
Time: 9h approximately
Difficult: challenge

DAY 03: PAMPACAHUANA - PAUCARCANCHA - KORIWAYRACHINA.

After a typical breakfast in the area, we will begin our hike through a beautiful valley observing flora and fauna coming to the archaeological site of Paucarcancha. Where you will have a guided tour and free time to explore the area, and continue to Hatunchaca for lunch and a brief rest. After lunch, we continue to Patallacta where we will visit the Inca site, camp, and dinner.

Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Tea – Dinner
Accommodation: Camping facilities
Minimum Altitude: 1350 masl
Maximum Altitude: 2920 masl
Distance – 16km / 10 miles
Time: 8h approximately
Difficulty: moderate

DAY 04: QORIWAYRACHINA – KM 82 – AGUAS CALIENTES.

This day we will rise an approximately 0630 a.m. enjoy Andean breakfast with view of the most famous mountain of the Sacred Valley of the Incsa the veronica. After breakfast, we began our hike to visit the Inca construction of qanabamba and salapunku and reach the station of Piskacucho, lunch and train to the town of aguas calientes. Overnight.

Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Tea – Dinner
Tren from km 82 to Aguas Calientes.
Accommodation: Hotel
Minimum Altitude: 2750 masl
Maximum Altitude: 2040 masl
Distance – 09km / 10 miles
Time: 6h approximately
Difficulty: moderate

DAY 05: MACHU PICCHU CITADEL - CUSCO.

We will have breakfast very early and at 5.45 am, catch the first bus to Machu Picchu (25 minutes), to appreciate the magnificent Inca city in the Andes, as also the output of the Sun in the direction of the city. A walk (approx 2 hours) is given by your guide and then in free time, you can explore the mysterious city on his or her own. If you still have energy, you can climb Huayna Picchu (2720m / 8890 ft)! It takes 45 minutes to reach the top. You have two options to Aguas Calientes (can be reached by bus or on foot). From Aguas Calientes you will return by train to the Ollantaytambo station and from there by tourist transport to Cusco. Finish our salkantay trek cultural.

Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 3 km by Bus
Difficulty: Easy

Includes

WHAT IS INCLUDED

Pick up from the hotel, transfer to Mollepata
Bilingual professional guide
Transportation (train roundtrip)
The entrance to Machu Picchu + Machu Picchu Mountain.(optional)
4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 pm snacks (hot drinks, cookies, and popcorn), and 3 dinners (day 1 breakfast and dinner, and lunch in the town of Aguas Calientes are not included)
Camping equipment, 2-person tents, mats for the floor.
Horseman and mules (carrying the kitchen, camping, and equipment, and up to 05 kg of belongings of tourists)
1 night in Aguas Calientes
Extra oxygen
First aid kit
Vegetarian / diet special options available.

DOES NOT INCLUDE:

Breakfast the first day
Sleeping bag
Lunch last day
Expenses extras.(tips)

NOTE: Included in all tours, train service is the Expeditions from the station of Piskacucho to the town of Aguas Calientes and the Ollantaytambo station. Pacha Expeditions will organize the return transport to the city of Cusco (by taxi or bus)

More Information

WHAT YOU NEED TO TAKE.

Original passport (and *International Student card (ISIC) if applicable)
Travel Insurance is essential.
Sleeping bag (not included but can be hired from us).
Walking boots
Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
Warm jacket.
Hat and gloves.
T-shirts
Comfortable trousers
Sun hat
Sun protection cream (factor 70 recommended)
Insect repellent
Re-usable plastic or metal water container or camel bags.
Water (only for the first day of trek, then we will provide you with drinking -previously boiled- water).
Toiletries
Personal medication
Camera and films
Torch with spare batteries (headlamps are useful)

* To qualify as a student, it is necessary to have a university card, with the current and updated date

* If desired, train back to Cusco can be upgraded to Vistadome (+U$:90)

OPTIONAL ITEMS TO TAKE:

Shorts
Walking stick (with rubber tip)
Plasters and bandages
Sandals
Extra money
Bag sleeping – 10ºc )
Extra Horse
Bathing suit (for hot springs in Aguas Calientes)

OPTIONAL SERVICES (NOT INCLUDED):

Sleeping bag – 5 seasons ($25).
Walking sticks ($20).

Price & Add-ons

Group: U$: 780
Private: U$: 850

Group versus Private Treks: What’s the difference?

Depending on the number of people in your booking, additional people may join the trek to make a full group.
If you choose “private”, no additional people will be joining your group, no matter the size.
Minimum booking size is two people; one person may book a group trek if Pacha Expeditions Travel Per, is able to join that person with additional groups.

Discounts

Under 18 years Discount: U$: 20
Under 07 years Discount: U$: 35

Rentals

Hiking poles – U$: 15 (pair)
Sleeping Bag

Upgrades

Return Vistadome train – U$: 70 per person
Return Hiram Bingham train– U$: 380 per person
Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel (5-star hotel) – U$: 245 Per person
Tierra viva Machu Picchu (3+ star hotel) – U$: 50 Per person

Map (salkantay Cultural Trek)

Salkantay Cultural Trek 5 Days – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Salkantay Trek Cultural 5 Days?

The Salkantay Trek Cultural 5 Days is a unique trekking experience that combines the stunning natural beauty of the Andes with authentic cultural encounters in local communities before reaching Machu Picchu.

How is the Cultural Salkantay Trek different from the classic Salkantay Trek?

In addition to hiking through spectacular mountain landscapes, this itinerary includes cultural activities, interactions with local families, traditional farming experiences, and opportunities to learn about Andean customs and traditions.

How difficult is the trek?

The trek is considered moderately challenging to difficult. Participants should be prepared for long hiking days, high-altitude conditions, and mountain terrain.

What is the highest point of the trek?

The highest point is usually the Salkantay Pass, located at approximately 4,630 meters (15,190 feet) above sea level.

Do I need previous hiking experience?

Previous trekking experience is helpful but not required. A good level of fitness and preparation through regular physical activity are recommended.

Is altitude sickness a concern?

Yes. Because the trek reaches high elevations, travelers should spend at least 2–3 days in Cusco before the trek to acclimatize properly.

What cultural activities are included?

Activities may vary by operator but often include:

Visits to traditional Andean communities
Inca sites in the way
Cultural exchanges with local families
Learning about traditional life
Participation in local customs and traditions

What is included in the tour package?

Most tours include:

Professional bilingual guide
Transportation
Accommodation Tents
Meals during the trek
Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
Train service roundtrip
Cultural activities
Return transportation

What type of accommodation is provided?

Depending on the itinerary, accommodations may include mountain lodges, eco-camps, family-run guesthouses, and hotels in Aguas Calientes.

What should I pack?

Are meals included?

Yes. Most packages include breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek, with vegetarian, vegan, and special dietary options available upon request.

What is the best time to do the trek?

The dry season from April to October offers the best trekking conditions, with clearer skies and less rainfall.

Can I hike during the rainy season?

Yes. The trek operates year-round, but hikers should expect wetter conditions and bring appropriate rain gear from November through March.

Is Machu Picchu included?

Yes. The final day typically includes a guided visit to Machu Picchu, where travelers can explore the most important sectors of the ancient Inca citadel.

Can I add Huayna Picchu Mountain?

Yes. Additional permits for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain can usually be arranged, subject to availability.

Is the trek suitable for families?

Active families with older children and teenagers who enjoy hiking and cultural experiences can often participate, depending on fitness levels.

Is travel insurance recommended?

Yes. Travel insurance that covers trekking activities, medical emergencies, and trip interruptions is highly recommended.

Why choose the Salkantay Trek Cultural 5 Days?

This experience is ideal for travelers seeking more than a traditional hike. It offers a deeper connection with Andean culture, breathtaking mountain scenery, meaningful community interactions, and an unforgettable visit to Machu Picchu.

How far in advance should I book?

Booking at least 2–6 months in advance is recommended, especially during the high season from May to September and for travelers wishing to add Huayna Picchu permits.