5 Days/ 4 Nights
Join us for an unforgettable 5-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, where you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the snow-capped Humantay and Salkantay mountains – both sacred to the Incas. This trek will take you off the beaten path and onto a unique route, where you’ll visit two stunning glacial lakes, Humantay and Salkantay. As you hike through the Andes Mountain range, you’ll be treated to spectacular scenery and panoramic views of the colorful valley landscapes below. Our private campsite is remote, less crowded, and off the beaten track, ensuring a truly immersive experience.
You’ll also get to explore the fascinating Llactapata ruins, which offer a stunning view of Machu Picchu, the day before you actually visit this New 7 Wonder of the World and UNESCO World Heritage site! Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the true beauty of the Andes on this unique and unforgettable trek.
Group or Private
Trekking, Cultural and Adventure
Up to 8
Camping
Challenging
5 Days/ 4 Nights
Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu Via Llactapata Inca Ruins 5 days
Your journey begins early with a 5:00 AM pickup from your hotel in Cusco. Travel by private van through the heart of the Andes, passing the remote villages of Iscuchaca and Limatambo, where daily life continues much as it has for generations. Along the way, deep valleys open up and Salkantay Mountain slowly dominates the horizon — a powerful introduction to the days ahead.
Arriving at the Soraypampa trailhead, enjoy a hearty breakfast with sweeping views of the Humantay and Salkantay glaciers.
With energy restored, begin a 2.5-hour round-trip hike to Humantay Lake, one of the most iconic highlights of the trek. The trail steadily climbs toward the lake’s striking turquoise waters, rewarding your effort with panoramic mountain views and exceptional photo opportunities.
After returning from the lake, continue with a gradual 1.5-hour ascent toward Salkantay Pampa. Here, lunch is served directly in front of the glacier — a memorable pause where Andean scenery and freshly prepared food come together.
For travelers looking to enhance their first night on the trek, the Sky Domes in Soraypampa are available as an upgrade.
Located in an open, high Andean valley, these panoramic domes offer unobstructed views of the Salkantay and Humantay glaciers, creating an unforgettable alpine setting.
Each dome features:
You’ll wake to the quiet of the high Andes, with a warm cup of tea or coffee delivered directly to your tent. As the morning light touches the surrounding peaks, the day begins calmly — a welcome contrast to the challenge ahead.
After a hearty breakfast, we begin a steady one-hour ascent toward Apacheta Pass, the highest point of the Salkantay Trek at 4,650 m / 15,367 ft.
Reaching the summit is a true milestone. From here, take time to rest, celebrate, and enjoy expansive views of Salkantay, Humantay, and Huayanay, with alpine lakes and winding rivers spread below.
From the pass, we make a short 30-minute detour to Salkantay Lake. Its clear turquoise waters sit quietly beneath towering peaks, offering a peaceful pause and excellent photo opportunities before the long descent.
The trail now leads downhill toward Rayanniyoc, where a freshly prepared lunch awaits. As we descend, the landscape gradually changes — high alpine terrain giving way to greener valleys and warmer air.
After lunch, we continue trekking for approximately two more hours until we reach Colpapampa, nestled deep in the Andes.
Further along the route, the Sky Domes at Collpapampa offer a completely different atmosphere, surrounded by the Lucmabamba Canyon and cloud forest.
These domes offer:
The ideal campsite to recover after a demanding day of trekking. It’s a unique opportunity to deeply relax while immersed in one of the most lush landscapes in the Salkantay region.
Today we pass the midpoint of the Salkantay Trek and move into a completely different world. The air grows warmer, the trail softens, and the landscape turns lush and alive.
As we descend the valley toward Lucmabamba, we hike through fruit orchards, coffee plantations, and cacao fields, surrounded by colorful birdlife and dense greenery. This is one of the most immersive and sensory days on the trail.
At Lucmabamba, we visit a local coffee farm for a hands-on look at Peruvian coffee culture. Walk the fields, learn about the different coffee varieties, and follow the process from harvest to roasting and grinding.
Along the way, you’ll also see small plots of avocados, tomatoes, and regional crops, offering a genuine glimpse into daily life in this subtropical valley.
In the afternoon, we take a short drive to the Cocalmayo hot springs, one of the most relaxing moments of the trek. Soak in warm, natural pools surrounded by green hillsides — the perfect way to ease tired legs and recharge for the final days ahead.
After the springs, we return to camp for a freshly prepared dinner by our private chef and a restful night in the valley.
Today blends Inca history, high viewpoints, and the first true connection to Machu Picchu.
We begin the morning on a quiet stretch of the original Inca Trail, ascending steadily for about three hours toward Puncuyoc Pass. Along the way, the scenery opens into fertile valleys dotted with fruit plantations and dramatic mountain backdrops.
Our main objective is the Inca site of Llactapata, one of the trek’s most meaningful viewpoints. From across the valley, you’ll enjoy a rare panoramic view of Machu Picchu, framed by the Aobamba Canyon and the peaks of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu — a perspective very few visitors ever experience.
After exploring the ruins and soaking in the views, we begin a two-hour descent toward the Hydroelectric Station, an important renewable energy source for the Cusco region. A well-earned lunch awaits on arrival.
The afternoon hike takes us through the lush subtropical forest of Machu Picchu National Park, following a scenic trail filled with dense greenery, flowing rivers, and jungle sounds.
By late afternoon, we arrive in Aguas Calientes, where we check into our hotel and enjoy time to rest and recharge. In the evening, we gather for dinner at a local restaurant, sharing stories and preparing for the highlight of the journey: Machu Picchu.
Today is the moment everything leads to.
After days of trekking through high passes, valleys, and ancient paths, you finally arrive at Machu Picchu, one of the most meaningful archaeological sites on Earth.
We begin with an early breakfast in Aguas Calientes, then board one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu. Arriving early allows you to experience the site in the quiet of the morning, often as the sun rises over the stone city — a powerful and unforgettable first impression.
Your expert guide leads a 2-hour guided tour, walking you through the most important sectors of the citadel while explaining the history, symbolism, and engineering behind this Inca masterpiece.
You’ll explore the three main areas of Machu Picchu:
This visit brings together everything you’ve learned along the trail, offering context, meaning, and a deeper connection to the journey you’ve just completed.
After the tour, you’ll return by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have free time depending on your train schedule. Enjoy lunch (not included), browse local shops, visit the museum, relax at the hot springs, or simply unwind after an incredible adventure.
In the afternoon, we board the Expedition Train back to Ollantaytambo (departure at 2:55 pm or 3:20 pm). The route follows the Urubamba River, passing through narrow canyons, rushing whitewater, and lush jungle scenery. Keep an eye out for Wiñay Wayna, visible high on the cliffs along the tracks.
At Ollantaytambo, your private driver will be waiting to take you back to Cusco, arriving at your hotel around 7:00 pm — the perfect conclusion to an unforgettable trek.
This unique Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu can be done on any date that is best for you as long as we have a minimum of 2 participants!
This price includes the extra pack horse who will carry your belongings up to 7 kgs, we will provide you with a duffel bag in which to put your things.
We provide large Eureka 4-person tents for every 2 trekkers.
Apple Travel Peru is a family-owned travel agency and a local tour operator located in Cusco, Peru. With years of personal experience trekking and exploring the area, we pride ourselves on providing personalized and high-quality service to all our clients. As a 100% Cusqueñian Company without any shareholders, we are committed to supporting our local community.
At Apple Travel Peru, we believe in responsible and sustainable tourism practices. We treat our staff like family and ensure that they receive a fair salary. Our team is the backbone of our company, and we are proud to have a skilled and dedicated team that helps us provide unforgettable experiences to our clients.
We understand the importance of working with a reliable and honest tour operator when planning your adventure of a lifetime in Peru. That’s why we encourage you to check out our reviews and certificates of excellence on TripAdvisor to see what our clients have to say about their experience with us. With Apple Travel Peru, you can trust that we will go above and beyond to make your trip a success.
At Apple Travel Peru, we believe in providing a more intimate and personalized experience for our guests. To achieve this, we have a policy that limits our group size to a maximum of 8 people. This sets us apart from other tour companies that often operate with much larger groups. By keeping our groups small, we are able to provide more individual attention to each of our guests, ensuring a higher quality of service and a more enjoyable experience overall.
What sets our itinerary apart from other trekking companies is that we offer a unique experience with secluded campsites that are far away from other groups. We also take you to two magnificent glacial lakes that are devoid of crowds, allowing you to enjoy the serene beauty of these natural wonders in peace.
During the trek, we will also hike up to the Llactapata Inca ruins, which offer a stunning panoramic view of Machu Picchu. Our knowledgeable guide will provide you with insightful information about the history and significance of this site.
Finally, we will conclude our trek with a small-group guided tour of the famous Machu Picchu, where you will have the opportunity to explore and appreciate the grandeur of this world wonder without the hustle and bustle of large crowds.
At Apple Travel Peru, we believe that having the right guide can make all the difference in your travel experience. That’s why we are proud to say that our guides are highly professional and fluent in English. They are not only knowledgeable but also passionate about Inca heritage and history.
Our guides are committed to ongoing personal and professional development. They conduct extensive research to ensure that you receive accurate and recognized theories in Inca and Andean culture. You can rest assured that you will be in good hands with our crew, who are not only knowledgeable but also fun-loving and great sports.
All of our guides hold degrees in one of the following fields: Archeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology. We believe that their education and expertise provide a valuable perspective and enhance your overall experience.
At Apple Travel Peru, we understand that trekking the Salkantay Trail is a transformative experience, which is why we prioritize your comfort and enjoyment during the journey. We want to make sure that you have the best possible experience while interacting with the locals, exploring fascinating sites, and discovering remote ancient Inca towns. Our fully portered trek ensures that you have everything you need while you relax and take in the breathtaking scenery.
Our team of horsemen will help carry your gear, prepare your meals, set up your tents in quiet and peaceful campsites, and take care of you every step of the way. We give our cooks as a whole and horsemen with fundamental stuff, for example, coats, sun caps, warm caps, shirts, pants, climbing boots, agreeable gym bags, flasks, and supports to safeguard their spine. Additionally, we also provide them with sleeping bags, mattresses, and travel insurance, so they can focus on ensuring your comfort and satisfaction throughout the trek.
Furthermore, we are committed to supporting the local communities by hiring all of our horsemen and porters from isolated areas. This gives them an opportunity to work with our company, improving their economic circumstances, and providing for their children’s education. We believe in sustainable tourism that benefits both the traveler and the local communities, and our fully portered trek is just one way we make this possible.
At Apple Travel Peru, we take pride in our food, which is a highlight of our fully portered trek. Our professional and dedicated cooks go above and beyond to prepare delicious, gourmet-style meals that receive high praise from our clients. In fact, many of them have said that the food was better than what they’ve had in restaurants!
Our cooks create a culinary experience for you, incorporating both Peruvian and international cuisine using a combination of local and exotic produce. The result is a delicious and abundant selection of dishes that will satisfy your taste buds and provide the fuel you need for your trek.
We understand that some clients may have dietary restrictions or food allergies, and we are happy to cater to those needs. Just let us know ahead of time, and our cooks will create a meal plan that meets your specific requirements. Whether you are a foodie or just enjoy good food, we guarantee that you will be impressed with the meals on our trek.
Our team (guides, cooks, and horsemen) and our equipment are what really make Apple Travel Peru stand out from all the competitors…. For all the adventures we hike, we include the following items:
OUR KITCHEN & DINING TENTS: The dining tent is used as our meeting room at mealtime. It’s a place to enjoy our meals and the company of fellow trekkers.
At Apple Travel Peru, we strongly believe in supporting the local communities that surround us. We are committed to responsible tourism and make it a priority to give back through various service projects and by hiring locally.
We take great pride in not only employing local people but also supporting their families and communities. The belief is in a holistic approach and we are thrilled to be able to make a positive impact on the lives of those around us. It brings us joy to be able to support our highland employees and their families in a meaningful way.
Please read carefully the following information; it will help with your questions about our services and the Salkantay trek.
When you arrive at the Cusco airport, we send our representative there to greet you and take you to your hotel. To help us make sure everything runs smoothly, please provide us with your flight details at least two weeks before you arrive. When you exit the arrival terminal, keep an eye out for our representative, who will be holding an Apple Travel Peru sign. Our representative won’t be able to enter the terminal, so you’ll need to step outside to find them.
Your briefing will take place the night before your trip, at our office at 6 or 6:30 pm, depending on your confirmation email details. The office is located at Calle Garcilaso 2010 Office 2012.
Of course! During the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu, you can store your main luggage at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you.
FIRST, to book your Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or clicking here on the link BOOK NOW.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase a Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu permits and entrance tickets without the following information:
We require copies of each participant’s passport at the booking.
SECOND, we require a deposit of $211.00 USD per person in order to purchase a permit for the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. You can make your deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page.
If you’re worried about high credit card fees while in Peru, don’t worry! You have options to pay for your tour with Apple Travel Peru. You can pay in cash (in US dollars or Peruvian soles) at our office located in Cusco‘s historical center. There are also plenty of ATMs in the area where you can withdraw cash.
If you prefer to pay online, we accept payments through VISA or PayPal. However, please note that there is a 5.5% service fee charged by these payment platforms. To pay your balance through PayPal, simply log into your PayPal account and use our email address: appletravelperu@gmail.com.
We want to make sure that you have a stress-free and convenient payment experience. So, feel free to choose the option that works best for you!
Unfortunately, the answer is No. We cannot change the dates for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu once the permits have been purchased. This is due to government regulations and the permits cannot be transferred or refunded. If you decide to cancel the Inca Trail, unfortunately, the deposit will not be refunded.
It’s essential that you bring your original passport for your Salkantay Trek, as well as any other entrances and reservations. This is because officials will check your passport when you enter Machu Picchu, embark on the trek, and board the train. It’s important to note that the passport you bring must be the same one you used to book your trek and other reservations.
If you plan to renew your passport or change your name, please send us your old passport information to secure your permit, and we can update it once you get your new passport or updated name for a fee of $25 USD per person. To make the change, we’ll need a copy of your old and new passports.
If you prefer not to pay the fee, you must bring both your old and new passports with you to Peru. You can enter the country with your new passport, but you’ll need to present both passports (old and new) to enter the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, or board the train. It’s important to have both passports with you, as you will not be allowed to enter Machu Picchu or board the train without them.
The weather on the Salkantay Trail can be quite unpredictable, making it difficult to plan in advance. That’s why we recommend dressing in layers to make it easier to adjust to any sudden changes in temperature or weather conditions.
Altitude sickness can be a concern for those traveling to higher elevations such as Cusco and the Sacred Valley. However, if you exercise regularly and spend a few days in the area, you can usually acclimate normally within 24-48 hours. It is always a good idea to consult with a physician for appropriate advice and medications.
To combat altitude sickness, we recommend drinking plenty of water, drinking coca tea, and using oxygen if needed. Our guides are trained to help you manage any symptoms of altitude sickness, so you can rest easy knowing you are in good hands. For more detailed information about altitude sickness, please refer to our FAQs section.
The maximum group size is 8 persons. Our groups are between 2-6 people. Apple Travel Peru specializes in SMALL, PRIVATE groups and provides personalized service.
You will have 1 cook per group. The number of pack horses depends on the size of the group. For a group of 2 trekkers, they will have 4 horses, 4 trekkers will have 6 horses, 6 trekkers will have 9 horses, and 8 trekkers will have 12 horses.
Before starting your Salkantay Trek, you will be provided with a small duffel bag to pack your clothing for the next four days. You are allowed to pack up to 7kg/14 lbs in weight. Don’t worry about carrying your duffel bag or camping gear, as our team of pack horses will handle it for you. However, please note that you will not have access to your items until the end of each day, as the porters will be ahead of the group. For the duration of the trek, you will need a day backpack to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, rain jacket, camera, sunscreen, snacks, and water. We recommend a 30 to 40L backpack size, which should be sufficient for your needs.
Before embarking on the Salkantay Trek, it is important to note that it is a fairly challenging trek and requires a good level of physical fitness. We recommend regular exercise and practicing walking long distances, such as 15 kilometers or 9 miles a day, in the months leading up to the trek. It’s also important to acclimatize to the altitude as much as possible, by spending at least 2-3 days in Cusco (which is 3,350m/11,047ft above sea level) before starting the trek. This will help you adjust to the altitude and reduce the risk of altitude sickness. It’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor before embarking on any physically demanding activity.
You’ll be happy to know that there are toilets available on the Salkantay trek, but they are only offered by the locals for a small entrance fee of 1 sole. So be sure to bring some change with you!
When we’re at camp, we understand the importance of having access to a toilet, which is why we have a biochemical toilet set up in a tent at a comfortable distance from your sleeping tent. We want to make sure you have a comfortable and convenient experience on your trek.
Although it is unlikely, if you encounter a health issue that prevents you from completing the Salkantay Trek, Apple Travel Peru is here to support you. We will help you get to the nearest town for transportation assistance. For any respiratory problems, we carry oxygen on the trek. If the situation becomes extreme, we can arrange a helicopter pick-up at your own expense. (Don’t forget to purchase travel insurance!) However, we are unable to provide refunds if you are unable to complete the trek.
Typically, individuals who require assistance are taken to Ollantaytambo. If they recover quickly, they can continue their journey to Aguas Calientes (the cost incurred by the trekker) and visit Machu Picchu according to the original plan.
Absolutely!! Hotel pick-ups and drop-offs are included with all of our packages! If you have booked your hotel in Sacred Valley, we will drop you off there and vice versa.
It will depend on the train availability (during the high season it could book out) but the idea is to give you as much time as possible in Machu Picchu and enjoy the amazing views on the way back to Cusco from the train. Therefore, we usually book the train at 14:55 or 15:20.
The Vistadome train service has nicer seats, panoramic windows, and a ceiling. You will be offered snacks and a dance show will take place on board. You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for $67 USD. These trains run from Aguas Calientes to Poroy. We will you up in Poroy and drive you back to Cusco, which takes about 25 minutes. Please request in advance.
If you’re pleased with the services you’ve received from our staff, we welcome any gratuities you may wish to offer. While tipping may not be a standard practice in your home country, it is an essential part of the tourism industry in many destinations we operate in. Tipping inspires our staff to provide exceptional service, and it is greatly appreciated. The amount you choose to tip is entirely up to you and should be based on the quality and duration of your trip. We want to emphasize that tipping is not mandatory and should only be given if you feel you’ve received excellent service.
Absolutely! Apple Travel Peru is committed to being a responsible tourism operator that prioritizes sustainability and local engagement. We believe in following universal principles of tourism that protect the environment and ensure that local communities benefit from tourism while respecting their culture and beliefs. To ensure that we achieve this, we have extensively trained all our local staff to understand, appreciate, and respect the local communities and places we visit.
When you book with us, we want to make sure you have a comfortable and safe experience. That’s why we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and include an extra porter to carry up to 7 kgs or 14lbs, which includes your sleeping bag, mattress, and extra clothing. It’s important to note that Peruvian law sets a limit of 7 kilograms (15 lbs) for duffel bags to protect the health of the porters or horses. We will weigh your bag before accepting it to ensure it meets this requirement.
If you require more than 7 kilograms, you will need to carry the extra weight with your day pack. It’s important to keep in mind that the 7 kilos should also include 2 kilos for your sleeping bag and 1 kilo for your sleeping pad, leaving you with approximately 4 kilos for your personal gear. We hope this information helps you plan accordingly for your trekking adventure.
We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40L for hiking in the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.
January 10, 2024 · Apple Travel Peru
It was my best experience with Apple Travel. I had incredible excellent service. The team is very attentive and friendly.
Read moreOctober 21, 2022 · Apple Travel Peru
Incredible service and experience in Inca Trail 4 days travel. Everything was top of the notch. Thanks Ivanoe, my guide.
Read moreOctober 19, 2022 · Apple Travel Peru
The 2 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu was everything I expected and more. Gorgeous from beginning to end. The tour guides were great and very knowledgeable.
Read moreOctober 11, 2022 · Apple Travel Peru
It was a great experience with all the team Apple Travel. I enjoyed my whole trip. Thanks a lot for being part of my vacation in Cusco.
Read moreMar 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
A very organized Salkantay experience with caring guides, strong support at altitude, and memorable food after long hiking days.
Read moreMar 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
The guide and chef made the trek feel safe, enjoyable, and personal, even when altitude made the journey challenging.
Read moreMar 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
A difficult hike became possible thanks to a patient guide who encouraged the group and helped through the hardest sections.
Read moreMar 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
The guide adapted the pace and itinerary well, combining knowledge, courtesy, and flexibility throughout the tour.
Read moreJan 29, 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
A smooth multi-day trip with patient guiding, careful logistics, clean transport, and thoughtful help at every site.
Read moreJan 29, 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
The experience exceeded expectations with a local guide whose knowledge and enthusiasm made the journey feel meaningful.
Read moreOct 29, 2025 · SAM Travel Peru
The guide brought history and culture to life while keeping the group comfortable and helping capture great memories.
Read moreFeb 29, 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
The team handled planning easily and adjusted the route around weather and walking ability without losing key highlights.
Read moreApril 21, 2024 · SAM Travel Peru
Expert guides, strong porters, and memorable meals helped turn a demanding trail into a remarkable group experience.
Read moreApril 18, 2024 · SAM Travel Peru
The guides kept the schedule smooth and attentive, making the first visit to Machu Picchu easy to recommend.
Read moreApril 9, 2024 · SAM Travel Peru
The guide, cook, and porter team brought great energy, answered questions, and even helped celebrate a birthday.
Read moreApril 17, 2024 · SAM Travel Peru
The guide respected a slower pace, shared useful knowledge, and made the route feel supportive and enjoyable.
Read more
Permits
