Salkantay Luxury Glamping Trek 5 Days

Luxury Trek Style

Overview – Salkantay Luxury Glamping Trek 5 Days

The Salkantay Luxury Glamping Trek 5 Days is a remarkable journey through some of Peru’s most dramatic and diverse landscapes, combining high-Andean scenery, rich cultural encounters, and refined comfort on the way to Machu Picchu.

The trek begins high in the Andes, where travelers visit the stunning Humantay Lake, a vibrant turquoise lagoon surrounded by snow-capped peaks. The route continues toward the legendary Salkantay Pass, passing beneath the imposing presence of Salkantay Mountain, one of the most sacred Apus in Andean cosmology. These early days offer powerful mountain landscapes, quiet valleys, and a deep connection with nature.

As the trail descends, the environment gradually transforms into the lush cloud forest. Along the way, hikers explore fertile valleys, encounter traditional villages, and visit a local coffee farm to learn about Andean coffee cultivation and enjoy freshly brewed tastings. The journey follows ancient pathways and passes archaeological remains before reaching Aguas Calientes by scenic train.

Throughout the trek, guests stay in luxury glamping camps designed for comfort at high altitude, featuring comfortable beds, warm duvets, private bathrooms, hot showers, and relaxing massage services. Gourmet meals prepared with fresh, local ingredients are served daily, offering a refined dining experience in remote natural settings.

The adventure concludes with a private guided exploration of Machu Picchu, allowing time to fully appreciate the history, architecture, and spiritual significance of this iconic Inca citadel before returning to Cusco.

  • 5 Days / 4 Nights
  • Private Trek Experience
  • Fully Supported & Secure
  • Year-Round

Journey Highlights

  • Trek beneath the sacred Salkantay Mountain and cross the legendary Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the route.
  • Visit the stunning Humantay Lake, a turquoise alpine lagoon surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
  • Experience the dramatic transition from high-Andean landscapes to the lush cloud forest, showcasing Peru’s ecological diversity.
  • Stay in luxury glamping camps with comfortable beds, hot showers, private bathrooms, and relaxing massage services.
  • Enjoy gourmet meals prepared by a private chef, featuring fresh, locally sourced Peruvian ingredients.
  • Visit traditional Andean villages and a local coffee farm, with insight into regional cultivation and tasting.
  • Travel by scenic train to Aguas Calientes and conclude with a private guided tour of Machu Picchu.

What is and isn't included

What’s Included

  • 4 nights of luxury glamping accommodations along the Salkantay route
  • 1 night in a luxury hotel in Aguas Calientes
  • Professional English-speaking expert guide throughout the journey
  • Full trekking support team, including porters, private chef and assistant chef, waiter, masseuse, and driver
  • All meals as indicated in the itinerary, prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients
  • Hiking poles for the trek
  • All private overland transportation during the journey
  • All entrance fees and permits, including round-trip tickets on the Vistadome train
    (Upgrade available to the luxury Belmond Hiram Bingham train; consult your travel advisor)
  • First aid kit and oxygen bottle for safety at high altitude
  • All applicable Peruvian taxes (IGV)

What’s Not Included

  • Hotel accommodation before or after the trek
    (Can be arranged upon request)
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Personal expenses, such as souvenirs, laundry, or additional beverages
  • Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
  • Gratuities for guides and trekking staff

Suggestions for glamping trails

Important Information

  • Train schedules & stations: Train departure times and stations are subject to availability. Delays may occur, particularly during the rainy season.
  • Train upgrades: Optional upgrades, including the luxury Belmond Hiram Bingham train, are available. For details, availability, and pricing, please consult your travel advisor.
  • Additional hikes: Optional hikes such as Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, or Gran Caverna require separate permits and must be arranged in advance. These routes offer unique perspectives of the citadel.
  • Hiking & altitude: This trek involves moderate hiking at high elevations. Travelers are encouraged to consult their doctor prior to departure if they have concerns regarding altitude or physical exertion.

Itinerary – Day by Day

Day 1: First Steps on the Salkantay Trail

After an early breakfast at your hotel, your private guide will meet you for a scenic drive to Soraypampa, the starting point of the trek, set deep in the Andean wilderness. From here, you begin your journey along the legendary Salkantay Trail.

For those who wish, there is an optional hike to the breathtaking Humantay Lake, a brilliant turquoise lagoon surrounded by snow-capped peaks. This out-and-back walk is highly recommended and offers one of the most iconic landscapes of the Andes.

Continuing through the valley, you’ll enjoy your first views of the majestic Salkantay Mountain, rising dramatically above the trail. Upon reaching Salkantaypampa, enjoy your first gourmet lunch, prepared by your private chef and served in a dining tent overlooking the mountains.

In the afternoon, the trek continues through wide alpine landscapes until arriving at your luxury glamping camp at Soyrococha. Here, unwind with a hot shower and a relaxing massage before enjoying an elegant dinner made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Spend the night in your heated bedroom tent beneath the stars of the Andean sky.

Route: Cusco – Soraypampa – Soyrococha
Meals: Snacks, Lunch, Tea Time, Dinner
Maximum Elevation: Soyrococha campsite – 4,480 m / 14,698 ft
Accommodation: Glamping

Day 2: Summiting Salkantay Pass

Wake early with a hot cup of coffee or coca tea, followed by a nourishing breakfast in preparation for the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek. Today you ascend toward the legendary Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the journey.

Accompanied by your guide, you’ll climb steadily, taking time to admire the dramatic alpine scenery. At the summit, stand beneath the imposing presence of Salkantay Mountain, one of the most sacred Apus in Andean cosmology, and celebrate this unforgettable achievement.

Those interested may opt for a short hike to Salkantaycocha Lake, offering a closer look at high-altitude ecosystems. The descent begins toward Wayracmachay, where you’ll enjoy a gourmet lunch in your dining tent.

As the trail continues downward, the landscape transforms from stark mountain terrain to the lush beginnings of the cloud forest. By late afternoon, arrive at your glamping camp in Collpapampa, nestled among greenery. Enjoy a hot shower, a soothing massage, and a delicious dinner before resting for the night.

Route: Soyrococha – Salkantay Pass – Collpapampa
Meals: Breakfast, Snacks, Lunch, Tea Time, Dinner
Maximum Elevation: Salkantay Pass – 4,638 m / 15,216 ft
Accommodation: Luxury Glamping

Day 3: Cloud Forest & Coffee Traditions

After breakfast, continue descending through the cloud forest, an ecosystem rich in biodiversity. Along the way, keep an eye out for colorful birdlife and native flora as mist drifts through the trees.

The trail passes through fertile valleys filled with coffee, cacao, and fruit farms, as well as the traditional villages of Lluscamayo and Wiñaypoco, offering insight into rural Andean life.

Arrive at Playa Sahuayaco in time for a gourmet lunch at camp. Later, visit a local coffee farm, where you’ll learn about cultivation, harvesting, and roasting, followed by a tasting of freshly brewed coffee. Guests are even invited to try roasting themselves.

Return to camp to relax with a hot shower, massage, and gourmet dinner. As night falls, enjoy stargazing beneath the clear Andean sky, where constellations and the Milky Way shine brightly.

Route: Collpapampa – Lluscamayo – Playa Sahuayaco
Meals: Breakfast, Snacks, Lunch, Tea Time, Dinner
Maximum Elevation: Collpapampa campsite – 2,870 m / 9,416 ft
Accommodation: Luxury Glamping

Day 4: Llactapata & Arrival in Aguas Calientes

Wake to your final sunrise on the trail and enjoy breakfast surrounded by the cloud forest. Afterward, private transport takes you to Lucmabamba, where you begin the final hiking section along authentic Inca pathways.

Along the trail, enjoy your first distant views of Machu Picchu, a rewarding moment after days of trekking. Arrive at the Llactapata Lodge Viewpoint for a gourmet lunch with panoramic views of the Veronica and Vilcanota mountain ranges.

In the afternoon, descend toward the Hydroelectric station and board a scenic train to Aguas Calientes, the charming town at the base of Machu Picchu. Check in to your riverside luxury hotel, enjoy dinner, and rest in preparation for the next day’s exploration.

Route: Playa Sahuayaco – Llactapata – Aguas Calientes
Meals: Breakfast, Snacks, Lunch, Tea Time, Dinner
Maximum Elevation: Llactapata  – 2,736 m / 8,976 ft
Accommodation: Luxury Glamping

 

Day 5: Machu Picchu Exploration & Return to Cusco

After breakfast at your hotel, meet your private guide and take the shuttle to Machu Picchu. During your guided tour, explore the citadel’s temples, terraces, and sacred spaces while learning about the history, architecture, and spiritual significance of the Inca civilization.

Pause at panoramic viewpoints to take in sweeping views of the ruins and surrounding mountains. After the guided visit, enjoy free time to explore at your own pace or simply absorb the atmosphere of this iconic site.

Later, enjoy a gourmet lunch in Aguas Calientes before boarding the scenic train back to Cusco. Upon arrival, your private driver will transfer you to your hotel, concluding your luxury Salkantay journey.

Route: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Maximum Elevation:  Machu Picchu citadel2430 m / 7,972 ft

 

Ready to Experience the Salkantay in Comfort and Privacy?

Embark on the Salkantay Luxury Glamping Trek 5 Days, a private journey through high Andean landscapes, alpine lakes, and cloud forest on the way to Machu Picchu. Travel at your own pace with expert guidance, refined glamping accommodations, and personalized service throughout the trek.

Contact our travel specialists today to begin planning your private Salkantay journey and receive a tailored itinerary designed around your travel style.

 

    Frequently Asked Questions – Salkantay Luxury Glamping Trek 5 Days

    1. How difficult is the Salkantay Trek?

    The trek is designed for travelers with moderate hiking experience. Some days involve high-altitude passes, but the pace is private and can be adjusted according to your needs. Your expert guide provides support throughout the journey, with regular rest stops and attentive care. Each day concludes with comfortable glamping accommodations, hot showers, and massage services to help you recover.

    2. What is included in the glamping experience?

    The luxury glamping camps feature spacious tents equipped with comfortable beds, duvets, pillows, and robes. At camp, guests have access to hot showers, private bathroom facilities, and personalized service from the trekking team. Evenings include gourmet dinners and the opportunity to enjoy the quiet beauty of the Andean night sky.

    3. Is this trek suitable for solo travelers or families?

    Yes. This trek is fully customizable and well suited for solo travelers, couples, and small groups. With a private guide and flexible pacing, the experience can be adapted to ensure comfort and enjoyment for all participants.

    4. What should I pack for the trek?

    Travelers should bring layered clothing for changing high-altitude conditions, sturdy hiking shoes, a daypack, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle. Essential trekking equipment such as sleeping bags and walking sticks is provided at the camps. A detailed packing list will be shared once your booking is confirmed.

    5. Why should I choose the Salkantay Luxury Glamping Trek?

    This trek is ideal for travelers seeking a balance of spectacular natural scenery, cultural encounters, and comfort, while avoiding the crowds of the Classic Inca Trail. The route passes through high mountain landscapes, cloud forest, and agricultural valleys, offering a diverse perspective of Peru’s ecosystems and heritage. Combined with luxury glamping, gourmet dining, and attentive guiding, it provides a refined and memorable way to reach Machu Picchu.

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