The journey to Machu Picchu is more than a destination. Along the Salkantay Trekking route, glacier-carved valleys give way to green mountainsides and cloud forest, with a different landscape unfolding as you walk. At SkyDome Camps, we bring that sense of discovery together with a welcoming place to rest at the end of the trail.
Spend your days exploring the Andes and your evenings slowing down beneath the mountain sky. Our dome stays are part of the journey itself: a chance to take in the surroundings, share the day's stories and enjoy a quieter side of the mountains.
Explore our Salkantay itineraries to find the balance of walking, discovery and downtime that suits you. Whether you have a few days or want a longer adventure, our local team can help you compare the routes and choose your own way to Machu Picchu.
Trace the four-day route through Salkantay, with mountain trails by day and time to rest at our dome camps.
Humantay Lake A turquoise lake beneath the glaciers.
Salkantay Pass The mountain crossing at the heart of the trek.
Nights in Sky Domes Rest along the trail in Soraypampa and Collpapampa.
Machu Picchu The final stop of your four-day journey.
Shown here: the 4-day route. Stops and overnight stays vary by itinerary.
THE SALKANTAY ROUTE
Salkantay Trek · 5 Days
Take more time to experience the changing landscapes of Salkantay. This five-day route adds Salkantay Lake, a visit to a coffee plantation and time at the Cocalmayo hot springs before reaching Machu Picchu.
Humantay Lake Begin among the high Andean glaciers.
Salkantay Pass & Lake Cross the pass and visit another glacial lake.
Coffee & hot springs Rest along the trail in Soraypampa and Collpapampa.
Llaqtapata & Machu Picchu Follow the route toward the Inca citadel.
Shown here: the 5-day route. Stops and overnight stays vary by itinerary.
THE SALKANTAY ROUTE
Salkantay Express · 3 Days
A shorter, more demanding journey for travelers with limited time. Cross the Salkantay Pass on the first day, descend toward the cloud forest and finish with a visit to Machu Picchu.
Salkantay Pass A challenging mountain crossing on day one.
Colpapampa SkyDomes Rest after the longest trekking day.
Llaqtapata Rest along the trail in Soraypampa and Collpapampa.
Machu Picchu Explore the citadel on the final day.
Shown here: the 3-day route. Stops and overnight stays vary by itinerary.
Find Your Own Rhythm on the Salkantay Trail
Choosing a Salkantay trek starts with the kind of journey you want to have. A shorter itinerary can suit travelers with limited time, while a longer route leaves room to discover more along the way. Beyond the number of days, compare the daily walking distances, the places you will visit and the time available to enjoy each stop. The right choice is the one that fits your interests and your comfort on the trail.
With SkyDome Camps, the nights matter as much as the days. Our approach brings trekking and mountain hospitality into the same experience, connecting time outdoors with a place to unwind. Each itinerary has its own route and accommodation plan, so open the full trip details to see where you will stay, which nights include our domes and how the journey continues to Machu Picchu.
Below, you can explore the collection and compare duration, physical rating and price before looking more closely at your preferred trip. Read the day-by-day itinerary and inclusions to understand what makes each option different. If you are deciding between routes, tell our team how much time you have and what you hope to experience; we will help you find a Salkantay journey that feels like yours.
Glacier to Cloud Forest with a Hot Shower and Real Bed Every Night The 4 Day Salkantay Trek is our most popular route for a reason. In four days you walk from towering ice walls to…
EXPLORE THE COLLECTION
Find your way to Machu Picchu
Compare duration, difficulty and price, then open the complete itinerary to see every detail.
From Glacier Pass to Cloud Forest in 3 Days The classic Salkantay trek takes five days. This express route delivers its most dramatic sections in just three, without cutting the highlights. In three days, you cross…
The Definitive Salkantay Experience The 5 Day Salkantay Trek is the most complete way to reach Machu Picchu on foot through the Andes. Designed for travelers who want to experience every ecosystem without rushing, this route…
Everyone goes to Humantay Lake. Almost no one knows there are two more turquoise lakes hidden on the Salkantay route. This 2 day expedition is the only tour in Cusco that takes you to both of…
Glacier Views and the Lost City of the Incas Your ascent into the high mountains leads toward the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake. Set at 4,200 meters beneath the glacier covered Humantay peak, the lake offers a moment of pure stillness and scale that…
Two Iconic Andes Highlights. On Horseback. In One Weekend. You want Salkantay Pass and Humantay Lake without the five day trek and without climbing 4,600 meters on foot. This weekend escape gives you both on horseback…
Ride, Bike and Explore to Machu Picchu with Two Sky Dome Nights You want Salkantay Glacier, Humantay Lake and Machu Picchu, but you do not want four days of only hiking. This Multisport Expedition gives you…
Discover all the best of Cusco in an incredible 7-day package. Start in Cusco, visiting the archaeological sites near the city. Travel through the Sacred Valley, enjoying the landscapes and Inca history. Get to know Andean…
DURATION7 Days / 6 Nights
PHYSICAL RATINGModerate
?
PLAN WITH CONFIDENCE
Frequently asked questions
Practical answers to help you choose and prepare for your journey.
Which Salkantay trek is right for me?
Choose according to your available time, hiking experience and preferred pace. Our specialists can compare the routes with you and recommend the best fit.
How difficult is the Salkantay Trek?
Most routes are moderately challenging and include high-altitude hiking. A gradual pace, prior acclimatization in Cusco and the support of our team make a significant difference.
When is the best time to travel?
The drier months from April through October generally offer clearer conditions. Every season has its own character, so we will help you plan around your priorities.
What makes the SkyDome camps different?
They combine an intimate connection to the landscape with private sleeping spaces, comfortable beds, warm hospitality and carefully prepared meals.
Can you arrange a private journey?
Yes. Private departures can be tailored around your group, preferred pace and travel dates, subject to permits and availability.
How many days should I allow for Salkantay?
The collection includes short mountain experiences and longer journeys to Machu Picchu. Compare the walking days and overnight stops in each itinerary; the quickest option is not always the easiest.
Do all Salkantay trips include Machu Picchu?
No. Some experiences focus on the lakes, the pass or a night in the mountains. Check the itinerary of the tour you choose to see whether Machu Picchu is included.
Will I sleep in a SkyDome every night?
The number and location of dome nights vary by route. Open the full itinerary to see each overnight stay before choosing your trip.
What should I pack for the Salkantay route?
Bring layers for cold mountain mornings and warmer valleys, a waterproof outer layer and comfortable hiking shoes. Your tour itinerary should list any additional equipment needed.
How far in advance should I arrive in Cusco?
Allow time to adjust to the altitude before a demanding trek. Tell our team when you arrive so they can help you choose a suitable departure.
How are meals and transfers arranged?
Arrangements vary by itinerary. The full tour page lists the included meals and transport; our team can clarify any transfer or dietary requirements before you book.
Sky Dome CampsSalkantay Glamping
Join Sky Dome Camps for an Unforgettable
Glamping Experience in the Andes
100% Locally Owned and Operated in Cusco, Peru
Expert Guides on the Salkantay & Inca Trail Routes
Knowledgeable Staff Ready to Help You
Private Transparent Domes at High Altitude
Individually Curated Treks and Glamping Experiences
Real experiences from travelers who slept under the Andean sky
James WhitfieldOctober 8, 2025London, UK
G
★★★★★
Sleeping Under the Stars at 4,600m
I never thought I could sleep in a luxury bed while staring at the Milky Way through a transparent dome. The Salkantay glacier right in front of you at sunrise — absolutely unreal. Worth every penny.
SkyDomeCamps - Sky Dome
Sofia MartínezOctober 7, 2025Buenos Aires, Argentina
G
★★★★★
The Dome Made the Trek Unforgettable
We did the full Salkantay Trek and stayed at the dome on night two. After a hard day of hiking, coming back to a real bed, hot shower and that view of the mountain? Nothing compares to that.
SkyDomeCamps - Salkantay Trek
Thomas BrauerOctober 7, 2025Munich, Germany
G
★★★★★
Best Night of My Life
I have camped across Patagonia and Nepal but nothing matched this. The dome is warm, beautifully designed and the silence at 4,600m is something else entirely. I woke up at 3am just to stare at the stars.
SkyDomeCamps - Sky Dome
SDC
@skydomecampsTransparent domes under the Andean sky. Tag us #SkyDomeCamps ✦