The Salkantay Trek is our most popular itinerary, meticulously designed to showcase the dramatic shifts in the Andean landscape while maintaining a 3-star hotel standard of comfort. Over four days, you will journey from the towering ice walls of the Salkantay glacier to the misty orchid-filled trails of the Cloud Forest, ending at the iconic Machu Picchu.
Start the adventure with a scenic drive to Challacancha. We trek to our base at Soraypampa, arriving in time for a fresh lunch. In the afternoon, we ascend to the turquoise Humantay Lake.
The most challenging and rewarding day. We conquer the Salkantay Pass (4,650m), standing between the sacred Apus of the Andes. We then descend into the lush “Ceja de Selva” (the eyebrow of the jungle) and finally we arrive to our Sky Dome camp at Colpapampa
We explore the coffee and fruit plantations of the valley before driving to Lucmabamba. From here, we hike an original Inca Trail segment to the Llaqtapata ruins, offering your first distant view of Machu Picchu across the canyon. Finally arriving to Aguas Caliantes
The day of discovery. We take the early bus to the Machu Picchu Citadel for a comprehensive 3-hour guided tour. Afterward, return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and take the scenic train back to Ollantaytambo, with private transport to your Cusco hotel.
Transportation & Logistics
Access & Expertise
Accommodations & Mountain Dining
Porterage & Safety
The following items and services are not included in the standard package but can be arranged independently or as add-ons:
This trek is considered moderate, thanks to a more gradual pace and shorter daily distances.
You’ll still cross the Salkantay Pass (4,600 m / 15,090 ft), but the extra day allows for better acclimatization and recovery along the route.
No technical experience is required, but a reasonable level of fitness and some hiking experience will help you enjoy the journey more comfortably.
You’ll be trekking through a range of climates, so packing in layers is essential:
Your main luggage is carried by the support team, so you’ll only carry what you need during the day.
Groups are limited to a maximum of 10 travelers.
This ensures a more personalized experience, better pacing on the trail, and closer support from your guide.
Although the pace is more gradual, this trek still reaches high altitude.
We recommend spending at least 2 to 3 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before your trek. This will help your body adjust and make the experience significantly more enjoyable.
Staying hydrated, eating light, and getting proper rest beforehand are key.
Yes—you can hire a private porter for additional comfort.
While your main duffel is already carried by the support team, a private porter can help reduce the weight of your daypack or carry extra personal items.
This is especially helpful if you want to enjoy the trek at a more relaxed pace.
Yes—SkyDome Camps operates fully legally and with all required permits.
As part of the Sam Travel Corporation, we comply with all official regulations to operate trekking routes to Machu Picchu. Our experienced team focuses on safety, logistics, and delivering a consistently high-quality experience.
This allows you to focus entirely on the journey, knowing everything is professionally managed.
YOUR ADVENTURE. OUR EXPERTISE.
Guest Reviews
Real experiences from travelers who slept under the Andean sky
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 DomeWe 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 TrekI 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
