Salkantay to Machu Picchu Route 8 Days
The majestic Salkantay Route to the citadel of Machu Picchu
The Salkantay Route to Machu Picchu is one of the best options for trekking enthusiasts looking for a unique experience on their trip to Peru. This route offers breathtaking views of the Peruvian Andes, as well as the opportunity to explore the local culture of the Cusco region. Adventurers will be able to hike the Salkantay Inca Trail and reach Machu Picchu, the ancient Inca city that is considered one of the wonders of the world.
Places you will visit
Highlights
- 1
Challenge yourself and hike the Salkantay Trail.
- 2
Admire the serene natural beauty of the Sacred Valley.
- 3
Celebrate your victory with 'that' photo of Machu Picchu.
- 4
Trek through the picturesque scenery of the Andes.
Intinerary
Catedral de Cusco - Templo de Qoricancha - Convento de Santo domingo - Sacsayhuaman- Qenqo - Puka Pukara - Tambomachay -Cusco
Imperial Capital of Cusco
Welcome to the Imperial Capital of Cusco, also known as the Cultural Capital of Peru! Upon arrival, we will escort you to your hotel so you can check in, drop off your luggage and freshen up. You will have time to rest before finding a place to have lunch.
After lunch, we will take you on a leisurely half-day tour of this impressive city, with the goal of helping you acclimatize. Cusco is a historic city, considered the oldest inhabited city in the Americas. Its history dates back to 1000 BC, and at that time it was known as Qosqo, the center of the surrounding culture.
The attractions you will visit on your tour of the city are:
Cusco Cathedral.
Qoricancha or Convent of Santo Domingo.
Sacsayhuaman.
Qenqo.
Puka Pukara.
Tambomacha.
Pisac - Urubamba - Ollantaytambo - Chinchero - Cusco
Sacred Valley of the Incas
Today we will explore the exciting Sacred Valley of the Incas. We will pick you up at your hotel in Cusco at 8:30 a.m. and head to the charming town of Pisac. On the way, we will stop at the Qorao and Taray viewpoints, where you can admire the breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley and take incredible photos.
In Pisac, we will visit the amazing archaeological site and you will have time to explore its famous traditional market, full of handicrafts and local products. Then, we will head to Urubamba, where you will enjoy a delicious buffet lunch with traditional Peruvian dishes, to delight your palate with authentic local gastronomy.
Ollantaytambo
Continuing our tour, we will arrive at Ollantaytambo, a unique place with an impressive archaeological site. You will admire the water fountains, high terraces, temples and much more, all surrounded by imposing mountain peaks and colorful valleys.
Ollantaytambo is the best preserved example of an Inca city, with narrow cobblestone streets and stone walls. Thanks to its excellent preservation, the legacy of the Inca people survives to this day so that we can fully enjoy it.
Chinchero
We will end the day in Chinchero, where you will meet talented women in a textile manufacturing presentation. The Cusco region is famous for its colorful textiles and you will learn about the natural dyeing of wool, the weaving of fabrics and the symbolism of traditional designs. We will also visit an archaeological site and a charming colonial church - it will be a fascinating experience!
Once the tour is over, we will take you back to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel at 6:45 pm, so you can relax and enjoy your evening.
Cusco - Mollepata - Challacamcha - Soraypampa - Humantay Lake
Brilliant Route
We start the day picking you up at your hotel at 4:00 am. After a beautiful 3-hour drive, admiring the white mountains of Salkantay and Humantay, we will arrive in Mollepata. Here, you can choose to enjoy a delicious breakfast (optional).
Then we will head towards Challacancha, the starting point of our trek. There, our support team will organize all the equipment and pack mules. At 9:30 a.m., we will begin a 3-hour hike to Soraypampa (3900 m.a.s.l.), our first campsite. We will enjoy lunch and take a short rest.
Humantay lake
Afterwards, we will head towards the unforgettable Humantay Lagoon (4200 m.a.s.l.). This round trip hike covers 3 km in total and will take approximately 2.5 hours. The Humantay Lagoon is one of the most beautiful places you will ever visit, with its incredibly blue-green waters reflecting the glacier of the Apu Humantay mountain.
Once we have taken pictures and enjoyed the scenery, we will return to our camp, where you can enjoy a delicious tea. After dinner, you can rest and get ready to start our hike to Salkantay the next day.
Soraypampa - Paso Salkantay - Huayracmacha- Chaullay
Salkanatay Pass Hike
After waking up early with the first rays of sunshine, we will embark on an exciting trek to the Salkantay Pass, at 4630 m.a.s.l. From there, we will enjoy breathtaking views of valleys and snow-capped peaks, including the majestic Salkantay Mountain.
After delighting in the beauty of the snow-capped peaks, a 7 km downhill hike in the shape of a snake will take us to our lunch spot at Huayracmachay, at 3860 m.a.s.l., where we will enjoy a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, we will enter the cloud forest of the Amazon rainforest, walking for 3 hours on trails surrounded by lush vegetation and wildlife.
This hike will allow us to experience a remarkable change in the landscape and the energy of the land, as we pass from the imposing Andes to the fascinating Amazon region. Upon arrival at the charming village of Chaullay, at 2900 m.a.s.l., we will settle into our cozy Andean huts to rest and recharge our batteries after a day full of natural wonders.
Chaullay - Collpapampa - La Playa - Lucmabamba
Enjoy the exuberant wildlife of the jungle
We will start our hike to the charming village of La Playa at 06:00 a.m., crossing the beautiful Santa Teresa valley. During the 5-hour hike, you can marvel at rivers, wild orchids, coffee, banana and avocado trees.
We will pass through the picturesque village of Collpapampa, where the flora and fauna will accompany us on this tropical journey. At La Playa, you will have time to rest and take beautiful pictures. Then, we will drive for 30 minutes to Lucmabamba, where we will have lunch and camp.
We will still have time to explore the rainforest and visit an organic coffee farm. Coffee is the main agricultural industry in the region, it will be an enriching experience to learn about the process of cultivation and production of coffee in this place.
Lucmabamba - LLactapata - Hidroelectrica - Aguas Calientes
Discover the grandeur of the Inca sites and be dazzled by Machu Picchu
An unforgettable day awaits you! Wake up energized as our friendly guide serves you a cup of coffee or hot coca in your dome before we begin our exciting hike along the famous Inca Trail.
For approximately 3 hours, marvel at the breathtaking views of the Santa Teresa Valley until you reach the site of Llactapata Inca, opposite Machu Picchu. From here, we will enjoy a privileged view of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu.
After visiting Llactapata, we will continue hiking downhill for 1 hour and 30 minutes to Aobamba, where we will enjoy a delicious lunch. Then, we will head to Hidroeléctrica, where you will have two options: take a train to Aguas Calientes if you feel exhausted (cost not included) or walk along the train track. After approximately 3 hours of walking, we will arrive at our quiet hotel to rest.
At 7:00 p.m., we will meet at a local restaurant to enjoy a delicious dinner and prepare for our final exciting adventure: Machu Picchu!
Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco
Visiting the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu
Today is the big day: Machu Picchu. We will get up early to enjoy this wonder of the world. We will board the bus and be among the first to enter, showing our passport and entrance ticket.
We will explore the most important sites with our guide: plazas, temples and palaces, learning about its fascinating history. Then, you will have time to explore on your own or climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (optional).
After visiting Machu Picchu, we will return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch. Then, we will board the Vistadome train back to Ollantaytambo and take a private van back to Cusco, arriving around 7:30 pm.
Enjoy this unforgettable day at Machu Picchu and create memories to last a lifetime!
Featured Activities
- Optional
Huayna Picchu Mountain
Huayna Picchu is an impressive mountain that stands out for its imposing presence and its proximity to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
Ver mas$75 - Optional
Machu Picchu Mountain
Machu Picchu Mountain, also called "Old Mountain", offers a spectacular panoramic view of the Inca citadel and the landscapes of the Andes.
Ver mas$75
Cusco - Cusco Airport (or Bus Station)
Say See You Later to the Imperial City of Cusco
After breakfast, we will arrange a time to pick you up and take you to the airport or bus terminal according to your schedule.
This is not a final goodbye, we know you will soon want to come back to relive all the special moments we shared together!
Before to Go
We want your trip to Peru to be unforgettable and carefree! In this section, you will find all the answers to the questions you may have about traveling with Salkantay Trekking. We invite you to read carefully the following information, which will be of great help to know all our services.
Do you have any other questions that we haven't answered here? Leave us a message and we'll get back to you as soon as possible! We are here to help you with everything you need.
Is it for me?
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is an excellent alternative. It is especially ideal for hikers who enjoy more demanding challenges, such as higher altitudes and longer routes. During the hike, you will have the opportunity to ascend the impressive Salkantay Pass, which is 4,630 meters above sea level (15,190 feet), but don't worry, the ascent is not too strenuous or steep, as it is at the beginning of the trek.
However, it is important to keep in mind that endurance is required and take some time in Cusco to adapt to the altitude before starting the hike.
How many days do I need to acclimatize in Cusco before the trek?
It is really important that you adapt well to the altitude before embarking on a trek. We recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 or 3 days before you start so that you can acclimatize without any problems and avoid possible difficulties due to altitude sickness during the trek.
Even if you have already been elsewhere in Peru at high altitude before arriving in Cusco, we suggest you take a full day in the city to rest, recover from the trip and enjoy the wonderful sights and sounds that Cusco has to offer before starting this exciting adventure.
Briefing or Informative Meeting
Briefings are held at our main office in Cusco (or at your hotel) at 5:00 pm, the night before the tour begins. They last approximately 30 to 45 minutes. If you are unable to attend, you can coordinate by email, phone or in our office - we are here to help you every step of the way!
Payment pending for the hike (in Cusco)
Remember to pay your outstanding balance at least 2 days before your trek/tour to confirm your reservation. You can pay it in cash at our office in Cusco, in US dollars or local currency. You can also withdraw money at ATMs along Avenida Sol.
Another option is to pay by credit/debit card or PayPal, online or in person. Please note that a 5% fee will apply (Niubiz or PayPal). We regret that we do not accept bank or traveler's checks as a form of payment.
We appreciate your understanding and look forward to your payment in time to secure your reservation. If you have any questions, please contact us - we are here to help!
Travel bag for the Salkantay Trekking 8 days
Before your trek, we will provide you with a duffel bag to pack your clothes for the 5 days of your Salkantay Trek. Maximum weight allowed: 7 kg / 15.4 lb. Our horses will carry the bag along with food and camping equipment.
Please note that you will not be able to access the items in the bag until the end of each day, as the riders and horses will be ahead of you. Therefore, you will need a roomy daypack to carry your personal belongings: warm jacket, raincoat, camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, among others. A backpack of 30 to 50 liters is ideal.
We strive to provide you with a comfortable and safe experience. If you have any questions about the necessary equipment or other details, don't hesitate to contact us, we are here to help you!
Is it possible to leave my luggage in your office?
Of course! We can store your main luggage safely in our office. You can arrange this during the briefing or by email. In addition, most hotels also offer free luggage storage.
We recommend that you store valuables in the hotel safe and obtain a detailed receipt. This is important for insurance purposes. It is also advisable to place credit cards in a sealed and signed envelope for peace of mind.
Our goal is to ensure that your luggage is safe and to provide you with a worry-free experience during your trip. If you have any additional questions about luggage storage or other details, we will be happy to assist you - please don't hesitate to contact us!
Passenger pick-up
We will pick you up at your hotel if you are in the Historic Center of Cusco. The pick up time will be coordinated during the briefing, but remember that there may be a 30 to 45 minute variation due to traffic.
Cusco is an ancient city with narrow cobblestone streets. Some hotels and Airbnbs may be in locations that are difficult for cars to access or with steep slopes, making it difficult to transport luggage. We recommend that you book accommodations with good access.
We want to make sure you have a comfortable experience, so we will arrange for your pick-up and ensure that you arrive at your destination without any problems. If you have any additional questions about pick-up or other details, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Return to Cusco
Returning from Machu Picchu is part of your tour and we take care of all the logistics. After your visit, you will board a comfortable bus to Aguas Calientes and then take a train to Ollantaytambo. Our representative will be waiting for you at the station to take you back to Cusco or directly to your hotel.
Note: Your tour includes a one-way bus ticket Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu, so you can choose to use it to go from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu or vice versa. If you would like a round-trip bus ticket, an additional charge of US $12.00 will apply.
If you have any additional questions about the return trip or other details, please do not hesitate to contact us, we are here to help you!
Group Tours
In our group tours, we respect individual differences. Each person can walk at their own pace during the route, as we value that everyone has their own pace and level of fitness.
If the group wishes to make modifications to the route, the guide will consult with all participants and make a final decision on its feasibility. We always aim to provide the best experience for everyone.
Our goal is that you enjoy your trip to the fullest, so we adapt to the needs and preferences of each person as much as possible.
Strikes and demonstrations
Strikes and demonstrations are common in Peru and may affect our tours. Although roads and train tracks may be blocked, we will do our best to maintain your original itinerary, even considering early departures.
In case of situations that compromise safety, tours may be cancelled. We will work closely with our operations department to find the best solution and ensure your safety.
Your satisfaction and comfort are our priority. We strive to provide you with an exceptional experience and will do everything necessary to ensure this during your trip.
Lost and found
It is important to be aware of where you place your belongings and remember to take everything with you once you leave our transportation, tents or restaurants. You are solely responsible for your personal belongings during the entire tour.
Dates & Availability
What they say about us
We share with you what our travelers who have lived the experience with our company say our company
45
Excellent
Very Good
Good
Bad
Terrible
Patricia
US $920
Interest free payment Pay in parts at no additional cost
Book Once pay a deposit and complete later
Other tours that might interest you
- Save 8%4.5(4) Perú, Arequipa
Salkantay Trekking to Machu Picchu 5 days
Salkantay, Humantay Lake, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu
5 DaysFrom$640$590
Frequently asked questions about the Tours
How is the food?
Discover a culinary feast in the Andean mountains! Our talented and passionate chefs offer exquisite and authentic dishes, tailored to your dietary needs. With delicious and hearty breakfasts, lunches and dinners every day, we even have snacks to keep your energy high. Start your day with a cup of tea or coffee, and relax with another in the afternoon.
Our chefs are true culinary artists who will exceed all your expectations, so get ready for a memorable dining experience in the middle of the Andean mountains!
How much water do I need to bring?
We guarantee continuous access to drinking water during your stay, from the first lunch to the last breakfast. All the water we provide is boiled, filtered and cooled, ensuring your safety.
Remember to bring enough water storage capacity with you, such as a camel bag or a bottle large enough for two liters. We recommend that you start your trek with full containers so that you have enough water until lunch.
Our priority is your hydration, and this additional measure ensures an efficient and safe service in the Andean mountains.
How difficult is this hike?
Our hikes are designed to accommodate hikers of all skill levels. While some sections can be challenging, others are easier. Remember that nothing is impossible.
Our highly experienced guides are used to accompanying groups of mixed abilities and will be there to support you. We recommend exercising regularly before the trip and arriving in Cusco at least two days before the trek to acclimatize to the altitude. We are here to make your experience rewarding and memorable.
Will I have altitude sickness?
The city of Cusco is located at 3300 meters above sea level, which means that the air is thinner and contains less oxygen than usual. Some visitors may experience altitude sickness, especially when first arriving in the city. We recommend that all hikers arrive at least two days before their trek to acclimatize properly. However, Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes are at a much lower altitude, around 2000 meters, so you are less likely to suffer from altitude sickness there. If you are having difficulty with the altitude, here are some helpful tips:
- Perform deep breathing exercises.
- Rest and relax upon arrival.
- Drink plenty of water, this will help you adapt more quickly.
- Coca tea and muña tea from the Andes are beneficial to reduce the symptoms of altitude sickness.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs if you have problems with altitude.
- The use of medications such as Diamox or Acetazolamide may be recommended (consult your doctor to verify that you are not allergic to any medication).
- All hotels in Cusco provide supplemental oxygen. If you do not have access to it, contact us and we will provide it for free.