Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 days
Challenge your limits with Salkantay: the best trekking route
The Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu is one of the most popular trekking routes in Peru. The 5-day trek offers spectacular views of the Peruvian Andes, glaciers, turquoise lakes, green valleys and finally the arrival at the iconic citadel of Machu Picchu.
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
Cusco – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa
Cusco - Mollepata
We begin our tour of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with a comfortable pick up from your hotel at 4:30 am. After a 3 hour drive, we arrive in Mollepata for breakfast. Then, we continue to Challacancha, our starting point for the trek.
Soraypampa - Humantay Lake
We start our hike to Soraypampa at 9:30 am, with impressive views of the Nevado Salkantay. After arriving at Soraypampa and enjoying lunch, we continue 2 more hours to the Humantay Lagoon, where its blue-green waters will leave you speechless.
Soraypampa Camp
After exploring the Humantay Lagoon, we will return to our campsite in Soraypampa, where we will spend the night. This will be our first accommodation on the 5-day Salkantay to Machu Picchu tour.
Soraypampa - Abra Salkantay - Huayracmachay – Chaullay
Soraypampa - Abra Salkantay
We start the day with a cup of coffee or tea and a delicious breakfast at our campsite in Soraypampa. Afterwards, we start our hike to the highest point, the Salkantay Pass (Abra Salkantay), located at 4600 meters altitude. From there, we enjoy spectacular views of the valleys and snow-capped peaks such as Salkantay, Humantay, Tucarhuay and Pumasillo.
Huayracmachay - Camp Chaullay
After a 5 km downhill ride to Huayracmachay, we will stop for a comforting lunch. Then, we will enter the tropical zone known as "ceja de selva" or "cloud forest", where we will take a 10 km walk through an enchanting semi-tropical forest.
At the end of this beautiful hike, we will arrive at Chaullay, where we will have dinner and spend the night in cozy Andean cabins with breathtaking views of the valley.
Chaullay - Colpapampa -La Playa - Lucmabamba
Colpapampa - La Playa
We start the day with a delicious breakfast and our hike to the village of La Playa, through the valley of Santa Teresa. We will discover a unique ecosystem, with rivers, waterfalls, orchids and local plantations. We will also visit Colpapampa, known as "the top of the cloud forest", where we will stop for lunch.
Lucmabamba Camp
After lunch, we will continue our hike for approximately one hour until we arrive at the cozy Lucmabamba Camp. There we will be greeted by the irresistible aroma of freshly roasted coffee, the main agricultural product of the region. We will have the opportunity to explore a coffee farm and an avocado plantation, immersing ourselves in the authentic flavors and smells of the jungle.
Lucmabamba - Llactapata - Hidroelectrica - Aguas Calientes
Llactapata - Spectacular view of Machu Picchu.
Today is a wonderful day to explore the Inca Trail in the lush Peruvian jungle near Machu Picchu. Early in the morning, we will leave our campsite for the hamlet of Lucmabamba, where we will begin the ascent up the original Inca Trail to the archaeological site of Llactapata.
From Llactapata, you will have the opportunity to capture the first photos and panoramic views of the Inca City of Machu Picchu. We will have time to enjoy this unique place. Then, we continue ascending for 2 more hours until we reach the Hydroelectric Power Plant.
Hidroelectrica - Aguas Calientes
After a spectacular morning of trekking along the Inca Trail, you will walk for 3 more hours following the train line until you reach Aguas Calientes. Once there, you will be able to rest and enjoy our lodging. Later, we will have a briefing about our visit to Machu Picchu, which will be the next day.
Visit toMachu Picchu - Cusco
Knowing the Inca City of Machu Picchu
Get ready for an unforgettable day in Machu Picchu. Today we wake up early to begin our hike to this wonder, where we will experience one of the most magical moments of the tour: watching the clouds clear and the sun illuminate the citadel. Enjoy a 2-hour guided tour and free time to explore.
At the end, choose to descend to Aguas Calientes on foot or by bus (cost: 12 USD).
Aguas Calientes - Cusco
In the afternoon, after your visit to Machu Picchu, you will take a 2-hour train ride back to the Living Inca Village of Ollantaytambo. From there, we will provide you with assistance and tourist transportation back to Cusco, dropping you off at your hotel.
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
Before to Go
We are excited to be a part of your trip and we want it to be an unforgettable experience!
Before you begin this exciting adventure, let me guide you through a detailed description of the preparations you should consider to ensure that everything goes smoothly during your trip.
Is it for Me?
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is a truly challenging and rewarding experience that immerses you in the breathtaking natural beauty of the Peruvian Andes, while allowing you to experience the ancient magic of the lost city of the Incas. Before embarking on this unforgettable adventure, it is crucial to make sure you are well acclimatized to make the most of every moment of the journey.
Get ready to live a unique experience that will last in your memories!
How many days do I need to acclimatize in Cusco before the trek?
It is very important to be well acclimatized to the altitude before trekking. We recommend spending at least 2 to 3 days in Cusco before you start the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu. These extra days allow you to help you adapt and avoid possible problems with altitude sickness during the trek.
It is likely that you have already been in another area of Peru at high altitude before arriving in Cusco. In this case, we recommend that you rest a full day in Cusco to recover from your trip, so you can enjoy the sights and sounds of Cusco before starting the trek.
Payment of the balance of the trek (in Cusco)
If you still have an outstanding balance, it is important that you pay it at least 2 days before starting your trek in Cusco. Otherwise, your trek reservation will not be confirmed. Be sure to comply with this requirement to guarantee the confirmation of your participation in the trek and enjoy the experience without any setbacks.
Canvas bag for the classic Salkantay hike
During the briefing, we will give you a duffel bag in which you can pack the clothes you will wear during the 5 days of your Salkantay trek. It is important to note that you will not have access to the items you place in the duffel bag until the end of each day, as the muleteers and horses will always be ahead of the group.
During the trip, you will need a daypack spacious enough to carry your personal items, such as: Jacket, Raincoat, Camera, Sunscreen, Snacks, Water. Normally, a backpack with a capacity of 30 to 50 liters is recommended.
Can I store my luggage in the office?
Of course! During the trip, we offer the option of storing your main luggage securely at our office (you can arrange this with us during the briefing or via email) or at your hotel, both services at no additional cost.
If there are items in your main luggage that you will not need during the trip, we recommend that you store them at your hotel, as most hotels provide this service. However, it is important that you do not leave valuables in your suitcase. We suggest that you store them in the hotel safe and request a detailed receipt for the items deposited. This way, you can have peace of mind during your walk and make sure that your valuables are protected.
Customer pickup
Our local operator can pick you up from your hotel if you are in the historic center of Cusco. Your guide will coordinate the meeting time during the briefing. However, you should be aware that the arrival time to pick you up can take between 30 and 45 minutes due to city traffic.
Cusco is an ancient city with many narrow cobblestone streets. Some hotels or Airbnb accommodations may be located on streets with no vehicular access or in areas with steep slopes, making it difficult to transport luggage. Therefore, we recommend you to book accommodation that is easily accessible to avoid inconveniences in moving your belongings.
Return to Cusco
The return from Machu Picchu requires considerable logistics, but don't worry, everything is included in your tour!
- Once in Machu Picchu, you will be taken by bus for approximately 25 minutes to the town of Aguas Calientes. Boarding the bus will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
- In Aguas Calientes, you will take a train to Ollantaytambo (or Poroy). Your guide will provide you with the tickets, where the boarding time will be indicated. Be sure to be at the station at least 30 minutes in advance. The train ride from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo takes 1 hour and 45 minutes.
- Once you arrive at the station, the local operator's representative will be waiting for you to accompany you back to the city of Cusco or directly to your hotel. The trip from Ollantaytambo to Cusco takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Group travel
Group travelers are composed of people with different physical conditions and ages. This implies variations in walking speed. Therefore, it is important to be open to each person being able to follow his or her own pace.
On some occasions, the group may wish to make modifications to the planned route. However, the feasibility of such changes will be subject to the decision of the guide, who will be in charge of evaluating whether it is possible to carry them out. To ensure a consensual decision, the guide will consult with all members of the group, listening to their opinions and considering their needs and preferences.
Strikes and Demonstrations
We want you to be aware that strikes and demonstrations are common in Peru, which can affect our travels. We may find roads blocked and train tracks overrun. However, our goal is to keep your trip as close as possible to the initial plan. On occasion, this may mean leaving a night earlier than planned.
If these situations arise, we may have to suspend some trips. Don't worry, our operations team will coordinate everything with you and find the best solution.
Your safety is our top priority, so we will make the necessary decisions to protect you and ensure you have a safe experience.
Lost and found
We would like to remind you of the importance of paying attention to your belongings and making sure to collect everything before leaving our transportation, campsites or restaurants. During the tour, you are solely responsible for your personal belongings.
It is easy to forget something in the midst of the excitement and fun, so we ask you to be attentive and take care of your belongings at all times. Remember, your peace of mind and safety are our priority, so we want you to have a smooth experience, enjoy and keep an eye on your belongings!
Dates & Availability
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Frequently asked questions about the Tours
Is this trek difficult?
Our agencies are designed to be accessible to hikers of all levels. While some sections may present some difficulty, there are also easier sections. We want to remind you that nothing is impossible.
Our guides have extensive experience and are accustomed to adapting to groups with different abilities, always ready to provide help and support.
We recommend that you exercise regularly before your trip and arrive in Cusco at least two days before the trek to acclimatize to the altitude.
This additional time will help you prepare properly and enjoy the experience to the fullest.
Whats the food like?
At Treppid we pride ourselves on having talented chefs who never disappoint when preparing a delicious feast, even in the middle of the Andean mountains.
Our chefs are specialists in Andean cuisine and are trained to meet all dietary needs. Please let us know in advance if you have any particular needs. Every day we will provide you with breakfast, lunch and dinner (except for lunch on the last day), with delicious and abundant meals.
We guarantee that even the most discerning palates will be impressed. Plus, we'll keep your energy levels high with daily snacks, and each morning we'll offer tea or coffee to wake you up, as well as a cup of tea or coffee in the afternoon to relax you.
How much water do I need to bring?
Treppid will provide you with all the water you need from your first lunch to your last breakfast. The water is boiled, filtered and cooled, so it is perfectly drinkable. You will need to bring a camel bag or water bottle with a capacity of at least two liters of water.
We also ask that you start the trek the first morning with containers full of drinking water so that you have enough water until lunchtime. This is because the porters do not have enough time to arrive before you at the first breakfast place and prepare the drinking water.
What are the absolute essentials?
Valid, original Passport (a copy will not be accepted)
Valid, Student Card (if you booked as a student)
Hiking boots (light, comfortable and broken in)
A good quality daypack (light, small and comfortable)
Water storage for at least 2 litres; either a camel bag or water bottle(s)