Salkantay Trekking 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 – SalkantayPampa
Explore Salkantay Trekking
Begin your Salkantay trekking adventure with a comfortable pick up at your hotel at 4:30 am and drive for 3 hours to the trailhead, where you will enjoy the first breakfast prepared by our chef. Then we will start a 3-hour hike to Soraypampa (3600 m / 11811 ft), where our chef will prepare a delicious lunch with fresh local products.
Humantay Lake
After lunch, we will continue for 2 more hours until we reach the impressive glacial lake of Humantay (4200 m / 13779 ft), where you can relax and enjoy the beautiful views of the turquoise water lake. Finally, we will continue until we reach the first camp at the base of the Salkantay mountain.
Get ready for a once in a lifetime experience!
Base camp - Hayrajpunku – Collpapampa (18km, 9hrs)
Discover the Salkantay pass and its impressive views.
Start your day with a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy a delicious breakfast with panoramic views of the mountains. Afterwards, begin your hike to the Salkantay pass at 4630 m for a 3-hour trek, followed by a well-deserved lunch. The second part of the trek consists of a 3-hour descent to the second camp at an altitude of 2770 m.
Collpapampa – Lucmabamba – Llactapata (16km, 8hrs)
Hike through the cloud forest to the summit of Llaqtapata.
Wake up in your tent and enjoy a delicious breakfast before starting the hike through the cloud forest, which will last approximately 3 hours. During lunch, you will have the opportunity to try a delicious PACHAMANCA special, prepared on a subway hot stone barbecue, and you will also visit organic coffee farms. After lunch, you will continue hiking for 3 more hours until you reach Llaqtapata camp, located on top of a mountain with spectacular views of Machu Picchu.
Llaqtapata – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes (14km, 6hrs)
Spectacular view of Machu Picchu.
Wake up and when you open your tent, you will have the amazing view of Machu Picchu. On this day, we will begin the 2-hour descent to Hidroelectica, where we will enjoy a delicious breakfast before continuing the trek for another 3 hours until we reach Aguas Calientes. There, we will spend the night in a comfortable hotel like Susanna INN or similar.
Get ready to rest and recharge your batteries for the exciting visit to Machu Picchu the next day.
Día 5: Machu Picchu (Beat the crowds!) - 4 hours
Exploring Machu Picchu
After enjoying breakfast, we will start early our visit to Machu Picchu taking the first buses to witness the sunrise. During the visit, we will have the opportunity to explore places like Intipunku or the Inca Bridge with our expert guide. Once the visit is over, we will take the Vistadome panoramic train and bus back to your hotel in Cusco.
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
What they say about us
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US $590
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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) Immigration Card (given to you on the plane as you enter Peru) 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)