Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days 4 Nights
5 Days from $ USD 100.00
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days 4 Nights
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days 4 Nights
43 Reviews | Min Altitude: 2200msnm (3545 fasl) | Max Altitude: 2200msnm (3545 fasl) | 5 Days from $ 1 900.00
Introduction
The Salcantay mountain is one of the highest mountains in the Cusco region, together with the Ausangate mountain in the Vilcanota mountain range which is located further south. However, without hesitation, it is the most magnificent in its splendid isolation and the greatness of its two-headed mole, with the addition of being one of the mountains of this magnificent Andean region that present major technical problems in all its aspects. This is attested by the six itineraries opened to date by the different aspects of this white giant.
The Salkantay 5 day trek is one of the most spectacular and adventurous ways to reach Machu Picchu, this 5 day trek offers the best options. It has glacial mountains, beautiful lakes like Humantay and Salkantay Lake, and goes through the Amazon jungle, making it one of the most beautiful and exciting trekking places in Peru.
Booking this Salkantay 5 Days tour, with us, you will enjoy the best services at an affordable price. We will pass by blue lakes, reach heights of up to 15,000 feet and pass by waterfalls, rivers and hot springs.
We will also hike the original Inca trail to the ruins of Llactapata, where you will get a great panoramic view of Machu Picchu from a different angle, which will motivate you to finish the last stretch first by reaching the famous lost city of the Incas.
The Salkantay 5 Days trek was listed by National Geographic as one of the 25 “best treks in the world”. Choose an experienced and highly qualified company for your Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu and make it an incredible and unforgettable experience.
Trip Details
- Duration: 5 days.
- Includes: Camping, food, porters, transportation, guide, entrance fees and more.
- Payment: easy with any credit or debit card.
- Confirmation: immediate.
- Safety: complies with all sanitary protocols.
- Entrance fee: Machu Picchu Solo.
- Group: from 4 to 16 people maximum.
- Walking distance: 40 miles / 64 km
- Starting altitude: 2850m / 9650ft.
- Maximum altitude: 4552m / 14934ft.
- Final altitude: 2300m / 7545f.t (altitude of Machu Picchu)
- Starting point: Cusco – We will pick you up from your respective hotels.
- Departure time: 05:30 am
- Information point: our guide will give you all the information days before your departure.
- Information time: from 17:00 to 18:00
- Return point: our driver will drop you off near the main square.
- Return time: Aguas Calientes to Cusco – 2:30pm (IncaRail) or 6:30pm (Perurail). Our tours are 100% guaranteed.
- Level of service: Premium service, which includes all personal equipment, additional horses for your group and private transportation.
- Physical Rating: 3 – Challenging, some high altitude climbing or more strenuous activities, but accessible to most healthy travelers.
- Age requirements: All visitors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Staff: a professional guide, a chef and a driver during the trip.
- Meals: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners,
Highlights
The Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu is the preferred trekking route for tourists, after the 4-day Inca Trail. It is the most arduous trek because it covers a total of approximately 70 kilometers. It owes its name to the fact that it crosses the Salkantay pass (4,650 meters above sea level), a point close to the famous snow-capped mountain.
Machu Picchu is reached by following the route through ‘Llactapata’. In addition to the Inca city, during this hike you will appreciate other tourist attractions such as the famous Humantay lake.
The tour includes everything necessary for the visit: transportation to the starting point of the hike, porters team, cook team, tour guide, camping equipment (tents, poles, etc.), lodging in Aguas Calientes, entrance to Machu Picchu and return by train to Cusco.
Itinerary
Cusco - Mollepata - Challacancha - Soraypampa
We will pick you up from your hotel around 05:00 for your 5 day Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu. We continue driving almost 3 hours to Anta Mollepata. During the bus ride, you can see the snow-capped mountains of Salkantay and Veronica, sacred gods of the Incas. In addition, you will see impressive views of the upper and lower valleys with colorful landscapes. After a two-hour drive, we will make our first stop in the village of Mollepata, where you will find restrooms and breakfast. After breakfast you will continue to Challacancha (the starting point of our trek). There we will meet our support staff, arrange all the equipment, horses and mules and have an introductory meeting.
Approximately at 9:30 am. We will start walking towards Soraypampa (3900 m.a.s.l.). The first part of the trail is a paved road. On the way, we will see the old water channel that still provides water to the new residents. The first section is 9 km that we will walk in 3 hours to reach Soraypampa where we will have lunch. This will also be a base camp. After lunch and siesta, we will continue our trek to Laguna Humantay (4200m above sea level). This is a 5km hike that will take 3 hours round trip. Once we reach the lake, we will be able to observe the Humantay glacier and the impressive sunset. Soraypampa is located in the middle of ice valleys, where at night it is very dark and there is no ambient light, which makes it a perfect place to admire the constellations in the Peruvian Andean sky.
- Meals: Lunch, Dinner.
- Lodging: Camping.
- Maximum altitude: 3850 m / 12,6312 ft.
- Minimum altitude: 2850m / 9,3504ft.
- Distance traveled: 14 km / 8,500 miles.
Physical Level
1, Easy
Soraypampa - Salkantay Pass - Huayramachay - Chaullay
This day we will wake up between 5 am with coca tea delivered to your campsite. Then we quickly pack our bags, have a quick breakfast and immediately begin our ascent to the highest point of the Salkantay Trail (4620m 15,255ft). The distance is 7km which we will complete in 4 hours. During our ascent through the rocky valley, we will be able to observe the magnificent Salkantay Peak and even see chinchillas on the trail (6217 masl 20,341ft). Once we reach the top of the trail, we will enjoy breathtaking views of the mountains and the imposing snow-capped peaks of Salkantay, Humantay and Pumasillo.
Salkantay is considered the second highest mountain in the Cusco region and one of the main Inca deities known as “Apu Salkantay”. Hiking to the top was the most difficult part of the entire hike, you will feel very accomplished! The next 3 hours are spent descending the zig zag trail along a rocky, gravel road to Huayracmachay, our lunch spot. In the afternoon, we will reach the top of the rainforest or “cloud forest”. We will travel 9km in 3 hours to reach the village of Chaullway (2900m above sea level 9514ft) our base camp. On the second half of the day’s descent, we will observe the dense forest decorated with colorful orchids and native plants. Most of the year the weather is warm and pleasant for this 5 day Salkantay Trek.
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
- Lodging: Camping.
- Maximum altitude: 4650 m / 15,2559 ft.
- Minimum altitude: 2900m / 9,5144ft.
- Distance traveled: 21 km / 13.0488 miles to Chaullay.
- Lunch: Breakfast.
- Tour: Visit Machu Picchu.
Physical Level
1, Easy
Chaullay - Collpapampa - Lucmabamba - Santa Teresa
Around 5:30 a.m. Wake up with hot coca tea! Then we have breakfast and then we start walking straight to the beach; We will walk along the jungle brow and following the Salkantay indications in a gradual path. On the way, we will stop at several family houses to enjoy local fruits and vegetables (passion fruit, banana, coffee, avocado, mango, orange and papaya). If we are lucky, we will be able to observe the famous bird known as “gallito de rocas”.
The distance of the trail is 16 km and the walking time is 7 hours to reach Lucmabamba, our base. Lucmabamba is a small village surrounded by coffee plantations and can provide basic services (bathrooms, electricity, stores and souvenirs) and serves as a place for refreshments. In the afternoon, it is possible to drive an hour to the hot springs. This is highly recommended after a hard climbing trip. After enjoying the hot springs, we will return to the camp for dinner.
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
- Accommodation: Camping.
- Maximum altitude: 2900m / 9,5144ft.
- Minimum altitude: 2100m / 6.8898ft.
- Distance traveled: Approximately 16 km / 9.9419 miles.
Physical Level
1, Easy
Lucmabamba - Llactapata - Hydroelectric - Aguas Calientes
First we will briefly explain about the coffee we will enjoy, then we will be able to taste the organic coffees provided by the locals. During the walking tour, we will pass through coffee plantations and a manual coffee mill on our way to Llactapata. Here we follow an extensive, well-preserved and original Inca trail that has been to Quito.
Following the trail up the mountainside, we can see countless species of butterflies, lemongrass, orchids, rocky streams and stunning views of the Santa Teresa Valley. From the top of the pass you can see the wonderful Machu Picchu as well as Intipunku, the famous Sungate. From the pass, it is only a short walk to Llactapata. Still covered in vines, jungle vegetation and trees, we will explore the site before descending down the Urubamba River and then to the hydroelectric plant where we will have our final lunch with the great chef. From there, we will continue walking along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes. Once in town, we will check into the hotel, go to dinner and spend the night in this place.
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
- Accommodation: Hotel.
- Maximum altitude: 2040 m / 6,6929 ft.
- Minimum altitude: 2900m / 9,5144ft.
- Distance traveled: approximately 24 km / 14,9129 miles.
Physical Level
1, Easy
Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco
Finally we arrive at the impressive Machu Picchu. You will wake up around 4 a.m. to prepare for the hike to the main entrance of Machu Picchu. Each person will receive a packed breakfast and we will begin a 30-minute walk to the Puente Ruinas checkpoint, where you will need to show your passport, Machu Picchu ticket and student card, if applicable. After passing the first checkpoint, we will hike up our trail for about an hour to arrive at the main gate of Machu Picchu at 6 am.
Once we are all at the gate, we will enter Machu Picchu and have the 2.5 hour guided tour or guided visit of the famous Inca site where you will learn all about the lost Inca city.
After the guided tour, you will have free time to explore Machu Picchu on your own. How long you stay at Machu Picchu will depend on how you return to Cusco, whether you wish to climb Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu, for which you must book your entrance ticket in advance.
If you have booked an additional ticket for HUAYNAPICCHU, you will need 2.5 hours to go up and down.
If you have booked an additional ticket for MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAÑA, it will take you 3.5 hours to go up and down.
After touring Machu Picchu and its surroundings, it is time to return to Ollantaytambo and then transfer to Cusco.
Physical Level
1, Easy
What to Bring
- Backpack 21 liters.
- Trekking boots must be waterproof (recommended).
- Warm clothes for the night.
- Rain gear.
- Hat or cap.
- Long pants, we do not recommend jeans.
- Several polo shirts.
- Small towel.
- Bathing suit for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes (not included in the price).
- Toilet paper, handkerchiefs.
- Hand sanitizer.
- Sun block lotion.
- Insect repellent.
- Plastic rain poncho.
- Medicine and/or personal items (liquid for contact lenses).
- Snacks: cookies, energy bars, chocolate, fruit, muesli, water, etc.
- Water bottle, you should drink plenty of water on the hike.
- Purifying tablets.
- Original passport (for Machu Picchu entrance control).
- Student card (ISIC – % Discount) if applicable.
- Have on hand checks and coins in small denominations of dollars, euros or soles.
- Walking sticks.
- Camera or video camera.
Recomendations
THINGS TO BRING:
- Original passport
- Current University Student Card (if you are a student and want to qualify for a discounted price)
- Hiking/trekking boots
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
- Warm jacket
- Hat and gloves
- T-shirts (quick-drying)
- Comfortable trekking pants
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen (SPF 35+)
- Insect repellent (We highly recommend a NATURAL repellent)
- Toiletries and hand sanitizer.
- Personal medication
- Camera and video camera.
- Flashlight with extra batteries (or an environmentally friendly option).
Pricing List
What to Bring
- Backpack 21 liters.
- Trekking boots must be waterproof (recommended).
- Warm clothes for the night.
- Rain gear.
- Hat or cap.
- Long pants, we do not recommend jeans.
- Several polo shirts.
- Small towel.
- Bathing suit for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes (not included in the price).
- Toilet paper, handkerchiefs.
- Hand sanitizer.
- Sun block lotion.
- Insect repellent.
- Plastic rain poncho.
- Medicine and/or personal items (liquid for contact lenses).
- Snacks: cookies, energy bars, chocolate, fruit, muesli, water, etc.
- Water bottle, you should drink plenty of water on the hike.
- Purifying tablets.
- Original passport (for Machu Picchu entrance control).
- Student card (ISIC – % Discount) if applicable.
- Have on hand checks and coins in small denominations of dollars, euros or soles.
- Walking sticks.
- Camera or video camera.
Travel Guide
Recommendations for the Salkantay Trek:
We have daily departures for this tour. The climate is dry all year round. However, between December and April, there are some rainy days, but they are not a big deal. Machu Picchu, the zip line and the hot springs are on the other side of the Andes Mountains, and at a lower elevation the temperature can be around 25°C during the day and 13°C at night. However, the first part of the Salkantay trek is cold, with temperatures of 12 ° C during the day and 2 ° C at night. Therefore, on this tour you will need summer and winter clothing. Click here to check the Weather in Peru.
There are many destinations in Machu Picchu such as Machu Picchu Mountain, Huayna Picchu Mountain, the Inka Bridge and the Sun Gate. The first 2 must be booked in advance and the last 2 are free. Click here to learn more about The Destinations inside Machu Picchu.
You may know that Machu Picchu was not the main city of the Inka Empire. However, it was a sacred temple used to welcome the new year. If you are interested in knowing the timeline of the Inka history, we recommend you to visit Cusco (the capital of the Inka Empire), Click to see The Destinations in Cusco. After Cusco, the Inkas built the Sacred Valley, click to see Destinations in the Sacred Valley, and then built Machu Picchu and the great Inca Trail. If you visit those destinations first, you will be an expert in Inca History when you get to Machu Picchu.
Tips and suggestions
Make sure you are prepared for what is not included in the tour: entrance fees, snacks, cold drinks or the occasional wifi and hot shower offered by camp owners for a few soles. Also, carry money in soles for tips, including tour guides, porters and cooks.
If you bring your own sleeping bag, make sure it is suitable for the cold.
Some must-have essentials include toilet paper and tissues, hand sanitizer and a portable battery for the first two days, as there will be no electricity.
If you enjoy photography, or simply want to capture memories, don’t forget an extra camera battery and charger. Some must-have essentials are toilet paper and tissues, hand sanitizer and a portable battery for the first two days, as there will be no electricity.
Bring insect repellent for the last few days of the trek, as you are close to the jungle and they will want to hunt you down.
Stay hydrated: if you plan to hike to Machu Picchu instead of taking the bus, you will need plenty of motivation and water. It can get quite humid and hot.
Make sure you make the most of your visit to Machu Picchu. Even if you get a guided tour, there is a lot more to see. Machu Picchu is divided by circuits, this means that once you pass one point, there is no turning back and officials will pressure you to keep walking, and without even knowing you will end up at the exit.
On your way back to Cusco, be sure to take the train. Although the bus may seem like a cheaper option, the 3 hour hike and 6 hour bus ride back to Cusco can be really tough after all those days of hard trekking.
Try to bring a small inflatable neck pillow for the bus rides and it can also serve as a pillow while camping.
Faqs Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days 4 Nights
When is the Salkantay Trek closed?
The Salkantay tour does not close during the year and no government permission is needed, but during the months of January and March, which is the rainy season, we recommend taking precautions and keep in mind that there may possibly be changes in the route as the rains on the route vary and some landslides may occur that may change the tour plan, of course our guides are professionals and very knowledgeable about the route that will make the best and safest decision.
Is it worth doing the Salkantay Trek 4 days?
The Salkantay trek is normally done in 5 days, but Inkas Destination saw the need of many passengers who do not have enough time to do it in 5 days and adapted the tour in 4 days with an itinerary that makes you enjoy and not miss the most impressive of the trek, doing the trek of 4 or 5 days is 100% recommended and worth it.
What is the difference between the 4-day Salkantay trek and the 5-day trek?
Both treks do not have much difference until the 3rd day after lunch, normally on the 5 day Salkantay trek the 3rd day you spend the night in Santa Teresa and visit the thermal baths of Cocalmayo for the 4th day trek from Santa Teresa to the hydroelectric plant. and then to Machu Picchu unlike the Salkantay trek of 4 days that on the 3rd day after lunch we take the transport to hydroelectric and continue walking to Machu Picchu, in short we do not visit the village of Santa Teresa and the baths but do not worry that in Machu Picchu village you can also visit the thermal baths of Machu Picchu.
Will I have altitude sickness?
Like all tours that exceed 3500 meters above sea level, we recommend taking a minimum of 1 or 2 days of acclimatization before the tour so that the body is oxygenated and less prone to altitude sickness, besides drinking coca tea as this plant oxygenates the blood and helps prevent altitude sickness, all our guides carry a first aid kit that includes an oxygen balloon in case it is necessary to use it at any time.
Mario Ordoñes Quispe Salvida
In Cusco, I am your travel specialist, with more than 10 years of experience organizing adventure trips.
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