Salkantay Tour to Machu Picchu

5 Day / 4 Night Tour

Introduction

Embark on the ultimate Incan journey with the 5-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, the perfect choice for adventurers seeking a challenging and unforgettable experience. This trek, spanning approximately 70 kilometers, is renowned for its rigorous path and stunning vistas, making it a favored alternative to the classic 4-day Inca Trail.

The trek derives its name from the Salkantay Pass, which stands at a towering 4,650 meters above sea level, situated near the majestic snow-capped Salkantay Mountain. As you make your way to Machu Picchu, the route takes you through the historical site of ‘Llactapata,’ providing unique views and lesser-known landmarks along the journey.

Throughout this adventure, you’ll encounter breathtaking sites such as the picturesque Humantay Lagoon. The tour is designed to ensure a seamless and enriching experience, including transportation to the starting point, a dedicated team of porters and cooks, and the guidance of an experienced tour leader. You’ll be provided with top-quality camping gear, including tents and poles, ensuring your comfort as you traverse the diverse landscapes.

The adventure continues with an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes, offering a moment of relaxation before your visit to the iconic Machu Picchu. The journey culminates with a scenic train ride back to Cusco, allowing you to reflect on the incredible sights and experiences of the past five days.

Join us for this extraordinary trek and discover the beauty and mystery of the Peruvian Andes and Machu Picchu.

Highlights

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Itinerary

The 5-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is renowned for its challenging and rewarding path. The first two days are the most strenuous, while the last two days ease into more tropical landscapes. The final day is dedicated entirely to exploring Machu Picchu. Here’s a detailed look at what each day entails:

We’ll pick you up from your hotel early in the morning and embark on a scenic drive to the village of Mollepata (2,803 m / 9,196 ft), about 100 kilometers from Cusco. After a hearty breakfast, we’ll start our uphill hike for approximately 13 kilometers to reach our camp at Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft).

Upon arrival, we’ll have lunch and a chance to rest. For those interested, there’s an optional 2-kilometer hike to the stunning Humantay Lagoon (4,200 m / 13,779 ft). We’ll return to Soraypampa for dinner and overnight camping in our private facilities, which provide protection from the cold.

  • Distance covered: 13 km / 8 miles
  • Duration of the hike: 7-8 hours
  • Highest altitude of the day reached: 4,200 m / 13,779 ft
  • Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Difficulty: Moderate

After a refreshing breakfast, we’ll face the challenge of the Salkantay Pass. Our hike begins uphill towards the farmhouse of Salkantaypampa and Soyrococha. After about 4 hours, we’ll reach the Salkantay Pass (4,632 m / 15,197 ft), the highest point between the Salkantay and Humantay peaks.

Following a well-deserved rest at the pass, we’ll descend to Wayracpampa for lunch. Post-lunch, the trail takes us through the cloud forest, where we’ll observe the changing climate and vegetation until we reach Chaullay (4,045 m / 13,271 ft). Here, we’ll set up camp, enjoy tea, and have dinner.

  • Distance covered: 22 km / 13.7 miles
  • Duration of the hike: 9-10 hours
  • Highest altitude of the day reached: 4,632 m / 15,197 ft
  • Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Difficulty: Hard

We start the day early with breakfast and set off on a memorable hike. The trail offers beautiful flora and fauna, with mostly flat terrain and occasional small ascents. We will walk for about 40 minutes to the village of Collpa (2,850 m / 9,350 ft), from where we’ll see the beginning of the Santa Teresa Valley.

The path then leads us through the jungle to Playa Sahuayaco (2,200 m / 7,218 ft) for lunch. After lunch, we’ll descend another 2.5 kilometers to the village of Lucmabamba (2,062 m / 6,765 ft), where we’ll have dinner and camp amidst lush mountain vegetation.

  • Distance covered: 15 km / 9.3 miles
  • Duration of the hike: 7-8 hours
  • Highest altitude of the day reached: 2,850 m / 9,350 ft
  • Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Difficulty: Moderate

We begin early with breakfast and continue our hike through picturesque landscapes featuring coffee, banana, avocado, and pineapple fields, as well as coca leaf crops. We’ll ascend to the Inca archaeological site of Llactapata (2,840 m / 9,317 ft), where we’ll get a stunning view of Machu Picchu and its surrounding valley.

From Llactapata, we’ll descend into the Aobamba Valley and reach the Hydroelectric station (1,550 m / 5,085 ft) for lunch. After a short rest, we’ll continue our final hike to Aguas Calientes (2,160 m / 7,087 ft). Dinner and overnight stay will be in a hotel, with an option to visit the local hot springs (not included).

  • Distance covered: 14 km / 8.7 miles
  • Duration of the hike: 8-9 hours
  • Highest altitude of the day reached: 2,840 m / 9,317 ft
  • Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Accommodation: Tourist lodge in Aguas Calientes
  • Difficulty: Moderate

On the final day, we’ll rise early for breakfast before taking a bus to Machu Picchu (2,490 m / 8,169 ft). We’ll have a guided tour of approximately 3 hours, followed by ample time to explore on your own.

After exploring Machu Picchu, we’ll return to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). In the afternoon, we’ll board the train back to Ollantaytambo, where our transportation will be waiting to take you back to Cusco, marking the end of our incredible journey.

  • Tour duration: 3-4 hours in Machu Picchu
  • Highest altitude of the day reached: 2,490 m / 8,169 ft
  • Meals included: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Not included
  • Difficulty: Easy

Note: This itinerary is subject to change based on weather conditions and group preferences. 

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FAQs

We understand that sometimes your plans may change due to unforeseen circumstances. If you make a booking but then wish to cancel it, the following cancellation policies apply:

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Yes. We always recommend that you take out an insurance policy before travelling. We do not cover you on our insurance policy and we require you to sign a waiver prior to travelling for any damages, injuries etc that may occur on your trip. 

However, you can rest assured in the knowledge that our experienced guides will ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable trip.

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