PRIVATE SALKANTAY TREK 5 DAYS

🎓 Student Discount Information

If you are a student, you may be eligible for a $20 USD discount. However, you must meet the Peruvian government requirements, as the discount is applied to the cost of your Machu Picchu ticket and is not something that we are able to negotiate.

To be able to receive the discount, please send us a photo of both sides of your student card, and another photo of your passport after your booking. We can help you check if all the requirements are fulfilled. The student ID must be an original ID, given from the university in PVC material and include:

• University information
• Personal student information
• Student picture
• Expiration date valid only for one year
• Must coincide with the year that student visits Machu Picchu

You also need to bring your original student card with you the day you visit Machu Picchu. You will need to bring the card with you and verify it at the Machu Picchu checkpoint.

Please check if your student card includes the following requirements:

🌄 4-Day vs. 5-Day Salkantay Trek

On the 4-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, you’ll experience many of the same breathtaking landscapes as the 5-Day Trek. The key difference is that on Day 3, instead of staying at the Cocalmayo campsite, we go directly to Hidroeléctrica and Aguas Calientes. This makes Day 3 more challenging, as it includes a 3-hour hike from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes. On Day 4, you’ll visit the Machu Picchu site.

In contrast, the 5-Day Salkantay Trek offers a more relaxed pace. On Day 3, we stay at the Lucmabamba campsite, allowing time to unwind and even visit the Cocalmayo hot springs (this activity is not included). On Day 4, we explore the remarkable archaeological site of Llactapata, walking part of the original Inca Trail, which is not covered in the 4-Day trek. We then continue to Hidroeléctrica and Aguas Calientes, with the visit to Machu Picchu scheduled for Day 5.

🎒 Essential Packing List for the Trek

• One personal daypack (a 30 to 50 L backpack is sufficient). Before your trek, we will provide you with an extra duffle bag from our office to carry your extra clothes and personal items (max. 5kg).
• Reusable water bottle
• Small coins in Peruvian Soles (Bathrooms are free at the campsites but cost 1 Sol along the route. Keep small change on hand for water bottles, snacks, and toilet paper.)
• Rain jacket or rain poncho
• Strong footwear (Waterproof trekking boots recommended.)
• Sleeping bag (also available for rent)
• Flashlight/headlamp and batteries
• Clothes for the entire trek:
  • Two long-sleeve trekking shirts
  • Two short-sleeve shirts
  • Leggings or trekking pants
  • Shorts
  • Four pairs of underwear
  • Sweatpants for the night
  • Three pairs of hiking socks
  • A rain poncho
  • An insulated jacket
  • Gloves
  • Beanie
  • A hat with a brim
  • Hiking boots
  • Bathing suit and small towel (if you plan to visit the hot springs)
  • Sandals to rest your feet at the campsites
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Additional snacks (we supply you with plenty of food already)
  • Original passport (mandatory for entrance to Machu Picchu)

🏞️ Preparing for Your Trek

The best way to prepare yourself for this trekking experience is easy: spend at least 2 to 3 days at a high-altitude place like Cusco, so your body gets used to the high altitude. If you have already been to a high altitude destination before arriving in Cusco, we still recommend you spend at least one full day in Cusco to rest, recuperate from your trip, and enjoy the beautiful views of the city before your trek.

Additionally, taking good care of your body helps deal with the extra pressures that altitude creates. We recommend you eat healthy food, drink lots of water, and stay away from alcohol. Chewing coca leaves and drinking coca tea help to alleviate any discomfort associated with the altitude.

🏔️ Additional Mountain Tickets

The entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain are additional add-ons that you can choose to purchase besides the Machu Picchu visit that is already included in this trek. You can visit one of these mountains after your Machu Picchu visit to see the Inca Citadel from the top.

Please send us an email asking about availability. Then, if available, you can select which mountain you would like to climb when you make your reservation online. Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain are an additional 60 USD.

❓ What is Huayna Picchu Mountain?

Huayna Picchu Mountain is home to the Temple of the Moon and is the famous mountain peak seen behind the ruins in all the classic photos of Machu Picchu. Huayna Picchu is an approximately 45-minute climb with more ruins at the top and offers an incredible view of the Machu Picchu ruins. The visit to Huayna Picchu takes approximately 2 hours. Huayna Picchu Mountain is an additional 60 USD.

❓ What is Machu Picchu Mountain?

Machu Picchu Mountain is an additional hike within Machu Picchu that offers a much higher view of the ruins and overlooks the entire valley. Machu Picchu Mountain is an additional 60 USD.

The Inca Trail is more crowded than the Salkantay Trek because it is an original trail of the Incas and one of the most famous hikes in the world, attracting thousands of trekkers every year. It is the only trek that leads directly to Machu Picchu, but is therefore a lot more expensive than the Salkantay Trek.

On the Salkantay Trek you will spend the last night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes before visiting Machu Picchu the next day. During the Inca Trail you will discover ancient Inca ruins, whereas the Salkantay offers more wildlife and high mountain sceneries. Many trekkers consider the Salkantay Trek to be a bit more strenuous than the Inca Trail because the general altitude is higher.

The Salkantay Trek offers the best alternative to the Inca Trail for everybody who doesn’t like crowded paths and enjoys different landscapes during the trek.

Congratulations, adventure awaits you! We sent you a confirmation e-mail with more details about your trekking adventure. The day before your departure at 5:00 pm, please stop by our office located in Portal Espinar Nro 163 to receive the informative briefing. Our professional guide will tell you everything about your trek and clarify any last questions you may have.

In general, Salkantay is known for its unpredictable weather, so please come prepared for both warm and cold temperatures, as well as rainy and dry conditions. We have two main seasons in the Andes Mountains, the rainy season (November-March) and the dry season (April-October).

During the rainy, warmer season, temperatures average around 15°C / 60°F during the day and 5°C / 40°F at night. However, with a high chance of rain and wind at the Salkantay Pass, these temperatures may feel a lot colder to you.

During the dry season, the weather is sunny and clear, with an average of 20°C / 70°F during the day but much colder at night, around -3°C / 26°F.

Also, after the second day, as we descend into the Peruvian Amazon basin, the weather changes to a more humid and warmer climate – these humid temperatures are consistent throughout the year.

We serve a variety ozf local superfoods and traditional Peruvian dishes with rice, chicken, beef, salad, potatoes, vegetables, delicious soups, and fruits. Everything will be freshly prepared by our local chef.

We have a lot of vegetarian travellers and our cooks have some great options for them to enjoy their meals. We can cater to all other types of dietary requests with adequate preparation and clear communication.

Previous hiking experience is recommended but not required. Our guides are trained to support hikers of all fitness levels and experience, ensuring that no one is left behind. Most importantly, make sure to acclimate yourself to the altitude before your trek.

Yes, you can leave extra luggage in our office free of charge. Just let us know if you have any fragile or technological items that require special care, and we’ll ensure they are handled appropriately.

The minimum group size is 4 people and the maximum group size is 15 people. There will be an assistant guide for groups over 12 people.

Please feel free to review our Terms & Conditions and let us know if you have any questions or requests regarding our cancellation policy, which is available on our website.