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CUSCO
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CAMPSITES AND HOTELS
Overview
The 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is the second most popular trek in the Cusco region. During this trek, you will admire snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes such as Humantay Lagoon and Salkantay Lake, and traverse through the cloud forest and the Peruvian jungle, making it one of the most beautiful and fascinating treks in Peru.
Extras & Upgrades
- Aguas Calientes Hotel Upgrade: Please let us know in advance, so we can arrange everything for you.
- Optional visit of Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain: $60.00 per person. Let us know at the time of booking as it requires a separate permit.
- Sleeping bags: Available for rent if you don’t have one with you ($15.00 per person).
- Trekking poles: Available for rent for $15.00 per person.
![Salkantay Trek](https://kbtourstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/IMG_0724.jpg)
Highlights
Recommended For:
Moderate to Advanced Hikers
Difficulty:
Challenging
Starting Altitude:
3,200m / 10,500 feet
Highest Altitude:
4,650m / 15,200 feet
Hiking Distance:
72 km / 45 miles
Altitude Acclimatization:
Recommended
Itinerary
We will pick you up between 4:30 am and 5:00 am to finally start our hiking adventure. After an approximately 2-hours drive, we will stop in Mollepata for a delicious breakfast, and then continue our journey to Challacancha (3800 m/12457 ft), which is the starting point of our hike. We will hike for about 3 hours towards the Soraypampa base camp, located at 3,900 meters (12,800 ft.) above sea level, and enjoy a nutritious lunch. We will then head towards the famous Humantay lagoon (4,220 m/ 13,850 ft) and admire the incredible views along the 1.5 hour walk. The landscapes are exuberant and full of colors according to the season of the year. You will be able to enjoy the green valleys full of vegetation and incredible sceneries offered by the Humantay and Salkantay Andes mountains, while our local guide will share his knowledge about the history and interesting facts. Besides, you will have enough time to explore this unique place on your own. We will descend to our base camp in Soraypampa where we will enjoy a hot cup of coca tea, and have a freshly prepared dinner by our cooks.
At 5:00 am, we will enjoy a large breakfast to ensure we have plenty of energy for our hike today. Starting our trek from Soraypampa, we will ascend for 3 hours to the highest point, Abra Salkantay, where we will enjoy breathtaking views of the snow-capped high Andes Mountains, including Salkantay, Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo (4,650 meters / 15,250 feet). Passing through Salkantaypampa and Soyrococha, we will discover a beautiful small lake and then begin our descent towards Huarachmachay for 3 hours (3,800 meters / 12,470 feet). There, we will have lunch and continue our descent for 3 more hours until we reach our campsite in Collpapampa. We will have tea and a delicious dinner prepared by our cook. Tonight, we will sleep in our comfortable domes at the campsite.
Hiking Distance: 22 km / 13.47 miles
After a rejuvenating night’s sleep, we start day 3 of our Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu with a delicious breakfast. We begin our 5 ½ hour hike through the Peruvian jungle, navigating many ascents and descents. This part of the trek takes us through the cloud forest, where we will discover several coffee plantations, orchids, and many natural plants used for medicinal purposes. We will arrive at our lunch point to rest a little and take a coffee tour.
We will spend the night in our private jungle domes. Here, you have the option to visit the thermal baths located in Cocalmayo, Santa Teresa (not included). We will return to our campsite at 6:00 pm for tea and a freshly prepared dinner.
Hiking Distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles
Today, we will enjoy the sunrise in a lush landscape of rivers, waterfalls, orchids, and many plantations, including banana, avocado, and coffee. After a nutritious breakfast, we will prepare for the next part of our trekking adventure: hiking along a section of the original Inca Trail! We will ascend along the Inca Trail, enjoying the beautiful views of the Santa Teresa Valley. After a 2.5-hour ascent, we will arrive at the Inca archaeological site of Llactapata. Our local guide will share his knowledge about the history of this place. Additionally, we will get our first glimpse of Machu Picchu Mountain and Huayna Picchu Mountain. We will descend for lunch and then continue our hike to Hidroeléctrica. You can choose to walk to Aguas Calientes for around 3 hours or opt to board a train for an additional $38.00. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, we will enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant in the village at the foot of the magnificent Wonder of the World. Tonight, we will stay overnight at a hotel.
Hiking Distance: 18 km / 11 miles
This is the day you’ve been waiting for the chance to visit one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu.
We’ll rise early, around 4:30 a.m., to have a packed breakfast. We’ll then start our hike up to Machu Picchu, which takes approximately 1.5 hours. We’ll descend for 30 minutes to the Puente Ruinas checkpoint, where you will need to show your original passport, Machu Picchu tickets, and Student ID if you are a student. After crossing Puente Ruinas, you will climb the stairs for about one hour to reach Machu Picchu’s main gate by 6:00 a.m.
The hotel will hold your bags for you while you are at Machu Picchu, so you only need to bring a small backpack with essentials, as large bags are not allowed inside Machu Picchu. There is also a bus option from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, which takes approximately 30 minutes and costs $12 USD.
Once in Machu Picchu, your guide will take you directly to the best panoramic viewpoint for the classic Machu Picchu photo, then guide you through the main sectors of the citadel for a total of 2.5 hours. During this tour, you’ll learn about the history and culture of this amazing Andean paradise.
After the guided tour, you will have time to explore Machu Picchu on your own. You may choose to hike Huayna Picchu Mountain (2 hours) or Machu Picchu Mountain (3 hours). These hikes must be booked in advance, as they sell out quickly and cost $60 per person. Your guide will show you where to begin the hike. The amount of time you spend at Machu Picchu will depend on your choice of return transportation to Cusco (train or car).
TWO OPTIONS FOR RETURNING TO CUSCO:
SALKANTAY BY TRAIN:
If you choose this option, you’ll have more time to explore Machu Picchu, as the train departs around 2:55 p.m. This option is recommended if you plan to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, as you’ll need extra time.
The train ride from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo takes approximately 2 hours. In Ollantaytambo, our staff will meet you at the station’s exit and drive you back to Cusco. The car ride to Cusco takes about 2 hours and you’ll be dropped off near the main square in Cusco around 7:00 p.m.
SALKANTAY BY CAR:
This option provides less time to explore Machu Picchu. If you plan to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you will be very pressed for time.
To take this option, you need to leave Machu Picchu by 10:30 a.m. at the latest and walk back to Hidroeléctrica by rail tracks, as there are no car roads. You’ll meet the car at 2:00 p.m. at Hidroeléctrica. The car trip to Cusco takes approximately 6 hours.
If you are considering this option and plan to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, we recommend staying one more night in Aguas Calientes and returning to Cusco by car on the 6th day to fully enjoy the experience.
INCLUSIONS
📦 What Is Included?
🛏️ Accommodation
- Instead of sleeping in small tents, we provide spectacular and comfortable campsites with Domes and Cabins.
- Night 1 (Soraypampa): Stay in our amazing glass cabins designed for two people.
- Night 2 and 3 (Colpapampa and Lucmabamba): Enjoy the comfort of private domes for two people.
- Last night in Aguas Calientes: Accommodation in a 2-star hotel with Wi-Fi, takeaway breakfast, and a private bathroom with hot water. You can also upgrade to a higher-quality hotel.
🍽️ Meals
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary (5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners).
- Professional cook and cooking equipment. Dining tent and kitchen tent for the cook to prepare your meals fresh.
- Meals can be accommodated for dietary requirements such as vegetarian or vegan. Please let us know in advance if you have certain preferences.
- A hot cup of Coca Tea every morning.
- Boiled water provided for coffee and tea to accompany your meals at the campsites.
🚗 Transportation
- Private transportation from your hotel in Cusco to the starting point of your trek.
- Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or car from Hidroeléctrica to Cusco.
- Tourist transport from Ollantaytambo to Plaza Regocijo in Cusco.
👥 Local Guides & Team
- English/Spanish speaking professional guide, plus an assistant guide for groups over 12 people.
- Horses and horsemen to carry camping equipment, food, and kitchen utensils.
- All our trekking guides have a minimum of 3 years of guiding experience and are certified. They carry a first aid kit and an extra oxygen bottle in case of emergencies.
- We provide duffel bags for your personal items (up to 5 kg per person).
📝 Additional
- Briefing: You will have a meeting with your guide at our office to go over all the details of your tour. The briefing will be between 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm the day before departure.
- Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu and Salkantay Trek included.
❌ What Is Not Included?
🍴 Meals
- Lunch and dinner on the last day.
- No water for treks included. Please carry enough water with you. You can buy more water bottles along the trekking route.
🎒 Optional Activities
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for $60.00 per person. Please let us know in advance to check availability.
- Entry to the Aguas Calientes hot springs.
📝 Other
- Trekking poles available for rent for $20.00 per person.
- Additional horses for luggage exceeding the 5 kg per person limit.
- Tips for your guide, cook, and staff.
- Shuttle bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu ($12.00 per person).
- National or international flights.
- Travel insurance.
- Other activities not mentioned in this itinerary.
TWO DIFFERENT WAYS TO RETURN TO CUSCO
SALKANTAY BY TRAIN
Choosing this option allows you to spend more time exploring Machu Picchu, as the train departs around 2:55 pm. If you plan to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, we highly recommend this option to give you the extra time you’ll need.
The train ride from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo takes approximately 2 hours. In Ollantaytambo, our staff will meet you at the station exit and drive you back to Cusco. The car ride to Cusco will take about 2 hours, with arrival near the main square around 7:00 pm.
SALKANTAY BY CAR
Opting for this route gives you less time to explore Machu Picchu. If you plan to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you’ll be pressed for time.
To take this option, you must leave Machu Picchu by 10:30 am at the latest and walk 3 hours back to Hidroeléctrica along the railway tracks, as there is no car road. You will meet the car in Hidroeléctrica at 2:00 pm. This option is a longer trip, taking approximately 6 hours to reach Cusco.
If you’re considering this option and plan to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, we recommend staying one more night in Aguas Calientes and returning to Cusco by car on the 6th day to fully enjoy your experience.
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 sent us after your booking a photo of both sides of your student card, and another photo of your passport. We can help you check if all the requirements are fulfilled. It must be an original student ID, given from the university in PVC material and include university information, personal student information, student picture, expiration date valid only for one year, and 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 also 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:
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.
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)
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 to 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 to eat healthy food, drink lots of water and stay away from alcohol. Chewing coca leaves, drinking coca tea helps to alleviate any discomfort associated with the altitude.
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 departuer 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 last questions you may have.
In general, Salkantay is known for its unpredictable weather, so please come prepared for both warm and cold temperatures, and rainy and dry conditions. We have two main seasons in the Andes Moutnains, 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, and on average 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 of 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 for or 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.
🧳 Personal Gear
- Personal Daypack
& Duffle Bag
- Reusable water
bottle
- Small Coins
(Peruvian Soles)
- Small Change for Extras
(Water, Snacks, Toilets)
👕 Clothing
- Rain jacket or
rain poncho
- Waterproof
Trekking Boots
- Sleeping bag
(also available for rent)
- Flashlight/headlamp
and batteries
- Two long-sleeve
trekking shirts
- Two short-sleeve
shirts
- Leggings or
trekking pants
- Four pairs
of underwear
- Sweatpants for
the night
- Three pairs of
hiking socks
- An insulated
jacket
- A hat with
a brim
- Bathing suit
and small towel
- Beanie for
the cold
-
- Gloves for
the cold
- Comfortable
shorts
- Comfortable
Sandals
☀️ Additional Items
- Clothing for Trek
(Shirts, Pants, Socks,
Jacket, etc.)
- Sunscreen for
your comfort
- Insect
repellent
- Additional
Snacks
- Original
passport
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