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Every Day
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8
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60
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2 - 15
CAMPSITES AND HOTELS
Overview
Why book the 5-Day Private Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu exclusively for yourself? We offer this trekking experience as a private session, meaning you can decide the number of people in your group, and no other travelers will join you. The Salkantay Trek is the second most popular trek in the Cusco region. You will marvel at snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes such as Humantay Lagoon and Salkantay Lake, and traverse the cloud forest and Peruvian jungle, making this one of the most stunning and fascinating treks in Peru.
Extras & Upgrades
- Hotel Upgrade in Aguas Calientes: Please let us know in advance if you wish to upgrade your hotel so we can make the necessary arrangements.
- Optional Visit to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain: $60.00 per person. Please indicate at the time of booking, as a separate permit is required.
- Trekking Poles: Available for rent at $20.00 per person.
Trip 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
Today, your trekking adventure to Machu Picchu begins! Our guide will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 4:30 am. We will drive with the group to Mollepata (approx. 3 hours), where we’ll enjoy a nutritious breakfast. From there, we’ll drive another hour to Challacancha (3,380 meters / 11,090 feet), the starting point of our hike. The trail begins through picturesque valleys. After a three-hour hike, we’ll arrive at our campsite in Soraypampa (3,900 meters / 12,800 feet) around 1:30 pm. You’ll have time to relax and enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by our cook.
After lunch, we’ll visit the famous Humantay Lagoon! After a 1.5-hour hike, we’ll reach the lagoon (4,220 meters / 13,850 feet), renowned for its striking blue-green water and the snowy peak of Humantay Mountain, making it one of the most stunning spots in the Andes. We’ll take some time to appreciate the breathtaking views before descending back to our campsite in Soraypampa. We’ll arrive around 6:00 pm, where we’ll enjoy tea and dinner and spend the night in our beautiful glass cabanas.
Hiking Distance: 12 km / 7.4 miles
At 5:00 am, we’ll start the day with a hearty breakfast to fuel our hike. Our trek begins from Soraypampa as we ascend for 3 hours to the highest point at Abra Salkantay, where we’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the snow-capped Andes Mountains, including Salkantay, Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo (4,650 meters / 15,250 feet). After passing through Salkantaypampa and Soyrococha, we’ll discover a beautiful small lake before starting our descent towards Huarachmachhay (3,800 meters / 12,470 feet), where we’ll enjoy lunch. We’ll then continue our descent for another 3 hours until we reach our campsite in Colpapampa. There, we’ll have tea and a delicious dinner prepared by our cook. Tonight, we’ll stay in our comfortable domes at the campsite.
Hiking Distance: 22 km / 13.7 miles
After a rejuvenating night’s sleep, we start day 3 of our Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu with a delicious breakfast. We’ll embark on a 5 ½ hour hike through the Peruvian jungle, navigating numerous ascents and descents. This section of the trek takes us through the cloud forest, where we’ll encounter coffee plantations, orchids, and various medicinal plants. We’ll arrive at our lunch spot for a well-deserved break and the opportunity to take a coffee tour.
Tonight, we’ll stay in our private jungle domes. You have the option to visit the thermal baths in Cocalmayo, Santa Teresa (not included). We’ll 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. We will have a nutricious breakfast and get ready for the next part of our trekking adventure: we will finally hike along a part of the original Inca Trail! We will walk up along the Inca Trail, enjoying the beautiful views of the Santa Teresa Valley. After a 3 hrs ascent, we will arrive at the Inca archaelogical site of Llactapata. Our local guide will share his knowledge about the history of this place. Besides, we will get the chance to get our first glimpse of Machu Picchu Mountain and Huayna Picchu Mountain. We will go downhill 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 $38.00 extra. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, we will enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant in the village on the bottom of the magnificent Wonder of the World. Tonight, we will be staying at a hotel overnight.
Hiking Distance: 18 km/11 miles
The grand finale! We will wake up very early this morning for our visit to the famous Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. This complex is considered a jewel of Inca architecture, comprising a complete town with different quarters, squares, alleys, buildings, astronomical observatories, and terraces. The city was rediscovered on July 24, 1911, by the American explorer Hiram Bingham. We’ll take a guided tour to explore and learn about Machu Picchu, a Wonder of the World. After the tour, you'll have free time to take photos and discover this magical place on your own.
For those who have chosen to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain, you'll do so at your designated time (1st group: 6 am to 8 am, 2nd group: 9 am to 11 am).
In the afternoon, we’ll return to Aguas Calientes, where you'll have time for lunch (not included), which is a great opportunity to explore local restaurants. We will then board the train to Ollantaytambo, departing at 14:55. On the way back, you can enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Sacred Valley. Upon arrival at the train station, our transfer staff will pick you up and take you back to your hotel in Cusco.
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 17:00, 18:00 or 19:00 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 choose this option, you must leave Machu Picchu before 10:30 am and walk for 3 hours along the train tracks back to Hidroeléctrica, as there is no road for cars. You will meet the car in Hidroeléctrica between 2:30 pm to 3:00 pm. This is a longer journey, taking approximately 7 to 8 hours to reach Cusco, with an estimated arrival time between 10:00 pm to 11:00 pm.
If you’re considering this option and plan to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, we recommend staying strong>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 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:
Example of a student card meeting all the 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 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.
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 17:00, 18:00 or 19:00, 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.
PACKING LIST
🧳 Personal Gear
👕 Clothing
☀️ Additional Items
(Shirts, Pants, Socks, Jacket, etc.)
your comfort