Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu (5 Days / 4 Nights)
Tour Type
Trekking - Adventure
Duration
5 Days / 4 Nights
Difficulty
Level 4 – Challenging
Maximum Altitude
4,650 msnm
Maximum Group Size
10 People
- TOUR DETAILS
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is one of Peru’s most spectacular alternative trekking routes to the legendary Inca citadel.
During this 5-day, 4-night adventure, you will experience an incredible variety of landscapes, from snow-capped mountains, glacial lakes and high-altitude valleys to waterfalls, cloud forests and lush tropical vegetation.
The route takes you around the impressive Apu Salkantay, which rises to approximately 6,271 meters / 20,574 feet above sea level, and crosses the spectacular Salkantay Pass at 4,650 meters / 15,256 feet.
One of the highlights of the trek is the visit to the beautiful Humantay Lake, a turquoise glacial lagoon surrounded by dramatic Andean mountains.
As you descend toward the cloud forest, the scenery gradually changes, revealing warmer valleys, tropical vegetation and local communities before reaching Santa Teresa, Aguas Calientes and finally Machu Picchu.
- ITINERARY
Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at approximately 4:30 a.m. and begin our journey toward Mollepata.
After breakfast and final preparations, we will continue toward the starting point of our trek.
The day’s hike takes us through spectacular Andean landscapes until we reach Soraypampa, located at approximately 3,825 meters / 12,549 feet above sea level.
After arriving at the campsite and having lunch, we will begin an afternoon hike to the spectacular Humantay Lake.
This beautiful turquoise glacial lake lies beneath the snow-capped Humantay Mountain and offers one of the most impressive landscapes of the entire Salkantay route.
After enjoying the views and taking photographs, we will return to Soraypampa.
Overnight: Camping at Soraypampa.
Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Collpapampa
After an early breakfast, we will begin the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek.
We will gradually ascend toward the Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the route at 4,650 meters / 15,256 feet above sea level.
From the pass, we will enjoy breathtaking views of the massive snow-capped Salkantay and Humantay mountains, glaciers and the surrounding Andean landscape.
After spending some time at the summit, we will begin a long descent.
As we lose altitude, the scenery changes dramatically from high-altitude mountain terrain to the lush vegetation of the cloud forest.
We will continue toward Collpapampa, where we will have dinner and spend the night.
Overnight: Camping at Collpapampa.
Day 3: Collpapampa – Lluscamayu Valley – Playa Sahuayaco – Santa Teresa
After breakfast, we will continue descending through the beautiful Lluscamayu Valley.
Today’s trek takes approximately 6 hours and passes through increasingly tropical landscapes filled with waterfalls, rivers and abundant vegetation.
Along the way, you will see local plantations and experience the transition from the high Andes into Peru’s cloud forest ecosystem.
We will arrive at Playa Sahuayaco, where we will stop for lunch.
After lunch, transportation will take us toward Santa Teresa.
In the afternoon, travelers can choose to visit the famous Cocalmayo Hot Springs, where natural thermal pools surrounded by mountains provide the perfect opportunity to relax after several days of trekking.
Overnight: Santa Teresa area.
Optional: Cocalmayo Hot Springs.
Day 4: Santa Teresa – Hydroelectric Station – Aguas Calientes
After breakfast, we will continue our adventure toward the Hydroelectric Station.
The route takes us through beautiful tropical landscapes along the Urubamba River.
From the Hydroelectric Station, we will follow the railway tracks toward Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu Pueblo.
This scenic walk offers views of rivers, mountains, waterfalls and dense cloud forest vegetation.
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, we will check into our accommodation.
In the evening, your guide will provide a briefing with all the necessary information for the following day’s visit to Machu Picchu.
Overnight: Hotel or hostel accommodation in Aguas Calientes.
Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Today is the highlight of our adventure: Machu Picchu.
Early in the morning, we will travel toward the entrance of the archaeological sanctuary.
Once inside, your professional guide will lead you through the designated Machu Picchu circuit while explaining the history, architecture, religious significance and extraordinary engineering of the Inca civilization.
You will have the opportunity to enjoy spectacular views of one of the world’s most iconic archaeological destinations.
After the guided visit, we will return to Aguas Calientes.
Later, we will board the train back to Ollantaytambo, where transportation will be waiting to take us back to Cusco.
- INCLUDES / DOES NOT INCLUDE
- Hotel pickup in Cusco
- Transportation from Cusco to Mollepata
- Tourist transportation required during the itinerary
- Professional trekking guide
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket
- Camping equipment
- Tents
- Sleeping mats
- Cooking equipment
- Professional cook
- Horseman
- Horses to transport camping equipment
- 4 breakfasts
- 4 lunches
- 4 dinners
- Camping accommodation during the trek
- 1 night of accommodation in Aguas Calientes
- Return train ticket from Aguas Calientes
- Transportation back to Cusco
- First-aid kit
- Pre-tour briefing
- Sleeping bag
- Entrance to Cocalmayo Hot Springs
- Lunch in Aguas Calientes on Day 5
- Huayna Picchu Mountain entrance
- Machu Picchu Mountain entrance
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides, cooks, horsemen and support staff
- PHOTOS
- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How difficult is the Salkantay Trek?
The Salkantay Trek is considered a challenging high-altitude trek.
The most demanding section is the ascent to the Salkantay Pass at 4,650 meters / 15,256 feet.
Travelers should be comfortable walking for several hours per day on mountain trails and should have a reasonable level of physical fitness.
Do I need trekking experience?
Previous multi-day trekking experience is helpful but not essential.
However, you should prepare physically before your trip and be comfortable walking approximately 5 to 8 hours per day over uneven terrain and at high altitude.
What is the highest point of the trek?
The highest point is the Salkantay Pass, located at approximately 4,650 meters / 15,256 feet above sea level.
Will altitude be a problem?
Because the trek reaches elevations above 4,000 meters, altitude can affect some travelers.
We recommend spending at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco or another high-altitude destination before beginning the trek to help your body acclimatize.
Do we visit Humantay Lake?
Yes. The itinerary includes a visit to the spectacular Humantay Lake on the first day of the trek.
Where do we sleep during the trek?
The first part of the adventure includes camping accommodation along the Salkantay route.
On the fourth night, you will stay in hotel or hostel accommodation in Aguas Calientes before visiting Machu Picchu the following morning.
Is a sleeping bag included?
No. A sleeping bag is not included in the standard tour package.
You may bring your own or ask Hidden Peru Adventures about rental availability before departure.
Are horses included?
Yes. Horses and horsemen are included to transport the main camping and cooking equipment.
Travelers should carry their own small daypack with personal essentials needed during the day’s hike.
Is Cocalmayo included?
The visit to the Cocalmayo Hot Springs is optional. The entrance fee is not included in the standard tour price.
Do I need to carry all my luggage?
No. Horses transport the main camping equipment.
We recommend carrying only a small daypack containing water, sunscreen, rain protection, personal medication, camera and other daily essentials.
What should I bring?
We recommend bringing:
- Comfortable trekking shoes
- Warm layers
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
- Hat and gloves
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Reusable water bottle
- Personal medication
- Small trekking backpack
- Headlamp
- Personal toiletries
- Extra socks
- Cash in Peruvian soles
- Passport or identification document
From: USD $419.00 per person
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