5 days from $460 per person
Limited to 16 people per Group
The Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu is the preferred hiking route for tourists, after the 4-day Inca Trail. It is the most arduous walk since it covers a total of approximately 70 kilometers. It owes its name to the fact that it crosses the Salkantay pass (at 4,650 meters above sea level), a point near the famous snow-capped mountain. You arrive at Machu Picchu by following the route through ‘Llactapata’. In addition to the Inca city, during this walk you can see other tourist attractions such as the famous Humantay lagoon. The tour includes everything you need for the visit: transportation to the starting point of the trek, porters’ equipment, cooks equipment, tour guide, camping equipment (tents, poles, etc.), accommodation in Aguas Calientes, entrance to Machu Picchu and return by train to Cusco.
Tour details
- Duration: 5 days.
- Includes: Camp, food, chargers, transportation, guide, tickets and more.
- Payment: easy with any credit or debit card.
- Confirmation: immediate.
- Safety: complies with all health protocols.
- Entrance: Machu Picchu Only.
- Group: from 4 to 16 people maximum.
Resumen
| Difficulty |  |
| Total distance | 70 kilometers. (43,496 miles). |
| Maximum altitude | Step Salkantay (4,650 masl). |
| Minimum altitude | Aguas Calientes (2,160 masl). |
| Maximum temperature | Machu Picchu (from 20ºC to 26ºC). |
| Minimum temperature | Step Salkantay (-5 ° C. To 5 ° C.). |
| Itinerary | |
Day 1 Cusco | MollepataPick up from the hotel, departure by bus from Cusco to Mollepata, walk, lunch in Soraypampa, visit Humantay lagoon, dinner and spend the night in camp after 13 km. walking. Day 2 Mollepata | Step SalkantayBreakfast, walk through the ‘Abra Salkantay’, lunch in Pacaymayu, dinner and overnight in Chaullay camp after 22 km. walking. Day 3 Step Salkantay | LucmabambaBreakfast, walk, lunch at Sahuayaco beach, walk to Lucmabamba, dinner and spend the night in camp after 16 kilometers of walking. Day 4 Llactapata | Aguas CalientesBreakfast, hike to the Inca site of Llactapata, hike to Hydroelectric, lunch, hike to Aguas Calientes, dinner and overnight in Aguas Calientes. That day they walk 16 km. Day 5 Aguas Calientes | Machu Picchu – CuscoBreakfast, bus to Machu Picchu, guided tour in Machu Picchu, walk back to Aguas Calientes, return by train to the city of Cusco. | |
Itinerary
The Salkantay trek lasts 5 days. For many it is the most arduous route to Machu Picchu. The first two days are very demanding. The last two days are easier because in descent through easy tropical landscapes of Cusco. The last day is only dedicated to visiting Machu Picchu. Know every detail of the 5 days that the tour lasts.
Cusco – Mollepata | Soraypampa
Early in the morning, we will pick you up at your hotel and then go on a private bus to the town of Mollepata (2,803 m / 9,196 ft) located approximately 100 kilometers from Cusco.
In Mollepata we get ready to start the walk. This is uphill for approximately 13 kilometers. Finally we will arrive at our Soraypampa camp (3,900 m / 12,795 ft).
In Soraypampa we will have lunch and rest. Tourists who wish, will walk 2 more kilometers to visit the Humantay lagoon (4,200 m / 13,779 ft).
In Soraypampa we will also have dinner and camp in our private facilities that protect you from the cold.
Soraypampa – Abra Salkantay | Chaullay
On this day we will have a great challenge: we will ascend towards the Salkantay pass.
To begin we will enjoy a refreshing breakfast. Then we will start our uphill walk towards the towns of Salkantaypampa and Soyrococha. After 4 hours of walking we will reach the Salkantay pass (4,632 m / 15,197 ft).
The Salkantay pass is the highest point located between the Salkantay and Humantay mountains.. After a well-deserved rest we will continue downhill to Wayracpampa where our team will be waiting for us with lunch.
After enjoying lunch we will begin the descent to the cloud forest and observe the change in climate and vegetation, we will descend to Chaullay (4,045 m / 13,271 ft). where our camp will be, here we will have tea time and dinner. And so ends the longest and hardest day of the 22-kilometer hike on average. This is the hardest day of all.
Chaullay – Playa Sahuayaco | Lucmabamba
We will get up very early to have breakfast and start our walk. This day will be unforgettable because along the way we will see a large amount of flora and fauna. The path is flat, in parts we will climb no more than 100 meters and the rest of the path is downhill.
We start from the place of the camp, we will walk for 40 minutes to the Town of Collpa (2,850 m / 9,350 ft), from this place, we will observe the beginning of the Santa Teresa valley.
After a few kilometers of walking, the path will lead us through the jungle to the place of Playa Sahuayaco (2,200 m / 7,218 ft), where we will have lunch..
After lunch we will descend for only 2.5 kilometers to the town of Lucmabamba (2,062 m / 6,765 ft) where we will have dinner and camp surrounded by beautiful mountainous vegetation.
Lucmabamba – Llactapata | Aguas Calientes
On this penultimate day we will get up very early to then have breakfast and continue with our walk.
At the beginning of the walk we will enjoy beautiful landscapes full of fields where coffee, banana, avocado, pineapple and some crops of coca leaves are grown, the sacred leaf of the Incas.
We will ascend to Llactapata (2,840 m / 9,317 ft), an Inca archaeological site where you can see Machu Picchu and the entire valley that surrounds it. This site was formerly used by the Inca culture as a resting place and also as a temple.
After our visit we will descend to the Aobamba Valley until we reach the Hydroelectric station (1550 m / 5,085 ft). There we will rest, have lunch and continue with the final walk to the town of Aguas Calientes (2,160 m / 7,087 ft).
In Aguas Calientes we will have dinner and rest in a tourist accommodation. Tourists who wish can relax in the thermal baths of the town (not included in the tour).
Aguas Calientes | Machu Picchu – Cusco
This day will only be dedicated to visiting Machu Picchu (2,490 m / 8,169 ft). We will have breakfast very early in the tourist accommodation. Then we will ascend by bus to Machu Picchu. There we will have a guided tour of approximately 2 hours and then enough time to explore on our own.
After your visit to Machu Picchu we will return to the town of Aguas Calientes. In the village there are many restaurants that you can choose from (not included in the tour). Then you will have to go to the train station (be there at least 30 minutes before) and board it. The train will take you to the Ollantaytambo station, there a transport will be waiting for you with your name to take you to the city of Cusco where the tour ends.
Frequent questions
These are the questions that tourists interested in the Salkantay trek 5 days ask themselves. Send us your questions to info@machupicchuterra.com.
1) Can I cancel the tour after purchase?
Yes, the tour can be canceled as long as it is done with a maximum of 3 days in advance. Cancellation is requested by email (to info@machupicchuterra.com) and has a penalty of 35% of the value of the tour.
2) Can I change the date of the tour after purchase?
Yes, you can change the date of the tour with a maximum of 3 days in advance. The change of date is subject to a penalty of 25% of the value of the tour.
3) Are there age limits?
No, the tour can be done for people of any age. However, you should keep in mind that it is recommended that children are over 8 years old and like this type of hike. Older adults must be in good physical condition and free from heart problems.
4) Is there a vegetarian or vegan option on the tour?
Yes. If you want a vegetarian or vegan option, you can request it in advance at info@machupicchuterra.com.
5) Is the tour safe?
Yes, the tour is on safe roads with signs. The guide is trained in first aid. The service includes a first aid kit and transportation in case of emergencies.
6) What should i bring?
During your visit, do not forget to bring with you: good shoes, poncho in case of rain, sunscreen, repellent against mosquitoes, sleeping bag, warm clothes for the first nights, snacks, fruits, rehydrating drinks, additional polo shirt or blouse, personal items and all in a backpack weighing no more than 5 kilos.
7) When is the best time to do the Salkantay trek?
The dry season (from April to October) offers good months to do the walk. In those months it doesn’t rain much, which makes the route easier.
8) Can I add a visit to the Huayna Picchu mountain to the tour?
Yes, to add the visit to the Huayna Picchu mountain you must pay the sum of 20 additional dollars to the price of the tour.
9) Can I do the Salkantay trek on my own?
Yes, if you organize your luggage, tickets and itinerary well, you can do this route on your own. However, the safest option is to hire an all-inclusive tour.
10) Can I choose to do the tour in a private service?
Yes. The tour also offers a private option. You can request this service at info@machupicchuterra.com.
We are part of MACHUPICCHU TERRA, Travel agency and tour operator authorized to operate the Inca Trail and other hiking routes in Cusco. Our authorization code is "CI1578".
We have the certificate CALTUR, which recognizes the application of good management practices for the service of travel and tourism agencies. We offer a proven quality service!
Machupicchu Terra received the ‘Safe Travels’ seal for its compliance with all the control and prevention protocols against Covid 19. Travel in complete safety!