4 days from $500 per person
Limited to 16 people per Group
The Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu is a challenge for tourists. On this route, you can walk about 70 kilometers through nearby snow-capped mountains as well as tropical jungles in the Cusco region. The final destination is nothing less than Machu Picchu, the wonder of the world. On the way you can see incredible places such as the Salkantay mountain, the Humantay lagoon, the Cocalmayo thermal baths, the town of Aguas Calientes and more. The tour includes everything you need for the trip: transportation, tour guide, cooks, porters, camping equipment, lodging, entrance to Machu Picchu, return by train and more.
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.
- Admission: Machu Picchu only.
- Group: from 4 to 16 people maximum.
Summary
| Difficulty |  |
| Total distance | 70 kilometers. (43,496 miles). |
| Maximum altitude | Abra Salkantay (4,650 masl). |
| Minimum altitude | Aguas Calientes (2,160 masl). |
| Maximum temperature | Machu Picchu (from 20ºC to 26ºC). |
| Minimum temperature | Abra Salkantay (-5ºC to 5ºC). |
| Itinerary | |
Day 1 Cusco | MollepataPick up from the hotel, departure by bus from Cusco to Mollepata, walk, lunch in Soraypampa, visit the Humantay lagoon, dinner and spend the night in camp after 13 km. walking. Day 2 Mollepata | Abra SalkantayBreakfast, walk to ‘Abra Salkantay’, lunch in Pacaymayu, dinner and overnight at Chaullay camp after 22 km. walking. Day 3 Abra Salkantay | Santa Teresa Breakfast, walk, lunch at Sahuayaco beach, transportation to Santa Teresa, Cocalmayo thermal baths (optional), dinner and overnight in lodging. That day they walk 16 km on average. Day 4 Santa Teresa | Aguas CalientesBreakfast, hike to Hydroelectric, lunch, hike to Aguas Calientes, dinner and overnight at the Aguas Calientes lodge. That day they walk 16 km on average. 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 five days. The adventure begins in the city of Cusco. From there you go to the town of Mollepata from where you walk to Soraypampa, near the Humantay lagoon. On day 2, the mountain landscapes near the Salkantay snow are covered. On day 3 you descend through the jungle forests of Cusco until you arrive at the thermal baths of Cocalmayo in the town of Santa Teresa. On day 4 you walk along the Hydroelectric route until you arrive and spend the night in Aguas Calientes. Finally, day 5 is dedicated to Machu Picchu.
Cusco – Mollepata | Soraypampa
At around 4 in the morning we will pick you up at your hotel and then go on a tourist bus to the town of Mollepata (2,803 m / 9,196 ft) located about 100 kilometers from the city of Cusco.
Once in Mollepata we will get ready to start the walk. This is uphill for 13 kilometers on average. At the end we will arrive at the Soraypampa camp (3,900 m / 12,795 ft).
In Soraypampa it’s time to have lunch and recharge your batteries. That same afternoon, visitors who want to can walk two more kilometers to appreciate the famous Humantay lagoon (4,200 m / 13,779 ft).
Back in Soraypampa we will have dinner and camp in our special facilities to reduce the cold.
Soraypampa – Abra Salkantay | Chaullay
The second day we will get up very early to have breakfast. Then we will start with the hike uphill through the impressive high Andean landscapes of Salkantaypampa and Soyrococha. After 4 hours of walking, we will arrive at the Salkantay pass (4,632 m / 15,197 ft), the highest point of the entire trek.
In the Salkantay pass we will stop to take the respective photos with a tour guide. After a well-deserved rest we will continue descending to Wayracpampa where we will have lunch at our camp.
After lunch we will continue descending through cloud forests and we will observe the continuous change of climate and vegetation. At the end we will reach the Chaullay camp (4,045 m / 13,271 ft). There we will have dinner and spend the night after 22 kilometers of route.
Chaullay – Playa Sahuayaco | Santa Teresa
The third day starts very early with a nutritious breakfast. Then we will continue with the walk. The route continues to be surrounded by beautiful nature and by simple paths, almost always downhill.
After about 40 minutes of walking we will arrive at the Town of Collpa (2,850 m / 9,350 ft), where the Santa Teresa valley can be seen.
At the beginning of the afternoon we will arrive at Playa Sahuayaco (2,200 m / 7,218 ft), where we will have a replenishing lunch. There we will board a transport that will take us to the town of Santa Teresa (1,550 m / 5,085 ft). There we will rest and have dinner in a tourist accommodation.
Visitors who wish can cool off in the warm waters of the Cocalmayo thermal baths, considered the best in Cusco. The entrance fee is 10 Peruvian soles (3 US dollars approximately).
Santa Teresa – Hidroeléctrica | Aguas Calientes
On the fourth day we will wake up early to have breakfast at the tourist lodge.
Then we will continue the walk through beautiful landscapes full of coffee, banana, pineapple, avocado as well as some coca leaf crops.
We will walk for a few kilometers to the Hydroelectric station (1550 m / 5,085 ft). There it is time to rest and have lunch and then continue with the final route to the town of Aguas Calientes (2,160 m / 7,087 ft).
In the famous town of Aguas Calientes we will stay in a tourist accommodation for dinner afterwards. A good option to relax is to visit the thermal baths of the town (not included in the tour). The cost of entry to this place is 10 Peruvian soles (approximately 3 US dollars).
Aguas Calientes | Machu Picchu – Cusco
The last day will be entirely dedicated to getting to know Machu Picchu (2,490 m / 8,169 ft).
Very early we will have breakfast at the tourist accommodation to board the buses that will take us to Machu Picchu (30 minutes of travel).
Once in the Inca citadel, we will visit the archaeological site in the company of a tour guide for approximately 2 hours. We will also have free time for photos.
After the visit to Machu Picchu we will return to Aguas Calientes where we can have lunch (not included in the tour). After that we will go to the train station (at least 30 minutes before the train’s departure time). The train will take us to Ollantaytambo where we will board a tourist bus that will return us to the city of Cusco. There the tour ends.
Frequent questions
Learn about the frequent questions that tourists ask about the Salkantay trek 5 days. You can send us your questions to info@caminoincamachupicchu.org.
1) Can the tour be canceled?
Yes, the cancellation of the tour is requested at info@caminoincamachupicchu.org with an anticipation of 3 days as the last term. The cancellation penalty is 35% of the value of the tour.
2) Can the date of the tour be changed?
Yes, the change of the tour date is requested at info@caminoincamachupicchu.org. With an anticipation of 3 days as the last term. The change of date is subject to a penalty of 25% of the value of the tour.
3) Is the walk recommended for everyone?
Children over 8 years old are recommended to like sports and long walks. Adults over 60 must be in good physical condition. It is recommended that they consult with a doctor before taking the tour.
4) Does the diet include an option for vegetarians?
Yes. If you want a vegetarian or vegan option, you can request it in advance at info@caminoincamachupicchu.org.
5) Is the walk safe?
Yes, all tourists finish the tour without problems. It is also recommended to follow the signs of the route and the advice of the tour guide in charge of the group.
6) What should I bring to the hike?
Do not forget to bring with you: sturdy shoes, rain poncho, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, sleeping bag, warm clothing, light clothing, snacks, fruits, drinks, additional polo shirt or blouse, personal items and a backpack of no more than 5 kilos of weight where everything can fit.
7) Can I do the Salkantay trek all year round? When is the best time to go?
Yes, the Salkantay trek route is available all year round. However, the best time to do the route is in the dry season of Machu Picchu (from April to October). That season does not present many rains, which facilitates and reduces the risks on the route.
8) Can I visit the Huayna Picchu mountain or the Machu Picchu mountain on the tour?
The visit to the Huayna Picchu mountain is not included in the tour. Neither the visit to the Machu Picchu mountain. To do these hiking trails you must add $ 20 to purchase the entrance tickets.
9) Is it possible to do the route on my own?
Any tourist can travel the Salkantay trek route to Machu Picchu. The route is free for everyone. However, excellent organization is needed (purchase of tickets, utensils, food, good camping, etc.). For this reason, most tourists prefer to do this route on an all-inclusive tour.
10) Can I do the Salkantay trek in a private tour?
Yes, you can request the Salkantay trek in private service (for you and your family, friends or partner) at info@caminoincamachupicchu.org.
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!