5 Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu Alternative Inca Trail

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
CUSCO- VISIT HUMANTAY LAKE & OVERNIGHT AT SKY LODGE DOMOS
1 stop
1
Humantay Lake
We pick you up from your hotel at 4:45 a.m. and drive about 2.5 hours to Mollepata, where you can have breakfast (not included). Then we continue to Challacancha, where you meet the trekking team (horseman, chef, etc.).
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
Day 2
SALKANTAY PASS - HUAYRACMACHAY - CHAULLAY CAMPSITE
1 stop
2
This is the the longest day of all the trip. After a good breakfast you will start the walking around 05:30 am, the first 4 hours is uphill to get the highest point of the Salkantay Trek (4650m/15200ft) located halfway between 2 huge mountains; Salkantay on the right and Tucarhuay on the left. From the pass, the views of the 2 snow-capped mountains are incredible. You will have enough time here to take pictures and appreciate the beautiful scenic of this place. There is a possibility of snow here! After to rest, You will continue the trek (downhill) through a dramatic cloud forest towards Huayracpunku, where you will have lunch. After luch we will continue walking passing the start of the jungle until Chaullay, the second Salkantay Trek camping spot (3000m/9800ft). 2nd Day:Total distance: 19 km (aprox.) Estimated walking time: 8 – 9 hours
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 3
LA PLAYA - LUCMABAMBA
1 stop
3
Banos Termales de Cocalmayo
After a good breakfast, around 6.30am, we start walking through the upper jungle crossing the Lluskamayo River and a variety of little brooks for around 6 hours until La Playa. This day you will pass through valleys where you will have wonderful views of waterfalls, tropical fruits until the campsite in La Playa, where you will have the lunch. Free afternoon to rest or go to the hot springs OPTIONAL: You can visit the hot spring of Colcalmayo, you will pay the entrance there around 5 dollars per person). 3RD DAY:Total distance: 16 km (aprox.) Estimated walking time: 6-7 hours
2 hours • Admission ticket not included
Day 4
LLACTAPATA - HIDROELECTRICA - AGUAS CALIENTES (MACHU PICCHU TOWN)
2 stops
4
Mirador de Llactapata
After a delicious breakfast, we will leave the campsite. We walk up on a original Inca Trail to Llactapata site where you have the chance to see Machupicchu far away (one of the most beautiful place to see Machu Picchu)
20 minutes • Admission ticket included
5
Hot Springs (Aguas Calientes)
then you continue walking, passing a variety of crop plantations, coca, banana etc. until you reach the hydroelectric station, close to this place we will have lunch, then you keep walking about two and half hours along the train road until Aguas Calientes town where we will spend the night in a proper hostel. There are hot springs in Machu Picchu town (entrance 10 soles) If you want you can visit this place, after the Salkantay trek will be relaxing. 4TH DAY:Total distance: 12 km (aprox.) Estimated walking time: 5 – 6 hours
1 hour • Admission ticket included
Day 5
MACHU PICCHU TOUR - RETURN TO CUSCO
1 stop
6
Machu Picchu
At around 4:30 am, you will hike from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (approximately 1.5 hours). Alternatively, you can take the shuttle bus (25 minutes, bus ticket not included). Upon arrival, present your passport or ID and entrance ticket. Enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu for about 2 hours, visiting the most important sectors of the citadel, followed by free time to explore on your own. Optional: If permits are available, you may hike Huayna Picchu (advance reservation required). After your visit: Train Return: Descend to Aguas Calientes and take the train to Ollantaytambo, followed by private transportation to Cusco. Bus Return: Walk from Machu Picchu to Hidroelectrica (approximately 3–3.5 hours) and board the bus to Cusco. You should arrive at Hidroelectrica between 2:30 pm and 3:00 pm, so it is recommended to leave Machu Picchu by 11:00 am. Walking distance: Approx. 4 km Estimated hiking time: 1–2 hours (excluding the Hidroelectrica walk)
4 hours • Admission ticket included

Additional info

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

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