Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days of Adventure

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5 days (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English and 1 more

The Salkantay Trek offers an unforgettable journey through breathtaking Andean landscapes, leading you to the iconic Machu Picchu. This 5-day trek combines stunning views, including the turquoise waters of Laguna Humantay and the majestic Salkantay Pass at 4,650 meters. Experience the shift from highland to lush cloud forests while enjoying a blend of nature and Inca culture. With a professional bilingual guide and comfortable camping facilities, this trek is perfect for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

- Duration: 5 Days, 4 Nights
- Moderate to difficult trekking, with max elevation of 4,650m
- Explore Machu Picchu with a guided tour and free time
- Small group sizes (8-10 people) for a personalized experience

What's Included

Entry to the hot springs in Santa Teresa
Private transportation from Cusco to the starting point of the trek (Challacancha).
Entry to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners during the trek.
Chef and kitchen staff to prepare meals during the trek.
One night hotel accommodation in Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes).
Cooking equipment: dining tent, kitchen tent, tables, chairs, and utensils.
Train ticket from Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) to Ollantaytambo.
Round-trip bus between Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes.
Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
Horsemen and pack horses to carry camping equipment and personal belongings(up to 7 kg per traveler)
Camping equipment: comfortable tents with sleeping mats.
First-aid kit and emergency oxygen supply.
Professional bilingual tour guide (Spanish and English), specialized in trekking.
Private vehicle transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
Snacks and additional drinks not included in the itinerary (optional).
Breakfast on the first day and lunch on the last day.
Tips for the guide, cook, and horsemen (optional)
Travel and medical insurance (recommended, but not included).
Personal expenses and services not mentioned.
Sleeping bag (available for rent if needed)

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

Pickup is from hotels located in Cusco’s Historic Center.
Please be ready and waiting in your hotel lobby at the scheduled time.
The guide will contact you upon arrival to ensure a quick and smooth pickup.
If your hotel is outside the pickup area or you're not at the location, we’ll contact you to coordinate an alternative meeting point.

OR
Meeting point

We will contact you to coordinate a specific pickup point. If pickup at your hotel is not possible, the meeting point will be the Plaza de Armas in Cusco, where you can meet our guide.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 5 days (approximately)
    Day 1

    Cusco - Challa Cancha - Soraypampa

    3 stops
  • 1
    Cusco

    Pickup from hotels in the historic center of Cusco and transfer to the trekking starting point.

    2 hours • Admission ticket free
  • 2

    Arrival at Challacancha, the starting point of the trek. Begin hiking on a wide trail that gradually ascends through the valley.

    5 hours • Admission ticket free
  • 3

    Arrival at Soraypampa, the base camp at 4000 meters, where you will spend the night and enjoy views of the snow-capped Humantay and Salkantay mountains.

    13 hours • Admission ticket free
    • Day 2

    Soraypampa - Paso Salkantay - Collpapampa

    2 stops
  • 4

    Start early from Soraypampa base camp, beginning the challenging hike towards the Salkantay Pass at 4650 meters, the highest point of the trek.

    Admission ticket free
  • 5

    Reach the Salkantay Pass, the highest and most breathtaking point of the trek, surrounded by stunning rocky landscapes and panoramic views of the Andes.We Descend into the warm and lush cloud forest ecosystem, filled with diverse wildlife. End the day at the Collpapampa camp located at 2900 meters, where you will rest for the night.

    13 hours • Admission ticket free
    • Day 3

    Collpapampa - La Playa (Sahuayaco)

    2 stops
  • 6

    Begin the day in Colcapampa (2,900 m) with a hearty breakfast surrounded by the cloud forest. This area is rich in biodiversity, and travelers can observe local flora, birds, and wildlife before starting the trek through the lush valley toward La Playa.

    2 hours • Admission ticket free
  • 7

    Hike from Collpapampa to La Playa, following the Lluskamayo River for approximately 12 km. The trail winds through lush tropical vegetation, passing coffee plantations, waterfalls, and native fruit trees. Upon arrival at La Playa (2,400 m), enjoy a relaxing afternoon and optionally visit nearby hot springs.

    14 hours • Admission ticket free
    • Day 4

    La Playa - Llactapata - Machu Picchu Pueblo

    3 stops
  • 8

    Depart from La Playa early in the morning to begin the final stage of the trek towards Machu Picchu Pueblo. Enjoy the lush vegetation and views of the surrounding valleys

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 9
    Mirador de Llactapata

    Hike along the ancient Inca Trail to reach Llactapata, an archaeological site offering a unique panoramic view of Machu Picchu from a different angle. Take time to explore the ruins and photograph the landscape.

    2 hours • Admission ticket free
  • 10
    Aguas Calientes

    Arrive in Aguas Calientes after a three-hour walk along the train tracks from Hidroeléctrica. Relax in the town and spend the night in a comfortable hotel with a private bathroom, preparing for the visit to Machu Picchu the following day.

    13 hours • Admission ticket free
    • Day 5

    Machu Picchu - Cusco

    5 stops
  • 11
    Aguas Calientes

    Early morning departure from Aguas Calientes by bus to the entrance of Machu Picchu. Enjoy scenic views during the 30-minute ride.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 12
    Machu Picchu

    Guided visit of Machu Picchu, the Inca citadel at 2,430 meters. Explore the main temples, plazas, and terraces while learning about its history from your guide.

    2 hours • Admission ticket included
  • 13
    Aguas Calientes

    Return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch and time to relax before your train departure to Ollantaytambo.

    2 hours • Admission ticket free
  • 14
    Ollantaytambo

    Arrive in Ollantaytambo by train from Aguas Calientes. A private vehicle will be waiting to take you back to Cusco.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 15
    Cusco

    Transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco in a private vehicle. This marks the end of your Salkantay trekking experience.

    2 hours • Admission ticket free

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
Supplied by Cusco Aventura

Tags

Hiking Tours
Multi-day Tours
Private and Luxury
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Rail Tours
Small Group
Adventure Tours
Additional fees

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

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