The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is a stunning five-day adventure that traverses diverse landscapes, from snow-capped peaks to lush rainforests. Trekkers experience breathtaking views of Mount Salkantay, enchanting cloud forests, and ancient Inca pathways. The journey culminates with a visit to the iconic Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco (5:00 am). Our tourist transport will take us to the town of Mollepata (2800 m / 9,186 ft). After approximately 3 hours, we will arrive there for breakfast and meet our team, who will accompany us during our hike. After breakfast, we will continue to the Challacancha area, where our trek along the Inca canal will begin. We will have approximately 3 hours crossing beautiful landscapes until we reach the Soraypampa campsite (3800 m / 12,467 ft). Upon arrival in Soraypampa, we will enjoy our delicious lunch. After that, we will ascend to the famous Humantay Lake (4220 m / 13,845 ft – approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes). After appreciating this beautiful place, we will descend to the Soraypampa campsite. This will be our first camp.
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Today we will wake up amidst the towering snow-covered mountains. Early in the morning at around 5:30 am, we will have breakfast and begin our hike towards the highest point of the entire excursion, the Salkantay Pass (Abra). From the Salkantay Pass, you will admire the majesty of the Salkantay Mountain (Apu), standing at 6272 m (20,577 ft) and considered sacred. After this unforgettable experience, we will start descending towards the Wayracpampa area, where we will take a short rest and enjoy an energizing lunch. Following our lunch, we will continue descending through the subtropical forest, where you can appreciate the richness of the local biodiversity. Finally, we will arrive at our second campsite in Chaullay (2950 m / 9,678 ft). Dinner and overnight camping. Salkantay Pass (highest point): 4620 m / 15,157 ft. Hiking time: 8-9 hours. Distance: 21 km / 13.04 miles.
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At 6:00 am, after breakfast, we will start our hike towards Sahuayaco-La Playa. Along the way, we will enjoy the beautiful subtropical jungle, where we can observe various plantations such as coffee, bananas, avocados, and other fruits. Our hike through the valley will take approximately 5 hours, covering about 16 km (10 miles). We will admire the landscapes with small waterfalls, orchids (depending on the season), and local wildlife. We will make a brief stop for lunch in Sahuayaco or La Playa before continuing our journey to the town of Santa Teresa, where our third campsite is located. Here, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the best hot springs, which come highly recommended. Walking distance: 14 km (8 miles) – 5 hours. Starting altitude: 3920 m (12,861 ft). Maximum altitude: 2900 m (9,514 ft).
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After breakfast, we have the following options: taking transportation from Santa Teresa to Hidroeléctrica or participating in the extra activity of ziplining (ZIPLINE). Afterwards, we will have lunch at Hidroeléctrica and then embark on a 3-hour hike to the town of Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, you can rest at the hotel, take a hot shower, or explore the town of Aguas Calientes. In the evening, we will have dinner at a restaurant and prepare for the visit to Machu Picchu the next day. Another option, depending on the season, physical conditions, and weather, is a 2-hour hike to “Llactapata” along an original Inca trail. This hike will lead us to a small archaeological site where we can enjoy an impressive panoramic view of the Urubamba Valley and Machu Picchu in the distance. After the guided tour and appreciating the magnificent views, we will descend to Hidroeléctrica for a delicious lunch. We will then continue our walk along the train tracks until we reach Aguas Calientes, covering a distance of 10 km (6 miles) in approximately 3 hours.
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EXPLORING A “WONDER OF THE WORLD”. After an early breakfast at your hotel, we will ascend to the Machu Picchu sanctuary and enjoy a guided tour of the main constructions of the citadel for approximately 3 hours. For those seeking a more physical challenge, there are options to climb either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, where you will have amazing views of Machu Picchu. In the afternoon, you will return to the town of Aguas Calientes to collect your belongings from the accommodation and take your designated train back to Ollantaytambo. Our transportation will be waiting to take us back to Cusco, approximately.
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Price Includes
Briefing one night before departure at the offices (18:00 pm).
Hotel pick-up in Cusco in the morning and transfer to Challacancha.
1 night at Salkantay Sky Lodge (double accommodation).
1 night in the Andean huts (double accommodation).
1 night at the hotel in Aguas Calientes (double accommodation).
2.5-inch thick sleeping mat or mattress per person.
Kitchen tents, dining area with table and chairs.
Professional guide in Spanish and English.
Guided visits throughout the trip.
Cook and kitchen assistant.
Mules to carry the tents, food, and kitchen equipment.
Mules to carry up to a maximum of 7 kg of personal belongings per person.
Meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners (vegetarian menus, special diets, and allergies are available at no additional cost).
Snacks on days 1, 2, and 3.
First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle.
Entrance fees to all visited sites.
Entrance fees to Machu Picchu.
Tourist train return ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (18:20 pm).
Transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
Boiled water provided every morning (1 liter per person).
Price Excludes
Entrance fees to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain ($25 USD each).
Breakfast on Day 1, lunch on Day 4, and dinner on Day 4.
Sleeping bag ($15 USD each).
Bus tickets for the ascent and descent of Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu ($12 USD one way).
Walking sticks ($10 USD each).
Hidroeléctricas to Aguas Calientes train ticket ($31 USD).
What you need to take
Original Passport
ISIC card (if you are a student and want to qualify for the discount)
Walking boots
Waterproof jacket / rain poncho
Warm jacket
Hat and gloves
T-shirts
Comfortable Trousers
Sun hat
Sun cream (factor 35 or higher)
Insect repellant
Toiletries and hand sanitiser
Personal medication
Camera and film
Torch with spare batteries
Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, tips
