Ultimate Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu 5 Days

Machupicchu, Perú

UT
Ultimate Trekking
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Duration: 5 days
Group size: 1 - 100
Ultimate Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu 5 Days
Machupicchu, Perú

Ultimate Trekking
  • Email address verified

Duration: 5 days
Group size: 1 - 100

About this trip

  

Salkantay Trek is the most popular alternative trek to Machu Picchu, visiting the Humantay Lake, breathtaking views of the mountain glaciers, and following in the footsteps of the Incas along the off the beaten path to Machu Picchu. 


Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is Listed among the 25 best hikes globally by National Geographic Travel Magazine and undoubtedly one of the best alternative treks in Cusco. You'll encounter lakes, glaciers, many different landscapes, orchids, coffee farms, and venture into the dense cloud forest. The best choice, if the Classic Inca Trail is sold out, and you want to be off the beaten path.

Overview of the Salkantay Trek

  • Duration: 5 days 4 nights
  • Total Distance: 60 km - 38 miles 
  • From: Cusco to Cusco (Door to door service)
  • Age Range:10 to 65
  • Season: From March to January
  • Depart: Soraypampa
  • Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

Highlights of the Salkantay Trek

  • Follow the footsteps of the Incas along the Cordillera of Vilcabamba
  • Get off the beaten path and explore Humantay lake and Llaqtapta
  • Enjoy a Pachamanca underground barbecue
  • Arrive at Machu Picchu before the sunrise
  • Support our Social projects while traveling

Day by day summary of the Salkantay Trek

Day 1: Cusco - Soraypampa - Humantay Lake - Basecamp.- Pick up from your hotel in Cusco at 4:30 am and journey to Soraypampa (3870 m / 12696 ft). After breakfast, You'll hike for 2 hours up to Humantay Lake. Explore the beautiful views. Then, another 4 hours to the Campsite at Salkantaypampa (4000 m /13123 ft).

Day 2: Basecamp - Salkantay Pass - Collpapampa.- Wake up in your tent with a cup of coffee or tea. Then, hike for 2-hours to the highest point of the trek at Salkantay Pass (4630 m / 15190 ft); once reaching the top, you'll take some time to explore and enjoy the views of the snowcapped peaks. From here, descend for 2 hours to the second campsite at Collpapampa (2800 m / 9186 ft).

Day 3: Collpapampa - Lucmabamba - Llaqtapata.- After breakfast, continue for 3 hours downhill through the Salkantay River Valley, passing waterfalls and varied flora and fauna. Lunch is a special Pachamanca underground barbecue followed by a coffee tour. After lunch, you'll hike for 3 hours up along an ancient Inca Trail to Llaqtapata. Camp in front of Machu Picchu.

Day 4: Llaqtapata - Hidroelectrica - Aguas Calientes.- Today, you'll wake up, open your tent and see Machu Picchu. After breakfast, You'll start an easy 2 hours downhill to Hidroelectica and then head to Aguas Calientes. Along the way, you'll visit the Sundial, Mandor farms, and hike around Machu Picchu. Spend the night in a hotel.

Day 5: Machu Picchu - Cusco.- Discover Machu Picchu with an exclusive guided tour of the citadel before the crowds arrive. Your expert tour guide will take you to the most beautiful places in Machu Picchu for about 3 hours. In the afternoon, board the Visatdome panoramic train back to Cusco.

Day by day summary of the Salkantay Trek

  • Pick up from your hotel in Cusco.
  • Duffle bag for up to 7 kilos of your stuff.
  • Cargo mules to carry food and equipment
  • Professional Native tour guides
  • Second tour guide for groups 9+
  • Camping equipment (tents, tables, chairs, porta-potty)
  • First aid kit, satellite phones, oxygen tank
  • 5 Breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 tea times, 4 dinners
  • Sleeping foam mattress, pillows, hot water bags
  • Entrance ticket Salkantay
  • Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu 
  • One night 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
  • Round trip bus tickets to Machu Picchu
  • Vistadome Panoramic train back to Cusco
  • All taxes included

Not Included in the Salkantay Trek

  • Sleeping bag, trekking poles, air mattress (can be hired)
  • Huayna Picchu tickets
  • Machu Picchu tickets (Different than Machu Picchu citadel)
  • Last day lunch in Aguas Calientes
  • Gratuities (optional)
  • Travel insurance (highly recomended)

Optional hikes after Machu Picchu guided tour:

Huayna Picchu Mountain – Needs to be booked far in advance, takes 2 hours round trip, $75 extra per person.

Machu Picchu Mountain – Needs to be booked in advance, takes 3 hours round trip, $75 extra per person.

Available Packages

Group Service
$595
Deposit: $200
Private Service (min 2)
$790
Deposit: $200

Available options



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