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Salkantay Trek 5 Days Private – Exclusive Machu Picchu Adventure

(1 Review)
Price
From$650
Price
From$650
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OverviewItineraryPhotosFAQsReviews
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Length

5 Days, 4Nights
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Group

Min 2, Max 16.
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Trip Style

Trekking, Aventure.
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Difficulty.

Moderate.
Overview

Discover the 5 Days Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, an unforgettable journey through the Andes combining nature, culture, and adventure. Hike past snow-capped peaks, Humantay Lake, and lush cloud forests while experiencing authentic Andean traditions. This immersive trekking experience ends with a guided visit to the iconic Machu Picchu. Perfect alternative to the Inca Trail for adventure seekers.

Highlights :

🏛️ Llactapata Inca Site: Start with a hike to Llactapata (2,700 m / 8,856 ft) and enjoy your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu from the mountains.

💧 Humantay Lake: Visit the famous Humantay Lake, a turquoise lagoon surrounded by snow-capped peaks—one of the most iconic stops in the Andes.

🏔️ Salkantay Mountain: Trek beneath the stunning Salkantay Mountain (6,271 m / 20,569 ft), one of the highest and most impressive peaks in Peru.

🌿 Diverse Landscapes: Cross multiple ecosystems, from glaciers and high passes to cloud forests and tropical valleys.

⛰️ Optional Hikes (Machu Picchu)- After your visit to Machu Picchu, you can climb:

🥾 Huayna Picchu Mountain (steep, 2 hrs)
🏔️ Machu Picchu Mountain (highest viewpoint, 3 hrs)

 

 

At a Glance:

  • ⏳ Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights of trekking through mountains, valleys, and cloud forests.
  • 📍 Departure & Return: Cusco, Peru – start and finish your adventure in the heart of the Andes.
  • 🥾 Tour Type: Adventure & Cultural Trek – a mix of hiking, nature, and Andean culture leading to Machu Picchu.
  • 💪 Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging – ideal for active travelers with good fitness.
  • 🏕️ Accommodation: Camping, mountain lodges, and eco-domes surrounded by nature.
  • 🍽️ Meals Included: Daily meals prepared by local chefs to support high-altitude trekking.

 

Inclusions

  • Pre-Trek Briefing: Meet your guide in Cusco at 7:00 p.m. the day before departure for a full briefing. Please share your hotel details for coordination.
  • Hotel Pickup & Transportation: Hotel pick-up in Cusco at 4:30 a.m. and transport to Challacancha, the starting point of the Salkantay Trek 5 Days.
  • Professional Guides: Certified English, Spanish, and Quechua-speaking guides accompany you throughout the trek. Includes a 2.5-hour guided tour at Machu Picchu with full cultural and historical explanations.
  • Entrance Tickets to the Salkantay Trek and Machu Picchu:Entrance Tickets: Machu Picchu entrance ticket included (usually Circuit 02, subject to availability). Alternative circuits (01 or 03) may apply depending on season.
  • Meals & Chefs: Includes 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners prepared by expert local chefs. Vegetarian options available on request. Meals served in comfortable dining tents.
  • Muleteers & Horses: Experienced muleteers carry all camping equipment and supplies on horses, allowing you to hike with only a light daypack.
  • Duffel Bag Service: A 5 kg duffel bag is provided for personal belongings and transported by horses between campsites.
  • Acomodations day 1- Soraypampa: Glass cabins Stay in our amazing glass cabins designed for two people.
  • Acomodations day 2 and 3 - Colpapampa and Lucmabamba Domes:Enjoy the comfort of private domes for two people.
  • Acomodations day 4 - Aguas calientes Cozi hostel: . Stay in a comfortable hostel with Wi-Fi, a private bathroom, hot water, and breakfast. Upgrades to higher-quality hotels are available upon request.

Excludes

  • Meals: Breakfast on Day 1 and lunch after the Machu Picchu tour on Day 4 are not included.
  • Humantay Lake Entrance Fee: On Day 1, entrance to Humantay Lake is not included (approx. 20 soles for foreigners / 10 soles for Peruvians, paid in cash in Mollepata).
  • Machu Picchu Bus Tickets: The shuttle bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu is optional and not included. US$12 one way per person US$24 round trip per person You can also hike instead, which takes about 1 hour 30 minutes each way.
  • Hot Springs: If you would like to relax in the thermal baths in Santa Teresa costs 50 soles in total, including round-trip transport (40 soles) and entrance (10 soles). You can decide and pay during the trek and at Aguas Calientes costs 20 soles in total, payable at the entrance.
  • Drinking water: Not included. Available along the route (5–12 soles per bottle). Water provided at meals.
  • Optional Hikes: Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain: US$70 (optional).
  • Sleeping Bag: Rental 40 soles (US$10) for the full trek (down to -10°C).
  • Internet Conection:Limited signal during Day 1–2. Optional Wi-Fi at camp: 10 soles.
  • Tips for Guides & Staff :Tipping is not included. It is completely optional but greatly appreciated by guides, drivers, and support staff who help make your trekking experience possible.
  • Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend travel insurance before arriving in Peru. It is important for covering unexpected events such as altitude sickness, delays, or cancellations during your Machu Picchu trek.

What to Bring:

  • Original passport:You can't use a copy of your passport; you need to make sure your original passport is valid for at least six months to enter and leave Peru. Also, make sure your passport has two blank pages for the stamps when you come in and out.
  • Student ID:This is only required if you have booked the Salkantay Trek as a student. You must have a student card issued by your university (up to the age of 25). It should contain the following details: university information, personal information, a student photo and a valid date no later than 31 December of the year of travel.
  • Good-quality daypack:It's really important to find a good backpack that's comfortable, light and small, to fill in and carry all your belonging.
  • Botle water or Camel Bag:The bottle needs to hold 2 litres of water. It is important to choose a water bottle that can keep your water cold.
  • Trekking poles:We really recommend them for the Salkantay Trek and they are very useful. You can rent them from us.
  • Sleeping bag:When you buy a sleeping bag find one that is big enough for you. and put it in a waterproof bag so it doesn't get wet on the hike. also we recommend sleeping bags that can keep you warm down to -10°C. You can also rent sleeping bags from us.
  • Emergency money:Please remember to bring extra money for any emergencies that might happen on the trip. is ideal to bring 300 soles/90 dollars and in cash.
  • Head lamp:This equipment is essential for anyone taking the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. You can also bring a torch.
Pricing

Important information: The published price of US$650.00 , includes return transportation by train .

To confirm your reservation: Payment and Reservation Policies.

We will not be able to book or confirm your excursion or trek without the following information:

We require a copy of each traveler’s passport. You can send it via WhatsApp to +51984751486 or email perutravelcompany@gmail.com.
A non-refundable deposit of US$200.00 plus a 6% fee (US$212.00 per person) is required. Please make deposits through by PayPal.

Note: The deposit for all our tours and treks of 2 days or more is US$200.00 (plus US$12 PayPal fee) per person.

The tour will not be confirmed without a completed booking form and deposit sent to Peru Travel. The deposit is US$200 per person and is non-refundable. We accept payments via PayPal, which charges a 6% fee, so the total per person is US$212 and should be sent to perutravelcompany@gmail.com. We will send you the invoice and confirmation of your booking via email once we receive your information and deposit.
 

 

What to Pack

1.Packing List

F.A.Q. ¿What should I pack in my backpack?
If you are travelling to a trekking destination, you should prepare your backpack and duffel bag in advance, especially for the Salkantay Trek. We recommend that you bring one or two large backpacks, depending on the length of your holiday. Carry only what you need for the 5 days of the trek, this means that any extra items or belongings you don’t need can be left at your hotel in Cusco or in our backpack storage room in Cusco.

2.what to pack in your personal Backpack?

During the days on the trek, Remember, you will be carrying your backpack with you for the entire trek, so you should carry a light, comfortable and good quality backpack. due to regulation issued by the local government, your backpack should not exceed 25 litres in sixe and large bags are not allowed  to be carried inside Machu picchu, if you have one make sure that your largae backpack looks as small as possicle to carry inside Machu picchu.

here, we give you the list of items which you have to carry in your personal backpack. 

Hats and sunglasses: The sun is intense at high altitude and you should protect your eyes from the glare. Wear one that offers UV protection and is comfortable.

Rain gear: The trail can be wet especially in the rainy season. Have quality gear and clothing with materials such as Gore-tex that will keep your skin dry while you perspire during the hike.

Warm clothing: During the Inca Trail, where the temperature fluctuates during the day and night, it is mandatory to have good clothing equipment such as: fleeces, long-sleeved shirts, down jackets and a waterproof layer.

Sunscreen: Choose a good sunscreen (high factor) and apply it before starting the hike and regularly during the day if you are sweating.

Hand sanitizer: Carry a good hand sanitizer to disinfect hands before eating, drinking and after using the bathroom. We recommend carrying a small bottle of hand sanitizer throughout the day.

Headlamp: carrying a headlamp is especially useful for those who hike the Inca Trail because it keeps your hands free for other tasks. It is useful to choose a headlamp for brightness, weight and comfort.

Snacks: bring snacks that are rich in energy and easy to digest. This, because chocolate bars or cookies are not ideal, as they can be heavy for the stomach and leave you with an impression of sluggishness, so we recommend taking granola bars or a mixture of nuts which will give enough energy to perform the walk.

Extra money: take money preferably in soles for drinks, tips and souvenirs: during the excursion you will find facilities or bathrooms where you will have to pay for the use of some of them, especially the first day.

3.What to pack in your personal Duffel bag?

Peru Travel Company will provide you with a duffel bag to pack your belongings that you don’t need during the day, the porters will carry the duffel bag, and please note that it must have a maximum weight of 7 Kg, including your sleeping bag and your air mattress (if you bring or rent one). The duffel bag will be provided to you one day before the trek at your hotels or our office.
Sleeping bag: if you don’t have one, you can rent it from us; also if you want to buy it it has to have the estimated weight of 2 kilos and remember to pack it in a plastic bag to keep it during the excursion, we recommend a -10°C sleeping bag.
Rain Gear: The trail can be wet especially in the rainy season. Have quality gear and clothing with materials such as Gore-tex that will keep your skin dry while you perspire during the hike
Warm jacket: The weather during the excursion fluctuates and can drop sharply during the day and night, so it is essential to bring layers of clothing for the sun and a waterproof outer layer in case of rain or snow
4 to 5 T-shirts: Absorbent T-shirts that dry quickly are recommended. Synthetic fabrics such as polyester or nylon are the best choice, as they will hold sweat and dry quickly, avoid cotton shirts as they retain moisture and cause chafing and are difficult to dry
2 to 3 trekking pants: there are a variety of types of trekking pants one of them is the cargo pants which have large pockets on the side of the legs and the convertible pants have legs that zipper at the knee, those are ideal especially in hot climates or changing conditions during the trail for women leggings or leggings work perfectly
4 pairs of underwear: wearing a sports bra and compression shorts will be helpful and keep you comfortable to avoid chafing. If you are hiking in cold weather, wear thermal underwear that will keep you warm
Snacks: bring snacks that are rich in energy and easy to digest. This, because chocolate bars or cookies are not ideal, as they can be heavy for the stomach and leave you with an impression of sluggishness, so we recommend taking granola bars or a mixture of nuts which will give enough energy to perform the walk
Extra money: take money preferably in soles for drinks, tips and souvenirs: during the excursion you will find facilities or bathrooms where you will have to pay for the use of some of them, especially the first day.

Itinerary

Day 1Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake

Start your adventure early with pickup from your hotel in Cusco between 04:30 – 05:00 AM. Travel through scenic valleys to Mollepata (2,900m)  for a short breakfast stop (not included), then continue to Challacancha (3,380m), the starting point of the trek.

Begin your hike toward Soraypampa (3,850m), your base camp for lunch and rest.

In the afternoon, hike 1.5 hours uphill  to the spectacular Humantay Lake (4,200m), one of Peru’s most iconic turquoise lagoons surrounded by snow-capped peaks.

After enjoying the views, descend back to camp for dinner and rest under the Andean sky.

🍽️ Meals: Lunch, Dinner
🏕️ Accommodation: Camping (double occupancy tents)
📏 Distance: 19 km
⚡ Difficulty: Moderate
⛰️ Max altitude: 4,200m

Day 2Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Chaullay

Wake up with coca tea and breakfast before starting the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek.

Climb to the breathtaking Salkantay Pass (4,600m)  — the highest point of the route. Enjoy incredible views of glaciers, sacred mountains, and dramatic Andean landscapes .

After time for rest and photos , descend into warmer valleys for lunch and continue to Chaullay (2,900m)  for overnight camping.

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🏕️ Accommodation: Camping
📏 Distance: 21 km
⚡ Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
⛰️ Max altitude: 4,600m

Day 3Day 3: Chaullay – La Playa – Cocalmayo Hot Springs

Descend through lush cloud forest , surrounded by coca, coffee , cacao , and tropical fruit plantations.

Arrive at La Playa / Sahuayaco, where a freshly prepared lunch awaits.

In the afternoon, enjoy an optional coffee farm tour, learning about traditional Peruvian coffee production.

Later, relax in the natural Cocalmayo Hot Springs, one of the most beautiful thermal baths in Peru — perfect after days of trekking.

Return to camp for dinner and rest.

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🏕️ Accommodation: Camping
📏 Distance: 11 km
⚡ Difficulty: Moderate
⛰️ Max altitude: 3,300m
🔑 Keywords: Cocalmayo hot springs Peru, coffee tour Cusco, cloud forest trek

Day 4La Playa – Llactapata – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes

Start early at 05:30 AM with coca tea and breakfast before hiking an ancient Inca trail section toward Llactapata, a hidden archaeological site with one of the first panoramic views of Machu Picchu.

Enjoy time at the viewpoint before descending for 2 hours to Hydroelectric Station, where lunch is served.

Continue a scenic 3-hour walk along the railway tracks to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.

Dinner at a local restaurant and briefing for the next day’s visit.

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🏨 Accommodation: Hostel/Hotel
📏 Distance: 12 km
⚡ Difficulty: Moderate

Day 5Machu Picchu Guided Tour – Return to Cusco

Early morning departure to the legendary Machu Picchu Citadel, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Enjoy a guided tour through temples, terraces, and sacred Inca architecture while learning about its history and mysteries.

Optional hikes:

  • Huayna Picchu Mountain
  • Machu Picchu Mountain (advance booking required)

After exploring, return to Aguas Calientes, take the train to Ollantaytambo, and continue back to Cusco.

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast
⚡ Difficulty: Easy walking

 

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FAQs

1.What is the altitude range and difficulty level for each day of the trek?

Throughout the trek, the altitude ranges from a maximum of 4,600m at Salkantay Pass to a minimum of 2,100m at Aguas Calientes Pueblo. The difficulty level is moderate for each day, with varying distances and altitudes to accommodate different fitness levels.

 

2.What type of accommodation is provided during the trek, and are there single occupancy options available?

Accommodation during the trek is camping in double occupancy tents, providing a shared experience with a trekking partner. Additionally, on the final night in Aguas Calientes Pueblo, accommodation is provided in a hostel. Single occupancy options may be available upon request, although they may incur additional charges.

 

3.Are meals included throughout the trek, and are there vegetarian/vegan options available?

Yes, meals are included throughout the trek, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Vegetarian and vegan options are typically available, and dietary preferences can be accommodated with prior notice.

 

4.Are there any optional activities available during the trek, and what are they?

Yes, there is an optional hike to the breathtaking Humantay Lagoon on Day 1, offering a unique opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the region. Additionally, on Day 5, there is the option to climb Huayna Picchu for a bird’s eye view of Machu Picchu.

 

5.How is transportation arranged back to Cusco after visiting Machu Picchu?

After visiting Machu Picchu on Day 5, transportation back to Cusco is typically arranged by train. Participants board a train in Aguas Calientes for the scenic journey back to Cusco, providing a comfortable and convenient way to conclude the trek.

 
1 Review
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Michael J.

Solo Traveller

This trek from Cusco to Machu Picchu exceeded all my expectations. Starting with an exciting drive to Abra Malaga and a thrilling downhill bike ride, the adventure was packed with stunning scenery and cultural insights. Each day’s hike presented new challenges and breathtaking views, especially the climb to the Salkantay Pass.

The journey through the jungle to La Playa and the tranquil hike along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes were highlights. The anticipation built perfectly to the grand finale at Machu Picchu. The guides were excellent, the accommodations were comfortable, and the experience was unforgettable. I highly recommend this tour to anyone looking to immerse themselves in the natural and historical beauty of Peru.

August 23, 2023