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Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – 5 Days of Adventure & Culture.
Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the heart of the Andes with the Salkantay Trek 5 Days Classic. This alternative route to Machu Picchu takes you far from the crowds of the traditional Inca Trail.
This scenic, culturally rich expedition offers a unique exploration of Peru’s most breathtaking landscapes, showcasing dramatic changes in climate, altitude, and ecosystems from snowy peaks to lush cloud forests.
As you follow this lesser traveled path, you’ll enjoy unmatched views of the towering Salkantay and Humantay mountains, connect deeply with nature, and experience the living culture of the Andes.
Highlights:
Salkantay Trek 5 Days – At a Glance.
Day 1: Cusco – Humantay Lake – Cabins Soraypampa Campsite.
Travel from Cusco to Challacancha. Hike to stunning Humantay Lake located at 4,200 meters above sea level, stay in a cozy cabins, surrounded by the Andes.
Overnight stay in a Cabins.
Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay pass – Colpa pampa.
Wake up to a hot cup of tea delivered to your cabin, then conquer the stunning Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the trek at 4,630 meters. Rest in comfortable Andean domes at the Collpapampa campsite.
Overnight stay in Domes.
Day 3: Collpapampa – Lucmabamba .
Trek through the lush cloud forest for a truly immersive experience. You will spend the night in domes in Colpapampa.
Overnight stay in Domes.
Day 4: Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Inca Trail Views – Aguas Calientes.
Hike a scenic section of the Inca Trail to Llactapata for your first glimpse of Machu Picchu. After lunch, continue to Hidroelectrica and then walk or take the train to Aguas Calientes. Dinner and overnight stay in town of Aguas Calientes.
Overnight stay in a Hostel.
Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu picchu Tour – Cusco.
Rise early and hike to Machu picchu Citadel to avoid the crowds. After exploring the iconic citadel, take the train back or bus (from Hidrolectrica) to Cusco.
Cancellations Polices, Payment, Reservation Policies and Reservation money deposit.
We will not be able to book or confirm your excursion or trek without the following information:
Please note: That Machu Picchu tickets are personal, non-refundable and non-transferable, and cannot be modified once issued.
The non-refundable deposit is 50% per person. You also have the option of paying 100%, which covers the full cost of the excursion. A 6% transaction fee applies to both amounts. You can make your payment via the link on our website. Payments can be made with PayPal or a credit card.
Cancellations:
Thank you for your understanding.
What Are the Requirements to Obtain the Student Discount?
To qualify for the student discount on the Machu Picchu entrance ticket, you must meet the following requirements:
The card must clearly display:
Please note: that ISIC cards and online enrolment certificates are not accepted by the Peruvian government for this discount.
Once you book , please send us a clear photo or scan of your student ID so that we can apply for the discount on your behalf.
Salkantay Trek Prices:
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: The published price of US$ 295 does not include return transportation by train or car. You decide which option you want to take and we take care of the arrangements.
There are two ways to return from Machu Picchu:
Choose how you would like to return to Cusco after visiting Machu Picchu, according to your preferences and budget.
PRICES:
Take a look and think about which options might be best for you.
If you decide to take the minibus back to Cusco, you must start walking back from Machu Picchu to the Hidrolectrica station at 11:00 am.
The walking takes three hours, the first part is a 30-40 minute descent and the second 2 hours on flat ground next to the railway tracks.
You must be at Hidroelectrica between 14:00 and 14:30 PM, the minibus ride to Cusco takes approximately seven hours. Arrival time is around 22:00, the minibus will drop you off in the centre of Cusco.
The train usually leaves at 14:30, 14:55 and 15:20, depending on availability.
To catch the train you will need to take a bus (25 minutes) or walk (1 hour) from Machu Picchu down to Aguas Calientes.
Once at Aguas calientes Town, you can spend some time exploring the town or have lunch, but you must be at the train station 30 minutes before departure.
The train takes 1 hour 45 minutes to Ollantaytambo, from where you will be taken by minibus for 1 hour 40 minutes back to Cusco.At the end you will be dropped off at the Plaza Regocijo near the main square.
Up-Grade to Vistadome Train.
If you choose the return train option, the price includes the Expedition or Voyager service, both with panoramic windows for panoramic views.
For a more immersive experience, you can upgrade to the Vistadome or 360 Inca Rail train, which features a glass roof and onboard entertainment, including traditional dancing and live music.
This upgrade costs US$145.00 per person.
if you will hike salkantay trekking, it’s essential to prepare your backpack and duffel bag in advance. We recommend bringing one or two large backpacks.
For the 5-day trek, carry only the essentials any extra items or luggage can be safely stored at your hotel in Cusco or in our secure storage room.
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 large 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.
We’ll pick you up from your hotel between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m. and head to Mollepata. We’ll then stop briefly for breakfast, which is not included. Afterwards, you’ll drive for one hour to Challacancha, located at 3,380 meters above sea level, which is the starting point.
From there, you’ll begin a two-hour hike to Soraypampa, which is located at 3,800 meters.There, you’ll have lunch and check into the cabins( first camp site), arriving around 1:30 p.m.
After lunch, you’ll continue with a one-hour and twenty-minute hike to Humantay Lake (4200 m/13,846 feet). Once there, you’ll have 45 minutes to enjoy the lake before descending back to Soraypampa.
In the evening, relax with tea at the campsite, then enjoy dinner at Soraypampa and rest up for the next day’s adventure.
Today, you’ll wake up very early in the morning with a cup of coca tea outside your hut, followed by a delicious breakfast.
After breakfast, you’ll begin trekking to Salkantay Pass (4600 m/15,092 feet). Once you reach the top, you’ll take some time to
explore the area and enjoy the breathtaking views.
From there, you’ll descend for 2 hours to the lunch place at Wayracmachay (3,800 m / 12,467 ft), where you can spot the vizcacha, a rabbit-like Andean rodent related to the chinchilla.
After a well-deserved lunch, you’ll descend for about three hours downhill. to Colpapampa (2,899 meters/9,514 feet), descending from the cold highlands into the lush cloud forest, You’ll notice the change almost immediately, as the weather becomes warmer and more humid, and the landscape turns greener.
For the night, you’ll spend the night in Andean Domes, offering a cozy and unique experience surrounded by the tranquility and greenery of the cloud forest. The campsite is located in Collpapampa.
Take your time enjoying the village in the morning while admiring the mountain views you left behind.
After a delicious breakfast, prepare for the most beautiful day of the trek. You’ll follow narrow paths alongside the river, cross wooden bridges, pass waterfalls, and walk through granadilla and banana plantations until you reach Lucmabamba (2,000 m/6,561 ft) for lunch. Once you reach the campsite you can rest a little and enjoy a coffee tour.
After lunch, you can choose to relax in your private jungle domes or visit the thermal baths in Cocalmayo, Santa Teresa (not included). Later, return to the campsite around 6:00 pm for tea and a freshly prepared dinner. Enjoy a peaceful evening surrounded by the jungle.
Today, you’ll greet the sunrise in a lush landscape filled with rivers, waterfalls, orchids, and vibrant banana, avocado, and coffee plantations. After a nutritious breakfast, you’ll get ready the next part of the excursion : hiking along a section of the original Inca Trail.
The trail will lead you upward along this ancient path and offer spectacular views of the Santa Teresa Valley. After about three hours of steady ascent, you’ll reach the Inca archaeological site of Llactapata. There, the local guide will share fascinating stories about its history and importance. From this incredible vantage point, you’ll also enjoy your first breathtaking views of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu mountains.
Then, you’ll descend to Hidroelectrica for lunch. You can then choose to hike three hours to Aguas Calientes or take the train for an additional $38.00.
Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes, you will check into the hostel. In the afternoon, you will enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant in this charming village at the foot of the magnificent Wonder of the World.
Tonight, you’ll rest comfortably at your hotel as you prepare for the final chapter of your journey.
IF YOU DONT HAVE ENTRY TO MACHU PICCHU.
If you haven’t booked your Machu Picchu entrance ticket in advance.You can still visit!
You’ll take a local taxi to Hidroeléctrica. From there, you’ll hike for about three hours along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes, where you can purchase your ticket at the official ticket office.
After checking in at your hostel, you’ll have some free time to explore the town and grab lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, you’ll head to a restaurant for dinner, and afterwards you’ll get all the information you need for your Machu Picchu tour.
Today is the highlight of your Salkantay Trek: one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu!
You’ll wake up early for breakfast and then hike for one hour and twenty minutes or take a bus to Machu Picchu.
Once you reach to the main gate at Machu picchu, youll present your Passports and entrance ticket, then, Your guide will lead you through the most famous temples, palaces, and plazas, sharing the mysteries and history of this spectacular Inca city perched high on the mountains. The guided tour lasts about 3 hours, including time to stop and take photos at the best viewpoints.
If you’ve pre-booked tickets, you can also climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, just remember to allow extra time for these hikes.
The excursions include Circuit 2 by default, the most comprehensive route. If it’s sold out, we’ll offer the next best alternative, which may be Circuit 1 or 3. We strongly recommend securing your Machu Picchu tickets as early as possible because entry is on a first-come, first-served basis, and the best circuits and schedules sell out quickly.
After your visit, you’ll walk back or take a bus back to Aguas Calientes. Have lunch, collect your bags from the hotel, and board the train to Ollantaytambo. From there, a private van will bring you back to Cusco, arriving at your hotel around 7:30 pm, completing an unforgettable day.
Note: You’ll also have the option of walking from Machu Picchu to Hidroeléctrica, which takes three hours. From there, you can take a van back to Cusco, which takes about six hours.
The altitude range varies throughout the trek, reaching a maximum of 4,600 meters at Salkantay Pass and descending to 2,900 meters at Colpapampa. Walking time ranges from 4 to 5 hours on Day 1 to 9 to 10 hours on Day 2, depending on the distance and terrain.
Accommodation during the trek includes camping in huts or tents. On Day 1, accommodation is in comfortable huts at Soraypampa, while on subsequent days, camping is in tents. Single occupancy options may be available upon request, although they may come with additional charges.
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.
Yes, there are optional activities available during the trek. On Day 3, there is the option to visit Cocalmayo’s thermal baths in Santa Teresa for relaxation, at an extra cost. On Day 4, participants can choose between a trek from Lucmabamba to Aguas Calientes via the Llaqtapata ruins or a zip line adventure in Santa Teresa, also at an extra cost.
After visiting Machu Picchu on Day 5, participants descend to Aguas Calientes to board the train back to Ollantaytambo. From there, a bus will take them back to Cusco, marking the end of the trekking adventure.
I had an unforgettable experience on this trek to Machu Picchu! From the early morning start in Cusco to the stunning hike up to Soraypampa and the awe-inspiring views at Humantay Lake, every moment was well-planned and enjoyable. The accommodations in comfortable huts added a nice touch of comfort after a day of hiking.
The trek over the Salkantay Pass was a highlight, offering breathtaking views and a sense of achievement. The journey through the jungle to La Playa and Santa Teresa, with the optional zip line adventure, added variety and excitement. The final ascent to Machu Picchu was the perfect ending to this adventure, with a detailed guided tour that brought the ancient city to life. Highly recommended for adventurers and history enthusiasts alike!

