Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu, Cusco, Peru 5 Days

SALKANTAY TREK – MACHU PICCHU (5 DAYS)

Explore the path to Machu Picchu, passing through the stunning Salkantay mountain, surrounded by deep valleys and breathtaking views. This trek perfectly combines natural and cultural beauty, allowing you to enjoy beautiful Andean landscapes that are the habitat of many Andean animals, such as alpacas and condors, as well as orchids and various fruit trees.

We will enjoy the challenge of the diverse ecosystem and the magnificent view of the snow-capped Salkantay (6264 m.a.s.l.), considered the most representative mountain of the Vilcabamba mountain range. Furthermore, the trek transports us to the time of the Incas, making us aware of the spirits of mountains like Tucarhuay or Humantay, whose peaks exceed 5000 m.a.s.l.

This is the best alternative way to reach Machu Picchu if the traditional Inca Trail is unavailable.

ITINERARY details

Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Challacancha – Soraypampa

The journey starts at 5:00 am departing from Cusco. The vehicle transfer (approximately 4 hours) takes us to Challacancha (3400 m.a.s.l.) after passing through the town of Mollepata (3000 m.a.s.l.). In Challacancha, we meet the muleteers and the rest of the team to begin the trek. The initial route crosses a splendid valley, offering views of imposing snow-capped peaks like Humantay (5217 m.a.s.l.) and the majestic Salkantay (6264 m.a.s.l.).

Trekking Time: 2 to 3 hours.
Accommodation: The campsite will be set up in Soraypampa (3700 m.a.s.l.).
Weather: Cold.

Optional: Humantay Lake Hike

A highly recommended additional excursion in the afternoon is to Humantay Lake. After lunch in Soraypampa, you can ascend to the lake to enjoy its beauty and the view of the snow-capped peak of the same name.

Extra Trekking Time (Round Trip): 3 hours.

Ascent Details: The hike goes from Soraypampa (3900 m.a.s.l.) to Humantay Lake (4220 m.a.s.l.).

Day 2: Soraypampa – Paso Salkantay – Collpapampa

After breakfast, the group will begin the climb toward the Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the trek, situated at 4600 m.a.s.l. From this pass, we will enjoy an unparalleled view of the imposing Salkantay peak 6264 m.a.s.l.).

After reaching the summit, we will start the descent. At this stage, the ecosystem gradually changes, allowing us to appreciate the vegetation becoming denser and more lush as we go down.

Conditions: The camp is located within the tropical forest, so the weather will be warm, and it is important to be prepared for mosquitoes.

Total Trekking Duration: 9 to 10 hours.

Destination and Accommodation: The campsite will be established in Collpapampa (3000 m.a.s.l.).

Day 3: Collpapampa – Wiñaypoco – Lucmabamba

The third day focuses on the biodiversity and plantations of the region. The hike begins with a descent into a forest where a rich variety of species can be admired, including orchids and bromeliads. Further along the trail, we will pass by coffee, cacao, and fruit crops. Along the way, we will have the opportunity to interact with local families in communities like Wiñaypoco (2650 m.a.s.l.) and Granadilla (2100 m.a.s.l.).

Trekking Time: 7 hours.
Accommodation: The campsite will be established in Lucmabamba (2000 m.a.s.l.).
Weather: Warm during the day, with mosquitoes present.

Immersive Experience: From Plant to Cup

The afternoon in Lucmabamba is dedicated to a cultural immersion with a local rural family. You will have the opportunity to witness coffee cultivation and processing. You will learn that, after planting a coffee tree, it takes about 3 to 4 years to bear its first fruits, known as “coffee cherries.” These turn a bright red color when ripe and ready for harvest. Due to the plant’s nature and the mountainous terrain, harvesting is a manual, difficult, and labor-intensive process. You will be shown and explained the complete production chain, from the cherry on the tree to the beverage in your cup, with time to ask questions to the local farmers.

Optional: Relaxation at Hot Springs

As a reward after several days of effort, there is an option to relax at the Santa Teresa hot springs. If you wish to participate, you should coordinate with your guide to take a vehicle from Lucmabamba to Santa Teresa.

Day 4: Lucmabamba – Sitio Inca Llactapata – Pueblo Machu Picchu

After breakfast, the hike takes us along the Inca Trail to the Llactapata archaeological site (2650 m.a.s.l.). This natural viewpoint is ideal for appreciating the local flora and observing the vestiges of Inca culture. From here, you will enjoy a spectacular view of the Machu Picchu mountain and the Vilcanota Canyon.

Subsequently, we will begin the descent to the Hidroeléctrica Train Station (1950 m.a.s.l.). We will take a break here to rest. Finally, we will continue on foot to the town of Machupicchu (Aguas Calientes) (2050 m.a.s.l.). We will spend the night in this town.

Weather: Warm, with the presence of insects.

Trekking Time: 8 to 9 hours.

Day 5: Machu Picchu pueblo – Machu Picchu – Cusco

The day begins early; we will leave the hotel after breakfast at 5:30 am. We will board a tourist bus to ascend to the citadel of Machu Picchu (2400 m.a.s.l.) and estimate arriving around 6:00 am.

Machu Picchu Visit: After a guided tour detailing Inca life and culture, you will have free time to explore the archaeological site on your own.
Optional: If you have permission, you can also climb Wayna Picchu Mountain (2750 m.a.s.l.).
Estimated Walking Time inside the Site: 2 hours.

Afternoon and Return: You will have free time in Aguas Calientes until your train departs for the return journey at 18:20. During this time, you can enjoy lunch at a local restaurant or visit the town’s hot springs for a moment of relaxation before your trip.

TIME OF PERMANENCE INSIDE MACHU PICCHU:

The time inside Machu Picchu will be a maximum of four (4) hours from the time of the entry until the departure, between 6:00 and 4:00 p.m., according to the respective registration (it closes at 5:30 p.m.). Except for the tickets that combine with alternate routes 1: Waynapicchu Mountain and 2: Machupicchu Mountain, they can spend 6 hours.
The number of tickets to be sold by schedules will be established according to the capacity of Machu Picchu and the use of alternate roads that allow entry.
Re-entry to Machupicchu is not allowed, except for reasons of force majeure.
The breach of the time of permanence (4 hours) generates the additional charge of another extra ticket, otherwise the immediate withdrawal of the tourists and guides, this with the support of the authorities.

INCLUDED

A mandatory briefing will be held one or two nights before departure, at 7:00 PM, in our office (must be confirmed upon booking).
You will have a professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English), as well as a cook and the necessary support team for camp logistics.
Complete camping equipment is provided, including a furnished dining tent.
The package includes 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners. Vegetarian options, snacks, and daily afternoon tea are included. Hot beverages, such as coca tea, are also included.
Muleteers and pack animals are provided to carry up to 7 kg of your personal belongings.
A first-aid kit, oxygen, and an emergency horse are available for part of the trek.
Initial ground transportation from your hotel in Cusco to the trek’s starting point is included.
One night’s hotel accommodation with breakfast in Aguas Calientes, with a private room and bathroom, is included.
Entrance permits to Salkantay National Park and Machu Picchu are included.
The return tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and the subsequent bus transfer to Cusco are included.

Not included

Breakfast on the first day and lunch on the last day in Aguas Calientes are not included.
The train ticket from the Hydroelectric Plant to Aguas Calientes is not included (hiking is assumed).
The bus ticket down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes is not included (an additional $12.00 USD, although hiking is an option).
Sleeping bags are not included, but can be rented for $7.50 USD per day.

We recommended to bring

Daypack with a waterproof cover
Sleeping equipment
Apparel for varying temperatures, including a water-resistant jacket
Waterproof trousers and light hiking pants
Sturdy hiking footwear
Flip-flops or sandals (useful for hot springs and showers)
Synthetic or wool socks and a warm jumper
A mix of long-sleeve and short-sleeve shirts
Waterproof poncho and headwear
Swimwear (for the thermal baths in Aguas Calientes)
Sun protection, bug spray, and hand sanitizer
Water flask with purification tablets, personal hygiene items, and toilet tissue
Camera (protected by a plastic cover)
Torch or headlamp with spare batteries
Energy snacks such as dried fruit and chocolate
Official passport, valid ISIC card (if applicable), and local currency (Soles)
Because the climate can be damp and freezing, wet clothing will likely not dry overnight; ensure you bring adequate changes of clothes.

NOTES:

Our clients, who come from low altitude areas, need to be in Cusco at least 3 days before the tour departure, in order to acclimatize.
Equipment and Luggage Transport
- Between the first and third days (traveling from Challacancha to Collpapampa), our team of muleteers and pack animals will transport all camping gear along with your personal belongings, up to a limit of 7 kg. On the fourth day, your bags will be moved to the Hydroelectric station via vehicle.
Huayna Picchu Access
- Climbing Huayna Picchu mountain requires advanced booking; we apply a supplemental fee of US$ 65.00 to secure your entry permit (following regulations established on July 18, 2011).
Overnight Locations
- The specific campsites used during the trek to Machu Picchu may differ from the initial itinerary based on availability, the guide’s professional judgment, or the walking speed of the group.
Elevation Readiness
- To prevent altitude-related illness, we suggest reaching the area at least 48 hours before the hike starts. Please notify us upon your arrival in Cusco to coordinate the orientation session.
Staff Gratuities
- Our guides and culinary staff deeply appreciate donations, such as children’s school supplies or clothing, as a gesture of thanks for their service.

PRICES

Prices in American Dollars per person.

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