{"id":3427,"date":"2023-11-14T13:51:47","date_gmt":"2023-11-14T18:51:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ericadventures.com\/cusco\/trekking\/salkantay-trek-machu-picchu-4days-copy\/"},"modified":"2026-04-23T11:04:17","modified_gmt":"2026-04-23T16:04:17","slug":"salkantay-trek-5-days","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.ericadventures.com\/en\/cusco\/trekking\/salkantay-trek-5-days\/","title":{"rendered":"5D Salkantay Trek"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Salkantay<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

SALKANTAY TREK \u2013 MACHU PICCHU (5 DAYS)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We will enjoy the challenge of the diverse ecosystem and the magnificent view of the snow-capped Salkantay<\/strong> (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<\/strong> or Humantay<\/strong>, whose peaks exceed 5000 m.a.s.l.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is the best alternative way to reach Machu Picchu if the traditional Inca Trail is unavailable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ITINERARY details <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Day 1: Cusco \u2013 Mollepata \u2013 Challacancha \u2013 Soraypampa<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The journey starts at 5:00 am<\/strong> departing from Cusco. The vehicle transfer (approximately 4 hours<\/strong>) takes us to Challacancha<\/strong> (3400 m.a.s.l.) after passing through the town of Mollepata<\/strong> (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<\/strong> (5217 m.a.s.l.) and the majestic Salkantay<\/strong> (6264 m.a.s.l.).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  • Trekking Time:<\/strong> 2 to 3 hours.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Accommodation:<\/strong> The campsite will be set up in Soraypampa<\/strong> (3700 m.a.s.l.).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Weather:<\/strong> Cold.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Optional: Humantay Lake Hike<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Extra Trekking Time (Round Trip):<\/strong> 3 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Ascent Details:<\/strong> The hike goes from Soraypampa (3900 m.a.s.l.) to Humantay Lake (4220 m.a.s.l.).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Day 2: Soraypampa \u2013 Paso Salkantay \u2013 Collpapampa<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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

    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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Conditions:<\/strong> The camp is located within the tropical forest, so the weather will be warm<\/strong>, and it is important to be prepared for mosquitoes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Total Trekking Duration:<\/strong> 9 to 10 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Destination and Accommodation:<\/strong> The campsite will be established in Collpapampa<\/strong> (3000 m.a.s.l.).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Day 3: Collpapampa – Wi\u00f1aypoco – Lucmabamba<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The third day focuses on the biodiversity<\/strong> and plantations<\/strong> 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<\/strong>. Along the way, we will have the opportunity to interact with local families<\/strong> in communities like Wi\u00f1aypoco<\/strong> (2650 m.a.s.l.) and Granadilla<\/strong> (2100 m.a.s.l.).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    • Trekking Time:<\/strong> 7 hours.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Accommodation:<\/strong> The campsite will be established in Lucmabamba<\/strong> (2000 m.a.s.l.).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Weather:<\/strong> Warm during the day, with mosquitoes present.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      Immersive Experience: From Plant to Cup<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Optional: Relaxation at Hot Springs<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Day 4: Lucmabamba – Sitio Inca Llactapata – Pueblo Machu Picchu<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      After breakfast, the hike takes us along the Inca Trail<\/strong> to the Llactapata<\/strong> 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<\/strong> of the Machu Picchu mountain and the Vilcanota Canyon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Subsequently, we will begin the descent to the Hidroel\u00e9ctrica Train Station<\/strong> (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)<\/strong> (2050 m.a.s.l.). We will spend the night in this town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Weather:<\/strong> Warm, with the presence of insects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Trekking Time:<\/strong> 8 to 9 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Day 5: Machu Picchu pueblo – Machu Picchu – Cusco<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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

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

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

        TIME OF PERMANENCE INSIDE MACHU PICCHU:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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        • 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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • 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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Re-entry to Machupicchu is not allowed, except for reasons of force majeure.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • 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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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