Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5D/4N

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Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5D/4N

Starting from $ 510.00

Per person in group Service

Duration:

4 Days 3 Nights

Max. Altitude:

4,650 meters/15,255ft

Team:

Driver Team + Local Guides

Style:

Adventure/Cultural

Physical Level:

Demanding

Group Size:

Min 2 Persons

Embark on an Epic Andean Journey

Have you ever felt the mountains calling you to an adventure? We believe the Salkantay Trek 5 Days is that call turned into an unforgettable journey. This is not just a path to Machu Picchu; it’s an epic expedition recognized by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine as one of the top 25 treks in the world. We designed this trek for the traveler who seeks a genuine connection with nature. You will traverse breathtaking landscapes, from highland alpine settings to the lush lowland jungle, all under the watch of the awe-inspiring Salkantay mountain.

This journey is a profound immersion. We guide you through ancient Inca sites, introduce you to hospitable local communities, and create moments of pure wonder. Imagine conquering a high mountain pass and then descending into a vibrant cloud forest. This trek stands as a magnificent alternative Inca trail . Throughout the adventure, our expert guides share their Andean wisdom, transforming your trip into an enriching experience. Let us handle every detail, so you can focus on the majesty of the Andes. Your transformative adventure begins here.

DAY 1

Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Salkantay Pampa

Our journey begins with a 5:00 a.m. pickup from your hotel in Cusco. We travel towards the ancient Inca site of Tarahuasi before enjoying a nutritious breakfast in Mollepata, prepared by our chef. From there, we continue to Soraypampa (3,850m) to start our hike. The trail ascends for two hours to the stunning turquoise Humantay Lake at 4,200 meters. After connecting with sacred nature, we return to Soraypampa for lunch. We then hike for another 90 minutes to our first campsite at Salkantay Pampa, right in front of the spectacular Salkantay Mountain.

DAY 2

Salkantay Pampa – Salkantay Pass – Collpapampa

We wake you with a hot cup of coca tea as the sun rises. Today is the most demanding day, as we trek up to the highest point of the journey: the Salkantay Pass at 4,650 meters (15,255 ft). The views of the surrounding valleys and snowy peaks are absolutely spectacular. After conquering the pass, we descend for a couple of hours to Huayracmachay for lunch. Afterwards, the scenery completely changes as we enter the upper Amazon jungle, also known as the cloud forest. Our hike ends at the Collpapampa campsite (2,750m), in the warmth of the lowlands.

DAY 3

Collpapampa – La Playa – Lucmabamba

Today’s hike is easier and mostly flat as we trek along the Santa Teresa valley. We will be immersed in the lush landscape of the cloud forest for about 6 hours. Along the way, you will see wild orchids and plantations of coffee, banana, and avocado. You will even taste the native Granadilla fruit. We arrive at our campsite in Lucmabamba (2,050m) for lunch. In the afternoon, you will explore and taste organic coffee prepared by a local family, learning about the main farming industry in the region.

DAY 4

Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Aguas Calientes

We start the day by conquering a small section of the famous Inca Trail. It’s a 3-hour climb with amazing views of the Santa Teresa valley. This path leads us to the Llactapata Inca site, situated right in front of Machu Picchu. From this special place, you will see the citadel, Huayna Picchu, and Machu Picchu Mountain. We then descend for two hours to the Hidroeléctrica station for our final lunch from the chef. Following our meal, we board a scenic train for a 45-minute journey to Aguas Calientes, where a hot shower and a comfortable hotel await.

DAY 5

Machu Picchu – Cusco

The grand finale has arrived. After an early breakfast, we board one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu to experience the sunrise. Your expert guide will lead a 2-hour historical tour of this fascinating crystal city. You will then have free time to continue exploring on your own. Later, we descend to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included) before boarding the panoramic train to Ollantaytambo. Our private bus will be waiting there to transfer you directly back to your hotel in Cusco.

Included:

Private transportation from your Cusco hotel and back.
Professional Crew: An expert, English-speaking guide, a professional chef, and horsemen for the equipment.
A professional chef.
Porters, horse men, horses or mules who will carry the gears.
Porters to set up and clean your trekking equipment.
Pick up from your hotel in the morning and transfer in a private van to Soraypampa where you start hiking.
Entrance ticket to Salkantay Trek
Campsites tickets
Entrance fee Machu Picchu
Round trip bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
Train ticket from la hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes.
Train ticket back to Cusco at the end of your journey.
Personal tents: 2 people in each 4 - people capacity tent.
Dinning tent, kitchen tent, and chairs manned by a professional cooking staff.
Toilet tent with bio- degradable toilet facilities.
Accommodation 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes on day 4
Duffle bag up to 8kg per person (including sleeping bag and sleeping pad)
Meals (5B, 4L & 4D).

VIP SERVICE EVERYTHING THAT INCLUDES IN THE TOUR

Sleeping bag
trekking stick
Extra oxygen
First Aid kit
One foamy sleeping pad per person
Inflatable Mattress
Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
Pre-departure Salkantay trek briefing, presented by the tour guides at 7:00 pm at the office a day before
Duffle bag to get ready 7 kilos of your belonging carried by horses.
English/Spanish speaker professional guide.
Guided visit to Machu Picchu.
Transportation to head of Salkantay trail.
24-hour guest service: We have telephone service available 24 hours/day for ease of communication and preparation with the agency leading up to your trek.
2-night camping
1-night hostel in Aguas Calientes
4 breakfast
3 lunches
3 dinners
Transport from la playa to Santa Teresa
Personal pad (double foam – 2.5 inches thick).
Pillows at the first Camp.
Cooks and cooking equipment.
Vegetarian food available on request with no extra charge.
First Aid equipment and Oxygen bottle for emergencies.
Horses for carrying – 7 Kilos of each hiker.
transport from Ollantaytambo train station to Cusco.
New – Mountain sky Huts + Inflatable Mattress + Night Lighting with Glassdoor
BY CAR 3:00 pm. From Hidroelectrica
BY TRAIN at 18:20
Train tickets: From Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (“Expedition” service with Peru Rail at 18:20 PM)
Transport: Private transport from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco (Day 3)

No Included:

Meals: Lunch on the final day in Aguas Calientes.
Optional Hikes: Entrance fees for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain ($75 each).
Gear Rentals: Sleeping bags (-10°C, $20), trekking poles ($15), and inflatable mattresses ($20). A personal tent is available for a $30 supplemen
Insurance: Travel and health insurance are not included but are strongly recommended.
Gratuities: Tips for the guide, chef, and trekking staff are optional and not included.

What to Take with You?

Original passport (the same used for booking your Trek).
Valid University student card (if you booked as a student).
Good day pack (the smaller the better).
Water storage 2 - 3 L (Camelback are encouraged)
Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support.
Sleeping bag (can be rented from Hello Machu Picchu)
Headlamps
Toilet paper.

What to Put in The Duffle Bag?

As a local tour operator, we provide you with the duffle bag at your briefing and pack animals will carry your 8kg/17 pounds of duffle bags of your personal items, it includes your sleeping bag and air mattress. Please count 2 kilos for your sleeping bag and 1 kilo for your air mattress, this leave you about 5 kilos for your personal gear.
2 hiking pants.
4-5 t-shirts.
4-5 sets of undergarments
Couple fleece / Thermals.
Waterproof Jacket.
Waterproof Gloves.
Comfortable shoes or flip flop for camp.
Quick drying towel
Extra Battery - no electricity the first 2 days.
Toiletries
Face moisturizer
Hand sanitizer
Water wives
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Personal medication
First aid kit

What To Put In The Day Pack?

Sun Hat
Sunblock
Headlamp
Wool Hat
Rain Poncho
Fleece
Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
Coca leaves
Gloves
Camera
Hand sanitizer
Toilet paper
Extra money for souvenirs, drinks and tips.

Price per person:

$ USD

1 Person

Briefing

The night before your Trek, there will be a pre trek talk with your expert guide at our office at 6:00pm

Pickups

Peru Hikers will pick you up directly from your hotel. As long as your hotel is in center of Cusco city. Some treks will allow for pickups on the Sacred Valley.

The Possible Starting Locations

Inca Trail: Cusco, Urubamba, Yanahuara and Ollantaytambo

Salkantay Trek: Only Cusco
Lares Trek: Cusco and Pisac
Rainbow Mountain Trek: Only Cusco

Day Tours: Cusco, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo.

Is The Trek Difficult? Or Do I Need to Be Fit?

This famous Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is a 70 km / 43.49 miles hike in the Andes of Peru.
Day two is challenging because you will climb up to 4,650meters/15,255ft the highest point on the Salkantay Trek. You should be well prepared and healthy prior to starting it.
It is also important to have well acclimatization to the altitude. Try to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco (3,400m/11,154ft) prior to start your Trek.

Are There Toilets On the Salkantay Trek?

We provide a private, clean and sanitary toilet tent with a seat.
there are local’s toilets, but the cost 1 Peruvian soles

What happens if I am unable to finish the Classic Salkantay Trek?

Hello Machu Picchu will assist you to the nearest city for help with transportation.
We always carry our first Aid Kit; in extreme situations a helicopter pick up can be arranged at your own expense. (Your Travel insurance is required and recommend).
Generally, we transport you to Mollepata town, when you recover quickly you will continue with the journey towards Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu (cost incurred by traveler) according to the original plan.

Are we dropped off at our hotel after the trek of Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu?

Absolutely! We will drop you off at your hotel, and also, if you booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley,our Peru Hikers representative will drop you off there.
At what time is the train departure?
It depends on the train availability; the idea is to give you as much time as possible in Machu Picchu to explore and enjoy this fascinating city on the way back to Cusco.
You will take the train at 15:20, 16:22 or 16:43 depending on availability.

Insurance

Travel protection is essential for your peace of mind and safety throughout the journey.
Unexpected medical emergency or illnesses prior to your trip could make you lose pre-paid, non-refundable payments. Emergency medical transport and air ambulances in remote location can be extremely expensive and will probably not be covered by your medical health plan, so it is mandatory that you purchase personal travel insurance. Your insurance must cover, personal accident, medical expenses, air ambulance, repatriation costs and all other expenses.
There are several insurance companies offering travel protection plans available for purchase online. Very important when you take (adventure – activities).

Group Tours

Our group tours are comprised of all different types of people, with various hiking skills and ages. By agreeing to our group tour you understand that some travelers might be slower or faster than you are. Your expert guide will work through the group to spend the time with everybody to make the best decision for the group.

Lost Items

You are responsible for your personal items throughout the journey. Please be diligent about where you leave your things and remember to remove all items from our bus, tent, restaurant, etc. Dont leave anything unintended while hiking. Other trekkers or groups may pick it up not knowing who it belongs to.

How Is the Weather in Peru?

It depends on where you visit.
On the coast of Peru is usually quite hot although during the dry season (April – August) it can get chilly early in the morning and at night. In the Andes of Cusco, you will find two main seasons – wet and dry. The wet season runs from November toApril but is usually warmer overall.
The dry season runs from May to October and has hot clear days but cold nights.
Peruvian weather is difficult to accurately predict. You can see beautiful clear hot days in the middle of the wet season and hail storms in the dry season – this is the magic and beauty of Peru.

What Is Altitude?

The primary cause of altitude sickness is going to high too quickly. Given time your body can adapt to the decrease in oxygen at specific altitudes. This is known as acclimatization and generally takes 1 to 3 nights at the given altitude.

Prevention of Altitude Sickness

Dont over – exert yourself or move higher for the first 24 hours.
If you go above 10,000ft (3,047m), increase your sleeping elevation by 1,000ft (305m) per day and for every 3,000ft (915m) of elevation gained, take a rest day.
If you start to show of symptoms of moderate altitude sickness, dont go higher until symptoms decrease If symptoms increase, go down and down.
Keep in mind that different people will acclimatize at different rates. Stay properly hydrated.
Take it easy; dont over – exert yourself when you first get up to altitude.
Avoid tobacco, alcohol or other depressant drugs including, tranquilizers and sleeping pills.
Eat a high carbohydrates diet while at altitude.

Preventive Medications

Diamox (acetazolamide) changes acid balance which allows you to increase breathing and improve oxygen uptake – the same mechanism as in normal acclimatization, but faster.
Dexamethasone (a steroid) is a drug decrease brain and other swelling, helping to reserve the effects.

Tipping

It is customary in Latin America to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected – though not compulsory. Anything extra will be an expression of satisfaction for the persons who have assisted you on your tour. This is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your journey.
If at the end of your Trek you feel your trekking guide and support team did an amazing job, tipping is appreciated. The suggestion is that each hiker contributes the following to the collective pool. The amount recommended is different per trek and listed below. For the guide, this is more personal, it would be the most welcome. It is of course at your discretion or whatever you are comfortable leaving….

Trekking Crew

Inca Trail (4 and 5 days)
Porter 60- 80 soles
Chef 160 soles
Lares trek (4days)
Porter 100 – 120 soles
Chef 200 soles
Salkantay Trek (5 days)
Porter 120 soles
Chef 200 soles
Salkantay trek 5 days
Group 655
Private 975- based on group size

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5D/4N