Classic Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu 5 Days
Trip Type: Hiking, adventure, history, culture and nature
Trip Length: 5 Days/ 4 Nights
Group Size: 2-12 Hikers
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging, but rewarding hike.
Weather: Dry season (Cold & sunny days) – Rainy season (Changeable weather)
Hiking Distance: 48.5 km
OVERVIEW
Explore “Deep Peru”, hiking one of Peru’s most picturesque landscapes around Cuzco. The Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu that follows the path of the Incas is celebrated and considered by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine to be among the 25 best Treks in the World. This magnificent trail is perfect for adventurers who wish to become personally integrated in changing ecosystems from one day to the next and for those who want to turn back the time and learn the rich culture of the Incas. Look at¡; This 5-days trekking expedition will take you at the base of the sacred SALKANTAY snow peak (6,271 meters; 20,700 feet), considered by the local natives to be the “Guardian Spirit of the Jungle” and will provide you with the opportunity to experience with your own eyes the remote native villages, secluded lakes, waterfalls, the paradise of lush cloud forest and region’s other ecological biodiversity, before reaching the Sanctuary of MACHU PICCHU. You will need a good dose of adrenaline as you hike up a pass above 4600 meters (15,000 feet).
The trip is supported with horses for your convenience and we provide you with top quality camping equipment and a very balanced and energy-rich diet.
Would you like a remote experience in the Andes? If so, then secure your spot today!
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Cuzco – Soraypampa- Soyrococha
Early morning pick up from your hotel or accommodation in Cusco at approx. 4:30 A. M. You will then begin the 3.5-hour drive to the trail head in Soraypampa. You will pass through the small town of Mollepata and continue to Soraypampa for breakfast. After breakfast, your trek will start by visiting Humantay Lagoon, where you will hike approximately 1.5 hours along a steady uphill. After enjoying this magical and crystalline lake, you will make your way back down by the same path to the main trail. Your hike will continue for 2 more hours to the Salkantaypampa where you will get your first views of Salkantay peak and where you will have your lunch. After enjoying lunch and siesta you will carry on ascending through a winding trail until you get to the campsite at Soyroqocha, where you will enjoy a warm dinner.
Hiking Distance: 7 Km /4 miles (5 to 6 hours)
Campsites Altitude: Night 1: 4,400 m (14,435 ft)
Day 2: Soyrococha – Wayracmachay-Colpampa
After an early breakfast, you will get ready to test your physical condition, because today is your big day and the day you have to tackle Salakntay Pass, located at a dizzying height of 15,157 feet (4,620 m). Take heart, it will take just 2 hours or so to get to the highest pass, then take your time to appreciate the towering majesty of the glacier cap, some views of the Andes, and others mountain chains. After a well-deserved rest, we will descend the mountain slowly until we reach Huayracmachay, where you will have lunch nearby. Then you will continue downhill surrounded by flora and fauna to the campsite at Colpampa.
Hiking Distance: 16 km/9.5 miles (7-9 hours )
Campsites Altitude: Night 2: 2770 m (9,087 ft)
Day 3: Colpampa— Playa-Lucmabamba-Santa Teresa
After a healthy breakfast, the trail continues down the valley into the high jungle. Today, you will enjoy a gentler trail and a warmer climate as you walk along the banks of the Santa Teresa River through the dense bamboo trees, past waterfalls, coffee farms, fruit plantations and you will have chances for birdwatching. You will have lunch at midpoint of the trail. It will be a day full of culturally significant learning experiences. After having lunch and visiting a coffee farm, you will take our van in order to head to the Thermal bath (Hot springs) in Santa Teresa, where you will enjoy your medicinal bath. We will pitch up our tent nearby here.
Hiking Distance: 15 km/ 9.4 miles (6-7 hours)
Campsites Altitude: Night 3:1,550 m (5,086 ft)
Day 4: Santa Teresa – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes
After your delicious breakfast, you will have plenty of time to enjoy your bath in the Hot springs or zip line, then you will catch our private car to make the drive to Hydroelectric town. Once you arrive to Hydroelectric train station, get ready to enjoy the tempered weather, then you will continue your last 3-hour hike to Aguas Calientes. At the midpoint of the trail you will have your box lunch. If you feel unwell or for any other reason that does not allow you to continue with the trek, you have the option of taking the train to Aguas Calientes. The extra cost is $31. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.
Note: Zip line activity, add extra cost of $40 per person.
Hiking Distance: 10.5 /6.5 miles (3-3.5 hours)
Campsites Altitude (Hotel): Night 4: 2,000 m (6,561 ft)
Day 5: Private Machu Picchu Tour – Return to Cuzco.
Day 5 will be one of the more remarkable and busy day, because you will visit one of the 7 new wonders in the world and thus, after enjoying your delish breakfast, you will need to wake up early and will walk to Aguas Calientes town in order to go up to Machu Picchu sanctuary with your guide by bus and you will have a memorable walking tour through the “lost city of the Incas” and let yourself be swept away by the magical landscape that surrounds this important ruin. You will have 3 hours guided tour by your speaking English guide. Finish up with last photos and then return to Aguas Calientes town for the return trip to Cusco. Note: you will take your train at 14:55/15:20 for the return trip with the Expedition train to the Ollantaytambo train station where you will catch our private van back to Cusco and your hotel. You can expect to arrive at your hotel by 19:00 pm.
Hiking Distance: Walking tour in MP for 3 hours
Upgrade options:
Climb Huayna Picchu for views over the ruins or add an extra day in Machu Picchu.
- Salkantay trek is celebrated by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine to be among the “25 Best Treks in the World”.
- Relish in a morning visit to the absolutely crystalline Humantay Lake nestled at the base of Apu Humantay Mountain (Day 1).
- Hike along the winding Salkantay trail with the mountain’s tallest peak right before your eyes (Day 1 and Day 2)
- Enjoy your trekking through the luscious high jungle, you will find countless wild fruits such as banana, avocado, passion fruit, and granadilla. There are also waterfalls and streams where you can refresh your feet and cool off! (Day 3)
- You will hike along part of the famous Inca Trail and you will enjoy as much as possible your bath in Cocalmayo hot spring (Day 4).
- Explore the astonishing the lost city of the Incas Machu Picchu (Day5).
- Create your unforgettable trip to Machu Picchu via PeruRail or Inca Rail Train (Day 5).
Included
- Pre-departure briefing in our office or your hotel. Time to be determined by the company.
- Private Accommodation: 3 nights camping on the Salkantay trek and 1 night of accommodation in a three-star hotel in Aguas Calientes. The hotel you book will be listed on your invoice. Upgrading hotels are always possible at additional cost.
- Camping equipment: Dining and kitchen tents, 4 man tents for 2 people, portable toilet tent, tables, chairs, and cooking gears (all carried by the horses).
- Inflatable mattress:Thermarest air mattresses that are 3 inches thick, which add a lot of comfort to sleep and rest.
- Pillow, rain ponchos and duffel bag.
- Transportation: You will be provided with all transportation for this trek. You will be picked up directly from your hotel around 4:30 A.M., and brought to the trail head. A roundtrip bus ticket is included from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu Inca City and return. The train back from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or Poroy will be on the Expedition Class Train and will be included in your trip (Day 5). You also have the option to upgrade to the Vistadome train for $75 per person. Once you arrive at the train station, our van will take you back to your hotel in Cusco (Day 5).
- Professional Guides: English speaking, professionally educated guides. All of our guides studied English and tourism at Cusco National University. They all grew up in the Cusco region, and are committed to teaching others about their heritage. They are fun yet professional and will ensure you are safe, sound and happy so you can enjoy your time worry-free!
- Trekking Chef: A chef and his assistant, specialized in cooking on the trail, will prepare all of your delicious meals to replenish your energy along the trail.
- Cargo Mules: On day 1 and 2, cargo mules will carry all camping equipment and your personal baggage allowance (7 kgs/15.4 lbs). On days 3, 4 and 5 your duffel bags will be carried by car or train to your destination.
- 1 Saddle horse or emergency horse: This service will only be available the first 2 days of the trek, as those are the most challenging ones, starting on the 3rd day there are vehicles available for the transportation of hold-all.
- Meals: 5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners (vegetarian, vegan, or special menus are available at no extra cost), 4 Snacks, 4 happy hours. All these meals are prepared by our Chef.
- Water: We will provide you water for your morning hike every day and again during lunch. We suggest to bring your camel bag and extra energy drinks for this trek, because being well hydrated is the key to feeling great in the mountains.
- Products for hygiene: You will be provided with a small towel, soap and hand sanitizer before each meal to clean your hands.
- Entry ticket to Machu Picchu Archeological Site and Salkantay trail.
- Hot Springs in Santa Teresa.
- First-Aid Kit: Our guides have received training in first aid from physicians. Our guides will bring an emergency oxygen bottle, as well.
Not Included
- Sleeping Bags:You can rent one from our company if you do not have your own. Our sleeping bags are effective and durable to protect from temperatures as low as -18ºC (0ºF). They are mummy form and include a sleeping liner. The bags are cleaned after every use and have a maximum usage of 30 trips. (Cost: USD $20).
- Walking Sticks:You can rent a set from our company if you would like (Cost: USD $15/pair).
- Last Day: Lunch in Aguas Calientes.
- Travel Insurance.
- Tips for our staff:Tipping is of course 100% voluntary and should only be done if you feel like your guide, porters, horse men and Chef have done an amazing job for you.
- Option:If you are too exhausted to hike all the way to Aguas Calientes, you have the option of taking the train from Hidroelectrica station to Aguas Calientes (Cost: USD $31).
- Additional costsor delays out of control of the management (landslides, bad weather condition, itinerary modification due to safety concern, altitude sickness, change of government policy, political instability/strike, etc.).
- Hayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (Cost: USD $75): These hikes sell out fast and must be booked in advance. Please let us know at the time of booking if you wish to do one of these additional hikes.
Optional Service:
Huayna Picchu: $75 USD and Machu Picchu Mountain $75 USD: Huayna Picchu: Huayna Picchu is the mountain that stands next to Machu Picchu. It is a 45-minute hike to the top. Going back down is quite steep if you are scared of heights. You would do this after your tour of Machu Picchu. The cost is $75. Right now, to walk up to Machu Picchu Mountain it will take 3 hours round trip and the cost is the same $75. Arrangements need to be made at least one month in advance due to popularity. Please understand that the weather is out of our control.
This classic Salkantay trek is available almost all year, this tour IS CLOSED in February due to heavy rainy season and landslides during this month. On the other hand, Peru usually celebrates annual festivities, special events, special occasions and activities such as: The Feast of the Sun, Easter Sunday procession, Folkloric Parade, Carnival, Christmas Day, Bullfighting, and so on, occasionally, unforeseen events such as: Solar and Lunar eclipses would be a surprising experience for you. For this reasons, Inca Vision Company guarantees your departure dates. BOOK now! Only your confirmation is needed.
CLICK here to check your availability for Annual Festivities, Special Events, Choquequirao trek & Machu Picchu.
Availability Dates: All year around, except (February)
January 1st.
February or March (Variable Sunday)
March or April 1st to 8th.
June 24th
July 28th and 29th.
October 31st.
November 1ST and 2nd.
December 24th and 25th.
IMPORTANT REMINDER: For this trek you will need one hold-all or duffel bag, which we will provide. However, you will be carrying your small day pack while hiking. Please pack as light as possible. A light backpack is key to feeling great!
- Passport (very important)
- Valid STUDENT CARD (if you booked as a student)
- Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- 2L Camelbaks or water bottles
- Water for the beginning of your hike. We will resupply you at lunch.
- Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles) and sandals. (very important)
- 5 Wicking/Hiking T-Shirts & and 2 hiking pants
- Nice shirt and pants for Machu Picchu day – remember you will always treasure these photos, wear something you love
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho, warm jacket, down jacket, fleece or sweater, scarf, wool hat, sunglasses, gloves and 5 pairs of socks
- Bathing suits & small towel for the hot springs (Optional on your own in Aguas Calientes or Santa Teresa)
- Sun protection cream and sun hat (very important)
- Insect Repellent
- Camera/ Cellphone with extra Power Bank
- iPhone/iPod for music
- Flashlight or head lamp with spare batteries (very important)
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
Toiletries
- Face moisturizer
- Hand Sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Personal medications
- First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc
We require a deposit of 50% of the total price per person for any tours or treks. The deposit can be made via PayPal or Western Union. If you rent camping and hiking gear, upgrade tours or receive a discount of the total price our sales team will email you the updated remaining balance payable at our Cusco office.
For shared service (Group Tour)
- $ 675 USD per person (3 people minimum)
For private service (Private Tour) are based on group size:
- 2 People: $ 980 USD per person
- 3 People: $ 800 USD per person
- 4 People: $ 720 USD per person
- 5 People: $ 690 USD per person
- 6 People: $ 675 USD per person
Note.
- If you book this tour for more than 2 people, ask for it and get a discount for this tour.
- 17 years old or less, the discount is $35 USD
- If you book this tour as a private service, then it includes Vistadome /Panoramic Train 360° train on the way back to Cusco.
Pay with PayPal
Please note that PayPal charge a fee of 5.5 % (only for online deposits) which the client is responsible for. The fee is for the use of PayPal’s secure payment gateway. Please send your deposit to incavisiontours@gmail.com and notify us after payment has made through PayPal.
Discounts:
Student Discount: US$35 (Requires Studen Card to qualify (and be NO older than 25 Years Old)
Under 18’s Discount: US$35
Student discounts apply to anyone who has a valid UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD at the time of the trek or who is 17-years-old or younger. For those using an university student card to receive the discount, or booking children 17-years-old or younger, we need a copy of their passport at booking time. Please send all to incavisiontours@gmail.com
Optional Extras Not Included (Need to book in Advance):
There are several optional upgrades you can include in this trip. Below is a quick list of prices.
Huayna Picchu: $75 per person
Machu Picchu Mountain: $75 per person
Vistadome Train (one way): $70 per person
Huayna Picchu is the mountain that stands next to Machu Picchu. It is a 45-minute hike up to the top. Going back down is quite steep if you are scared of heights. You should do this after your tour of Machu Picchu. The cost is $75. Right now, to walk up to Machu Picchu Mountain it will take 3 hours round trip and the cost is the same $75. Arrangements need to be made at least one month in advance due to popularity. Please understand that the weather is out of our control.
Hotel: If you are doing overnight tours or treks that lead to Machu Picchu, you will be provided accommodation in a 3 star ★★★ hotel (Intipunku hotel or similar) in Aguas Calientes. For upgrades or cancellation, please enter your request in the special request box above. If you are booking a Peru Package Tour for 5 or more days, please contact our sales team.
Room Types: Matrimonial (1 bed for 2 people); Double (2 single beds), Single (1 bed for 1 person). If you wish to add extra beds, please specify in the special request box above.
Train: If you are doing tours or treks that lead to Machu Picchu. Expedition train is included from Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo/Poroy or vice versa. To upgrade to Vistadome Train, $70 pp or Vistadome Train round trip, $125 pp. Please enter in the special request box above.