Affordable Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days

  • Days 5
  • Guests: Group
  • Difficulty : 8/10
  • Available: Mar-Jun
  • From Cusco

Overview

Embark on an extraordinary 5-day group expedition along the iconic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. Delve into the ancient paths of the Incas, journeying through captivating terrains adorned with exotic orchids, majestic waterfalls, and vibrant foliage. Finally, culminate your adventure by unraveling the mysteries of the legendary “Lost City” of Machu Picchu, immersing yourself in its captivating ruins during a guided exploration at your leisure.

What you Will Experience

  • Trek in the footsteps of the Incas on the famed Salkantay Trail.
  • Marvel at the majestic snow-capped peaks and untamed waterfalls of the Andes.
  • iscover the mystique of the "Lost City of the Incas" with an expert guide.

Tour Details

Departure & Return Location

Your Hotel in Cusco (Google Map)

Cusco Centro Histórico (Google Map)

Departure Time & Duration

4:00 am 

5 Days

Include / Exclude

Price Includes

  • Tour in a Group
  • Pre-departure briefing
  • Specialized Mountain Guide (Spanish/English)
  • Salkantay Trek and Machu Picchu entrance fees
  • One-way bus transport from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
  • 3 nights Campsite accommodation and Camping equipment
  • 1 night basic accommodation in Aguas Calientes
  • Transportation by train and bus back to Cusco.
  • Cook and meals included (4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners)
  • Pack-mules and porters to carry all equipment
  • Luggage carriage of max. 5 kg/11 lbs. per person from day 1 to day 3
  • First aid equipment and Oxygen supply

Price Excludes

  • Sleeping bags (can be rented upon request)
  • Walking sticks
  • Breakfast on day 1, lunch and dinner on day 5
  • Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountains
  • Train transfer from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes (Optional)
  • Travel Insurance
  • Gratuities and additional expenses
  • Entrance Ticket to Humantay lake (20 PEN aproxx)
  • Transfer from La Playa to Hydroelectric (if you don´t want to hike)
  • Transfer and Entrance fee to Cocalmayo Hot spring (50 PEN approx)
  • Porterage of your lugagge on day 4
  • 1 way bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.

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Get a comprehensive itinerary that includes thorough explanations of every day, expert advice on how to make travel arrangements, and more details to ensure that this journey is ideal for you and your loved ones. It's simple to share with loved ones as well!

Additional Information

Itinerary

Day 1

Cusco - Mollepata - Soraypampa - Humantay Lake (L, D)

Kick off your adventure with an exhilarating 3-hour early morning drive to the trailhead, passing quaint villages like Callacancha and Limatambo. Along the way, savor multiple scenic stops to breathe in the crisp Andean air and soak in the mesmerizing vistas of the Andean Mountain range. As you trek through Peru’s distinctive landscapes, be captivated by the unique beauty surrounding you. Don’t miss the chance to embark on an optional round-trip hike to the renowned Humantay Glacier Lake, a true gem waiting to be discovered! Afterward, continue your journey to the Camp Base of Salkantaypampa, where you’ll settle in for the night and relish a delicious dinner while gazing at the majestic Salkantay peak in the distance.

Day 2

Salkantay Pass - Collpapampa (B, L, D)

Ascend to the trail’s peak at Salkantay Pass to admire spectacular views over the Southern mountain range, spotting some of the most important snow peaks, and of course, greeting the majestic Salkantay Glacier, which rises over 6,271 meters, one of Peru’s highest. Explore the snow before the 2-hour downhill hike to reach the camp for lunch.

The second part of the trail offers a dramatic change in scenery. Enter the upper part of the jungle known as the “Cloud Forest.” At the pace of a warmer atmosphere, look for orchids and waterfalls on the way to the village of Collpapampa, where you will spend the night.

Day 3

Collpapampa - La Playa (B, L, D)

After breakfast, follow our guide for an adventurous hike that will take you through amazing sights, appreciating a variety of crops, including the famous coca leaf, used for hundreds of years as a sacred plant. This last section will be downhill to La Playa. Here, you’ll have a typical lunch prepared by a local cook.

  • In the afternoon, you will have the option to visit the Cocalmayo hot springs (at an extra cost of approx 50 PEN), which we highly recommend you take.
  • Return to the campsite for dinner and rest.
  • The mules will carry our equipment only until this day; after that, you will have to carry your backpack.
Day 4

Hidroelectrica - Aguas Calientes (B, L, D)

Start your day early and continue your journey amidst breathtaking views of cascading waterfalls, pausing at a Natural lookout to catch sight of Machu Picchu Mountain. As you traverse through more fields adorned with coca and other crops like bananas and coffee, our expert guide will regale you with fascinating insights along the way.

Enjoy a typical lunch near Hidroelectrica before proceeding alongside the train tracks towards Aguas Calientes. If you feel fatigued, you have the option to take a train for this segment (at your own expense). By afternoon, we’ll arrive at Machupicchu town, nestled amidst towering rocky hills. Spend your final night in basic yet comfortable accommodations at the base of the magnificent Machupicchu.

  • For those who prefer, transportation from La Playa to Hidroelectrica is available at an additional cost, payable on-site.
  • If the group desires to hike up to Llactapata, there will be an extra charge of approximately 20 PEN to transfer your luggage, payable on-site.
Day 5

Machu Picchu - Cusco (B)

Embark on an early morning adventure at 4:30 am to the awe-inspiring Inca citadel of Machupicchu. Traverse through a tranquil jungle pathway, granting you exclusive exploration opportunities before the arrival of the crowds.

Upon reaching Machu Picchu, indulge in a captivating 2.5-hour guided tour, unraveling the mysteries of its temples, palaces, and priest houses. Afterwards, enjoy some leisure time to further explore the site at your own pace or opt for an exhilarating ascent of Huaynapicchu or the Machu Picchu mountains (extra cost, subject to availability), promising unparalleled panoramic views of the Citadel.

In the afternoon, board the train to Ollantaytambo, followed by a scenic bus journey back to Cusco. Your remarkable adventure culminates with a drop-off at your hotel or hostel.

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FAQ's

What is the best time of year to do the Salkantay Trail tour?
Is it necessary to be in good physical condition to do the trek?
What does the tour include in terms of accommodation and food?

May to September is ideal due to dry weather and clear skies, although nights are cold. Avoiding the rainy season (December to March) is key, as conditions can become dangerous.

It is advisable to be in good physical shape, since the hike is demanding, with long days and high altitudes. It is not necessary to be an athlete, but previous preparation will help you to enjoy the hike more.

Tours usually include accommodation in rustic camps or lodges, along with all meals prepared by a chef. Menus are varied and can accommodate dietary restrictions if requested in advance.

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