Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu 5-Day Adventure

Overview

The Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu is a 5-day adventure that takes you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Peru. This trek is an excellent alternative to the classic Inca Trail, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural immersion. The Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu allows you to experience the diverse ecosystems of the region, from high mountain passes to lush cloud forests, all leading to the majestic Machu Picchu.

Day 1: Start of the Salkantay Trek

Your Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu begins with a drive from Cusco to Mollepata, where the trek starts. On the first day, you’ll hike through picturesque valleys and enjoy views of the stunning Salkantay Mountain. The day ends at the Soraypampa campsite, where you’ll rest under the stars, surrounded by towering peaks.

Day 2: Challenging Ascent to Salkantay Pass

Day two of the Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu is the most challenging, as you ascend to the highest point of the trek, the Salkantay Pass at 4,650 meters (15,200 feet). The effort is rewarded with incredible panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. After the pass, you’ll descend into the warmer, tropical zone of the Andean jungle.

Day 3: Descent into the Cloud Forest

On the third day of the Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu, the landscape changes dramatically as you descend into the cloud forest. Here, you’ll encounter a rich variety of flora and fauna, and pass by small villages where you can learn about local traditions and lifestyles. The day ends at the Lucmabamba campsite, nestled in the lush greenery of the cloud forest.

Day 4: Final Stretch to Aguas Calientes

The fourth day of the Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu takes you along the Inca trail to the archaeological site of Llactapata, which offers a unique view of Machu Picchu from a distance. After exploring Llactapata, you’ll continue your descent to the town of Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu, where you’ll spend the night in a comfortable hotel.

Day 5: Machu Picchu Tour

The final day of the Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu is dedicated to exploring the iconic Machu Picchu. An early morning bus ride takes you up to the citadel, where a guided tour will reveal the history and mysteries of this ancient Inca site. After the tour, you’ll return to Cusco, concluding your incredible 5-day adventure.

Why Choose the Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu?

The Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu is perfect for adventurers seeking a challenging and rewarding trek through some of Peru’s most stunning landscapes. With its combination of high mountain passes, cloud forests, and the ultimate destination of Machu Picchu, this trek offers an unforgettable experience.

Book the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu and embark on an epic 5-day journey through the heart of the Andes. Visit our website at Leading Peru Travel for more information, or contact us viaWhatsApp at +51 984 509 207.

Itinerary

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 days is one of the most spectacular treks you can do in all of South America. If you are thinking of trekking to Machu Picchu and want to be away from it all, in the middle of the mountains, close to the Andean communities and appreciate the diverse nature of Peru, this is your ideal route. A 5-day guided trek, with which you will enjoy unique and diverse landscapes such as snow-capped mountains, Andean villages, tropical forests and even a dense jungle to finally get to know Machu Picchu like a real trekker.

The Salkantay trek is a trekking route that takes the visitor to the Inca City of Machu Picchu. The total trekking distance is approximately 70 kilometers (5 days of trekking).

Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa.

We will depart very early, around 5.00 am. We pick you up from your accommodation in Cusco and drive to Mollepata, where we will make a short stop to buy breakfast and any personal supplies for the trek.

We will then drive to Cruzpata (3 400 m.s.n.m) where we will organize the horses (who will carry the supplies and backpacks). From here we will start the hike – around 3 hours of walking and then a stop for lunch at Challabamba.

After lunch we walk around 4 hours more before the valley broadens and flattens out and the beautiful conical snow-capped peak of Nevado Salkantay comes into view. Here at Soraypampa (4000m) we will have dinner and camp our first night.

Accommodation: Camping
Maximum Altitude: 4100 masl/13.4312feet
Minimum Altitude: 2850 masl/9.3504feet
Distance Travelled: 10 km/6.200mile.

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 2: Soyrococha – Huayraqmachay – Collpapampa

The second day after breakfast we climb to the highest point a pass lose to Nevado Salkantay (4,600 meters) from this point we can see the snow-covered Salkantay, we also have a breathtaking view of the snowy mountains like Umantay and Huayanay.

Today is the hardest day Then descend for an approximate 2:30 pm to Huayraqmachay (3700 m) where we will have a delicious lunch and then continue down through the jungle for about 3 ½ hours of walking to our second camp called Collpapampa (2600 m).

Accommodation: Camping
Maximum Altitude: 4650 masl/15.2559feet
Minimum Altitude: 2900 masl/9.5144feet
Distance Travelled: 21km/13.0488mile to Chaullay

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 3: Collpapampa – Playa – Santa Teresa

After breakfast walk downhill Ceja de Selva for a period of 6 hours, where we will see along the way coffee, coca, fruit, etc. We will also have time to take pictures of small waterfalls, parrots, hummingbirds, orchids, bamboo and much more in the tropical forest, and if you can observe the famous national bird of Peru called “Cock of the Rocks”.

Then We have Lunch at a place called Playa (2250 m) and then continue the trek to Santa Teresa Town (1,700 m) where we camp.

Accommodation: Camping
Maximum Altitude: 2900 masl/9.5144feet
Minimum Altitude: 2100 masl/6.8898feet
Distance Travelled: Approx 27km/16.9419mile

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 4: Santa Teresa – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes.

After breakfast, we crossed the Upper Urubamba river and then walked to Hydroelectric train station (km 116) where we have lunch. Then continue with the walk for a period of 3 hours to reach Aguas Calientes (2000 m).Overnight in a hostel (based on double occupancy).

Meals included:Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

DAY 5: Machu picchu – Cusco

After an early breakfast we head to the bus station where we boarded the first bus to Machu Picchu, where we have a guided tour for 3 hours aprox. Having free time to explore the archaeological site.

Alternatively you can visit the mountain Huayna Picchu, Temple of the Moon and sun door (Intipunku).

Then return by bus to Aguas Calientes to take the train back to Cusco.

Meals included: Breakfast.

Important:

If you wish to enter Wayna Picchu, you must pay $ 20 (twenty dollars)
All buses from the Inca Trail leave passengers at Plaza San Francisco, you must return on your own to your hotel.
Departure: 5.00 am, pick up from your accommodation the first day.
Return: about 8:30 p.m. on the fourth day

Includes

Salkantay Trek Include

Prívate Transportation: Cusco – Mollepata
Train: Aguas Calientes – Cusco-backpacker train – if you want another kind of train let us know in advance Reunión
informativa 1 día antes previa al viaje en nuestras oficinas.
Entry: Machu Picchu – adult If students have the ISIC card and CARD, let us know ahead of time to apply the relevant discount.
Bus: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
Bus: Playa – Santa Teresa
Hotel: Acomodación doble en Aguas Calientes (Cuarto día- habitaciones dobles).
Briefing prior 1 day prior to the trip in our offices.
Hotel: double accommodation in Aguas Calientes (Day Four- doble room).
Professional bilingual guide (English / Spanish).
Assistant Guide: From 12 people.
Cook: In charge of food preparation.
Carriers: Responsible for the management of horses and camping equipment. Horses: Carry tents, food, cooking equipment, backpacks, sleeping bags and matrass (8 kg/17 lbs per person).
Meals: 4 Breakfasts / 4 Lunches / 4 Dinners and snacks.
Equipment: Double tents, matrass, dining tent, toilet tent, kitchen tent, chairs, tables and first aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle.

Not Include

Breakfast and lunch the first day last day.li>
Drinks.
Sleeping bag.
Tips for guides, porters and cooks.

Recommendations

Difficulty of the Salkantay Trek

The Salkantay Trek is considered moderately challenging to difficult. Hikers should be prepared for long walking days, steep ascents, and high-altitude conditions.

The most demanding section is the ascent to Salkantay Pass at 4,650 meters above sea level. Good physical fitness and proper acclimatization in Cusco are highly recommended before beginning the trek.

Despite the challenge, the rewards include some of the most spectacular scenery in Peru and a unique journey to Machu Picchu.

Best Time to Hike the Salkantay Trek

The best time to hike the Salkantay Trek is during Peru’s dry season, from April to October.

Dry Season (April – October)

Sunny days and clear mountain views.
Excellent trekking conditions.
Ideal photography opportunities.
Peak tourist season.

Rainy Season (November – March)

Greener landscapes.
Fewer visitors.
Increased chance of rain and muddy trails.

May through September are generally considered the best months for trekking to Machu Picchu.

Packing List for the Salkantay Trek

Packing properly is essential for a successful trek.

Essential Clothing

Moisture-wicking shirts.
Hiking pants.
Thermal layers.
Waterproof jacket.
Warm fleece.
Hat and gloves.

Footwear

Waterproof hiking boots.
Comfortable camp shoes.
Hiking socks.

Personal Gear

Daypack.
Reusable water bottle.
Trekking poles.
Sunglasses.
Sunscreen.
Headlamp.

Documents

Passport.
Travel insurance information.
Entrance tickets.

Health Items

Personal medications.
Altitude sickness medication.
Insect repellent.
Basic first aid kit.

FAQs About the Salkantay Trek

How long is the Salkantay Trek?

The classic Salkantay Trek lasts 5 days and covers approximately 70 kilometers.

How difficult is the Salkantay Trek?

The trek is considered moderately difficult due to altitude and long hiking distances.

Do I need a permit for the Salkantay Trek?

Unlike the Inca Trail, special permits are generally not required, making booking easier.

What is the highest point of the trek?

Salkantay Pass is the highest point at 4,650 meters (15,255 feet).

Can beginners do the Salkantay Trek?

Yes, provided they have a reasonable level of fitness and spend a few days acclimatizing in Cusco beforehand.

Is the Salkantay Trek worth it?

Absolutely. Many travelers consider it one of the most scenic and rewarding trekking routes in Peru, offering stunning landscapes and an unforgettable arrival at Machu Picchu.

Price

The cost of this Tour is expressed in American dollars and is per person, the cost will depend on the hotel accommodation you choose, we work with hotels from 2** to 5**** stars, it will also depend on the type of room required : single (1 person), double (2 people) and triple (3 people). You can request the list of hotels we work with for your choice.

Important – In the months of January – April the services of the companies Inka Rail and Peru Rail leave and arrive at the stations of Ollantaytambo or Pachar (2 hours from the city of Cusco). – The prices of our Tours include transfers to these stations

Discounts: Our packages Perú Travel Salkantay Trek to Macchupicchu 5 Days 4 nights from 3 people have a special discount for all our tour packages.