The Salkantay Trek is a popular alternative to the Inca Trail and is known for its stunning mountain views and diverse landscapes. The trek typically takes 4 to 5 days, covers a distance of approximately 74 km (46 mi), and reaches an elevation of 4,600 meters (15,090 feet) at the highest point.
The trek begins with a visit to the picturesque Humantay Lake, which sits at an altitude of 4,200 meters (13,780 feet) and is surrounded by snow-capped peaks. From there, the route takes hikers through the lush forests of the Mollepata Valley, across the Salkantay Pass, and down into the Santa Teresa Valley.
Along the way, hikers will pass through small traditional Andean villages, where they can learn about the local culture and way of life. The trek ends with a visit to the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, one of the most iconic destinations in Peru.
Overall, the Salkantay Trek is a challenging yet rewarding experience, offering breathtaking scenery and a chance to connect with the natural and cultural heritage of Peru.
Cusco Hotel transfer.
05:00 AM.
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days is a thrilling adventure that takes visitors on a 5-day journey through the stunning Andean mountains to the iconic Machu Picchu.
The trek offers a unique perspective of the history and culture of the Incan Empire, with expert guides providing valuable insights into the significance of each site and its cultural heritage. Visitors can witness the breathtaking beauty of the Andean mountains, with its stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
The trek also offers the opportunity to experience the vibrant culture and hospitality of the Andean people, as visitors pass through traditional villages and meet locals along the way. With its fascinating history, stunning natural beauty, and rich cultural significance, the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days is a must-do activity for any traveler seeking an unforgettable adventure in Peru.
We begin the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu at 5:00 AM from Cusco. We will take a private bus to Challa Cancha, which is approximately 2 hours away from Cusco. From there, we will start our hike to Soraypampa, which is around 3,900 meters (12,795 feet) above sea level. We will hike for around 7 hours, passing through breathtaking landscapes of the Andes Mountains, including snow-capped peaks, valleys, and streams.
Along the way, we will stop for a picnic lunch and take breaks to rest and acclimatize to the altitude. Once we reach Soraypampa, we will set up camp and have dinner. We will also have the opportunity to relax in the natural hot springs nearby.
The first day of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu will be challenging but rewarding, and it will be an opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the Andes Mountains. We will spend the night in Soraypampa and prepare for the second day of the trek.
We start the second day of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu at around 6:00 AM. We will hike for around 9 hours, passing through the highest point of the trek, the Salkantay Pass, which is approximately 4,600 meters (15,092 feet) above sea level. We will be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
After crossing the Salkantay Pass, we will descend into the cloud forest, passing through Huayracmachay and arriving at Collpapampa. Along the way, we will have lunch and take breaks to rest and acclimatize to the altitude. We will also have the opportunity to see different species of birds, plants, and animals.
We set up camp in Collpapampa and have dinner. We will spend the night in Collpapampa and prepare for the third day of the trek. The second day of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu will be challenging but rewarding, and it will be an opportunity to experience the diversity of the Andean ecosystems. We will end the day at around 5:00 PM.
We will start the third day of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu at around 7:00 AM. We will hike for around 6 hours, passing through the cloud forest and arriving at La Playa (Sahuayaco), which is approximately 2,100 meters (6,890 feet) above sea level. Along the way, we will see different species of plants, fruits, and animals, including orchids, coffee, and avocado plantations.
After arriving at La Playa, we will have lunch and then take a bus to the town of Santa Teresa. In Santa Teresa, we will have the option to relax in the natural hot springs, visit the local market, or go ziplining. We will spend the night in Santa Teresa and prepare for the fourth day of the trek.
The third day of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu will be less challenging but equally enjoyable, and it will be an opportunity to experience the diversity of the Andean flora and fauna. We will end the day at around 4:00 PM.
The fourth day of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu start at around 7:00 AM. We will hike for around 3 hours, passing through the Urubamba River Valley and arriving at Hidroelectrica, which is approximately 2,000 meters (6,562 feet) above sea level. Along the way, we will see different species of plants and animals, including the famous Andean hummingbirds.
After arriving at Hidroelectrica, we will have lunch and then hike for another 2 hours along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. Alternatively, we can take a train from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes, which takes around 30 minutes.
We will spend the night in Aguas Calientes and prepare for the fifth day of the trek, which is the visit to Machu Picchu. The fourth day of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu will be less challenging but equally enjoyable, and it will be an opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the Andes Mountains and the Urubamba River Valley. We will end the day at around 4:00 PM.
We will start the fifth and final day of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu very early in the morning, taking the first bus to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes. Once we arrive at Machu Picchu, we will have a guided tour of the citadel, visiting the main attractions such as the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana, and the Temple of the Three Windows.
After the guided tour, we will have some free time to explore Machu Picchu on our own or hike to the Sun Gate for a panoramic view of the citadel. We will then take the bus back to Aguas Calientes for lunch.
In the afternoon, we will take the train back to Ollantaytambo and then take a private bus back to Cusco, arriving at around 8:00 PM. We will end the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with a sense of accomplishment and unforgettable memories of the Andes Mountains and the Inca civilization.
The tour involves a challenging hike, with steep inclines and varied terrain. It is recommended for visitors with a good level of fitness and experience in hiking.
The tour is generally safe as long as you follow the instructions of your tour guide and take necessary precautions for the hike. However, it is recommended to check with your tour operator for any safety concerns or updates before booking.
Yes, you can hire a porter to carry your luggage or camping equipment during the tour. Please check with your tour operator for any additional costs or arrangements.
Alcohol and smoking are not allowed during the tour to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants. Please follow the instructions of your tour guide and respect the policies of the tour operator.
