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Salkantay Trek 5 days to Machu Picchu
PRICE FROM USD $280
The Salkantay Trek to machupicchu in 5 Days is the best alternative route to the Inca citadel. This trek will lead you to the stunning Humantay Lake. The imposing Salkantay Mountain, and the edge of the Peruvian jungle.
You’ll spend the night in cozy Andean Huts and experience Andean specialties in the Andes highlands. Our knowledgeable guides will join you on the tour and teach you about the region’s history and nature.
Salkantay Trek 5 days at a Glance
Day
01
01
Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa - Humantay Lake.
Day 1: In the morning, we trek to Soraypampa and enjoy a delicious Lunch.
In the afternoon, hike up Humantay Lake at the night stay at Andean Huts
Day
02
02
Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Huayracmachay – Chaullay
On day two, we will hike to the highest point of our journey, Salkantay Pass, and witness the Salkantay mountain through the forest. We Spend the second night. At Andean Huts.
Day
03
03
Chaullay – La Playa – Lucmabamba.
Explore an organic coffee estate as you walk through the Inca Jungle. Also Sap we offer ZIP LINE or Cocalmayo Hot spring We provide campsite accommodations for the night.
Day
04
04
Santa Teresa – Llactapata – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes
In morning You’ll hike to the inca archaeogical site of llactapata ,and accommodation in Aguas calientes.
Day
05
05
Machu Picchu – Cusco
This Day In the morning, we start exploring Machu Picchu.
Then you’ll board the train to Ollantaytambo, and our private transportation will take you back to Cusco.
WHAT'S IT LIKE SALKANTAY TREK
HIGHLIGHTS SALKANTAY TREK PERU
- Visit the stunning location: Humantay lake, and the Glorious Salkantay Mountain.
- Be a witness incredible: Waterfall, Glacier, Snow Cap Mountains Wildlife and Andes lush.
- Enjoy: The best trekking adventure experience in south America.
- Majestic Lagoons: Passes by vibrantly colored lagoons such as. The Humantay Lagoon, whose turquoise waters are a sight to behold.
- Adventure and Challenge: With a maximum altitude of 4,630 meters, above sea level. The passage through the Abra Salkantay. is a real challenge that offers a sense of significant accomplishment.
- Cultural Encounters: The tour provides the opportunity. to interact with local communities, and learn about their traditional way of life.
- Lodging Options: Unlike the Inca Trail. The Salkantay Trek offers a variety of lodging options, including open-air campsites and more comfortable accommodations such as. Mountain Sky Huts.
- Complete Experience: The 5-day Salkantay trek. allows for gradual acclimatization, and the ability to fully enjoy the journey without rushing. with time for reflection and absorption of the views.
- Access to Machu Picchu: The last day culminates with arrival at Machu Picchu. One of the New Seven Wonders of the World. with a guided tour to better understand this fascinating Archaeological site.
FULL ITINERARY SALKANTAY TO MACHU PICCHU
Day
01
01
Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa Humantay Lake
We will Pick up you at the Hotel early around 4.00 am in morning . you’ll traveled in our private transportation. you can sleep bit more on the way to Mollepata Town (2857m) After 2 h , we going to stop at Mollepata Town .
There you can enjoy your box of breakfast provide by your accomadation in cusco.
Then we will continue 1 hour to Challacancha 3750m, Where we’ll start our salkantay trail.
In first you will meet the Chefs and Horsemens, (Horsemens you can loade your Back pack on horses max 6 Kg ). Then you will start with 3h moderate walk to Sorayapampa 3869m , where we will spend our night on first day.
Once we in Sorayapampa our chefs will prepare the buffet lunch. after the deliciously buffet lunch we will start trek 3 h to the famous Blue – Green water Humantay Lake 4221m. When you reach Humantay Lake, you can explore soround few hours then we will back to Sorayapampa andean Huts.
There our chefs wait for you with buffet dinner. also there SAP team will offer cofee or tea before the dinner. after delicious dinner you can rest in your cabins, and recarge your energy for next day.
Day
02
02
Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Huayracmachay – Chaullay
Begin with day 2: This is the most challenging day in your trek. Your guide will wake you with a hot mug of Coca tea or coffee to help you recover your energy.
Our chefs will prepare a buffet of nutritious breakfasts. After a hot tea and delicious breakfast we’ll start the 7-kilometer trek. to “Salkantay” Lake through “Salkantay Pass” (the highest point in the trek) at 4638 m.
You can take great photos of the massive snow-capped mountains “HUMANTAY”, and “Salkantay”. towering above us and at the lakes and rivers below. We will stay around 30 minutes for rest. There, you can enjoy panoramic views of the mountains.
Also, you can join with our guides to Considered Apus (INCA God). then we continue down the trek to “Wayracmachay” for lunch.
Our chefs are waiting there for a buffet lunch. After a delicious meal , we continue the trek to the “Chaullay” Andean Huts. here SAP we’ll arrange a tea table where you can enjoy various hot drinks while hanging out with your trek buddy. In 1h, you can enjoy a buffet dinner arranged by our chefs before resting in our next exclusive.
Day
03
03
Chaullay – La Playa – Lucmabamba
On day three, we’ll start our day about 6.30 a.m. We serve early hot tea to recuperate your energy and then, our cooks will provide you a sustenance Breakfast.
Following breakfast, we begin our hike through the Inca forest and small towns. You may appreciate the animals and vegetation, including orchids, different plants, bananas, and avocados. in our 4 and 6-kilometer trip to Lucmabamba.
We provide a buffet lunch at Lucmabamba. After the Andes lunch, you have a free afternoon. You can relax with a cup of tea or coffee.
Before dinner, we provide a hot spring bath. For this, you must have a request from your guide. After the hot springs, we return to the camping site, where you may have an Andean buffet diner & ready for next day.
Day
04
04
Lucmabamba - Llactapata – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes
On the fourth day, we get up early and have coca tea or coffee. While you enjoy your morning tea, our chefs will prepare a buffet breakfast.
After a fantastic breakfast, we set out on the Inca Trail to Llactapata Mountain (2736 m). During the hike, SAP provides a coffee plantation visit. If you enjoy coffee you may visit the organic coffee fields, as well as the avocado and orange farms. which are major exporters to the United States and the European Union.
When you reach the Llactapata mountain, you may take a photo with view of Machu Picchu in the background. and you can explore the inca ruins while trekking to Hidroelectrica (1771m). Hidroelectrica serves lunch.
After the Andes lunch. we provide the transportation to Hidroelectrica town. once you reach to Hidroelectrica , we going to 3 h hike to Machu Picchu town along train tracks (Aguas Calientes).
Optional – if you want train ride from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes the price will be $46.00 for one way train tickets.
After a few hours of trekking. once you arrive in Aguas Calientes, we will proceed to check you into your accommodation. Here, you can freshen up before dinner. Around 7:00 in the evening, we will head to a local restaurant where you can enjoy your dinner.
Day
05
05
Machu Picchu – Cusco
Arriving at Machu Picchu’s Main Gate from Aguas Calientes:
You have two options for getting from Aguas Calientes to visit to Machu Picchu’s main gate.
You have the choice of embarking on a stunning 1.5-hour trek. or opting for a convenient bus excursion, costing approximately $12 for a one-way ticket. The decision is entirely yours, and you can even make it on the day of your Machu Picchu visit. Regardless of which option you choose, your day will commence at 4 a.m. with a hearty breakfast at your hotel in Aguas Calientes.
If you woild like to trek to Machu Picchu, your adventure will begin about 4:30 a.m. Begin by walking from your accommodation in “Aguas Calientes” to “Puente Ruinas,” which takes around 30 minutes.
Puente Ruinas is the first checkpoint where you must submit your Machu Picchu tickets. and original passports to obtain admission. After passing the “Puente Ruinas” checkpoint, you will begin an upward journey to MachuPicchu, with roughly 1,700 steps.
This ascent usually takes between one hour and one hour and twenty minutes. When you arrive at Machu Picchu’s main gate. you’ll meet your group and guide to enter the site and begin your incredible tour through this historic Inca fortress.
MACHU PICCHU GUIDED TOUR:
Our itinerary includes a Machu Picchu ticket, with the major circuit options being circuit 01 or circuit 02.
(Best-Selling Circuit 01 or 02)
As a precaution. If the first choice is not available, we will include circuits 03 or 04. Ticket availability is dependent on the time of booking. therefore if you prefer circuit 1 or 2, we recommend reserving well in advance.
For additional information on the various circuits and ticket details, please visit our website or contact us by whatsapp . When you arrive at Machu Picchu, our knowledgeable tour guide will lead you on a 2.5-hour tour of the Inca city.
following the route on your ticket. The guide will tell you about the history and importance of Machu Picchu. and there will be time for taking photos and enjoying the beautiful views. During the whole Machu Picchu trip, you will see the most renowned spots on the site.
Following the guided tour, you will have some free time to explore and relax on your own. Book your Huayna Picchu hike in advance because it sells out fast and costs $60 per person. your guide will take you to the starting point. The trek will take no more than 2 hours, including the round trip duration.
What’s Included FOR SALKANTAY TREK ?
Permits & Entrance Tickets
- Entrance Tickets Machu Picchu (Circuit 2-A: Ruta diseñada )
- Entrances Tickets to Humantay Lake and Salkanatay
- High Quality Service & safety
Pre – departure Briefing
- Join our full briefing at 6:00 p.m. the day before your departure at the Sap Adventures office to ensure you’re trekking-ready.
- Can’t make it in-person?. Not an issue. Simply contact us via WhatsApp at +51 960 827 076 to schedule a virtual briefing. To ensure a smooth setup, please contact us at least 48 hours in advance to schedule a bespoke session with your tour guide.
Duffle Bag Service
- During the briefing session. We will provide you with a travel bag to carry up to 6 kilos of personal equipment.
Our team will transport these bags by horse along the route, and you will have acces to them at each campsite. This will allow you to walk comfortably with only your backpack. Upon completing your hike and returning to cusco, you can leave the duffel bags at the SAP office.
HOTEL PICK-UP
- Start your tour effortlessly with our direct pick-up service from your cusco hotel or Airbnb. Our team guarantees that you’ll leave between 4:30 to 5:00 am. so you can concentrate on getting ready for your adventure without worrying about timing.
transportation service
We provide private comfortable tourist transportation for your group from Cusco to the trek’s starting point at Challacancha. where you’ll meet our support team to begin your trekking adventure. This car ride takes about 3 hours, making it a convenient and comfortable way to start your trek.
- Day 5: Train Ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Day 4) – PeruRail Expedition Service.
- Transport from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco.
KITCHEN TEAM
- Our chef and his team dedicate themselves to preparing the exquisite meals you will enjoy during the Salkantay trek.
They have specialized training in the safe handling of food in remote environments. making them experts in creating balanced and nutritious dishes to keep every adventurer energized. Additionally, they specialize in vegetarian and vegan options you may have.
KITCHEN EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS
- We supply all the essential kitchen equipment. and utensils for meals preparations and serving. Our team transports these items to each campsite. allowing you to enjoy your meals in ideal conditions.
Experienced guided tour at Machu Picchu
- Certified bilingual (English and Spanish) tourism guides lead our treks. All our guides working with SAP. The Peruvian government licenses them. They graduated from well-known Peruvian colleges or tourist schools to guide tours to Machu Picchu.
MULETEER AND HORSE TEAM
- Our muleteers and horses are responsable for the carefol transportation of all equipment and personal luggage to each campsite. This includes camping gear, food, slleeping bags, and your 6 kilo duffle bags containing personal items.
With skill and professionalism. They handle the luggage to ensure it reaches each camp on time, even in bad weather like rain. Their hustle lets you just focus on the journey while they take care of your stuff safely and efficiently.
Medical Kit
Our WhatsApp and local phone services are accessible 24 hours a day.
- In any emergency, our guides can reach us via satellite phone.
24/7 Customer Service
- Our WhatsApp and local phone services are accessible 24 hours a day.
- In any emergency, our guides can reach us via satellite phone.
Accommodation
Embark on a nature’s embrace with our thoughtfully arranged accommodations on the 5-day journey. Spend 3 nights in spacious Andean Huts. where magical evenings under the stars await you. and conclude with a cozy stay in a welcoming hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Our cam accommodations are roomy. comfortably accommodating 4 people, yet we typically assign them to only 2 for added privacy and comfort.
Each cabin comes with comfy mattresses for restful sleeo. Please remember to bring or rent a sleeping bag. get ready for a serene and inviting retreat deeply connected with nature.
- Day 1 SORAYPAMPA – ANDEAN HUTS
ANDEAN HUTS – This made by wood for reduce cold temprage and roof with panoromic viwe .
- Day 2 Chaullay – ANDEAN HUTS
ANDEAN HUTS – This made by wood for reduce cold temprage and roof with panoromic viwe .
- WI-FI – 10-15 soles
- Hotwater shower – 10-15soles
- Day 3 Lucmabamba – ANDEAN HUTS
- ANDEAN HUTS – This made by wood for reduce cold temprage and roof with panoromic viwe .
- WI-FI – 10-15 soles
- Hotwater shower – 10-15soles
- Day 4 Hotel – Aguas Calientes
- Wifi
- Hotwater shower
Meals
- Experience a complete dining journey with our tour, featuring 4 nourishing lunches, 4 delectable dinners, and 4 satisfying breakfasts to keep you energized throughout the trek. Moreover, indulge in morning teas and snacks at the camps for an added boost.
- Day 1
- Breakfast: Before you leave Cusco, your Cusco accommodation will provide an early breakfast or box of breakfast.
- Option 2: SAP, we’ll stop at the service facility near “mollepata town .” ” There, you may purchase and enjoy your BreakFast.
- Lunch – buffet Lunch at Soraypampa Andean Hut.
- Dinner – buffet Dinner at Soraypampa Andean Hut.
- Day 2
- Breakfast – buffet Breakfast at Soraypampa Andean Hut.
- Lunch – buffet Lunch at Wayracmachay area .
- Dinner – buffet Dinner at Chaullay Andean Hut.
- Day 3
- Breakfast – buffet Breakfast at Chaullay Andean Hut.
- Lunch – buffet Lunch at Playa Sahuyacco
- Dinner – buffet Dinner at Lucmabamba camping site.
- Day 4
- Breakfast – buffet Breakfast at Lucmabamba camping site.
- Lunch – at Hidroelectrica town area.
- Dinner – at Aguas Caliente Resturent.
- Day 5
- Breakfast at Aguas Caliente Hotel.
- VEGETARIAN AND VEGAN DINING: We provide options for vegetarian and vegan meals. and we’re happy to accommodate dietary needs like gluten-free preferences. There’s no extra charge for these adjustments, simply inform us when booking your reservation.
What’s not Included?
- If you don’t have a sleeping bag, you may rent one from us for $10 USD for the entire travel.
- Train ticket from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes (36 USD)
- Optional bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu costs US$12 each way.
- Optional $20 admission charge for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
- We do not include travel insurance, but we strongly recommend it.
- Tipping is usual on all excursions in Peru. We pay our whole crew, but they always appreciate an extra tip, especially because they work so hard.
- Uncontrollable factors like as landslides, severe weather, and security concerns may cause additional expenses or delays.
PACKING LIST FOR SALKANTAY TREK
- Passport & water proof cover for passport
- Extra money in soles
- Personal medications
- Water bottle or camel back
- Sunscrean
- Insect Repellents
- Personal Care Products
CLOTHS
- Hiking Boots
- Light Footwear
- Trekking Socks
- Trekking Pants
- Short
- Long sleeve T-Shirts
- Warm Jacket
- Raincoat or Rain Poncho
- Sun hat
- Neck Gaiter or Buff
EQUIPMENTS
- Trekking Poles
- Backpack (15 – 25 L)
- Camera and chargers
- Power Bank
- Snacks
- Towel
- Fashlight
- Swmming kit
RECOMMENDED
- Snacks such as chocolate, cereal bars, candies, nuts, energy bars, etc.
- Earplugs
- Insect repellent
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Toilet paper
- Snacks
- Towel
- Fashlight
- Swmming kit
Price for the Salkantay Trek 5 Days
Price per person:
**Transparent and Fair Pricing. for Salkantay trek to Machupicchu 5 Days.
Our rates for the SALKANTAY tour are both competitive and in line with standard pricing in Cusco. Whether you reserve online or visit our office in Cusco, you can expect consistent pricing. We’re all about giving you the best service and making sure you get great value for your adventure.
OPTION 01 – SALKANTAY TREK 5 DAYS WITH RETURN BY CAR
ADULT: USD $ .280.00 Pp
STUDENT: USD $ 260.00 Pp (A Valid student ID is required)
CHILD (Minor): USD $ 260.00 Pp, Applies for all age 3 to 17 years
Required pre Payment – US$ 100 (you can do the payments in cusco after the Briefing )OPTION 02 – SALKANTAY TREK 5 DAYS WITH RETURN BY TRAIN
ADULT: USD $ 350.00 Pp
STUDENT: USD $ 320.00 Pp (A Valid student ID is required)
CHILD (Minor): USD $ 320.00 Pp, Applies for all age 3 to 17 years
Required pre Payment – US$ 150 (you can do the payments in cusco after the Briefing )
NOTE- Student IDs are not eligible for a discount whenTraveler is older than 25.
Expired ID.
Student ID without expiration date.
ISIC cards are not eligible .
Hotel
Hotel upgrades, such as shared rooms, single rooms, or 2- to 4-star hotels, are available for an additional cost. We suggest you ask for more info.
EXTRAS & UPGRADES
- Huayna Picchu – US$ 60.00.
- 360 Train ( aguas calientes – Ollantaytambo ) US$ 70.00.
- Extra night in Aguas Caliente – US$ 50.00.
- Walking Poles (Pair) US$ 10.00 (You can Rent by SAP).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Salkantay Trek?
The Salkantay Trek is one of the many treks that you can find in the Cusco Region of Peru. With roughly 75 km / 46 miles of distance and about 3000m / 10.000 ft of elevation.
This trek is tougher than the other trekking options in the area.vA typical Salkantay Trek will start in Cusco. They pick you up from your hotel and take you to either Mollepata or Soraypampa.
How High is The Salkantay Pass by Salkantay Mountain?
The Salkantay Pass is your biggest obstacle during the Salkantay Trek. The pass has an altitude of 4600m / 15100ft above sea level. On a typical Salkantay Trek, you are most likely to cross the Salkantay Pass on the second day. It is key to take it easy while crossing the pass. If you are prone to altitude sickness, then this is where it can happen. Fortunately, once you have crossed the Salkantay Pass, you will descend pretty quickly. This will aid your acclimatization and should settle the worst symptoms of altitude sickness.
We recommend improving your level of fitness and exercising to strengthen your muscles and avoid difficulties on the Salkantay trek. Pair your training with a nutritious diet and stay in Cusco for a couple of days before starting the Salkantay to acclimate to the altitude.
What Does The Salkantay Trek Cost?
This is not an unimportant question. If you want to make your Euros, Dollars or Sols go further, you should research your options carefully. Most people prefer to do the Salkantay Trek with a trekking company but you can of course also do it the vagabond way. Below we give you a rough estimate of the costs of your upcoming Salkantay Trek.
When Should I Do The Salkantay Trekking?
If you are thinking of trekking the Salkantay, it is good to know what you are in for in terms of weather. The Cusco area of Peru knows two distinct seasons. There is the dry season and then there is the rainy season. The dry season lasts from April to October with the driest months being June, July, and August. This is also the busiest season. Don’t worry, you are not doing the Classic Inca Trail, so you don’t have to worry too much about permits
The rainy season is from November to March and the worst months to go trekking to Machu Picchu are December, January, and February. It is not impossible, but you should ask yourself if it’s worth it. Oh, you like rain? Then go ahead! At least the Salkantay Trail, unlike the Classic Inca Trail, isn’t closed in February.
Note – you can organized with us on the breafing day or by Whatsapp ,Email a day before .
Salkantay Trek alternatives
- 5 days / 4 nights
- Pick-up Hotel
- Ticket to Machu Picchu
- 4 days / 3 nights
- Pick-up Hotel
- Ticket to Machu Picchu