+51 984 751 486 perutravelcompany@gmail.com Cuesta Santa Ana N° 701 and siete cuartones Nº 245

Price

From$245

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Length

5 Days, 4Nights

Group

Min 8, Max 16

Trip Style

Trekking

Grading

1,2,3,4,5

Tour Details

Embark on the Salkantay Trek, a 5-day private excursion recognized by National Geographic as one of the top 25 treks globally. This trek stands as a premier alternative to the classic Inca Trail, guiding adventurers along a less trodden path through the stunning Andean landscapes, culminating in the awe-inspiring visit to Machu Picchu.

Highlights :

Llactapata Inca Site: Kick off your journey with a hike to the Llactapata ruins, perched at 2,700 meters (8,856 feet). Here, amid ancient Incan architecture, catch your initial, breathtaking glimpse of Machu Picchu’s distant silhouette. This early view sets an anticipatory tone for the adventure ahead, as you stand on the grounds that once buzzed with Incan activity.

Humantay Lagoon: Continue to the Humantay Lagoon, a jewel-like body of water nestled at the base of its namesake mountain. The lagoon’s strikingly vibrant turquoise waters provide a stunning contrast against the rugged backdrop, reflecting the dramatic peaks that surround it. This spot is perfect for contemplation and photography, capturing the essence of Andean beauty.

Salkantay Mountain: Ascend towards the formidable Salkantay Mountain, standing at 6,271 meters (20,569 feet), one of the highest peaks in the Andes. Trekking beneath Salkantay offers a profound sense of scale and the raw power of nature. This segment of the trek not only challenges your physical limits but also provides an unforgettable experience of walking beneath towering ice-clad peaks, enveloped in a cloak of clouds and alpine winds.

Diverse Landscapes: The trek takes you on a journey through an array of ecosystems, each distinct in flora, fauna, and climate. From lush cloud forests dripping with moss to arid mountainsides where cacti cling to life, your path unfolds through some of the most varied terrains on the planet. The trek provides continuous views of majestic landscapes, including the peaks of Apu Salkantay, Pumasillo, and Humantay Mountain, each contributing to the dramatic horizon.

Extra Activities: For adventurers looking to enhance their trekking experience, additional activities include:

Climbing Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for an elevated view of the citadel ($25 each).
Experiencing the thrill of a Zip Line adventure in Santa Teresa ($25).

Pricing Options: Choose your return journey to Cusco after visiting Machu Picchu with two pricing options:

By Car: Adult $190, Student $170.
By Train: Adult $270, Student $250.

Inclusions

Professional Bilingual guides
Collection from hotel (we will come to pick you up between 4:45 am to 5:00am)
Bus from Cusco to Mollepata – Marco Ccasa
4 breakfast, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners
3 nights Camping and 1 Hostel in Aguas Calientes
Foam sleeping mattresses note
Cook, horseman, mules (carry up to 5 kg per person)
Duffle bag to get ready 5 kilos of your belonging carried by horses
Entrance fee to Machu Picchu
First Aid kit
Vegetarian Option is acailable on request with no extra charge
Return train

Excludes

Breakfast on the first morning lunch on the last day after Machupicchu
PERU TRAVEL COMPANY highly recommend to get an insurance of trip cancellation/interruption insurance to protect your travel
Down sleeping bag – 8ºC US$ 20 for all inca trail
Personal “Half porter” for 9 Kg US$ 60.00
Trekking poles US$ 20.00 a pair
Hot Springs in Aguas Calientes (10 soles)
Bus tickets down from Machupicchu to Aguas Calientes town US$ 10 one way
Tips for guides, Cook, Horse man It`s a tradition but not mandatory
Energy snacks will be very useful as chocolate bars, dried fruits
Ticket for Huayna Picchu mountain US$ 70.00 (Book and pay in advance with us)
Hotel in Cusco before or after Salkantay Trek

Recommended to carry

Original passport and copies (and Student card (ISIC) student card if applicable) green card if you are student)
Note (you have to bring your student card to machu picchu because you are going to be required to show at the Machupicchu control point)
Travel Insurance card is essential
Hiking water proof boots (with ankle protectors)
Trekking poles metal tips are not allowed on the trail
Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
Warm jacket
Sun hat and gloves
T-shirts / shirts
Comfortable hiking zip off trousers
Rain pants
Bathing suit (for hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
Sun protection cream ( factor 35 recommended ) sun is strong
Insect Repellent (for mosquitos) 15% of deet at least
Water bottle
Toilet paper and wet wipes
Personal medication
Camera and films
Torch with spare batteries (flashlight) we recommend headlights
Emergency money at least (200 - 300) extra soles. (USD $ 120)
Short pants, Plaster and bandages
Walking poles (with rubber tips) they can also be hired from us (they can be used on the Inca Trail if they have rubber tips)
NOTE: walking poles are not allowed into machu picchu cittadel

Itinerary

Day 1Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa

Early departure, our trip starts with an early pick up from your hotel between 04:30 and 05:00 to Mollepata, located at 2900 metres above sea level. After a short stop for breakfast (not included), we continue our 1 hour drive to Challacancha, located at 3380 metres above sea level, from where we begin the trek.

Hike to Laguna Humantay, Soraypampa camp at 3850m will be our resting place for lunch and after lunch. We will hike for one hour and thirty minutes to the impressive Huamantay Lagoon at 4200m and then descend for one hour and twenty minutes to the camp.

Relax in the afternoon: Enjoy tea and dinner, then settle into one of Soray Pampa’s comfortable cabins for the night.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (double occupancy tents)
Altitudes: Max 3,800m, Min 3,350m
Distance: 19km
Difficulty: Moderate

Day 2Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Chaullay

Morning ritual, wake up with coca tea served outside the hut, followed by breakfast.

Ascent to Salkantay Pass, Begin the hike to the Salkantay Pass, located at 4,600 meters above sea level. Enjoy snacks while you immerse yourself in history and take in the stunning views of the surrounding peaks.

Descent to Chaullay: After the pass, we will descend for two hours to our lunch spot. Then, we will continue walking to Chaullay, located at 2900 meters above sea level, where we will camp and have dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (double occupancy tents)
Altitudes: Max 4,600m, Min 3,800m
Distance: 21km
Difficulty: Moderate

Day 3Chaullay – La Playa Sayhuyaco – Hot springs Cocalmayo.

After breakfast we begin a meandering descent through lush landscapes of fruit trees, coca and cacao plantations from Chawllay to Coca Camp. This picturesque hike takes about five hours and will give you an opportunity to appreciate the agricultural perspective of the region.

Upon arrival at the camp, you will be greeted by our talented chefs for a well-deserved and restorative lunch. After a short break, you will have the opportunity to take part in an enriching coffee tour, where you will learn all about the traditional coffee growing and production process.

In the afternoon you have the option to relax in the medicinal hot springs of Cocal Mayo, a perfect way to soothe your muscles after a day of trekking. Later, return to camp for a delicious dinner and spend the night in our comfortable cabins, ready to recharge your batteries for the next day’s adventure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (double occupancy tents)
Altitudes: Max 3,300m, Min 2,100m
Distance: 11km
Difficulty: Moderate

Day 4Sayhuyacuy – Llaqtapata – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes Pueblo

The adventure starts early, at 5.30am, when our cooks serve you a cup of hot coca tea. After breakfast, you’ll set off on your trek at 6:30 a.m. You’ll hike about 3 hours along the Inca Trail to the impressive Inca site of Llactapata. Once there, you’ll enjoy stunning panoramic views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding sacred mountains.

After enjoying the magnificent scenery, you descend for two hours to the town of Hidroeléctrica, where you can enjoy a hearty lunch.

After your break, you will continue your adventure with a three-hour trek to the city of Aguas Calientes, where your hotel will be waiting for you. Upon arrival, you will be able to refresh yourself, explore the city and enjoy your free time.

After a short break, you will continue your adventure with a three hour trek to the city of Aguas Calientes, where your hotel will be waiting for you. Upon arrival, you will be able to refresh yourself, explore the city and enjoy your free time.

Dinner is at a local restaurant in Aguas Calientes at 19:00. This will be followed by a briefing about Machu Picchu excursion.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hostel
Altitudes: Max 2,450m, Min 2,100m
Distance: 12km
Difficulty: Moderate

Day 5Aguas Calientes Pueblo – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Start your day early and head to majestic Machu Picchu for a unique experience. Take a guided tour of the ancient Inca citadel and discover the impressive temples, terraces and fascinating stone structures that make Machu Picchu one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.

After the guided tour, there will be free time to explore other corners of the site and enjoy the impressive views.

If you have pre-booked tickets to either Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain, you can hike and enjoy even more spectacular panoramic views.

After exploring, you will return to Aguas Calientes to take the train back to Ollantaytambo, where our driver will be waiting to take you back to Cusco.

Meals: Breakfast
Altitude: Max 2,450m
Distance: Minimal walking within Machu Picchu

Photos

Gallery

FAQs

1.What is the altitude range and difficulty level for each day of the trek?

Throughout the trek, the altitude ranges from a maximum of 4,600m at Salkantay Pass to a minimum of 2,100m at Aguas Calientes Pueblo. The difficulty level is moderate for each day, with varying distances and altitudes to accommodate different fitness levels.

2.What type of accommodation is provided during the trek, and are there single occupancy options available?

Accommodation during the trek is camping in double occupancy tents, providing a shared experience with a trekking partner. Additionally, on the final night in Aguas Calientes Pueblo, accommodation is provided in a hostel. Single occupancy options may be available upon request, although they may incur additional charges.

3.Are meals included throughout the trek, and are there vegetarian/vegan options available?

Yes, meals are included throughout the trek, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Vegetarian and vegan options are typically available, and dietary preferences can be accommodated with prior notice.

4.Are there any optional activities available during the trek, and what are they?

Yes, there is an optional hike to the breathtaking Humantay Lagoon on Day 1, offering a unique opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the region. Additionally, on Day 5, there is the option to climb Huayna Picchu for a bird’s eye view of Machu Picchu.

5.How is transportation arranged back to Cusco after visiting Machu Picchu?

After visiting Machu Picchu on Day 5, transportation back to Cusco is typically arranged by train. Participants board a train in Aguas Calientes for the scenic journey back to Cusco, providing a comfortable and convenient way to conclude the trek.

1 Review

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Michael J.

Solo Traveller

This trek from Cusco to Machu Picchu exceeded all my expectations. Starting with an exciting drive to Abra Malaga and a thrilling downhill bike ride, the adventure was packed with stunning scenery and cultural insights. Each day’s hike presented new challenges and breathtaking views, especially the climb to the Salkantay Pass.

The journey through the jungle to La Playa and the tranquil hike along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes were highlights. The anticipation built perfectly to the grand finale at Machu Picchu. The guides were excellent, the accommodations were comfortable, and the experience was unforgettable. I highly recommend this tour to anyone looking to immerse themselves in the natural and historical beauty of Peru.

August 23, 2023

Salkantay Trek 5 Days Private