Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days
Summary of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa
Private transport from Cusco to Mollepata. Hike to Cruzpata to enjoy panoramic views, then continue to Soraypampa (3,900 m) for camping and views of the snowy mountains.
Day 2: Soraypampa – Challway
Ascent to the Salkantay Pass (4,650 m) with breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks and possible avalanches. Descent through the jungle edge to the camp at Challway (2,920 m).
Day 3: Challway – La Playa
Hike through lush landscapes, observing flora and fauna. Stop at local communities and waterfalls. Arrive at the camp in La Playa (2,350 m).
Day 4: La Playa – Aguas Calientes
Explore the high jungle, including coffee and fruit plantations. Optional visit to the Cocalmayo Hot Springs (entry not included). Arrival in Aguas Calientes (2,040 m), dinner at a local restaurant, and accommodation.
Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Two-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu. Option to visit Huayna Picchu (entry not included). Return to Aguas Calientes, train to Ollantaytambo, and transport back to Cusco.
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu - Detailed
This stunning trek passes beneath the magnificent Salkantay mountain (6,71/20569ft), one of the highest and most striking in the Peruvian Andes. Your first two days will be dominated by the impressive "Apus" of Salkantay and Humantay as you trek through the high Puna landscape. On the third day, you'll descend into the warm cloud forest, reaching Aguas Calientes on the fourth day. The breathtaking sacred Inca city of Machupicchu is visited on the last day of the program. This tour is an interesting alternative for those who have not found space on the Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu. The Salkantay Trek (or Salcantay Trek) was recently named among the best 25 treks in the world by National Geographic Adventure Travel magazine.
Day 1: Cusco (3,300 m) - Mollepata (2,900 m) - Soraypampa (3,850 m)
We'll pick you up from your hotel early in the morning and drive to the village of Mollepata for about 2 ½ hours, where we'll meet our muleteer, who will accompany us during the excursion.
After 1 hour of walking, we'll arrive at the Cruzpata area where we'll get the first views of the magnificent snow-capped mountains of Humantay and Ausangate. Continuing our walk, we can appreciate the impressive panoramic views of the snow-covered mountains, as well as a great diversity of fauna and flora until we reach our first campsite in Soraypampa (3,850 m/12,631 ft).
Day 2: Soraypampa - Challway (2,920 m)
After a good breakfast, we'll prepare for the most difficult part of the trek, crossing the entire Pampa Salkantay site, and then heading to the left side of the Umantay snow-capped mountain (5,917 m), which is next to the Salkantay snow-capped mountain ("The Wild Mountain" in the native Quechua language). We'll arrive at the highest point of the trek, the pass between Salkantay and Umantay located at 4,650 m (15,200 ft), around noon. At this site, we'll observe the snow-capped mountains and glaciers of Salkantay and appreciate the magnificent view of the snow avalanches before descending through the cloud forest to reach Challway, our next campsite.
Day 3: Challway - La Playa (2,350 m)
This day will be unforgettable because along the way we'll see a large amount of flora and fauna. We'll pass through the Arranniyuc community and continue descending to the cloud forest, where we'll appreciate the formation of hot springs in a small valley. Then we'll follow the course of the Santa Teresa river, observing diverse varieties of orchids and large waterfalls on this stretch. Finally, we'll arrive at our campsite, an area called La Playa.
Day 4: La Playa - Aguas Calientes (2,160 m)
We'll set out amidst the high jungle, appreciating a great variety of crops including coffee, bananas, avocados, pineapples, and the most interesting thing is to see some coca leaf crops, the sacred herb of the Incas. Later, we'll enjoy the Cocalmayo Hot Springs (the entrance fee of 10 Soles is not included in the tour). Then we'll continue our walk to Aguas Calientes (2,160 m/7,087 ft). There we'll have dinner at a restaurant and spend the night in a lodging. If we're not too tired, we can visit the hot springs in town (the entrance fee of 10 Soles is not included in the tour).
Day 5: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu (2,490 m) - Cusco
Includes:
- Interview with the guide before the trek, for detailed information about the trek and delivery of the corresponding map.
- Additional guide for groups larger than 9 people.
- Cook.
- Kitchen assistant for groups larger than 9 people.
- Porters who carry camping equipment and food.
- Food during the trek: 4x breakfast, 4x lunch, 4x dinner.
- Vegetarian option is free; please inform us in.
Not included:
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu: USD $10.00.
- 1 extra horse (up to 16 kg) to assist with personal equipment load: USD $105.00. An.
- Extra horse can be shared between two people.
- Additional mats: USD $15.00.
- Additional tent: USD $25.00.
- Sleeping bag: USD $18.00 per person.
- Trekking poles x 01: USD $8.00 per person.
- If you wish to extend your stay in Aguas Calientes (the town just below Machu Picchu), please contact us for hotel prices. hoteles, por favor).
Recommendations:
- Suitable backpack for the 5-day hike & rain cover.
- Personal sleeping bag.
- Suitable hiking shoes.
- Clothing: For the first 2 days, warm clothing is suggested, as the hike approaches 4650 m.a.s.l. near the snow-capped mountain. Long pants, long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, and a jacket, hat, and gloves.
- Clothing: For the last 3 days, light clothing is suggested, as the hike goes through the cloud forest. Hat, shorts, light polos or shirts, insect repellent, and sunscreen.
- Swimwear (in case of visiting the thermal baths).
- Personal toiletry kit: small towel, toilet paper, etc.
- Waterproof and/or umbrella.
- Flashlight.
- Camera and/or camcorder.
- Extra batteries.
- Original Passport, students should bring their ISIC card.
- Water flask.
- Medicine and/or personal use items (pair of bandages, muscle pain cream, altitude sickness pills, fever, stomach upset).
- Walking stick with rubber tips (optional).
- Extra money.
Frequently Asked Questions: Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
How long is the hike each day?
The daily hike varies between 6 and 9 hours, depending on the day and terrain conditions.
What type of accommodation is provided during the trek?
Accommodation includes campsites and lodges at various points along the route, with basic and comfortable options for overnight stays.
What is the difficulty level of the Salkantay Trek?
The trek is considered moderate to difficult, with significant challenges in altitude and terrain, especially at Salkantay Pass. Good physical condition is recommended.
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