Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu – 4N / 5D

Conquer Salkantay Pass and discover Machu Picchu on this epic five day adventure trek.

DURATION

4 Nights / 5 Days

LOCATION

Machu Picchu

MAX ALTITUDE

4,630 m.s.n.m.

DIFFICULTY

Moderate

Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu

Experience the Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu through some of Peru’s most breathtaking landscapes and make the most of your journey along the Salkantay route to Machu Picchu. Hike to Humantay Lake, cross the imposing Salkantay Pass, and stay at our exclusive campsite, nestled in a quiet, secluded spot at the foot of Mount Salkantay.

Enjoy clear Andean skies, comfortable camping tents, coffee amidst nature, and a warm campfire at the base of one of Peru’s most sacred mountains.

This 5-day journey takes you to the base of Salkantay, a snow-capped peak considered one of the region’s most sacred mountains. The trek begins at an altitude of 3,883 meters (12,740 feet) at the foot of Salkantay and descends through five ecological zones to Machu Picchu—located at 2,450 meters (8,040 feet)—offering you the chance to traverse mountains, cloud forests, and jungle terrain.

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco - Mollepata – Soraypampa – Soyrococha

Early in the morning, we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 5:00 a.m. and drive for 4 hours to the start of the hike. We will stop to stretch our legs in Mollepata and then continue to the starting point of the trail, called Soraypampa, at 3,883 meters or 12,740 feet.

After a short rest, we will have the opportunity to hike to Humantay Lake, which takes approximately 2 hours. In total, we will walk around 10 km (6.2 miles) to our camp.

Once we arrive at the turquoise lagoon, we will be able to enjoy its beautiful waters. Then, we will continue walking for about an hour to our lunch spot called Salkantay Pampa.

After enjoying a good lunch and getting some rest, we will hike for about 2 more hours to our camp. Going up slowly, we will arrive at Soyrococha, which is located at 4,400 meters or 14,435 feet, making it one of the highest camps in the Cusco region.

Here, it is essential to have warm clothing, thermal clothing, and a sleeping bag that can withstand at least -20°C (-4°F), as the temperature can drop below freezing, and sometimes it can even snow.

Overnight in Soyrococha

Hiking Distance: 16 km / 9.5 mi

Duration: 8 hours

Campsite Altitude: 4,400 m / 14,432 ft

Highest Altitude: 4,600 m / 15.088 ft

Meals: Lunch, dinner, snacks, and tea

Accommodation: Campsite

Difficulty: Moderate

Day 2: Soyrococha - Rayanniyoc - Collpapampa

Breakfast at the Campsite

On the second day, we will walk a distance of 16 km (10 miles), and we will be able to see a wide variety of ecological zones.

We will start climbing for 40 minutes until we reach the Salkantay Pass at 4,635 masl (15,200 feet). Here, we can observe Salkantay Mountain, which is the highest snow-capped peak in the area at 6,264 masl (20,551 feet).

If we are lucky, we will be able to see condors or other animals such as the vizcacha, which is a relative of the chinchilla.

We will descend for 3 hours to our lunch site located in Rayanniyoc. On the way, we will be able to see the geography changing because we start in the puna area, where there are no trees and only wild grass, and we end up in the cloud forest.

After lunch, we will continue descending for 2 hours and enter the tropical forest, where we can see orchids and other native flowers, as well as hummingbirds.

As we descend, we will pass through bamboo forests until we reach the town of Collpapampa, which is at 2,855 masl (9,366 feet), where we will have dinner and camp.

Overnight in Collpapampa

Hiking Distance: 16km / 10 mi

Duration: 8 hours

Campsite Altitude: 2,855 m / 9,365 ft

Highest Altitude: 6264 m / 20,546 ft

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and tea

Accommodation: Campsite

Difficulty: Challenging

Day 3: Collpapampa - Lucmabamba

Breakfast at the Campsite

On this day, we will walk a total of 16 km (10 miles) and enjoy a cultural afternoon with a local family.

After breakfast, we will continue down the valley for an average of 6 hours, during which we will see a lot of vegetation, such as bamboo, and we will have many opportunities to see birds in the area and some waterfalls. The path descends gradually, and along the way, our guide will show you the variety of flora and fauna in the area.

We will arrive at our camp located in a small town called Lucmabamba, which is at 2,008 masl (6,588 feet), and here we will have lunch.

In the afternoon, we will do some agricultural activities depending on the time of year. We could pick and roast coffee, pick avocados, oranges, and granadillas. We could also get honey from the beehives and visit the hot springs (optional).

Overnight in Lucmabamba

Hiking Distance: 16km / 10 mi

Duration: 6 hours

Campsite Altitude: 2,008 m / 6,588 ft

Highest Altitude: 2,008 m / 6,588 ft

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and tea

Accommodation: Campsite

Difficulty: Moderate

Day 4: Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes

Breakfast at the Campsite

After breakfast, we will hike for 8 km (5 miles) and will need to get up early. From Lucmabamba to our lunch site, we will hike for about 5–6 hours.

We will start ascending through the lush rainforest for about 2 and a half to 3 hours to the Llaqtapata Pass, which is at 2,700 masl or 8,910 feet. Then, we will descend for 15 minutes and arrive at the archaeological site of Llaqtapata, where we will stop and have some snacks.

This site provides our first view of Machu Picchu from the other side of the valley, and we will learn about how Llaqtapata was an important astronomical center.

After resting, we will begin our descent for 2 and a half to 3 hours down the mountain and will stop to eat our box lunches along the way. We will hike down until we reach Hydroelectric Town. Upon arrival, we will enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch, we will say goodbye to our chef, and you will have time to relax before continuing toward the town of Aguas Calientes.

The final hike to Aguas Calientes involves a 3-hour walk along the railway from the Hydroelectric station to Aguas Calientes, the base town for Machu Picchu. Throughout this walk, you can also see parts of Machu Picchu from the valley.

Optional: You can take a train to the town of Aguas Calientes, but you have to book in advance.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, the guide will take you to the hotel for the night, where you can rest, shower, and prepare for the last dinner in town.

Dinner is planned around 7:00 p.m. at a local restaurant in Aguas Calientes. After dinner, make the final preparations for the next day’s adventure in Machu Picchu.

Overnight in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu)

Hiking Distance: 8km / 5 mi

Duration: 10 hours

Highest Altitude: 2,700 m / 8,910 ft

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Hotel 3⭐⭐⭐

Difficulty: Moderate

Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Breakfast at the Hotel

After a delicious breakfast at your hotel, you will meet your guide and board the bus for a 25-minute ride to Machu Picchu. Your guide will accompany you on a 2- to 3-hour tour of the most important areas included in your assigned circuit. You will explore terraces, viewpoints, temples, royal quarters, sacred areas, and the central part of the citadel while learning about the history, architecture, and daily life of the Incas.

We always request Circuit 2 when available, as it offers one of the most comprehensive guided tours. If Circuit 2 is full, we will offer you the best official alternative available for your date, usually Circuit 1 or Circuit 3.

After exploring the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, you will descend by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you can have lunch on your own. In the afternoon, you will board the Expedition train back to Ollantaytambo and continue by private transport to Cusco.

The suggested time to descend from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes town is 12:00 p.m., depending on the departure time of the train. It is recommended to arrive 30 minutes before the train’s departure.

2:00 p.m. Be ready at the train station for check-in.

2:30 p.m. Train Expeditions from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.

Upon arrival at the station, a member of the company staff will be waiting to transfer you to your respective hotel in Cusco.

Overnight in Cusco

Activity: Guided Tour of Machu Picchu

Tour Duration: 2 -3 Hours

Max Altitude: 2,430m / 7,972 ft (Machu Picchu)

Train Departure: 02:00 p.m. (to Ollantaytambo)

Cusco Arrival: Approx. 07:30 p.m.

Meals: Breakfast at the hotel

Essentials: Original Passport, Daypack, Camera

Trip Details

Duration 4N / 5D

Activities Hiking – Adventure

Difficulty Moderate to challenging

Hiking distance 71KM / 44 miles

Minimum height 1900 m.s.n.m. or 6,232 ft (Pueblo de Santa Teresa)

Maximum height 4630 m.s.n.m. or 15,190 ft (Paso Salkantay)

Destinations Machu Picchu

Tour language English, Spanish

Accommodation 03 Nights Camping / 01 night Hotel

Meals 04 Breakfast, 4 Lunch, 04 Tea time and 04 Dinners

Starts / Ends Cusco – Cusco

IMPORTANT: Please Allow 2 - 3 Days for Acclimatization

Services Included

The hike include

Transportation from your hotel in Cusco to the start of the hike and back to your hotel at the end.
Entrance ticket to Salkantay.
Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
Train ticket in the Expedition service from Aguas Calientes back to Cusco at the end of the journey.
Round trip bus tickets to Machu Picchu and back to Aguas Calientes.
One night Hotel in Aguas Calientes (⭐⭐⭐ Econimic).
The tents which are 2-person, 4 season tents designed for maximum comfort.
The mattress.
Duffle bag that you can fill with up to 7 kg or (15 pounds) of your personal gear that the horses will carry.
Other camping equipment, such as a kitchen tent manned by a professional cooking staff, a dining tent with table and chairs, and a bathroom tent.
Experienced tour guide fluent in English, Spanish and Quechua. Our guides are equipped and trained to practice First-Aid, administer oxygen if needed, and conduct radio communication.
Complete meals and snacks during the trip starting with breakfast on the first day and ending with breakfast on the fifth day at your hotel (the last lunch in Aguas Calientes is not included).
Our experienced chefs make amazing meals in the middle of the mountains and are also used to preparing dishes for people with different food restrictions or lifestyles, so please let us know your preferences and we will make sure to meet your dietary needs.
Professional chef who grew up in the countryside and a horseman with horses/mules to carry all of our gear.
One extra horse in the case of an emergency.

Not Included

Group Service

USD $675.00 per person

Private Service

1 - people

USD $1,682.00 per person

2 - people

USD $1,240.00 per person

3 - 5 people

USD $985.00 per person

6 - 8 people

USD $720.00 per person

9 + people

USD $675.00 per person

Discount

Children 17 years old and under – $30 USD off.

* To receive the child discount you must send us a copy of the child’s passport.

Additional Options

Huaynapicchu Mountain: USD$70.00

Vistadome Observatory Train round Trip: USD$90.00

Sleeping Bags: USD$25.00

Trekking Poles: USD$15.00 (1 pair)

Private Tent: USD$40.00

Document

Small backpack

Large backpack

Warm clothes - Including jacket, fleece, thermal clothes for sleeping, gloves, scarf

Rain clothes - Jacket and trousers, poncho, hat

Swimsuit

Small towel

Strong, waterproof trekking boots

Walking poles

Sandals

Flashlight

Camera - Extra batteries as they run out faster under cold conditions

Suncream, moisturiser

Insect repellant - Min 20% DEET

Toilet paper

Personal first aid kit

Snacks - Biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc

Water bottle

Cash in Soles/$USD

YOU MUST BRING YOUR ORIGINAL PASSPORT

How to book

To book the tour, please send us an email with the information of each person in your group:

Full name, nationality, date of birth and gender

Copy of your passport

The tour you want to do, the start date

How many people are in your group

info@peruvianpathsandadventures.com

Tour Map: Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu - 4N / 5D

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Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu – 4N / 5D

Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco - Mollepata – Soraypampa – Soyrococha

Day 2: Soyrococha - Rayanniyoc - Collpapampa

Day 3: Collpapampa - Lucmabamba

Day 4: Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes

Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Trip Details

IMPORTANT: Please Allow 2 - 3 Days for Acclimatization

Services Included

The hike include

Not Included

Group Service

Discount

Additional Options

How to book

Tour Map: Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu - 4N / 5D

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