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Salkantay Trek 5 days

5-day trek to Machu Picchu via the Salkantay route. Includes camping, meals and guide.

Duration 5 días / 4 noches
Difficulty Difícil
Starting from PEN 650.00
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The Salkantay Trek is considered by many travelers as the most beautiful trek in the Cusco region, even above the Inca Trail. For 5 days you will cover approximately 70 kilometers that will take you from the valley to the imposing Salkantay snow-capped peak (6,271 meters), passing through the turquoise Humantay Lake, cloud forests, high jungle and finally to Machu Picchu. It is a demanding trek but the variety of landscapes makes it an unforgettable experience. It does not require booking as far in advance as the Inca Trail.

What does this tour include?

  • Transportation Cusco - Mollepata (trek start)
  • Machu Picchu entrance ticket
  • Camping tent (2 people per tent)
  • Sleeping pad
  • Full meals (5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners)
  • Professional bilingual guide
  • Kitchen equipment and muleteers with mules
  • First aid kit and oxygen
  • Return train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
  • Transportation Ollantaytambo - Cusco
Highlights

Key highlights

The most valuable aspects of this experience to help the customer decide.

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Personalized attention

Small groups and personalized attention

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Expert guides

Guides with extensive historical and cultural knowledge

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Modern transportation

Modern units with air conditioning and insurance

Itinerary

Day by day itinerary

A clear structure so the traveler understands exactly how the experience will be.

Day 1

Day 1: Cusco - Mollepata - Soraypampa

04:30 - 05:00: Pickup from your hotel in Cusco.

05:00 - 07:30: Bus ride to Mollepata (2,800 masl) for breakfast.

07:30 - 09:00: Continue by bus to Soraypampa (3,900 masl).

09:00 - 10:00: Preparation and start of hike.

10:00 - 12:00: 2-hour hike to the Soraypampa campsite.

12:00 - 13:00: Lunch.

13:00 - 16:00: Optional hike to Humantay Lake (4,200 masl).

16:00 - 18:00: Return to campsite and rest.

18:00 - 19:30: Dinner.

Day 2

Day 2: Soraypampa - Salkantay Pass - Chaullay

05:30 - 06:30: Breakfast.

06:30 - 10:00: 3.5-hour hike to the highest pass: Salkantay Pass (4,630 masl).

10:00 - 11:00: Rest and photos at the summit with views of Salkantay snow-capped peak (6,271 masl).

11:00 - 13:00: 2-hour descent to Huayracmachay (3,800 masl).

13:00 - 14:00: Lunch.

14:00 - 16:00: Continue descent to Chaullay (2,900 masl).

16:00 - 18:00: Set up camp and rest.

18:00 - 19:30: Dinner.

Day 3

Day 3: Chaullay - La Playa - Santa Teresa

06:00 - 07:00: Breakfast.

07:00 - 11:00: 4-hour hike through the cloud forest valley, passing through Collpapampa.

11:00 - 12:00: Arrival at La Playa (2,100 masl).

12:00 - 13:00: Lunch.

13:00 - 15:00: Bus transfer to Santa Teresa.

15:00 - 17:00: Optional visit to Santa Teresa hot springs (relaxation).

17:00 - 18:00: Basic accommodation in Santa Teresa.

18:00 - 19:30: Dinner.

Day 4

Day 4: Santa Teresa - Hidroeléctrica - Aguas Calientes

06:00 - 07:00: Breakfast.

07:00 - 09:00: 2-hour hike from Santa Teresa to Hidroeléctrica.

09:00 - 10:00: Rest and bird watching.

10:00 - 13:00: 3-hour hike parallel to the train tracks to Aguas Calientes (1,850 masl).

13:00 - 14:00: Lunch in Aguas Calientes.

14:00 - 17:00: Free time to explore the town, buy souvenirs or visit the museum.

17:00 - 18:00: Hotel check-in.

18:00 - 19:30: Free dinner.

Day 5

Day 5: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco

05:30 - 06:00: Breakfast at the hotel.

06:00 - 06:30: Bus up to Machu Picchu.

07:00 - 10:00: Complete guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel.

10:00 - 12:30: Free time to explore on your own.

12:30 - 13:00: Bus descent to Aguas Calientes.

13:00 - 14:30: Free lunch.

15:30 - 17:30: Return train to Ollantaytambo.

17:30 - 19:00: Bus transfer to Cusco.

19:00 - 20:00: Arrival in Cusco and transfer to your hotel.

Useful information

Important details before booking

Included

  • Transportation Tourist transportation round trip from your hotel in Cusco
  • Professional guide Professional bilingual guide (Spanish/English) throughout the tour
  • Entrance tickets Entrance tickets to all archaeological sites and attractions
  • Camping equipment Tent, sleeping pad and camping equipment
  • Assistance 24/7 permanent assistance throughout the tour
  • Oxygen First aid kit and emergency oxygen
  • Porters Porter service for luggage
  • Water Bottled water throughout the tour

Not included

  • Unspecified extras Any service not specified in the itinerary
  • Tips Tips for guides, drivers and porters

Recommendations

  • Acclimatization Arrive in Cusco 2 days before to acclimatize to altitude
  • Early booking Book 3-4 months in advance for popular tours
  • Proper equipment Wear comfortable shoes and layered clothing

What to bring

  • Warm clothing Waterproof jacket, gloves and hat for altitude
  • Footwear Comfortable walking shoes or trekking boots
  • Documents Valid passport or ID card
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