5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

The 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is an exhilarating alternative for those seeking to explore Peru’s iconic Inca site. Trekkers can expect to be immersed in the stunning Andean landscapes, witnessing breathtaking mountain vistas and lush cloud forests along the way. This challenging yet rewarding journey is designed to accommodate adventurers with moderate fitness levels, providing comfortable accommodations, nourishing meals, and full support from a dedicated team. While the Inca Trail may be the more well-known route, the Salkantay Trek offers a unique opportunity to experience the majesty of Machu Picchu in a truly unforgettable manner.

Key Points

• A 5-day hiking trek through the Andes mountains of Peru, culminating at the iconic Machu Picchu, a New Seven Wonder of the World.
• Offers an alternative to the crowded Inca Trail, featuring stunning views of mountain passes and cloud forests.
• Includes accommodations, meals, and a fully supported trek with staff, horses, and transportation to and from the trek start.
• Moderate physical fitness is required due to the high altitude and varied terrain, and the trek is not recommended for those with heart problems or serious medical conditions.
• Optional activities such as zip lining and hot springs relaxation are available at an additional cost, but are subject to availability and logistics.

Overview of the Trek

The Salkantay Trek is a 5-day hike through the stunning Andes mountains of Peru, culminating at the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

This trek offers an alternative to the popular Inca Trail, providing spectacular views over mountain passes, Andes peaks, cloud forests, and riverbeds.

Unlike the crowded Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek is less congested, allowing trekkers to enjoy the breathtaking Andean landscape.

The trek also includes visits to thermal baths and extra time to explore the iconic Machu Picchu, ensuring a well-rounded and memorable experience.

Inclusions and Itinerary

This 5-day Salkantay Trek includes round-trip transport from Cusco, private transport to the trek start, and accommodation for 1 night in an Aguas Calientes hostel and 3 nights camping, with all camping equipment provided except for sleeping bags.

Meals during the trek are also included – 4 dinners, 4 breakfasts, and 4 lunches. The trek is fully supported, with a chef, helpers, horsemen, and cargo horses provided.

English-speaking guides will lead all tours and excursions. The trek concludes with a train ride from Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo on Vistadome trains.

Pickup and Orientation

Pickup from the traveler’s Cusco hotel occurs on the morning of the trek.

The local provider requires start time confirmation prior to departure.

While an optional briefing orientation is offered the night before, it isn’t mandatory.

The orientation covers important details, such as:

1. Confirming the start time.
2. Providing an overview of the 5-day Salkantay Trek itinerary.
3. Highlighting key inclusions, such as meals, camping equipment, and guides.
4. Addressing any questions or concerns the travelers may have.

This pre-trek orientation ensures travelers are well-prepared and have a clear understanding of the journey ahead as they embark on the Salkantay Trek to the iconic Machu Picchu.

Health and Accessibility

Importantly, the 5-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu isn’t recommended for travelers with heart problems or other serious medical conditions.

A moderate level of physical fitness is required, as the trek involves long days of hiking across mountain passes, cloud forests, and riverbeds. The trek isn’t wheelchair accessible, and group sizes are limited to a maximum of 14 travelers to ensure a personalized experience.

Trekkers should be aware of the challenges posed by the high altitude and varied terrain, and consult with their healthcare providers before undertaking this adventure.

With proper preparation and precautions, the Salkantay Trek offers an unforgettable journey to one of the New Wonders of the World – Machu Picchu.

Additional Activities

According to the provided information, the 5-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu offers optional activities for trekkers.

These include:

1. Zip lining through the rainforest on the trek.
2. Relaxing in hot springs on the 4th day.
3. Arranging these optional activities directly with the tour operator.
4. Confirming availability and making necessary arrangements prior to the trek.

Trekkers should note that these optional activities aren’t included in the base tour package and will require additional coordination and payment.

Interested individuals should contact the tour operator to inquire about availability, pricing, and logistics for these exciting add-ons to enhance their Salkantay Trek experience.

Booking and Confirmation

Upon booking the 5-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, trekkers will receive confirmation from the tour operator. Passport copies are required for train ticket reservations. The tour is non-refundable, and cancellation will not result in a refund. Trekkers can check the overall rating of 5.0 based on 2 reviews, with no ratings in other categories.

Confirmation Details
Passport Copies	Required
Refund Policy	Non-Refundable
Overall Rating	5.0 (2 reviews)

The tour has a lowest price guarantee, with the price starting from $670.00 per person.

Cancellation Policy

The tour is non-refundable, and any cancellation by the trekker won’t result in a refund.

Travelers should keep this in mind when booking the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. The cancellation policy is as follows:

1. No refunds will be issued for cancellations, regardless of the reason.
2. Cancellations must be communicated to the tour operator as soon as possible.
3. The tour is non-transferable, and the booking can’t be assigned to another individual.
4. Rescheduling the trek isn’t possible, and a new booking would be required.

Trekkers should review the cancellation policy carefully before committing to the tour.

Customer Ratings and Pricing

To date, the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu has received an overall rating of 5.0 based on 2 reviews.

The trek is priced from $670.00, with a lowest price guarantee. It’s not wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for travelers with serious medical conditions, but it does require only a moderate level of physical fitness.

The trek includes round-trip transport from Cusco, private transport to the start, hostel and camping accommodations, meals, and various guides and support staff.

Optional activities like zip lining and hot springs are available at an additional cost.

Confirmation is required upon booking, and no refunds are provided for cancellations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to Do the Salkantay Trek?

The best time of year to do the Salkantay Trek is during the dry season from May to September. This offers clear skies, moderate temperatures, and fewer crowds, though the rainy season from October to April can also be enjoyable with fewer travelers.

Can I Bring My Own Hiking Equipment or Do I Need to Rent It?

Hikers can bring their own hiking equipment, but most of the essential gear is provided, like tents, sleeping pads, and cooking equipment. Renting gear is optional, allowing travelers to pack light and focus on the trek itself.

Is There a Specific Fitness Level Required to Complete the Trek?

The trek requires a moderate level of physical fitness. Travelers with heart problems or serious medical conditions are not recommended to undertake the trek. A maximum of 14 travelers per tour ensures a manageable group size.

Can I Purchase Additional Snacks or Water During the Hike?

Hikers can purchase additional snacks and water during the trek, as the itinerary includes meals but doesn’t specify the availability of extra provisions. It’s recommended to inquire with the tour operator about purchasing supplementary items along the way.

How Much Time Should I Allocate to Explore Machu Picchu?

The tour typically allows 2-3 hours for exploring Machu Picchu. However, visitors can spend up to 4-5 hours or more exploring the ruins, taking in the views, and wandering through the different areas of this iconic site.

Recap

The 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu offers adventurers an exhilarating alternative to the crowded Inca Trail. Travelers will experience breathtaking views of the Andes mountains and cloud forests, culminating in a visit to the iconic Machu Picchu. With comfortable accommodations, nutritious meals, and full support, this trek is an unforgettable journey for those with moderate fitness seeking to explore one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.