The Salkantay Trek is a captivating 5-day, 4-night adventure that whisks travelers away from Cusco and into the breathtaking beauty of the Peruvian Andes. This journey immerses participants in stunning landscapes, from snow-capped mountains to lush jungles, culminating in a guided visit to the iconic Machu Picchu. With a small group size and personalized attention, adventurers can expect a rich cultural experience. But what truly sets this trek apart is its flexible booking options and comprehensive inclusions, making it an unforgettable experience for any explorer. The question is, where will this journey take you?
Key Points
- A 5-day, 4-night hiking adventure in the Peruvian Andes starting from Cusco, with a guided visit to the iconic Machu Picchu site.
- Pricing starts at $1,000 per person for groups of up to 15 participants, with flexible booking and cancellation options.
- The trek offers a diverse range of natural landscapes, from snow-capped mountains to lush jungles, and opportunities to explore local culture.
- Includes transportation, camping gear, meals, and the services of bilingual tour guides to enhance the overall trekking experience.
- Not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or individuals with certain health issues; proper clothing and equipment are essential.
👉 Check out our guide to the 2 Best Canoe And Kayak Experiences In Cusco
Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Detailed Itinerary
- Inclusions
- Important Restrictions
- Highlights
- Pricing
- Group Size and Languages
- Flexible Booking
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I Bring My Pet on the Trek?
- Is There Electricity Available During the Camping Nights?
- Can I Bring My Own Food and Snacks?
- What Is the Maximum Weight Limit for Personal Belongings?
- Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Cusco
- More 5-Day Experiences in Cusco
- More Hiking & Trekking Tours in Cusco
- More Tour Reviews in Cusco
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Cusco we have recnetly reviewed
Tour Overview
The Salkantay Trek is a 5-day, 4-night hiking adventure that takes travelers through the stunning landscapes of the Peruvian Andes.
Priced from $1,000 per person, this small-group tour is limited to just 15 participants and caters to both Spanish and English speakers.
Flexibility is key, with the option to reserve now and pay later, as well as free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The tour includes transportation, camping equipment, meals, and a guided visit to the iconic Machu Picchu.
With a focus on capturing the natural beauty and cultural experiences along the way, the Salkantay Trek offers an unforgettable exploration of the Andes.
Ready to hit more trails? More hiking adventures we feature in Cusco
Detailed Itinerary
The 5-day, 4-night Salkantay Trek begins with a pickup from Cusco at 5:00 a.m., followed by a 2-hour drive to Mollepata.
From there, trekkers embark on a 3-hour walk to Soraypampa, where they’ll visit the stunning Humantay Lagoon and set up camp to enjoy the sunset views.
On Day 2, the group hikes to the highest point, Abra Salkantay, before descending to Wayracmachay and arriving at the Chaullay camp.
The next day, they trek through the jungle to La Playa Sahuayaco, have lunch, and camp at Lucmabamba.
Day 4 includes an ascent to the Llaqtapata archaeological site and a hike to Machupicchu town.
Inclusions
Typically, the Salkantay Trek package includes a briefing with a guide, as well as a bilingual tour guide (Spanish/English).
For groups over 10 participants, a second guide is provided. Transportation from Cusco to Soraypampa is included, along with the use of horses, mules, and porters to carry camping equipment.
The package covers train tickets from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, a guided tour of Machu Picchu, and bus tickets from Machupicchu village to the Machu Picchu site.
Accommodation for one night in Aguas Calientes, meals, and camping equipment are also provided.
Optional items like sleeping bags, walking sticks, and entrance fees to Huaynapicchu/Machu Picchu Mountain can be added for an additional cost.
Important Restrictions
The Salkantay Trek isn’t suitable for certain individuals, including pregnant women, wheelchair users, those with vertigo, respiratory issues, visual impairments, pre-existing conditions, recent surgeries, motion sickness, or those over 70 years old.
Participants should also be aware of the following restrictions:
- No weapons or sharp objects are allowed
- Alcohol and drugs are prohibited
- Littering isn’t permitted
- Proper clothing and equipment, such as a windbreaker, sunglasses, sun hat, and thermal wear, are essential.
Lastly, it’s crucial to provide the correct contact information, including a country code and WhatsApp number, for last-minute reservations.
More Great Tours NearbyHighlights
Travelers on the Salkantay Trek can capture breathtaking moments during their journey, from photographing the majestic Nevado Salkantay to admiring the diverse Andean landscapes, rich wildlife, and dense vegetation.
The trek offers a unique opportunity to experience a range of environments, from snow-capped mountains to lush jungle paths.
Along the way, participants can explore local culture by visiting fruit plantations and archaeological sites like Llaqtapata.
The trek’s highlights provide a well-rounded adventure, allowing travelers to enjoy the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Peruvian Andes.
Here are more great tours and experiences we've reviewed in Cusco
Pricing
The Salkantay Trek offers a well-rounded adventure in the Peruvian Andes, with prices starting from $1,000.00 per person.
This 5-day, 4-night journey accommodates small groups of up to 15 participants, with the option to explore in either Spanish or English.
Flexible booking and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance provide added convenience.
The tour’s inclusions are comprehensive, covering transportation, camping equipment, meals, and guided visits to Machu Picchu.
- Group size limited to 15 participants
- Flexible booking with free cancellation
- Comprehensive inclusions for a seamless experience
- Available in Spanish and English
Group Size and Languages
A small group size of up to 15 participants ensures an intimate and personalized trekking experience on the Salkantay Trek.
The tour is offered in both Spanish and English, catering to a diverse range of international travelers. This allows guests to fully enjoy the cultural and natural wonders of the Andes without language barriers.
The limited group size also enables the guides to provide more attentive support and create a cohesive team dynamic throughout the journey.
With flexible booking options and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, the Salkantay Trek offers a convenient and hassle-free way to explore the stunning landscapes around Cusco.
Flexible Booking
Flexible booking options allow travelers to reserve their Salkantay Trek with ease. The tour operator offers a "reserve now, pay later" policy, giving customers the flexibility to secure their spot without the immediate financial burden.
Plus, they provide free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, accommodating last-minute schedule changes.
Some key highlights of the booking process include:
- Ability to reserve your spot with a deposit, paying the full balance later
- No-cost cancellation permitted up to 1 day prior to the trek
- Convenient online booking system for a seamless reservation experience
- Multilingual support to assist customers in their preferred language
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Pet on the Trek?
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the Salkantay Trek. The tour has several restrictions for safety and environmental reasons, and bringing pets would not be permitted. Participants must adhere to the tour’s guidelines.
Is There Electricity Available During the Camping Nights?
No, there’s no electricity available during the camping nights on this trek. The campsites are in remote, off-the-grid locations without any electrical infrastructure. Guests should come prepared with portable chargers and power banks to charge their devices.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Snacks?
Yes, participants can bring their own food and snacks for the trek. However, the tour package includes all meals, so bringing extra provisions may not be necessary. The provided meals and snacks cater to the group’s needs during the hike.
What Is the Maximum Weight Limit for Personal Belongings?
The maximum weight limit for personal belongings is not specified in the provided information. Travelers are advised to pack light and bring only essential items, as porters will be carrying the camping equipment during the trek.
Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?
The tour operator does not offer any discounts for children or seniors. The price of $1,000 per person is the same for all participants, regardless of age.
From Cusco: Salkantay Trek- 5 Days 4 Nights
Recap
The Salkantay Trek is a captivating 5-day, 4-night adventure through the breathtaking Peruvian Andes. With flexible booking options, personalized attention, and a guided visit to Machu Picchu, this trek offers an unforgettable experience for adventurers. The diverse landscapes, from snow-capped mountains to lush jungles, and the comprehensive inclusions make this trek a must-do for those seeking an immersive cultural and natural exploration.
You can check availability for your dates here:
