Cusco: 5 Day Trek From Salkantay to Machu Picchu

Embarking on a 5-day trek from Salkantay to Machu Picchu is an extraordinary opportunity to discover Cusco’s breathtaking landscapes. Priced from $488 per person, this adventure offers a seamless experience, including visits to awe-inspiring sites like Humantay Lagoon and Salkantay Pass. With accommodations, meals, and a bilingual guide provided, participants can enjoy the region’s natural beauty. However, the trek is designed for those with good fitness levels, culminating in the iconic Inca ruins of Machu Picchu. Intrigued to learn more about this once-in-a-lifetime journey?

Contents hide

1 Trek Overview and Pricing

2 Itinerary Highlights

3 Inclusions and Accommodations

4 Additional Costs and Activities

5 Important Information for Participants

6 Trek Duration and Difficulty

7 Booking and Reservation Details

8 Preparing for the Trek

9 Frequently Asked Questions

Key Points

The 5-day trek from Salkantay to Machu Picchu is priced at $488 per person, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.
The trek features panoramic views of Salkantay Pass, visits to coffee and banana plantations, and accommodations, meals, and transportation included.
Itinerary highlights include ascent to Salkantay Pass, optional hot springs visit, and a day exploring Machu Picchu with a guided tour.
The trek is suitable for individuals with good fitness and hiking experience, and essential items to bring include warm clothing, sturdy hiking boots, and sun protection.
Advance booking of at least one month is required for Machu Picchu entrance tickets, and additional costs may include optional activities and unprovided meals.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Trek Overview and Pricing

The 5-day trek from Salkantay to Machu Picchu is priced from $488.00 per person.

Travelers can reserve now and pay later with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The trek is limited to 10 participants and includes a live tour guide in both Spanish and English.

Hikers can expect panoramic views of the Salkantay Pass, visits to coffee and banana plantations, and early morning exploration of the iconic Machu Picchu.

Accommodations, meals, and transportation are included, with the option to upgrade lodging in Aguas Calientes.

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Itinerary Highlights

The 5-day Salkantay to Machu Picchu trek begins with a departure from Cusco, where hikers will trek to Soraypampa (3,850 meters) and visit the stunning Humantay Lagoon before camping at Salkantaypampa.

On day two, you will ascend the Salkantay Pass for panoramic views before descending to Collpapampa.

The following day, the group will trek to the beach via the Santa Teresa Valley, visiting coffee and banana plantations and enjoying an optional hot springs visit.

Day four offers activities in Santa Teresa, including zip-lining and rafting, followed by a hike to Aguas Calientes.

The final day begins with an early exploration of Machu Picchu, a guided tour, and a return to Cusco via train and bus.

Inclusions and Accommodations

Throughout the 5-day Salkantay to Machu Picchu trek, the tour includes several key inclusions and accommodations.

Meals are provided, with 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners. A professional guide, luggage transport, camping and cooking equipment are also included.

Lodging in Aguas Calientes is provided, with an optional upgrade available.

Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu and Salkantay, as well as a standard train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, are covered.

The tour also includes a group transfer from the Ollantaytambo train station to Cusco.

Additional Costs and Activities

While the tour covers a range of inclusions, there are some additional costs and optional activities participants may want to consider.

Meals not included in the tour package are an extra expense. Participants can opt for activities like visiting the hot springs (20 soles) or trying out rafting and zip-lining, though these must be paid for on-site.

Other additional costs include bottled water, walking sticks, Wi-Fi, and hot water showers.

It’s important to note that booking at least a month in advance is recommended to secure Machu Picchu entrance tickets.

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Important Information for Participants

This trek isn’t suitable for certain individuals, including pregnant women, those with heart or respiratory issues, wheelchair users, or people over 95 years old.

Participants should bring their passport or ID, warm clothing, a windbreaker, a change of clothes, a camera, hiking shoes, sunscreen, cash, a daypack, and hiking pants.

It’s important to provide the correct contact number with the country code, as the company may need to reach you.

Last-minute bookings can be made, but availability should be checked via email to secure entrance tickets to Machu Picchu, which must be booked at least a month in advance.

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Trek Duration and Difficulty

Spanning over 5 days, this trek challenges participants with a gradual ascent to the Salkantay Pass at an impressive elevation of 4,630 meters (15,190 feet). The trek is considered moderate to strenuous, suitable for those with a good level of fitness and previous hiking experience.

Difficulty Level	Elevation Gain
Moderate	3,850 – 4,630 m
Strenuous	4,630 m
Challenging	3,850 – 4,630 m

The descent from the pass takes hikers through diverse landscapes, from the barren high-altitude terrain to lush cloud forests and tropical valleys, before reaching the historic Inca site of Machu Picchu.

Booking and Reservation Details

One can reserve this 5-day trek to Machu Picchu through the tour provider’s website or by contacting them directly.

The price starts at $488 per person, with a reservation and payment system that allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The trek is limited to 10 participants and features a live tour guide in both Spanish and English.

It’s important to book at least one month in advance to secure entrance tickets to Machu Picchu.

Additional costs include optional activities, meals not included in the tour, and transportation.

Preparing for the Trek

To prepare for the 5-day trek to Machu Picchu, it’s crucial that participants bring the appropriate gear and equipment.

The packing list includes:

Warm clothing: As the trek traverses high-altitude regions, layers of warm clothing like thermal underwear, sweaters, and jackets are essential.
Hiking boots: Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots with good traction are a must to navigate the varied terrain comfortably and safely.
Sun protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are necessary to shield against the intense Andean sun.

Proper preparation will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable trek through the stunning Salkantay landscape to the iconic Machu Picchu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Modify the Itinerary to Suit My Preferences?

Yes, the itinerary can be modified to suit one’s preferences. The tour provider offers flexibility in customizing the trek to meet individual needs and interests within the overall 5-day experience.

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for This Trek?

The tour operator doesn’t specify a minimum age requirement. However, it notes the trek isn’t suitable for those over 95 years old, suggesting the tour is geared towards adults and older children who can handle the physical demands.

Is Medical Insurance Mandatory for the Trek?

Medical insurance is not mandatory for the trek, but it’s highly recommended. Participants should ensure they have adequate coverage in case of any accidents or medical emergencies during the hike.

Are There Any Special Dietary Requirements for the Meals?

The trek’s meals can accommodate various dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, if guests inform the tour operator in advance. Special diets can be catered for with prior notice.

Can I Book the Trek for a Private Group?

The trek can be booked for a private group, but it’s limited to 10 participants. Travelers can reserve the tour now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Recap

The 5-day Salkantay to Machu Picchu trek in Cusco offers an unforgettable adventure for travelers seeking to explore Peru’s stunning landscapes. With accommodations, meals, and a guide included, participants can enjoy a seamless experience culminating in the awe-inspiring ruins of Machu Picchu. Priced from $488 per person, this trek is designed for those with good fitness levels, providing a thrilling and memorable journey.