Cusco: 5 Days Trekking Salkantay/Machu Picchu

Exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Peru’s Salkantay trek to the iconic Machu Picchu is an unforgettable experience. Over five captivating days, adventurers can enjoy the region’s vibrant culture and history while trekking through diverse terrains under the guidance of professionals. With flexible booking options and a commitment to safety, this trek offers an unparalleled journey for avid hikers seeking to discover the hidden gems of the Cusco area. From stunning vistas to guided explorations, the Salkantay trek promises an adventure that will leave a lasting impression.

Key Points

• The Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu is a 5-day journey starting from Cusco, with prices starting at CZK 11,405 per person.
• The trek includes meals, professional guide, transportation, camping equipment, and entrance fees to Machu Picchu and Salkantay.
• Highlights of the itinerary include visiting Humantay Lagoon, ascending the Salkantay Pass, and exploring Machu Picchu.
• The trek is not suitable for young children, pregnant women, or those with mobility/health issues.
• Reservations should be made at least a month in advance, and last-minute bookings require checking availability.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Trek Overview

The 5-day Salkantay trek provides travelers with a captivating journey to the iconic Machu Picchu. Priced from CZK 11,405 per person, this trek offers a reserve now and pay later option, as well as free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Highlights include visiting the Humantay Lagoon, ascending to the Salkantay Pass, and exploring the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu with a guided tour. Meals, transportation, camping equipment, and entrance fees are included, while optional activities and personal expenses are excluded.

Certain restrictions apply, making the trek unsuitable for young children, pregnant women, and those with mobility or health concerns.

Pricing Details

From Kč 11,405 per person, the 5-day Salkantay trek offers a reserve now and pay later option, as well as free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This flexible pricing model caters to travelers’ needs, allowing them to secure their spot with ease.

The trek includes:

• Meals, professional guide, and transportation
• Camping and cooking equipment, personal foam sleeping mats
• Entrance fees to Machu Picchu and Salkantay

Whether you’re planning a budget-friendly adventure or seeking a hassle-free experience, the Salkantay trek provides an accessible and customizable option to explore the Andes and discover the iconic Machu Picchu.

Itinerary Highlights

This 5-day Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu promises an unforgettable adventure, taking trekkers through a stunning landscape of snow-capped peaks, verdant valleys, and ancient Inca ruins. The itinerary highlights include:

Day	Highlights
1	Depart from Cusco to Soraypampa, visit Humantay Lagoon, camp at Salkantaypampa.
2	Ascent to Salkantay Pass for panoramic views, descend to Collpapampa for overnight stay.
3	Hike to La Playa through Santa Teresa valley, optional hot springs visit.
4	Drive to Hidroelectrica, hike to Aguascalientes, overnight stay at hotel.
5	Early exploration of Machu Picchu, guided tour, return to Cusco.

This trek offers a perfect balance of challenging hikes, stunning vistas, and culture, making it an unforgettable experience for adventurous travelers.

Included in the Trek

Included in the 5-day Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu are a range of amenities and services to ensure a comfortable and well-supported journey.

The package includes:

• 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners, providing nourishment for the trek.
• A professional guide to lead the way and share their expertise.
• Luggage allowance of 5 kilos per participant, lightening the load.

Plus, the trek includes camping and cooking equipment, personal foam sleeping mats, entrance fees to Machu Picchu and Salkantay, guided tours, and group transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco, ensuring a seamless and worry-free experience.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

What’s Not Included

Beyond the inclusions, the 5-day Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu also excludes several items.

Meals not part of the excursion, entrance fees to the Humantay lagoon and hot springs, and any additional activities like rafting or zip-lining aren’t covered.

Travelers will also need to cover their personal expenses during the trek.

It’s important to note that the trek isn’t suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, those with mobility issues, wheelchair users, or individuals with respiratory problems, altitude sickness, or other pre-existing medical conditions.

Participants aren’t allowed to bring alcohol or drugs, and littering is prohibited.

Recommended Packing

Travelers should pack a variety of items for the 5-day Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu. Sturdy hiking boots, layered clothing, and a reusable water bottle are essential.

Other recommended items include:

• Sunglasses and a sun hat to protect against the strong Andean sun
• Warm layers like a fleece jacket and gloves for the cold nights
• Trekking poles to ease the strain on knees during the ascent and descent

Having the right gear will ensure a comfortable and safe journey through the stunning Salkantay landscapes on the way to the iconic Machu Picchu.

Restrictions and Limitations

For the 5-day Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu, there are certain restrictions and limitations that travelers should be aware of.

The trek isn’t suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, those with mobility issues, wheelchair users, or individuals with respiratory problems, altitude sickness, or other pre-existing medical conditions. Plus, hikers over 95 years old aren’t allowed.

Alcohol and drugs are prohibited, and littering isn’t permitted.

Travelers should bring essential items like a passport or ID, sunglasses, sun hat, camera, hiking shoes, sunscreen, water, and cash.

Booking at least a month in advance is recommended to secure Machu Picchu tickets, and last-minute reservations require checking availability with the supplier.

Booking and Contact Info

To book the 5-day Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu, travelers should ensure they provide the correct contact information, including a phone number with the country code and a WhatsApp number.

For last-minute reservations, it’s best to check availability with the supplier via email.

When booking, keep in mind that:

• Reservations should be made at least one month in advance to secure Machu Picchu tickets.
• Travelers should check the availability of starting times.
• It’s essential to have the correct contact details to receive updates and coordinate the trek.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Group Size for This Trek?

The group size for this trek is not explicitly stated in the provided information. However, the trek includes transportation, camping, and guided tours, suggesting it is likely a small group experience, though the exact group size is not specified.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Trekking Poles?

The provided information doesn’t mention if trekking poles are included. However, it’s generally recommended to bring your own poles for added stability and support during the hike. Check with the tour operator if they provide poles.

Can I Extend My Stay in Machu Picchu After the Tour?

Travelers can extend their stay in Machu Picchu after the tour, but they’ll need to make their own arrangements. The standard tour package only includes a guided visit on the final day.

Is There Any Option to Upgrade Accommodation During the Trek?

Yes, there’s an option to upgrade accommodation during the Salkantay trek. Travelers can choose to upgrade to hotels instead of camping on certain nights for an additional cost. This provides more comfort and amenities.

Can I Rent Equipment Like Sleeping Bags From the Tour Operator?

Yes, the tour operator provides camping and cooking equipment, including personal foam sleeping mats. Travelers can rent sleeping bags from the operator if they don’t want to bring their own.

Recap

The Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu offers an unparalleled adventure for avid hikers. With stunning landscapes, guided exploration, and all essential meals provided, this five-day trek provides an unforgettable journey through the vibrant culture and history of the region. Flexible booking options and a commitment to safety make this trek a must-consider for those seeking an extraordinary Peruvian experience.

You can check if your dates are available here: