Cusco: Salkanta Trekking 4 Days – Machu Picchu

The Cusco region of Peru is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, and the 4-day Salkantay Trekking tour to Machu Picchu offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience it all. Priced at €405.77 per person, this intimate adventure accommodates up to 10 participants, promising a personalized and immersive journey through the region’s majestic landscapes. With expert English and Spanish-speaking guides leading the way, trekkers can look forward to exploring the stunning Humantay Lagoon, ascending the Salkantay Pass, and uncovering the ancient secrets of the iconic Machu Picchu citadel. But the true allure of this trek lies in the unexpected…

Key Points

• This 4-day trekking excursion in Cusco includes an ascent to Salkantay Pass (4630m) and a visit to the iconic Machu Picchu site.
• The tour provides camping accommodations for 2 nights, with a hotel stay at the base of Machu Picchu on the final night.
• Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and a "reserve now, pay later" option is available.
• The group size is limited to 10 participants, ensuring an intimate experience with English and Spanish-speaking guides.
• Additional costs include the Humantay Lagoon entrance fee, sleeping bag rental, and transportation to/from Machu Picchu.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview and Pricing

The core of the Salkanta Trekking adventure to Machu Picchu is a 4-day excursion priced at €405.77 per person.

Travelers can take advantage of a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour also offers a reserve now and pay later option, providing flexibility for those interested in booking.

With a small group size limited to 10 participants, the trekking experience promises an intimate and personalized journey.

English and Spanish-speaking guides will accompany the group, ensuring effective communication throughout the adventure.

Trek Details and Itinerary

This Salkanta Trekking adventure spans 5 days, with a small group limited to 10 participants. The trek is led by a live guide available in English and Spanish. The itinerary is as follows:

Day	Destination	Distance
1	Humantay Lagoon	–
2	Salkantay Pass (4630m)	20km
3	Sahuayaco Beach, Aguas Calientes	–
4	Machu Picchu	–
5	Return to Cusco	–

Highlights include an Andean ritual at Salkantay Pass and a guided tour of the iconic Machu Picchu. Participants will trek through diverse landscapes, from high mountain passes to tropical forests, before reaching the ancient citadel.

Included Accommodations

As part of the Salkanta Trekking adventure, accommodations are provided for the participants.

The tour includes 2 nights of camping and 1 night in Aguas Calientes. During the camping nights, you will stay at designated campsites along the trek route. These campsites provide basic amenities, with tents and sleeping pads supplied.

The final night is spent in a hotel in Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu, allowing easy access to the site the following morning.

All accommodations are included in the tour price, ensuring a comfortable and seamless experience throughout the 4-day trek to reach the iconic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

Additional Costs and Fees

Along With the included items, the Salkanta Trekking adventure presents a few additional costs and fees for participants to consider.

First, there’s an entrance fee of S/ 25.00 soles or $8.00 to access the stunning Laguna Humantay.

Secondly, hikers can rent sleeping bags for $30.00 per person.

Plus, travelers will need to budget for buses to and from Machu Picchu, as well as any visits to the thermal baths in Santa Teresa.

Finally, trekking poles can be an optional purchase for those seeking extra stability on the trail.

These supplementary expenses ensure a comprehensive Salkanta experience.

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Preparation and Requirements

The Salkanta Trekking adventure to Machu Picchu has a few important requirements and preparation considerations for participants. The trek is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, the visually impaired, people over 80, or those with pre-existing medical conditions. Participants should bring essential items like their passport, comfortable shoes, sun hat, hiking shoes, sunscreen, gloves, and long-sleeved shirts. They’ll also need some cash on hand for additional expenses. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, the tour is subject to weather conditions.

Requirement	Description
Physical Fitness	Participants should be in good physical condition to handle the strenuous hiking.
Altitude Acclimation	Trekkers need to acclimate to the high altitude to prevent altitude sickness.
Proper Gear	Appropriate clothing and equipment are crucial for the varied terrain and weather.
Flexibility	The tour schedule may be adjusted due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

Pickup and Transportation

The Salkanta Trekking adventure begins with a hotel pickup, whisking trekkers away from the hustle and bustle of Cusco’s historical center.

Travelers are transported to Mollepata, where they enjoy a hearty breakfast before embarking on the hike to Humantay Lagoon.

The journey continues as the group ascends to the Salkantay Pass, camping at its base for the night.

The trek’s transportation includes:

1. Hotel pickup near the historical center
2. Travel to Mollepata for breakfast
3. Transportation to the trek’s starting point
4. Return train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco

This seamless transfer ensures a smooth start to the Salkanta Trekking expedition towards the majestic Machu Picchu.

Guided Tour and Experiences

A professional bilingual guide accompanies trekkers throughout the Salkanta Trekking adventure, imparting valuable insights and leading the group through the stunning Andean landscapes.

The guided tour of Machu Picchu provides an in-depth exploration of the ancient Inca citadel, as the guide shares the history, culture, and significance of this iconic UNESCO World Heritage site.

Trekkers can enjoy the spiritual rituals performed at Salkantay Pass, gaining a deeper appreciation for the Andean traditions.

The small group size ensures personalized attention and ample opportunities to ask questions, fostering a meaningful and enriching trekking experience.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Travelers can take advantage of the flexible cancellation policy offered for the Salkanta Trekking adventure. Customers can receive a full refund if they cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

The policy provides:

1. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of the trek.
2. A full refund of the total cost, no questions asked.
3. The option to reschedule the trek for a later date without additional fees.
4. Peace of mind knowing that unexpected changes can be accommodated.

This user-friendly cancellation policy allows travelers to book the Salkanta Trekking experience with confidence, knowing they can adjust their plans if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Pet Along on the Trek?

No, pets are not allowed on the trek. The tour operator strictly prohibits bringing animals due to the challenging hiking conditions and environmental concerns along the Salkanta Trail to Machu Picchu.

Is There an Age Limit for Participants?

The tour isn’t suitable for those over 80 years old, but there’s no set minimum age. Children can participate if they’re physically fit enough to handle the demanding hike.

How Can I Contact the Tour Guide During the Trek?

The tour guide is available during the trek and can be contacted directly. They carry a mobile phone and will provide their number to participants at the pre-departure briefing in case any issues arise during the trek.

Is It Possible to Upgrade the Lodging Accommodations?

Yes, it’s possible to upgrade the lodging accommodations for this Salkanta Trekking tour. Travelers can choose to stay in a hotel in Aguas Calientes instead of the provided camping and hostel accommodations for an additional cost.

What Happens if I Need to Cancel the Trek Within 24 Hours?

If you need to cancel the trek within 24 hours, you’re eligible for a full refund. The tour company offers free cancellation up to a day in advance, allowing flexibility in case of any last-minute changes.

Recap

The Salkantay Trekking tour to Machu Picchu offers an exceptional opportunity to explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Cusco region. With a well-curated itinerary, comfortable accommodations, and flexible payment options, this 4-day trek provides an unforgettable journey for up to 10 participants. Expertly guided in both English and Spanish, the tour promises an immersive experience through Peru’s majestic mountains, culminating in the awe-inspiring visit to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu.

You can check if your dates are available here: