From Cusco: 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

Set out on a breathtaking 5-day adventure from Cusco to the iconic Machu Picchu through the stunning Salkantay Trek. This immersive journey offers travelers a chance to traverse the Peruvian highlands, enjoy the region’s rich cultural heritage, and witness the awe-inspiring natural beauty that has captivated explorers for centuries. With a starting price of $790 per person, this all-inclusive trek promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you with memories to treasure long after your return. Prepare to be captivated by the sheer scale of the landscapes, the warmth of the local communities, and the sense of accomplishment that comes with conquering one of the world’s most iconic trails.

Key Points

• The 5-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu starts from Cusco, covering stunning Peruvian highlands and cultural wonders with a maximum group size of 10 participants.
• The trek includes hotel pick-up, pre-departure briefing, transportation to the starting point, personal tents, and an English-speaking guide.
• Meals, accommodations, and train tickets are provided, with the final day spent exploring Machu Picchu before returning to Cusco.
• Exclusions include lunch and dinner on the last day, hot spring entrance fees, and optional activities like Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
• The trek is not suitable for pregnant women or individuals with respiratory issues, and a maximum baggage weight limit of 6 kg per person applies.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview and Pricing

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is a 5-day trekking experience that offers travelers an opportunity to explore the stunning Peruvian highlands.

Priced from $790.00 per person, this popular trek in South America allows groups of up to 10 participants to embark on a journey led by English and Spanish-speaking guides.

The trek includes hotel pick-up, a pre-departure briefing, transportation to the starting point, and various inclusions like personal tents, meals, and the Machu Picchu entrance fee.

Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy and the reserve now, pay later option.

Whether seeking fresh mountain air or tracing the banks of the Vilcanota River, this trek promises an unforgettable adventure.

Trek Experience and Highlights

Renowned as a popular trek in South America, the Salkantay to Machu Picchu journey spans 5 days and accommodates groups capped at 10 participants.

Led by English and Spanish-speaking guides, the experience takes trekkers through the Peruvian highlands, offering breathtaking vistas.

Highlights include ascending Sayllapata for fresh mountain air, exploring Collpabamba, tracing the banks of the Vilcanota River, and arriving at Machu Picchu at first light.

This immersive trek allows adventurers to enjoy the region’s natural beauty and cultural wonders, creating lasting memories.

Daily Itinerary

The 5-day Salkantay to Machu Picchu trek commences with a journey from Cusco to Mollepata and then onwards to Soraypampa, situated at an elevation of 3,850 meters. On the second day, the trail ascends to the Salkantay Pass before descending to Huayracpunku and Collpapampa. The third day takes trekkers through Chaullay, Collpapampa, and La Playa, culminating at the Santa Teresa region and the Cocalmayo Hot Spring. The penultimate day involves a hike to Hidroelectrica and then a transfer to Aguas Calientes. Finally, the fifth day begins with an early ascent to Machu Picchu, followed by a return journey to Ollantaytambo and Cusco.

Day	Route
1	Cusco to Mollepata to Soraypampa (3,850 meters)
2	Soraypampa to Salkantay Pass to Huayracpunku to Collpapampa
3	Chaullay to Collpapampa to La Playa to Santa Teresa (Cocalmayo Hot Spring)
4	Santa Teresa to Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes
5	Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo to Cusco

Inclusions

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu package includes a comprehensive set of services to ensure a seamless and memorable experience for participants. This includes hotel pick-up, a pre-departure briefing, and transportation to the starting point.

Hikers will be provided with personal tents, an English-speaking guide, and a professional chef to prepare meals. The package covers 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners, and snacks and tea.

Accommodation at Aguas Calientes and the expedition train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo are also included. Plus, the Machu Picchu entrance fee and transportation back to Cusco are covered.

Participants will also receive a sleeping bag and have access to pack animals for the first three days of the trek.

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Exclusions

While the Salkantay Trek package includes a comprehensive set of services, there are a few exclusions to be aware of.

Lunch and dinner on the last day aren’t covered, so travelers will need to budget for those meals. The entrance fees to the Cocalmayo and Aguas Calientes hot springs are also not included.

Alcohol and optional activities like the Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain entrance fees are additional costs.

Travelers should also note that the maximum baggage weight is 6 kg per person.

Important Information

Not suitable for pregnant women or individuals with respiratory issues, the Salkantay Trek poses certain physical requirements. Hikers are limited to a maximum baggage weight of 6 kg per person. While dietary needs can be accommodated, the trek does not include entry to the Cocalmayo and Aguas Calientes hot springs, nor the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. An additional night in Aguas Calientes can be booked, and a -20°C sleeping bag is available for rent at $5 per day. Drones are strictly prohibited throughout the trek.

Requirements	Details
Baggage weight	6 kg per person
Dietary needs	Accommodated
Excluded fees	Cocalmayo, Aguas Calientes, Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain
Optional extras	Additional night in Aguas Calientes, rental sleeping bag

Accommodations

Hikers on the Salkantay Trek will be provided with personal tents, accommodating a maximum of two people per tent. These tents are set up at designated campsites along the trek’s daily routes.

The trek also includes accommodation on the final night in Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. This hotel stay allows trekkers to rest and prepare for their visit to the ancient Inca citadel the following morning.

For those who wish to extend their stay, an optional additional night in Aguas Calientes can be arranged.

Rental of a -20°C sleeping bag is available for $5 per day for those who need one.

Transportation

The 5-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu includes transportation arrangements throughout the journey. The tour operator provides hotel pick-up and transportation to the trek’s starting point in Mollepata.

During the trek, pack animals carry the group’s gear on days 1-3. Upon reaching Aguas Calientes, travelers take an expedition train to Ollantaytambo, followed by ground transportation back to Cusco.

The return trip from Machu Picchu to Cusco is also included. Drones aren’t permitted on the trek.

Travelers can choose to spend an additional night in Aguas Calientes if they wish to further explore the area before the return journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Average Group Size for This Trek?

The group size for this trek is limited to 10 participants, allowing for a more intimate and personalized experience as hikers explore the Peruvian highlands and trace the banks of the Vilcanota River on their way to Machu Picchu.

Can I Start the Trek From a Location Other Than Cusco?

Customers can’t start the trek from a location other than Cusco. The trek package includes hotel pick-up from Cusco, and the tour begins from Mollepata, not Cusco. Participants must travel to Cusco to join the group for the trek.

Is There an Option to Extend the Trek Beyond 5 Days?

Yes, the trek can be extended beyond 5 days. The tour operator offers an optional additional night in Aguas Calientes, allowing for a more leisurely pace and additional exploration of the Machu Picchu ruins.

Are Trekking Poles Provided or Should I Bring My Own?

Trekking poles are not provided on this trek, so hikers should bring their own. They can help with balance and reduce strain on the knees, especially during the steep ascent to Salkantay Pass.

Can I Book This Trek for a Private Group?

Yes, this trek can be booked for a private group. The trek operator offers limited group sizes, so a private group booking is possible. Discounts may apply for larger private groups.

Recap

Set out on a breathtaking 5-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu from Cusco and learn about the stunning Peruvian highlands. Experience the region’s rich cultural heritage, ascend to breathtaking vistas, and explore vibrant landscapes, before arriving at the iconic Machu Picchu at dawn. With a starting price of $790 per person, this adventure offers an unforgettable experience that will create memories to last a lifetime.

You can check if your dates are available here: