From Cusco: Salkantay Trek 5 Days 4 Nights

Embark on an unforgettable 5-day, 4-night Salkantay Trek from Cusco, where you’ll traverse the stunning Andes in Peru. This adventure includes transportation, meals, camping equipment, and entrance fees to Machu Picchu, starting from $1,000 per person. Experience breathtaking landscapes as you hike with a maximum of 15 participants, guided by bilingual experts. The trek promises a mix of culture and natural beauty, culminating in a guided tour of the iconic Machu Picchu on the final day. But the real question is, are you ready to take on this challenge and uncover the wonders that await?

Key Points

• The Salkantay Trek is a 5-day, 4-night hiking adventure in the Andes of Peru, starting from Cusco.
• The trek is priced starting from $1,000 per person and can accommodate groups up to 15 participants.
• The itinerary includes transportation, camping equipment, meals, and a guided tour of Machu Picchu on the final day.
• Participants are required to bring essential items such as sun protection gear, and trekking poles are suggested for better stability.
• The tour operator provides a flexible booking policy, including free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and no upfront payment required.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of the Salkantay Trek

The Salkantay Trek is a 5-day, 4-night hiking adventure that takes travelers through the stunning Andes mountains of Peru.

Priced from $1,000 per person, the trek accommodates small groups of up to 15 participants with bilingual Spanish/English guides.

Travelers enjoy flexible booking and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The trek includes transportation, camping equipment, meals, and entrance fees to Machu Picchu.

While the trek isn’t suitable for certain health conditions, the included services and amenities provide an immersive and well-supported experience in Peru’s breathtaking wilderness.

Itinerary Highlights

The Salkantay Trek begins with a 5:00 a.m. pickup from Cusco, followed by a 2-hour drive to the trailhead in Mollepata.

Hikers then embark on a 3-hour trek to Soraypampa, where they’ll visit the stunning Humantay Lagoon and set up camp with dinner and sunset views.

Day 2 covers 7km to Abra Salkantay, descending to Wayracmachay and camping in Chaullay.

On Day 3, the trail leads through jungle to La Playa Sahuayaco for lunch, then on to the campsite at Lucmabamba.

The fourth day includes an ascent to Llaqtapata archaeological site and a hike to Aguas Calientes.

The trek culminates with a guided tour of Machu Picchu on the final day.

Included Services

The Salkantay Trek includes a comprehensive set of services to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for participants.

The trek package provides:

• Briefing with a knowledgeable guide before the start of the trek
• Transportation from Cusco to the trek’s starting point at Soraypampa
• Horses, mules, and porters to carry camping equipment and supplies
• A train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo upon completion of the trek
• A guided tour of the iconic Machu Picchu site
• Accommodation in Aguas Calientes and all meals throughout the trek
• Camping equipment, first aid kit, and an oxygen balloon for emergencies.

What to Bring

When embarking on the Salkantay Trek, participants should pack a few essential items.

They’ll need their passport or ID card to enter Machu Picchu. Sun protection is a must, so don’t forget sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen. Comfortable clothing is key for the multi-day hike.

While sleeping bags can be rented for $25, bringing your own is an option. Trekking poles are also recommended.

Alcohol, drugs, and explosive substances aren’t allowed.

Travelers should keep in mind that the trek isn’t suitable for pregnant women, those with vertigo or recent surgeries, motion sickness, or individuals over 70 years old.

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Important Information

As part of the Salkantay Trek, certain individuals may not be suitable for the challenge.

The trek isn’t recommended for pregnant women, people with vertigo, those who’ve had recent surgeries, or those prone to motion sickness. Plus, the trek isn’t suitable for individuals over 70 years old.

The guided tour includes a professional cook, hot water for washing, and travel insurance.

It’s advised to drink coca tea before starting the trek to help with altitude acclimation.

The trek isn’t suitable for those with alcohol, drugs, or explosive substances.

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund is offered for the Salkantay Trek. This provides flexibility for travelers in case of unexpected changes.

The tour operator understands that plans can shift, so they accommodate free cancellations within a day of the trek’s start. This policy ensures customers don’t lose their investment if they need to cancel their trek for any reason.

Plus, the Salkantay Trek offers a flexible booking option, allowing travelers to reserve their spot without an upfront payment. This makes it easier to secure a place on the trek and pay later, providing added convenience for those planning their Peruvian adventure.

Flexible Booking

The Salkantay Trek offers a flexible booking option, allowing travelers to reserve their spot without an upfront payment. This convenient feature gives adventurers the freedom to plan their trip with no obligation until closer to their departure date.

Some key benefits of the flexible booking include:

• Reserve your place on the trek with no initial deposit
• Pay the full balance later, closer to your start date
• Modify your booking if needed without penalties
• Enjoy the peace of mind of securing your spot early

This flexible approach caters to the needs of modern travelers, making the Salkantay Trek accessible and easy to plan.

Group Size and Language

The Salkantay Trek limits its group size to a maximum of 15 participants. This ensures a more intimate and personalized experience for trekkers.

The tour guides are bilingual, fluent in both Spanish and English, making the trek accessible to a wide range of international travelers. This language flexibility allows all participants to fully engage with the cultural and historical aspects of the trek, as the guides can provide detailed explanations and answer questions in the language most comfortable for each individual.

The small group size and bilingual support create an inclusive and enriching environment for the Salkantay Trek.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Salkantay Trek Itinerary to My Preferences?

The Salkantay Trek itinerary can be customized to individual preferences. Travelers can discuss options with the tour provider and make adjustments to the hiking routes, campsites, and activities to suit their needs and interests.

What Is the Average Altitude Range During the Trek?

The Salkantay Trek takes hikers through a range of altitudes, from around 3,600 meters (11,800 feet) at the start to over 4,600 meters (15,100 feet) at the highest point, the Salkantay Pass.

Are There Any Restrictions on Luggage Weight or Size?

The trek doesn’t have any strict restrictions on luggage weight or size. However, porters are available to carry camping equipment, allowing trekkers to carry only their personal belongings during the hike.

Can I Book the Trek for a Private Group Instead of a Shared Group?

You can book the Salkantay Trek as a private group. The tour operator offers this option, which allows you to customize the trek with your own group size and schedule.

What Is the Level of Difficulty for the Salkantay Trek?

The Salkantay Trek is considered a challenging hike, with high-altitude passes, steep ascents, and long trekking days. It’s not suitable for those with physical limitations, as it requires a good level of fitness and endurance.

Recap

The Salkantay Trek from Cusco is an unforgettable adventure through the stunning Andes of Peru. Travelers will experience breathtaking landscapes, culture, and a guided tour of the iconic Machu Picchu, all while enjoying inclusive services and a small group size. With flexible booking and a clear cancellation policy, this 5-day, 4-night trek is an excellent choice for those seeking an immersive Andean experience.

You can check if your dates are available here: