From Cusco: Salkantay Trek 5 Days/4 Nights Meals Included

The Salkantay Trek is a captivating 5-day, 4-night adventure that takes trekkers from Cusco to the iconic Machu Picchu. Priced at $420 per person, this small-group experience promises an unforgettable journey through the heart of Peru’s stunning landscapes, including the breathtaking Humantay Lake and Salkantay Pass. With meals prepared by a professional chef and accommodations in camps and a hotel, the trek caters to various dietary needs and ensures a comfortable expedition. But what truly sets this trek apart is the opportunity to take in the region’s rich culture and history, leaving an indelible mark on the soul.

Key Points

• 5-day, 4-night trekking adventure from Cusco to Machu Picchu, including 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners.
• Trek includes stunning landscapes, Humantay Lake, and Salkantay Pass at an elevation of 4,650 meters.
• Accommodations consist of 3 nights of camping and 1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
• Guided tour of Machu Picchu and transportation to the trailhead are included in the package.
• Group size limited to 18 participants for a personalized experience, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Salkantay Trek Overview and Pricing

The Salkantay Trek is a popular 5-day, 4-night trekking adventure that leads hikers from Cusco to the iconic Machu Picchu.

Priced from $420 per person, the trek offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve-now-pay-later option.

It’s a small-group experience, limited to just 18 participants. The trek takes adventurers through stunning landscapes, including a hike to Humantay Lake and the crossing of the Salkantay Pass at 4,650 meters.

Accommodations include 3 nights of camping and 1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.

The package includes transportation, meals, an entrance ticket to Machu Picchu, and a guided tour of the ancient citadel.

Itinerary Highlights

The Salkantay Trek’s itinerary offers an exhilarating journey through Peru’s stunning landscapes.

Day 1 begins with a hike from Cusco to Soraypampa, where trekkers will marvel at the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake before continuing to the campsite at Quiswarniyoc.

On Day 2, the group will tackle the challenging ascent to the Salkantay Pass at 4,650 meters before descending to the Chaullay camp.

Day 3 takes them through the Santa Teresa Valley to Playa Sahuayaco, with an optional visit to the nearby hot springs.

The trek continues on Day 4 to the Inca ruins of Llactapata and Aguas Calientes, the gateway to the iconic Machu Picchu.

Included Amenities

The Salkantay Trek offers a comprehensive package of included amenities to ensure a comfortable and seamless experience for participants.

The tour includes a professional English/Spanish-speaking guide, a chef, and a kitchen team to provide 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners. Participants are also given a duffel bag for their personal items, with a weight limit of 7 kg.

The trek includes transportation, with hotel pickup and private transport to the Salkantay trailhead. Accommodations are provided, with 3 nights of camping and 1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.

Plus, the entrance ticket and guided tour of Machu Picchu are included in the package.

Important Recommendations

Certain important recommendations should be considered when undertaking the Salkantay Trek.

The trek isn’t suitable for pregnant women or those with mobility issues. Hikers should bring essential items like their passport, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a jacket.

They’ll also need a sleeping bag, insect repellent, and long pants.

While the tour includes most meals, hikers may incur additional costs for optional activities like visiting Humantay Lake, renting a sleeping bag, and transportation to the hot springs and from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.

Purchasing travel insurance is also advised.

Following these recommendations will ensure a safe and enjoyable trekking experience.

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Customer Feedback

Based on the limited customer reviews available, the Salkantay Trek appears to have garnered a generally positive response, with an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Reviewers highlighted the good overall experience, excellent food, and recommended the trek for those in good physical shape with proper footwear.

However, the absence of the guide during parts of the trek was noted, and there was some confusion regarding ticketing.

Group Size and Cancellation

Limiting the group size to just 18 participants allows the Salkantay Trek to offer a more intimate and personalized experience for travelers.

With this smaller group size, hikers can expect more attentive service from the guides and support staff. This also ensures that the trek maintains a sustainable impact on the local environment and communities along the way.

Plus, the tour operator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing travelers with flexibility and peace of mind when planning their Machu Picchu adventure.

This combination of a small group size and generous cancellation policy makes the Salkantay Trek an appealing choice for those seeking an unforgettable journey to one of Peru’s most iconic destinations.

Payment Options

Along With the generous cancellation policy, the Salkantay Trek offers flexible payment options to accommodate travelers’ needs.

Customers can reserve their spot without paying upfront, taking advantage of the "Reserve Now & Pay Later" option. This allows them to secure their place on the trek and pay the full amount later, providing greater flexibility in managing their budget.

On top of that, the trek is priced competitively, starting from $420 per person, making it an accessible option for those seeking an unforgettable adventure to Machu Picchu.

With these payment choices, the Salkantay Trek caters to a wide range of travelers, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free booking experience.

Meal Accommodations

The Salkantay Trek itinerary includes a robust meal plan, catering to the diverse dietary needs of its participants.

Throughout the 5-day trek, travelers will enjoy 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners, all prepared by the tour’s professional chef and kitchen team.

Vegetarian and vegan options are available upon request, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the delicious, high-quality meals.

The meals are designed to provide the necessary fuel and sustenance for the physically demanding hike, with a focus on locally-sourced, fresh ingredients.

Whether you’re craving hearty Peruvian cuisine or have specific dietary requirements, the Salkantay Trek’s meal plan has you covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, there is an option to extend the Salkantay Trek beyond the standard 5 days/4 nights. Longer itineraries, ranging from 6 to 8 days, are available for those who’d like a more comprehensive experience exploring the Andes region.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Trek?

There are no strict age restrictions for the Salkantay Trek, but it’s not suitable for pregnant women or those with mobility issues. The trek is recommended for travelers in good physical shape, regardless of age.

Can I Rent Hiking Poles or Other Equipment?

The Salkantay Trek offers equipment rentals, including hiking poles, which can be arranged at an additional cost. Travelers can inquire about rental options during the pre-departure briefing to ensure they have the necessary gear for the trek.

What Is the Altitude Gain/Loss During the Trek?

The trek involves a significant altitude gain and loss. Hikers ascend to the Salkantay Pass at 4,650 meters, then descend to Chaullay camp at 2,900 meters. The total elevation change throughout the 5-day trek is approximately 1,750 meters.

Are There Any Other Trekking Options in the Area?

Yes, there are other trekking options in the area. The Inca Trail is a popular 4-day hike to Machu Picchu, while the Lares Trek offers a cultural experience through traditional Andean villages over 4 days.

Recap

The Salkantay Trek offers an exceptional 5-day, 4-night adventure from Cusco to Machu Picchu. Priced at $420 per person with meals included, this small-group trek (limited to 18 trekkers) explores stunning landscapes, including Humantay Lake and Salkantay Pass. With accommodations in camps and a hotel, and a professional chef catering to various dietary needs, this trek promises an unforgettable journey through the heart of Peru.

You can check if your dates are available here: