From Cuzco: Tour Salkantay Trek 5 Days & Machu Picchu

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Andes with the 5-day Salkantay Trek from Cuzco. This moderately challenging trek promises breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and the iconic Machu Picchu. Traverse diverse terrains, explore local coffee farms, and learn about sustainable tourism practices. With attention to detail and a commitment to minimizing environmental impact, this tour offers an adventure like no other. Discover why the Salkantay Trek is a must-do for those seeking an authentic Andean experience.

Key Points

• A 5-day trekking tour from Cusco that covers approximately 60 km, reaching the highest point at Salkantay Pass (4,630 m), and culminating in a visit to Machu Picchu.

• The trek features diverse landscapes, from high peaks to lush cloud forests, with included services like professional guides, meals, and entrance tickets.

• The tour offers unique cultural experiences, such as coffee harvesting and preparation, and opportunities to interact with local communities while minimizing environmental impact.

• The trek is moderately challenging, requiring good physical fitness to navigate the steep ascents, descents, and high altitudes, with the option to carry personal essentials in a daypack.

• The booking and cancellation policy is straightforward, with a free cancellation option up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now & pay later option for flexibility.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of the Salkantay Trek

The Salkantay Trek is the second most popular trekking route to Machu Picchu after the Inca Trail.

This 5-day tour covers a distance of approximately 60 km (37 miles) and reaches an impressive high point of 4,630 m (15,190 ft) at the Salkantay Pass.

The trek is known for its diverse landscapes, from high mountain peaks to lush cloud forests.

The tour is priced from $600 per person and is limited to just 10 participants.

Hikers will enjoy comfortable accommodations, including rustic cabins and panoramic sky domes, as well as delectable meals prepared by a dedicated cook.

Itinerary Highlights

The Salkantay Trek’s itinerary highlights the diverse landscapes and experiences that await adventurous travelers.

On the first day, trekkers will walk for around 4 hours, covering 14 km while ascending from 3500m to 3900m, and they’ll spend the night in rustic cabanas in Soraypampa.

The second day involves a grueling 8-9 hour, 19 km trek that climbs to 4600m at the Salkantay Pass before descending to 2900m, with accommodations in panoramic sky domes at Loreta La Playa.

The third day is a relatively easy 3-hour, 11 km walk down to the charming town of Aguas Calientes at 2000m, where they’ll stay in a hotel.

The final day starts early with a visit to the iconic Machu Picchu at sunrise.

Included Services

The Salkantay Trek and Machu Picchu Tour includes a comprehensive range of services to ensure a seamless and memorable journey.

Guests are picked up from their hotel in Cusco at 5:00 am and transported to the trek’s starting point in Challacancha. A professional tour guide fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese accompanies the group throughout the trek.

Meals, including 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 snacks, and 3 dinners, are provided, and horses are used to carry camping equipment.

The tour also includes entrance tickets to Humantay Lake and Machu Picchu, as well as bus and train transportation to and from the historical site.

Experience and Activities

What can travelers expect to experience on the Salkantay Trek and Machu Picchu Tour? Adventurers will have the opportunity to explore the stunning Laguna Humantay, traverse the majestic Salkantay Pass at 4,630m, and enjoy the diverse flora and fauna of the region.

The trek also offers luxurious accommodations, including rustic cabins and panoramic sky domes, as well as the chance to participate in coffee harvesting and preparation. Discover the charming landscapes that transition from mountain to jungle, making this an unforgettable journey.

The key experiences include:

1. Trekking through breathtaking Andean landscapes
2. Staying in unique and comfortable lodgings
3. Engaging in cultural activities like coffee processing
4. Witnessing the natural wonders of the region

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Booking and Cancellation Policy

With the amazing experience and activities the Salkantay Trek and Machu Picchu Tour offers, travelers can book their adventure with ease and flexibility.

The tour company provides free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Travelers can also opt for the reserve now & pay later option, allowing them to secure their spot without upfront payment. This flexibility ensures travelers can adjust their travel plans as needed.

Plus, the tour’s booking policy is straightforward, with no hidden fees or unexpected charges.

Trekking Difficulty and Fitness Level

The Salkantay Trek is considered a moderately challenging hike, requiring a good level of physical fitness from participants. While the trek is manageable for most active individuals, it does involve long days of hiking at high altitudes.

Hikers should be prepared for:

1. Steep ascents and descents, with the trek reaching a maximum elevation of 4,630 meters (15,190 feet) at the Salkantay Pass.
2. Varying terrain, including rocky paths, dense forests, and exposed mountain passes.
3. Potential effects of high altitude, such as altitude sickness, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
4. Carrying a daypack with personal essentials for the duration of the trek.

With proper preparation and a positive attitude, the Salkantay Trek can be an immensely rewarding experience for adventurous travelers.

Cultural Exploration and Learning

Aside from the physical challenges, the Salkantay Trek offers a unique culture for participants. Along the way, hikers can witness the traditional way of life of the local communities.

They’ll have the opportunity to partake in a coffee harvesting and preparation process, gaining insight into an important aspect of Peruvian culture.

The trek also allows visitors to explore charming mountain landscapes and interact with the diverse flora and fauna found in the region.

This cultural aspect complements the stunning natural scenery, creating a well-rounded experience for those seeking to connect with the heart of the Andes.

Sustainable Tourism Practices

Beyond the culture, the Salkantay Trek also emphasizes sustainable tourism practices. The tour operator has implemented several eco-friendly measures to minimize the environmental impact.

These include:

1. Utilizing horses to transport camping gear, reducing the carbon footprint.
2. Providing biodegradable toiletries and waste management systems to preserve the pristine natural landscapes.
3. Collaborating with local communities to support their livelihoods and traditional practices.
4. Educating travelers on responsible tourism and the importance of environmental conservation.

These sustainable practices ensure that the Salkantay Trek can be enjoyed by future generations while preserving the delicate Andean ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Group Size Limit for the Trek?

The group size for the Salkantay Trek is limited to 10 participants. The trek is the second most popular trekking route to Machu Picchu after the Inca Trail.

Can I Request a Vegetarian or Special Dietary Meal?

The tour operator offers vegetarian and other special dietary meal options upon request. Guests can notify the company of any dietary requirements when booking the Salkantay Trek, ensuring their needs are accommodated throughout the multi-day trek.

Do I Need Any Special Permits or Visas to Join the Trek?

No, you don’t need any special permits or visas to join the Salkantay Trek. The tour organizes all necessary permits and entrance tickets as part of the included services. Simply bring your passport and follow the provided itinerary.

Is There an Option to Hire a Private Porter or Guide?

Yes, there’s an option to hire a private porter or guide. Tour operators offer this service for an additional fee, allowing trekkers to have a more personalized experience and have their gear carried for them.

How Do I Prepare for the High Altitude Conditions?

To prepare for high altitude, it’s best to gradually acclimate by staying hydrated, avoiding alcohol, and taking it slow. Supplemental oxygen and medication may also help manage altitude sickness symptoms during the trek.

Recap

The Salkantay Trek from Cuzco offers an unforgettable 5-day adventure through breathtaking Andean landscapes, culminating in the iconic Machu Picchu. With diverse accommodations, guided tours, and immersive local experiences, this trek promises a memorable and sustainable journey, catering to both adventurous spirits and cultural enthusiasts. Travelers can expect a moderately challenging trek that rewards them with stunning vistas, cultural insights, and an unparalleled connection to the heart of the Andes.

You can check if your dates are available here: