Embarking on the captivating Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu is a thrilling 5-day journey that offers an alternative path to the renowned ancient citadel. Trekkers navigate through diverse landscapes, including the impressive Salkantay Mountain, reaching dizzying heights of over 6,200 meters. While the trek poses a physical challenge, the breathtaking vistas and opportunities for optional activities like zip-lining and hot springs make it an unforgettable experience. With all the logistics – transportation, camping gear, and meals – taken care of, adventurers can fully enjoy the natural beauty and cultural richness that this trail promises to unveil.
Key Points
-
The Salkantay Trail is a 5-day trekking tour from Cusco to Machu Picchu, covering a distance of approximately 60 km and reaching a maximum elevation of 4,650 meters.
-
The trek is considered one of the best in the region, offering an adventurous alternative to the traditional Inca Trail, with stunning views of the Andes and Salkantay Mountain.
-
The itinerary includes a challenging hike over Salkantay Mountain, passing through diverse landscapes such as meadows, forests, and cloud forests, and offers optional activities like visiting Humantay Lake and hot springs.
-
The tour provides transportation, camping and kitchen equipment, and includes the first breakfast and last lunch, with additional services such as sleeping bag rental and bus fare to Machu Picchu available.
-
The trek requires a reasonable level of fitness and acclimatization to high altitude, and is not suitable for certain medical conditions, with confirmation provided within 48 hours.
👉 Check out our guide to the 2 Best Canoe And Kayak Experiences In Cusco
Contents
- Key Points
- Overview of the Salkantay Trail Tour
- Trekking Details and Itinerary
- Day 1: Cuzco to Soraypampa
- Day 2: Soraypampa to Chawllay
- Day 3: Chawllay to Santa Teresa
- Day 4: Santa Teresa to Aguas Calientes
- Day 5: Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
- Inclusions, Logistics, and Additional Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Salkantay Trail Tour?
- Can the Tour Be Booked as a Private Group?
- Is There an Option to Hire a Porter to Carry Bags?
- What Type of Gear Is Recommended for the Trek?
- Can the Tour Be Customized to Suit Individual Preferences?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Cusco
- More 5-Day Experiences in Cusco
- More Tours in Cusco
- More Tour Reviews in Cusco
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Cusco we have recnetly reviewed
Overview of the Salkantay Trail Tour
The Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu is a 5-day trekking tour that provides an alternative route to the iconic Inca citadel.
With 8 reviews and a 4.0 overall rating, it’s considered one of the best treks in the region.
The tour starts in Cusco, Peru and crosses the Salkantay Mountain at an elevation of over 6,200 meters.
Reasonable fitness and acclimatization to high altitude are essential, as the trail reaches heights up to 4,650 meters.
The trek is an attractive option for those seeking a more adventurous path to the legendary Machu Picchu.
Here are more great tours and experiences we've reviewed in Cusco
Trekking Details and Itinerary
Although the Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu tour spans 5 days, the actual trekking portion begins on the first day. Hikers take a 3-hour bus ride to Mollepata (2900 masl) before embarking on a 5-hour trek to Soraypampa (3920 masl). An optional 2-hour climb to Humantay Lake (4200 masl) can be added.
The following day, trekkers face the longest hike of 21 km, taking approximately 9 hours to reach the highest point at 4650 masl. On the third day, the hike to Santa Teresa (6-7 hours) includes optional activities like zip-lining and hot springs.
The final two days involve a 6-hour hike to Aguas Calientes and an early morning climb to Machu Picchu.
Day 1: Cuzco to Soraypampa
Trekkers begin the Salkantay Trail by taking a 3-hour bus ride from Cusco to the town of Mollepata, situated at an elevation of 2900 meters above sea level.
From there, they embark on a 5-hour hike to reach the campsite at Soraypampa, which sits at 3920 meters.
Along the way, trekkers have the option to take a 2-hour detour to visit the stunning Humantay Lake, which lies at an altitude of 4200 meters.
This first day allows adventurers to acclimatize to the high-altitude environment and take in the breathtaking Andean landscapes before continuing their journey towards Machu Picchu.
Day 2: Soraypampa to Chawllay
Leaving the Soraypampa campsite behind, trekkers embark on the longest and most challenging leg of the Salkantay Trail, covering a distance of 21 kilometers and reaching an elevation of 4650 meters at the highest point.
The ascent is gradual but steady, passing through lush meadows and forests before reaching the exposed slopes of the Salkantay Pass.
The descent on the other side is more challenging, with steep, rocky terrain requiring careful footing.
Trekkers are rewarded with stunning views of the snowcapped Salkantay Mountain and the surrounding glacier-carved landscape.
The hiking time for this segment is approximately 9 hours, ensuring a true test of endurance on the way to Chawllay.
Day 3: Chawllay to Santa Teresa
After the challenging ascent and descent of the previous day, the group embarks on a relatively shorter hike from Chawllay to Santa Teresa.
The 6-7 hour trek takes them through lush cloud forests and past remote villages. Along the way, hikers can opt for an exhilarating zip-lining experience or visit the nearby hot springs to soothe their tired muscles.
The path gradually descends, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. As they approach Santa Teresa, the group anticipates a well-deserved rest and the opportunity to recharge for the final push to Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
Day 4: Santa Teresa to Aguas Calientes
What awaits the group as they depart Santa Teresa and make their way toward Aguas Calientes?
The hike from Santa Teresa to Aguas Calientes takes approximately 6 hours. Trekkers will descend through lush vegetation and cross several rivers on their way to the town of Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.
Along the route, they’ll enjoy a lunch stop at the Hydroelectric plant. The hike is relatively easier compared to previous days, allowing hikers to conserve energy for the final ascent to Machu Picchu on the last day.
With the end of the Salkantay Trail in sight, anticipation builds as the group prepares to visit the iconic Inca citadel.
Day 5: Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
On the final day, trekkers make an early start from Aguas Calientes to reach Machu Picchu. They climb the 1,700 steps to the Sun Gate, arriving around 6 a.m. to witness the breathtaking views of the ancient citadel. Once inside, guests have until 11 a.m. to explore the site, marveling at the impressive Inca architecture and imagining what life was like centuries ago.
| Experience | Emotion |
|---|---|
| Reaching the Sun Gate | Awe |
| Entering Machu Picchu | Wonder |
| Exploring the ruins | Fascination |
| Departing Machu Picchu | Fulfillment |
The Salkantay Trail trek culminates in this iconic visit, leaving trekkers with lasting memories of their journey to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Inclusions, Logistics, and Additional Information
The Salkantay Trail tour includes various logistical arrangements to support trekkers throughout their journey.
The tour provides transportation to the starting point in Soraypampa and back from Aguas Calientes to Cusco. Camping and kitchen equipment are also provided, and the first breakfast and last lunch are included.
Trekkers have the option to rent a sleeping bag for an additional $15. Plus, the bus fare to Machu Picchu costs $12 one way.
Confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, and the tour isn’t suitable for individuals with serious medical conditions or pregnant travelers. Moderate physical fitness is required, and pickup from hotels is included with the exact time confirmed prior to the tour.
[ADDITIONAL INFORMATION]:
- Transportation to Soraypampa and back from Aguas Calientes to Cusco
- Camping and kitchen equipment provided
- First breakfast and last lunch included
- Optional sleeping bag rental ($15)
- Bus fare to Machu Picchu ($12 one way)
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Salkantay Trail Tour?
The maximum group size for the Salkantay Trail tour is not explicitly stated in the provided information. However, the tour is described as an intimate, small-group experience, suggesting the group size is likely limited to provide a personalized trekking adventure.
Can the Tour Be Booked as a Private Group?
The Salkantay Trail tour can be booked as a private group, which allows travelers to customize the experience and enjoy a more intimate trekking adventure without the larger group size. Private group bookings are available upon request.
Is There an Option to Hire a Porter to Carry Bags?
Yes, the tour operator offers an option to hire a porter to carry bags for an additional fee. This can be particularly helpful for those who don’t want to carry their own gear during the multi-day trek.
What Type of Gear Is Recommended for the Trek?
The recommended gear for the trek includes proper hiking boots, layers of clothing for changing weather, a warm jacket, rain gear, sun protection, water bottles, trekking poles, and a day pack to carry personal items. Porters may be hired to carry larger bags.
Can the Tour Be Customized to Suit Individual Preferences?
The tour can be customized to suit individual preferences. Travelers can opt for additional activities like hiking to Humantay Lake or zip-lining, and they can choose to rent a sleeping bag if needed.
Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu – 5 Day Tour
“It was a beautiful experience!! A must do when you are in Cusco. The trip was well organized, a very nice and good guide, good food and we had some…”
Recap
The Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu offers an exhilarating 5-day trek through diverse and breathtaking landscapes. Trekkers will experience challenging hikes, stunning vistas, and optional activities like zip-lining. With transportation, camping gear, and meals included, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure filled with awe-inspiring natural beauty, making it an excellent choice for those seeking an alternative route to the iconic Machu Picchu.
