Salkantay Trek in 4d/3n From Cusco+Return by Train.

The Salkantay Trek is a captivating 4-day, 3-night adventure departing from the historic city of Cusco. This challenging yet rewarding trek covers approximately 20 kilometers, reaching dizzying heights of 4,630 meters. Along the way, trekkers will be treated to stunning natural wonders, including the serene Humantay Lagoon and the Andean ritual at the Salkantay Pass. With professional guides fluent in both English and Spanish, participants can enjoy the diverse landscapes and cultural experiences, all while enjoying the peace of mind of a flexible cancellation policy. But the true allure of this trek lies in the journey itself, as trekkers will soon discover.

Key Points

• The Salkantay Trek is a 4-day, 3-night trek from Cusco, returning by train, with a starting price of $450 per person and flexible booking options.
• The trek covers approximately 20 km on the second day, reaching an elevation of 4,630 meters, with highlights including Humantay Lagoon and an Andean ritual at Salkantay Pass.
• The daily itinerary includes early starts, hikes to scenic locations, and a guided tour of Machu Picchu on the final day.
• The package includes Machu Picchu entrance tickets, accommodations, meals, and the services of an English and Spanish-speaking professional guide.
• The tour company offers a flexible cancellation policy, with full refunds available up to 24 hours in advance, and provides additional equipment such as first aid kits and oxygen bottles for safety.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview and Pricing

The Salkantay Trek is a 4-day, 3-night journey from Cusco, returning by train. Priced from $450 per person, the trek offers a flexible and risk-free booking experience.

Travelers can reserve their spot with no upfront payment and can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The trek features breathtaking landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and beautiful attractions along the route, all guided by English and Spanish-speaking professionals.

With an included Machu Picchu entrance ticket and various meals, the Salkantay Trek provides an immersive and well-rounded experience for adventurous travelers.

Trek Details

Spanning a duration of 4 days, the Salkantay Trek immerses travelers in breathtaking landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and captivating attractions along the route. Led by English and Spanish-speaking guides, the trek includes a visit to the stunning Humantay Lagoon and an Andean ritual at the Salkantay Pass. Hikers will cover approximately 20 km on the second day, reaching an elevation of 4,630 meters. The third day features a 5-hour hike to Sahuayaco beach, followed by a transfer to Santa Teresa and a 3-hour walk along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes. On the final day, trekkers embark on a 30-minute hike to the Machu Picchu checkpoint for a guided tour of the iconic Inca citadel.

Day	Distance	Duration
1	4 hours	Hike to Humantay Lagoon
2	20 km	Hike to Salkantay Pass
3	5 hours	Hike to Sahuayaco beach

Daily Itinerary

Departing from Cusco at 5:45 a.m., the trek begins with a drive to Mollepata for breakfast before heading to Soraypampa.

From there, hikers will embark on a 2-hour uphill trek to Humantay Lagoon, followed by a 2-hour descent back to camp at Salkantay Pass.

The next day starts early at 5 a.m. with breakfast, then a 3-hour hike to the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m) to participate in an Andean ritual before descending to Chaullay.

On the third day, the group departs at 6 a.m. and hikes for 5 hours to Sahuayaco beach, transfers to Santa Teresa for lunch, then walks 3 hours along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes.

The final day includes an early breakfast and a 30-minute hike to the Machu Picchu checkpoint for a 2.5-hour guided tour.

Inclusions

The package includes an entrance ticket to Machu Picchu, a briefing prior to departure, and a travel bag for up to 5 kg of belongings that will be transported by horse.

The tour also provides:

1. A professional guide who speaks English and Spanish.
2. 2 nights of camping and 1 night in a hostel in Aguas Calientes.
3. 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners, with vegetarian meals available upon request.

Plus, the package includes cooking equipment, a first aid kit, and an oxygen bottle for emergencies.

Transportation from the beach to Santa Teresa is also provided.

However, tips and any other additional expenses aren’t included.

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Additional Details

Available for rent are sleeping bags, while tips and any other additional expenses are not included in the package price. Travelers should also be aware that the bus ride from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu is an additional cost. Plus, the itinerary is subject to change due to adverse conditions like weather or strikes, and no refunds will be provided for cancellations resulting from these factors. Lastly, no claims can be made for no-shows on the scheduled service day.

Item	Cost
Sleeping Bag Rental	Varies
Tips	Not Included
Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu	Additional Cost
Itinerary Changes	Possible

Cancelation Policy

Travelers can cancel their Salkantay Trek reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This flexible cancelation policy allows for:

1. Peace of mind in case plans change unexpectedly.

2. The ability to rebook the trek at a later date.

3. No financial risk for a no-show on the service day.

However, no refunds are provided for cancelations due to adverse conditions like weather, strikes, or other unforeseeable circumstances.

Travelers are also responsible for any additional expenses not included in the tour package, such as the 10 soles entrance fee to Mollepata.

Gear and Equipment

For the Salkantay Trek, travelers can rent sleeping bags from the tour operator. The price for this rental isn’t included in the tour package.

Hikers should also bring their own personal gear, such as appropriate hiking shoes, warm layers, rain jacket, sun protection, and basic toiletries.

The tour company provides a travel bag that can hold up to 5 kilograms of belongings, which will be transported by horse along the trail. Travelers are responsible for any additional personal items they wish to bring.

The tour includes first aid kits and oxygen bottles for emergencies, ensuring the safety and well-being of participants throughout the trek.

Experience Highlights

The Salkantay Trek offers a captivating experience for adventurous travelers seeking to enjoy the stunning landscapes of Peru’s Andes. Participants will be awestruck by the breathtaking vistas, from the serene Humantay Lagoon to the majestic Salkantay Pass.

Along the way, they’ll encounter diverse flora and fauna, seeing the natural wonder of the region. The highlight of the trek is undoubtedly the guided tour of the iconic Machu Picchu, where travelers can explore the ancient Inca citadel and uncover its rich history.

The Salkantay Trek’s key highlights include:

1. Breathtaking landscapes, including glaciers, valleys, and alpine meadows.
2. Engaging cultural experiences, such as participating in Andean rituals.
3. The iconic Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Hiking Gear or Rent It Locally?

Trekkers can bring their own hiking gear or rent it locally. The trek provides a travel bag for 5 kg of belongings, but additional gear must be rented or brought by the trekker.

Are There Any Age or Fitness Level Restrictions for the Trek?

The trek has no age restrictions, but a moderate fitness level is required. Participants must be able to hike for several hours each day over challenging terrain. Travelers with concerns should consult the tour operator for guidance on suitability.

Can I Add Extra Days or Activities to the Itinerary?

Yes, you can add extra days or activities to the Salkantay Trek itinerary. The tour operator offers flexible travel plans, allowing you to customize your experience based on your preferences and needs.

How Much Extra Spending Money Should I Budget for the Trek?

Travellers should budget around $100-$200 extra for the Salkantay Trek. This covers additional meals, tips, equipment rentals, and other personal expenses beyond what’s included in the tour price.

Is There an Option to Hike the Trail Individually Rather Than in a Group?

According to the information provided, the Salkantay Trek is offered as a group tour and there’s no mention of an individual hiking option. Travelers will need to book the trek as part of a guided group experience.

Recap

The Salkantay Trek from Cusco is a remarkable 4-day, 3-night adventure that takes trekkers through stunning Andean landscapes, culminating in a return by train. With professional guides, cultural experiences, and flexible cancellation policies, this trek offers an unforgettable opportunity to explore the serene Humantay Lagoon and conquer the Salkantay Pass, all while immersing in the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of the region.

You can check if your dates are available here: