Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu (5 Days)

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu offers adventurous travelers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Peru’s Andes. Led by experienced, bilingual guides, this 5-day journey takes hikers through awe-inspiring vistas, including the majestic Salkantay mountain. Along the way, you will enjoy Andean culture, partaking in a ceremonial ritual. With all the details taken care of, from entrance fees to nutritious meals, trekkers can focus on the incredible experience that awaits. But there’s more to this trek than meets the eye – the journey culminates in a visit to the iconic Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Key Points

• A 5-day hiking adventure through the Andes in Peru, led by professional bilingual guides, with entrance fees to Salkantay Trek and Machu Picchu included.
• Includes an Andean ceremony on the second day and comprehensive camping equipment carried by horsemen, mules, or porters.
• Seamless transportation provided, with hotel pickup in Cusco, transport to the trailhead, and return transport from Machu Picchu.
• Hearty Andean meals, including vegetarian options, designed to fuel trekkers during the hike, with a focus on nutritious and varied dietary options.
• Experienced, bilingual tour guide ensures safety and support, with a maximum of 15 travelers per tour for a personalized experience.

Trek Overview

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is a 5-day hiking adventure that takes travelers through the stunning landscapes of the Andes in Peru.

Led by professional bilingual guides, the tour includes entrance fees to the Salkantay Trek and Machu Picchu, as well as an Andean ceremony on the second day.

Trekkers will be collected from their hotels within Cusco’s historic center and transported to the trailhead at Soraypampa.

After the hike, they’ll take the tourist train back to Ollantaytambo and then be transported to Cusco.

The tour’s camping equipment, including tents, cooking facilities, and sleeping mats, will be carried by horsemen, mules, or porters, allowing hikers to carry up to 7 kg of personal belongings.

Transportation and Pickup

For the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, Peru Amazon Trips provides convenient transportation and pickup services. Guests are collected from their hotels within the historic center of Cusco.

From there, they’re transported to the Soraypampa trailhead to begin the trek. After the trek, travelers take the tourist train back to Ollantaytambo, and then are transported from Ollantaytambo back to Cusco.

This seamless transportation ensures a stress-free journey, allowing hikers to fully immerse themselves in the Salkantay Trek experience.

The transportation services include:

1. Collection from hotels in Cusco’s historic center.
2. Transport to the Soraypampa trailhead.
3. Tourist train from Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo, and then transport back to Cusco.

Camping and Equipment

Peru Amazon Trips provides comprehensive camping equipment for the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. This includes sturdy tents, a cooking and eating tent, comfortable chairs and tables, and Thermarest sleeping mats.

A team of horsemen, mules, or porters carry the cooking and camping equipment, allowing hikers to carry just 7 kg of personal belongings. The staff uses biodegradable personal hand soaps and dishwashing detergents to minimize environmental impact.

With these top-notch camping amenities, trekkers can focus on enjoying the stunning Andean scenery and reaching the magnificent ruins of Machu Picchu.

Meals and Dietary Options

The menu features:

1. Hearty Andean dishes like quinoa soup, roasted potatoes, and grilled meats.

2. Vegetarian options including lentil stews, roasted vegetables, and pasta dishes.

3. Snacks and trail food like energy bars, fresh fruits, and nuts to keep you fueled during the hike.

Health and Safety

A maximum of 15 travelers are allowed on each Salkantay Trek tour. This ensures the group remains manageable and provides a personalized experience. Strong physical fitness is required, as the trek involves challenging terrain and high altitudes. The tour is not recommended for those with serious medical conditions or pregnant travelers. Confirmation is needed at the time of booking, and a non-refundable policy applies.

Health Considerations	Accessibility	Safety Measures
Strong physical fitness required	Not wheelchair accessible	Confirmation required at booking
Not recommended for pregnant travelers	Not suitable for those with serious medical conditions	Non-refundable policy
Challenging terrain and high altitudes	Group size limited to 15 travelers	Experienced, bilingual tour guide

Itinerary and Highlights

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is a 5-day hiking adventure that takes trekkers through stunning Andean landscapes.

The trek includes:

1. An awe-inspiring Andean ceremony on the second day, where travelers can participate in a traditional cultural experience.

2. The opportunity to witness the majestic Salkantay mountain, the second-highest peak in the Cusco region, towering at an impressive 20,574 feet.

3. The culmination of the trek, with a visit to the iconic Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, where travelers can explore the captivating ruins and bask in the breathtaking views.

Tour Inclusions and Pricing

Peru Amazon Trips’ Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu package includes a comprehensive array of amenities and services to ensure a seamless and comfortable trekking experience. The tour includes a professional bilingual guide, entrance fees to Salkantay Trek and Machu Picchu, and an Andean ceremony on the second day. Travelers are collected from hotels within Cusco’s historic center and transported to the trailhead, with a tourist train back to Ollantaytambo and onward transport to Cusco. Camping equipment, including tents, cooking and eating facilities, and Thermarest sleeping mats, are provided, with porters carrying the gear. Meals, including vegetarian and special diet options, are also included.

Inclusions	Exclusions
Professional bilingual guide	International flights
Entrance fees	Travel insurance
Andean ceremony	Personal expenses
Camping equipment	Alcoholic beverages

The price for this 5-day trek starts from $474.88 per person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Cancel the Trek at Any Time?

The trek has a non-refundable policy, so cancellation isn’t possible at any time. Guests should carefully consider their ability to complete the trek before booking, as it requires a high level of physical fitness.

What Is the Maximum Group Size?

The maximum group size for this trek is 15 travelers. The tour operator requires a strong physical fitness level, and the trek is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions.

Do We Need Special Permits for the Trek?

The trek requires no special permits. However, the group size is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers due to the trek’s physical demands. Booking confirmation is required, though the policy is non-refundable.

Is It Possible to Book Additional Services?

Yes, travelers can book additional services for this trek. The tour operator offers options like porter services, extra horse rentals, and private transportation that can be added to the standard package.

Can I Bring My Own Camping Equipment?

Yes, you can bring your own camping equipment for the trek. However, the tour provider offers high-quality camping gear, and using their equipment simplifies logistics and ensures proper setup at the campsites.

Recap

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience Peru’s stunning Andes. Guided by knowledgeable professionals, trekkers will witness awe-inspiring landscapes, partake in an Andean ceremony, and culminate their journey at the iconic Machu Picchu. With all-inclusive services and a personalized group size, this trek is the perfect way to take in the Peruvian highlands and create unforgettable memories.