SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 5 DAYS

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is a captivating 5-day journey through the breathtaking Andes, offering participants a chance to enjoy Peru’s remarkable natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Starting at just $429 per person, this immersive adventure includes stunning views of snow-capped mountains, glacial lakes, and the iconic Machu Picchu. With comfortable accommodations, delicious meals, and expert guides, trekkers can expect a truly memorable experience, from hiking to the serene Humantay Lagoon to exploring vibrant coffee plantations. But the true allure of this trek lies in its ability to transport adventurers to a world of wonder and discovery, where every step reveals new…

Key Points

• The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is a 5-day adventure through the Andes, priced from $429 per person, including accommodation, meals, transportation, and professional guides.
• The trek features highlights such as Humantay Lagoon, Abra Salkantay, and a guided tour of the iconic Machu Picchu site.
• The trek includes 4 nights of lodging, with a mix of camping and accommodation, and meals featuring local and international cuisine.
• Transportation is comprehensive, including a train ride from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, and horses are available to transport camping gear and personal belongings.
• The trek offers opportunities for optional add-ons, such as entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, and the use of rental equipment like trekking poles and sleeping bags.

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Trek Overview and Pricing

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is a 5-day adventure that offers travelers an opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes of the Andes. Priced from $429 per person, the trek includes accommodation, meals, transportation, and the guidance of a professional English/Spanish-speaking guide.

Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later.

Along the way, they’ll witness snow-capped mountains, glacial lakes, and the iconic Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu.

With numerous inclusions and optional add-ons, the Salkantay Trek provides a flexible and immersive experience for those seeking to discover the natural and cultural wonders of Peru.

Itinerary Highlights

Kicking off the 5-day Salkantay Trek, travelers embark on their journey at 4:30 am with a pickup from Cusco.

After breakfast in Mollepata, they reach the starting point in Challacancha and hike to Soraypampa. Here, they visit the stunning Humantay Lagoon at 4,220 meters.

On Day 2, they rise early and trek to the highest point, Abra Salkantay, before descending to Collpapampa.

The third day takes them through the Peruvian jungle for 5.5 hours, followed by a coffee tour and optional thermal baths.

On Day 4, they walk the Inca Trail to Llactapata and Hidroeléctrica, with the option to hike or take a train to Aguas Calientes.

Accommodation and Meals

Provided as per the itinerary, the trek’s accommodations cater to the needs of trekkers. Participants will enjoy 4 nights of lodging, including camping under the stars at Soraypampa and Collpapampa.

Meals are included throughout the 5-day journey, with 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners. The meals feature a mix of local Peruvian cuisine and international fare, ensuring a well-rounded culinary experience.

Dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice. Trekkers can also purchase additional snacks and drinks along the way to fuel their adventures.

Transportation and Guidance

Comprehensive transportation and expert guidance are integral to the Salkantay Trek experience. Participants will enjoy a train ride from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, followed by a transfer to Cusco.

Professional English and Spanish-speaking guides lead the way, sharing insights into the cultural significance of the sights. The trek also includes:

• Horses and riders to transport camping gear and personal belongings up to 5 kg
• Duffel bags provided for easy transport of personal items
• Optional rental of sleeping bags ($15 per person) and trekking sticks ($20 per person)
• Allowance for excess luggage, with additional horses available for a fee

With these thoughtful transportation and guidance arrangements, trekkers can focus on seeing the stunning landscapes and rich history of the Salkantay Trek.

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Additional Rental Equipment

Along With the core trek inclusions, the tour operator offers optional rental equipment to enhance the trekking experience.

Trekking poles can be rented for $20 per person, providing extra stability and support on the rugged terrain. Sleeping bags are also available for rent at $15 per person, ensuring a comfortable night’s rest in the campgrounds.

For hikers with excess personal items, additional horses can be arranged to carry luggage exceeding the 5 kg limit.

These rental options allow travelers to customize their trek gear and focus on enjoying the stunning natural scenery along the Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu.

Excess Luggage and Add-ons

For hikers bringing more than the 5 kg limit for personal items, the tour operator accommodates excess luggage by arranging additional horses to carry the extra gear.

The cost for these additional horses isn’t included in the base price, but can be arranged upon request.

Other optional add-ons include:

• Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain ($60.00 per person)
• Entrance to hot springs in Aguas Calientes
• Shuttle bus service between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu ($12.00)
• Rental of sleeping bags ($15.00 per person) and trekking sticks ($20.00 per person)

These add-ons provide flexibility to customize the Salkantay Trek experience to suit individual preferences and needs.

Scenic Views and Cultural Significance

While trekking the Salkantay route, hikers are treated to stunning, snow-capped mountain vistas that serve as a breathtaking backdrop.

The Salkantay Trek offers a profound cultural experience, as travelers visit the revered Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas.

A local guide provides in-depth insights into the main sectors of this iconic citadel, bringing the history and significance of the site to life.

Amidst the awe-inspiring scenery, the trek allows visitors to gain a deeper appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of Peru and the enduring legacy of the Inca civilization.

Guided Experience and Flexibility

A local, English/Spanish-speaking guide accompanies travelers throughout the Salkantay Trek, providing in-depth insights and historical context about the significant sectors and landmarks encountered along the way.

The guide shares fascinating stories and legends, enhancing the overall experience.

Trekkers enjoy a flexible itinerary, with options to:

• Visit the iconic Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for breathtaking views
• Soak in the relaxing hot springs of Aguas Calientes after a day of hiking
• Opt for a shuttle bus service to and from Machu Picchu, for those seeking a more leisurely ascent

This combination of a knowledgeable guide and customizable experiences ensures an enriching and memorable journey through the stunning Andes landscape to the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum/Maximum Group Size for the Trek?

The Trek does not specify a minimum or maximum group size. Groups are typically small, allowing for a more personalized experience. The size may vary depending on the booking and popularity of the trek.

Is There an Option to Extend the Trek Duration?

There’s no mention of an option to extend the trek duration beyond the standard 5 days. The provided itinerary appears to be a fixed package without any flexibility to lengthen the trek.

Can I Customize the Itinerary Based on My Preferences?

Yes, the trek itinerary can be customized based on the traveler’s preferences. The tour operator offers flexibility, allowing participants to select optional activities and excursions to personalize their Salkantay Trek experience.

What Is the Level of Difficulty for the Salkantay Trek?

The Salkantay Trek is considered a moderately challenging trek, featuring high-altitude hikes, steep ascents, and long trekking days. Hikers should have a good level of physical fitness and experience with multi-day treks to comfortably complete the trek.

Are There Any Altitude Sickness Precautions I Should Take?

Trekkers should take precautions against altitude sickness, such as acclimatizing slowly, staying hydrated, and packing medications like acetazolamide. The trek reaches high elevations, so it’s important to monitor for symptoms and inform the guide if feeling unwell.

Recap

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is a remarkable 5-day adventure that immerses travelers in Peru’s breathtaking natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage. With comfortable accommodations, delicious meals, and expert guides, participants can fully experience the stunning views, historical significance, and authentic local interactions throughout the journey. This all-inclusive trek offers a truly unforgettable opportunity to explore one of the world’s most iconic destinations.

You can check if your dates are available here: