The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is a thrilling 5-day, 4-night adventure that takes trekkers through the stunning landscapes of Peru’s Cusco region. Traversing the majestic Salkantay Pass at over 15,000 feet, explorers will encounter awe-inspiring glacial lakes and the iconic Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This challenging hike is fully supported, with professional guides, comfortable accommodations, and delicious meals to ensure an unforgettable journey. For outdoor enthusiasts seeking to enjoy Peru’s breathtaking natural beauty, the Salkantay Trek promises an experience like no other.
Key Points
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The Salkantay Trek is a 5-day, 4-night hiking adventure in the Cusco region of Peru, featuring a high-altitude pass with stunning views of snow-capped peaks.
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The trek includes accommodation, meals prepared by professional chefs, and guided services by multilingual experts well-versed in the local geography, flora, and fauna.
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Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu, Laguna Humantay, and Salkantay, as well as round-trip transfers and train tickets, are included in the package.
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Optional activities such as visiting hot springs, horse riding, and zip lining are available for an additional fee to enhance the Machu Picchu experience.
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The trek is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars for its beauty and challenge, but requires strong physical fitness and endurance due to the strenuous hiking at high altitudes.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Overview of the Salkantay Trek
- Accommodation and Meals
- Professional Guide Services
- Transfers and Entrance Tickets
- Optional Activities and Pricing
- Pickup and Meeting Details
- Confirmation and Cancellation Policy
- Accessibility and Fitness Requirements
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Cusco
- More Hiking & Trekking 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 Trek
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is a challenging and scenic 5-day/4-night hiking adventure that takes trekkers through the stunning landscapes of the Cusco region in Peru.
Traversing over the imposing Salkantay Pass at an elevation of 15,213 feet, the trek offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, pristine lakes, and lush cloud forests.
Along the way, hikers will have the opportunity to visit the glacial Humantay Lake and the ancient Inca ruins at Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The trek is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 2 reviews, reflecting its demanding nature and the incredible natural beauty encountered on the journey.
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Accommodation and Meals
Accommodating trekkers during the 5-day Salkantay Trek are 4 nights of lodging, with breakfasts, lunches, and dinners provided throughout the journey.
The meals are prepared by professional chefs, ensuring high-quality, nutritious fare to fuel the physically demanding trek. Breakfast may include a variety of options like eggs, pancakes, and fresh fruit, while lunches and dinners feature local Peruvian cuisine, with dishes like lomo saltado, quinoa salads, and roasted vegetables.
All dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.
The trek also includes a return train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, providing a comfortable way to reach and depart Machu Picchu.
Professional Guide Services
A team of professional, multilingual guides accompanies trekkers throughout the 5-day Salkantay Trek. These guides are fluent in both English and Spanish, ensuring clear communication and a seamless experience for all participants.
They possess extensive knowledge of the local geography, flora, and fauna, and are trained to ensure the safety and well-being of the group. The guides lead the way, providing valuable insights and anecdotes along the trail.
They also handle all logistical aspects of the trek, from coordinating meals and accommodations to managing any unforeseen challenges. With their expertise and attentive care, the guides play a crucial role in transforming the Salkantay Trek into an unforgettable adventure.
Transfers and Entrance Tickets
As part of the Salkantay Trek package, transfers and entrance tickets are provided to ensure a seamless and hassle-free experience for participants.
The trek includes round-trip transfers from Cusco to Zoraypampa, and from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu, Laguna Humantay, and Salkantay are also included, though a 20-sole on-site fee for the Salkantay entrance is required.
The return train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo is also provided.
Optional activities, such as visiting the Cocalmayo hot springs and taking the bus to/from Machu Picchu, can be arranged for an additional fee on-site.
Optional Activities and Pricing
Along With the included activities, participants can opt to partake in several optional experiences during the Salkantay Trek.
They can visit the Cocalmayo hot springs for 10 soles on-site, which offer a rejuvenating soak after a long day of hiking.
Travelers can also choose to ride horses for portions of the trek.
Plus, there’s the option to take a bus to and from Machu Picchu for $24 each way, providing an easier ascent to the iconic site.
Finally, adventurous souls may wish to try zip lining, an exhilarating way to take in the stunning Andean landscapes.
These add-ons provide opportunities to customize the trek and make the most of the Machu Picchu experience.
Pickup and Meeting Details
Travelers can choose from two pickup options for the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. The tour departs from Cusco at 4:00 am, with pickup either at hotels near the Plaza de Armas or at the designated meeting point on Del Medio 101.
The activity ends back at the original meeting point. Travelers should note the following:
- Pickup is either from hotels near the Plaza de Armas or the Del Medio 101 meeting point
- Departure time is 4:00 am sharp
- The activity concludes at the original meeting location
- Confirmation is provided at booking or within 48 hours for last-minute reservations
- The tour is a private experience, with only your group participating.
Confirmation and Cancellation Policy
Confirmation of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is provided at the time of booking or within 48 hours if the reservation is made within 2 days of the travel date.
The trek has a flexible cancellation policy, though it’s non-refundable. There are no refunds for cancellations. This means travelers forfeit their payment if they need to cancel their Salkantay Trek.
The company offers a lowest price guarantee, ensuring customers get the best deal. The confirmation and cancellation details are straightforward, with no hidden fees or surprises.
Customers should review these policies carefully before booking to ensure the trek aligns with their travel plans and preferences.
Accessibility and Fitness Requirements
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu isn’t accessible for everyone. This challenging hike requires a strong level of physical fitness and may not be suitable for those with certain medical conditions.
Some key accessibility considerations include:
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or serious medical conditions
- Involves long, strenuous hiking days at high altitudes
- Covers rugged, uneven terrain with steep ascents and descents
- Requires a good cardiovascular condition and endurance
Travelers should carefully assess their physical abilities before embarking on this trek.
Proper preparation and training are essential for a safe and enjoyable experience.
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5d / 4n
“We had roger as our guide and he was incredible! He took tons of pictures for us and went out of his way to ensure we enjoyed our trip! Pretty impo…”
Recap
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu offers an unforgettable adventure through Peru’s stunning landscapes. Trekkers will be awed by the majestic Salkantay Pass, the serene Humantay Lake, and the iconic Machu Picchu. With professional guides, comfortable accommodations, delicious meals, and all necessary transfers and tickets, this challenging hike ensures an unforgettable experience for outdoor enthusiasts. The Salkantay Trek is a must-do for anyone seeking an immersive journey through Peru’s natural wonders.
