Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: Five Days

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu offers adventurers a captivating five-day journey through Peru’s stunning landscapes. Trekkers ascend to the breathtaking Salkantay Pass, explore the picturesque Humantay Lagoon, and visit ancient ruins, all while seeing the rich local culture. Along the way, they’ll experience diverse ecosystems, from towering Andean peaks to lush jungles, and enjoy opportunities for relaxation, such as the Cocalmayo Hot Springs. The trek culminates in a guided tour of the iconic Machu Picchu, leaving visitors with an unforgettable memory of their Peruvian adventure. But there’s more to this trek than meets the eye – the true allure lies in the unexpected discoveries that await.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Hiking And Trekking Tours In Urubamba.

Key Points

• The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is a 5-day trek with a starting price of K10,400 per person, offering a guided cultural experience and scenic views of Andean mountains and high jungle.
• The trek includes hiking to the Salkantay Pass at 4,650 meters, visiting the Llactapata Inca archaeological site, and exploring Machu Picchu with a guided tour.
• The daily itinerary includes stops at Humantay Lagoon, Chaullay, and Santa Teresa, with opportunities to experience local culture, hot springs, and wildlife.
• The trek features a transition from Andean mountains to lush high jungle, showcasing peaks like Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo, and the Urubamba River valley.
• The trek has a flexible reservation policy with no upfront payment and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, making it accessible to a wide range of travelers.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview and Pricing

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is a five-day adventure that starts from K10,400 per person.

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

The trek features a live tour guide available in English and Spanish, highlighting the journey’s key moments, including hiking to the Salkantay Pass at 4615 meters and transitioning from the Andean mountains to the lush high jungle.

Guests will also have the opportunity to explore small villages along the way, making this an immersive and unforgettable experience.

Trek Details

Spanning a duration of 5 days, the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu offers a live tour guide available in both English and Spanish to accompany travelers on their journey.

The trek’s highlights include hiking to the Salkantay Pass at 4615 meters, transitioning from the Andean mountains to the lush high jungle, and strolling through small villages.

Traversing a diverse landscape, trekkers will experience breathtaking views of peaks like Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo.

Along the way, they’ll have the opportunity to visit the Llactapata Inca archaeological site and explore the Cocalmayo Hot Springs before reaching the iconic Machu Picchu.

Daily Itinerary

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu follows a comprehensive 5-day itinerary that allows trekkers to fully enjoy the stunning landscapes and cultural highlights along the way.

On Day 1, guests are picked up from their Cusco hotel and driven to Mollepata, where they begin the trek to Humantay Lagoon before setting up camp at Soraypampa.

Day 2 sees the group ascend to the breathtaking Salkantay Pass at 4,650 meters, with views of the surrounding peaks.

On Day 3, they descend to Sahuayaco Beach and continue on to Santa Teresa, with an optional visit to the Cocalmayo Hot Springs.

The trek then leads to the Inca ruins of Llactapata on Day 4 before the final ascent to Machu Picchu on Day 5.

Day 1: Cusco to Soraypampa

Whisked away from their Cusco hotels, trekkers embark on a scenic drive to Mollepata, where an optional breakfast stop offers a chance to fuel up before the day’s adventure. They then hike to Humantay Lagoon, a turquoise gem nestled between mountain peaks. After 2 hours of exploration, trekkers arrive at their overnight camp at Soraypampa, where they’ll enjoy dinner and rest.

Time	Activity
Morning	Pickup from hotel in Cusco
Mid-Morning	Scenic drive to Mollepata, optional breakfast stop
Afternoon	Hike to Humantay Lagoon (2 hours)
Evening	Overnight camp at Soraypampa, dinner, and rest

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Day 2: Soraypampa to Chaullay

From Soraypampa, trekkers ascend to the towering Salkantay Pass at an elevation of 4,650 meters.

This challenging hike rewards them with breathtaking views of the Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo peaks.

The descent to Chaullay offers a stark contrast as the landscape transitions from the Andean mountains to the lush high jungle.

Along the way, trekkers may spot wildlife and encounter small villages, providing a glimpse into the local culture.

Upon reaching the camp at Chaullay, trekkers can enjoy a well-deserved dinner and rest, preparing for the next day’s adventure.

Day 3: Chaullay to Santa Teresa

On the third day, trekkers set off on a 5-hour hike to Sahuayaco Beach, taking in sights of cascading waterfalls and lush plantations along the way. After the trek, they were transported to the town of Santa Teresa. There, they had the option to visit the Cocalmayo Hot Springs, a popular local attraction.

Highlights	Duration
Hike to Sahuayaco Beach	5 hours
Sights of waterfalls and plantations	N/A
Local transport to Santa Teresa	N/A
Optional visit to Cocalmayo Hot Springs	N/A

Day 4: Santa Teresa to Aguas Calientes

After their stay in Santa Teresa, trekkers make their way to the town of Aguas Calientes.

They’ll hike to the Llactapata ruins, an Inca archaeological site, for further exploration. Following the visit, the group enjoys dinner at a local restaurant before reaching their accommodation for the night in Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu.

This day marks the penultimate stage of the Salkantay Trek, as trekkers prepare to visit the iconic Inca citadel on the following day.

Day 5: Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu

The final day of the Salkantay Trek begins with an early breakfast packed for trekkers as they make their way to the iconic Machu Picchu. After a short bus ride from Aguas Calientes, they’ll arrive at the entrance to the ancient Inca citadel for a guided tour. Trekkers will marvel at the impressive stone structures, terraced farmlands, and stunning vistas overlooking the Urubamba River valley.

Time	Activity
Morning	Bus ride to Machu Picchu
2 hours	Guided tour of Machu Picchu
Afternoon	Optional hike to Sun Gate

With the tour complete, trekkers can choose to hike to the Sun Gate for breathtaking panoramic views before departing back to Cusco, ending this unforgettable adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Experience Level Required for the Salkantay Trek?

The Salkantay Trek requires an intermediate level of fitness as it involves several days of hiking at high altitudes. While challenging, the trek is suitable for adventurous travelers with some prior trekking experience.

Are There Any Altitude Sickness Precautions or Remedies Provided?

The trek includes precautions against altitude sickness, such as providing oxygen and offering coca tea. Guides monitor hikers and can recommend remedies like coca leaves or medication if needed to address symptoms.

Can I Customize the Trek to Fit My Fitness Level?

The tour operator can accommodate customers’ fitness levels by adjusting the pace and difficulty of the trek. They offer customization options to ensure the experience matches each traveler’s abilities and preferences.

Is There an Option to Hike Only a Portion of the Trek?

Yes, there’s an option to hike only a portion of the trek. Travelers can customize the itinerary to their fitness level, with the ability to explore select segments of the route rather than completing the full 5-day trek.

What Is the Cancellation Policy if I Need to Change My Booking?

The Salkantay Trek offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing you to receive a full refund if you need to change your booking. This flexible policy provides peace of mind for your travel plans.

Recap

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu offers a captivating five-day journey that immerses adventurers in stunning landscapes and rich local culture. Traversing towering Andean peaks, lush jungles, and ancient ruins, the trek culminates with a guided tour of the iconic Machu Picchu, providing an unforgettable experience for those seeking to explore the wonders of Peru’s natural and historical heritage.

You can check if your dates are available here: