Embarking on the Salkantay Ultra 5 Days & 5 Nights tour is no ordinary trek through the Andes. This immersive adventure takes intrepid explorers on a journey of stunning landscapes, from the glaciers of Salkantay to the serene lagoons of Humantay. Trekkers will bear witness to the region’s unique ecosystems, camping under the stars and ascending the challenging Salkantay Pass. But the true highlight lies in store – a sunrise at the iconic Machu Picchu, followed by a refreshing dip in the Aobamba River. This is an opportunity to uncover the heart of the Andes, a chance to experience Peru’s natural wonders in an unforgettable way.

Key Points

Salkantay Ultra 5 Days & 5 Nights - Key Points

  • This 5-day, 5-night Salkantay Trek explores glacial lagoons, traverses the Salkantay Pass, and culminates with a visit to the iconic Machu Picchu ruins.
  • The tour includes hotel pickup in Cusco, camping equipment, and a 3-star hotel stay in Aguas Calientes, with meals and an Andean guide provided.
  • Participants must be prepared with proper hiking gear and footwear, and the trek is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, visually impaired, or individuals over 80.
  • Booking is recommended at least a month in advance, with a "Reserve now & pay later" option and full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours prior.
  • The tour is available in English, Spanish, and Quechua, with all transportation and logistics, including train and bus rides, coordinated by the tour leader.
You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

Salkantay Ultra 5 Days & 5 Nights - Tour Overview

The Salkantay Ultra 5 Days & 5 Nights tour offers an exhilarating adventure through the stunning landscapes of the Peruvian Andes. Priced from €841.55 per person, this comprehensive 5-day tour provides a unique opportunity to take in the region’s natural beauty.

Led by live guides, the tour includes hotel pickup, camping next to glaciers, and exploration of breathtaking lagoons and glaciers. Offered in English, Spanish, and Quechua, the tour allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Participants can also opt for the reserve now and pay later option, adding flexibility to their travel plans. With a focus on connecting with nature, this tour promises an unforgettable experience amidst the Andean wonders.

Itinerary Details

Over the course of the 5-day Salkantay Ultra adventure, participants embark on an immersive journey through the breathtaking landscapes of the Peruvian Andes.

The itinerary takes them from Cusco to the Salkantay glacier viewpoint, where they trek to the stunning Humantay Lagoon.

After camping at Soqrococha, they ascend to the Salkantay Pass, experiencing diverse ecosystems before descending to Lucmabamba.

On the fourth day, they witness the sunrise at Machu Picchu and enjoy a glacier bath in the Aobamba River, before spending the night in Aguas Calientes.

The final day is dedicated to exploring the iconic Machu Picchu ruins before returning to Cusco.

  • Traverse the Salkantay glacier viewpoint and trek to Humantay Lagoon
  • Ascend to the Salkantay Pass and experience diverse ecological systems
  • Witness the sunrise at Machu Picchu and enjoy a glacier bath in the Aobamba River

Included Amenities

Salkantay Ultra 5 Days & 5 Nights - Included Amenities

As part of the comprehensive Salkantay Ultra experience, the tour package includes an array of amenities to ensure a comfortable and enriching adventure.

All transportation is included, along with a native Andean leader and chef to guide the hike. Participants will enjoy hearty meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) throughout the trek.

Camping equipment, including a hot water bottle and sleeping bag, is provided for the 5-night duration. Entrance tickets and permits for the various locations are covered, and a muleteer is available to assist with the hike.

Hikers will also receive hiking poles, a bottle of water or sports drink, and accommodation in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes.

Preparation Requirements

To adequately prepare for the Salkantay Ultra 5 Days & 5 Nights trek, participants must ensure they’ve the recommended items.

This includes:

  • A well-fitted and comfortable pair of hiking shoes to navigate the varied terrain.
  • Warm layers, such as a jacket and gloves, to protect against the fluctuating mountain temperatures.
  • A reliable flashlight or headlamp for the overnight camping experiences.

Participants should also have their passport, cash, and a fully charged smartphone.

It’s important to note that this trek isn’t suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, the visually impaired, or individuals over the age of 80.

Proper preparation is essential for a memorable and safe journey.

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Visitor Restrictions

Not everyone is able to participate in the Salkantay Ultra 5 Days & 5 Nights trek. The tour operators have set certain restrictions to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants. The following table outlines the groups who are not suitable for this adventure:

Category Reason
Pregnant Women Strenuous hiking and high altitudes can pose risks.
Wheelchair Users The terrain is not easily accessible for wheelchairs.
Visually Impaired Individuals The hike requires navigating rugged paths and uneven surfaces.
People Over 80 Years The physical demands of the trek may be challenging for older adults.

Plus, the tour does not allow the use of bikes, alcohol, drugs, baby carriages, or explosive substances, as these could disrupt the overall experience or compromise safety.

Booking Information

Booking the Salkantay Ultra 5 Days & 5 Nights trek is recommended at least a month in advance to secure availability for the desired travel dates.

The tour operator offers a "reserve now & pay later" option to provide flexibility. Plus, participants can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Key booking details:

  • Price starts at €841.55 per person
  • Available in English, Spanish, and Quechua
  • Free hotel pickup and drop-off

Interested travelers should check availability and reserve their spot as soon as possible to ensure an unforgettable experience exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Peru’s Salkantay region.

Transportation and Logistics

As part of the Salkantay Ultra 5 Days & 5 Nights trek, all transportation is included. Participants will be picked up from their hotel in Cusco and transported to the starting point in Soraypampa.

Throughout the hike, a muleteer will assist with carrying equipment. After the trek, travelers will take a train and bus to return to Cusco from Aguas Calientes.

Hotel accommodation is provided in Aguas Calientes for the final night. The tour leader will coordinate all transportation logistics, ensuring a seamless experience for participants.

With transportation taken care of, hikers can focus on seeing the stunning natural landscapes of the Salkantay region.

Gratitude to Staff

Expressing gratitude towards the staff is highly encouraged throughout the Salkantay Ultra 5 Days & 5 Nights trek.

The tour leader, chef, muleteer, and Andean guide work tirelessly to ensure a seamless and memorable experience for all participants. Their dedication, expertise, and warm hospitality deserve recognition and appreciation.

  • Thanking the guide for their knowledgeable insights and efforts to connect guests with the local culture is a thoughtful gesture.

  • Expressing gratitude to the chef for preparing delicious and nourishing meals can boost morale and create a stronger sense of community.

  • Acknowledging the muleteer’s hard work in transporting essential gear can make a meaningful difference in their day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to Do This Trek?

The best time to do this trek is during the dry season, which typically runs from May to September. The weather is generally clear and mild, making for ideal trekking conditions in the Andes mountains.

Can I Bring My Pet on the Trek?

Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on this trekking tour. The tour operator specifically prohibits bringing any animals along for the hike to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants. Guests should make alternate arrangements for their pets during the trip.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Children?

According to the tour information, the trek is not suitable for children under 18 years old. The minimum age requirement for participants is 18 years, and the tour doesn’t accommodate young children or infants.

Can I Extend the Trek Beyond 5 Days?

The tour operator doesn’t offer extensions beyond the standard 5-day itinerary. However, they recommend booking additional tours or activities before or after the Salkantay trek to extend one’s stay in the region.

How Difficult Is the Hiking on a Scale of 1 to 10?

The hiking on this trek is moderately challenging, rating around a 7 out of 10 on the difficulty scale. It involves high-altitude trekking across mountain passes and glacial landscapes, requiring a good level of physical fitness and endurance.

Recap

The Salkantay Ultra 5 Days & 5 Nights tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in the breathtaking landscapes of the Andes. From trekking to glaciers and lagoons to witnessing the sunrise at Machu Picchu, this journey promises an enriching and unforgettable experience. With well-planned amenities and expert guidance, adventurers can explore the region’s unique ecosystems and create lasting memories in the heart of the Andes.

You can check if your dates are available here: