SALKANTAY MACHU PICCHU TREKKING 5D/4N
Our breathtaking 5-day tour to Salkantay and Machu Picchu begins at the imposing snow-capped Salkantay, whose name means “Wild Mountain.” Along the way, we’ll explore the famous Humantay Lagoon, often called the “Head of the Gods.” Our unforgettable adventure culminates with the Salkantay Trek, which takes us to the lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu. This trip promises incredible discoveries and unforgettable experiences in the heart of the ancient Inca civilization.
Duration
5 Days
Altitude Max.
4,600 msnm.
Group Size
1-15
Difficulty
Moderate
Itinerary
FIRST DAY: Cusco | Mollepata – Challacancha – Soraypampa (Humantay Lake)
Our adventure will begin with the pickup of our passengers from their respective hotels and the start of our approximately four-hour journey, passing through Anta and Mollepata before arriving at Challacancha, the starting point of our trek. We will make a brief stop in Mollepata to rest and, optionally, enjoy a light breakfast. In Challacancha, we will meet our support team, who will take care of the equipment and pack mules. From there, we will begin our trek to Soraypampa (3,850 meters), our first campsite, covering a distance of 7 km (4.3 miles) in approximately three hours.
After lunch at Salkantay Base Camp, we will explore the impressive Humantay Lagoon (4,200 meters / 13,779 feet) and then return to camp to rest.
After breakfast, we will begin our hike to the highest point of the trail, Salkantay Pass (4,650 meters / 15,255 feet). After a challenging 7 km (4.3 mi) ascent over three hours, we descend another 5 km (3.1 mi) to Huayracmachay for lunch. In the afternoon, we will continue along the edge of the Amazon rainforest, traveling 10 km (6.2 mi) in three hours to reach the village of Chaullay (2,900 meters / 9,514 feet), our jungle base camp on the way to Machu Picchu.
We begin our hike towards the town of La Playa, passing through the scenic Santa Teresa Valley. Along the way, we cross Colpapampa, known as the “front of the cloud forest”, where you can admire waterfalls, birds, hot springs, fruit trees, and diverse flora and fauna. After enjoying a hearty lunch in La Playa, we hike for about one hour to reach our base camp at Lucmabamba (2,400 meters / 7,874 feet), where we will spend the night.
We begin our hike early with a steep two-hour ascent, offering breathtaking views of the Santa Teresa Valley and culminating at the Llactapata Inca site, located directly across from Machu Picchu. After exploring these ruins, we continue with a two-hour downhill walk to reach the Hidroelectrica train station, where we will enjoy lunch. Then, we visit Intiwatana, an ancient rock used as a sundial during the Inca era, before following the train tracks to the town of Aguas Calientes.
After an early start, we explore Machu Picchu with a two-hour guided tour, admiring temples, terraces, and the architectural ingenuity of the Incas. Additional options include hiking to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (reservations required), walking to the Sun Gate, or visiting the Inca Bridge. You will have the opportunity to enjoy this historic site for over seven hours. Please note that the altitude in this area ranges from 1,950 m to 4,600 m, with the best time to visit being from April to November.
- Pre-tour assistance.
- Transfers in tourist transportation.
- Assistance during the whole tour.
- Professional guided tour, English — Spanish.
- All entrance tickets to archaeological sites and tourist attractions mentioned in the tour.
- Entrance to Machu Picchu circuit 2 (according to availability).
- Train ticket, Aguas Calientes — Ollantaytambo.
- Bus ticket Aguas Calientes — Machu Picchu, round trip.
- Support staff, porters and cook (carry camping equipment only).
- Complete camping equipment (tents, sleeping bag, tables and chairs).
- Inflatable thermal insulation for overnight camping.
- First aid kit and oxygen balloon during the entire hike.
- 01 night hotel in Aguas Calientes.
- Sleeping bag
- Walking sticks
- Train ticket, Hydroelectric — Aguas Calientes
- Tips.
- Meals not mentioned.
- Other services not mentioned.
Recommendation
- Backpack with raincoat.
- Sleeping bag. Clothing for variable weather, including a suitable waterproof jacket for both cold and hot weather. (If you don't have a sleeping bag, the agency can rent you one for $20 for the entire route.)
- Rain pants and lightweight pants.
- Trekking shoes, sneakers, or sandals (for showers and hot springs).
- Wool or synthetic socks and a sweater.
- Short and long-sleeved shirts.
- Rain poncho and a hat. Bathing suit (for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes).
- Sunscreen, insect repellent, hand sanitizer gel, water bottle and sterilization tablets, toiletries, and toilet paper.
- Camera (wrapped in a plastic bag).
- Flashlight and batteries.
- Some snacks like chocolate bars and nuts.
- Original passport, original ISIC student card, and extra money in soles.
- Because the weather can be very cold and humid, your clothes won't dry overnight once wet. So, bring some extra clothes to change into.
Faq's
The total distance covered is approximately 72 kilometers (45 miles) over 5 days.
The tour includes three nights of camping and one night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes before visiting Machu Picchu. All camping equipment is provided.
Yes, all meals during the trek are included and prepared by the camp chef. We can accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice.
You only need to carry a daypack with essentials. Mules will carry your main luggage (up to a weight limit of around 5–7 kg / 11–15 lbs).
On Day 5, you’ll take a bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the site, and then return by train and bus to Cusco.
The best time is during the dry season (April to October). The rainy season (November to March) can make trails muddy and more difficult, but the trek is still possible.
It’s best to book at least 1–2 months in advance, especially during high season (May to September), to secure spots and permits.
Gallery
