Classic Salkantay Trek 5D/4N – Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

Day 01: Cusco Salkantay Pampa

Our first day, we leave Cusco at 5 am in a private bus and start our scenic four-hour morning ride to our starting point at Soraypampa, the beginning of the 5-day Salkantay Trek and one of the best tours for those seeking a true hike to Machu Picchu. Along the way, we will travel through the town of Limatambo, an important point of access to the city of Cusco during the time of the Inca Empire.

Our passage continues up a beaten track along the shore of the Apurimac River, and then continues into the town of Mollepata and the small community of Cruzpata before finally arriving in Challacancha, where we meet our wranglers and horses and eat a quick breakfast. Afterwards, we start our Salkantay hike, part of the Classic Trek

First, we will gently ascend to Salkantaypampa to eat lunch, before beginning a 2-hour steep ascent to our campsite at Soyroccocha, located near the impressive glacier as we reach the Salkantay region. From here, we admire the majestic Humantay and Salkantay mountains, two sacred peaks that dominate this spectacular route to Machu Picchu. Sleeping next to a glacier can get pretty cold, warm clothes are a must.

Facts and Figures:

• Hiking Time: 6 Hours (10km / approx 6.21371 Miles)
• Highest Point: 3,900m (12,795 ft.)
• Classified as: Moderate day
• Meals: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Coffee
• Weather: Cold, Windy, Rainy in the wet season

Day 02: Salkantay Pampa Qollpapampa

In the morning we wake up to have breakfast and then hike a trail for 3.5 hours up to the highest point of the Salkantay trek, which is the Salkantay Mountain Pass. This is a wonderful place from where to have the most beautiful views of glaciers and snow-capped peaks and get fully into the Salkantay adventure. We also find chinchillas and condors in this place, being their natural habitat. After that, we continue hiking in an easy way for 2 hours down to the Wayracmachay Cloud Forest, enjoying a delicious lunch and having some time to relax before continuing hiking. During the trip, we can appreciate traces of an old Inca Path and the Salkantay Classic Trek.

After the late afternoon, we will camp in Qollpapampa, a wonderful place with natural hot springs where we can relax after this amazing and tiring 5-day Salkantay trek.

Facts and Figures:

• Hiking Time: 9 Hours (30 km / approx 18.6411 Miles)
• Highest Point: 4,500m (14763.78 ft.)
• Classified as: Challenging day
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Coffee
• Weather: Cold, Windy, Rainy in the wet season

Day 03: Qollpapampa to Lucmabamba

On this day, we keep walking downhill on the banks of the Santa Teresa River and the Totora River enjoying the rich flora, waterfalls, fruits and coffee plantations and perhaps a spectacled bear and parrots. The landscape changes from the dry zone to the cloud forest full of orchids and bromeliads.

We arrive in Chaullay and shortly after the town of Collpapampa. We will relax for a while, before passing the Coripacchi waterfalls, the settlement in Wiñaypoko, and the lively town of La Playa. At the end of our hike, we will arrive at our second camp at Lucmabamba where we can sit back and enjoy a cup of coffee before bed, continuing our unforgettable journey on the Classic Trek

Facts and Figures:

• Distance covered while hiking: 9 Hours (30 km /approx 18.6411 Miles)
• Highest point: 4,500m (14763.78 ft.)
• Level: Challenging day
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Coffee
• Weather: Cold, windy, rainy during rainy season

Day 04: Lucmabamba to Aguas Calientes

We start with breakfast and thereafter trek for around two and a half hours to reach El Mirador or Abra Q’elloqasa, which is a special place offering unique view of Machu Picchu and the nearby valleys. After this we have our last lunch at another lookout spot called Llactapata, which is an amazing site that offers impressive archaeology at Llactapata. From Llactapata you can witness Machu Picchu and the Salkantay Mountain in alignment with each other which is quite a fantastic experience before visiting Machu Picchu officially.

From Llactapata, you can witness both Machu Picchu and the Salkantay Mountain, admire the restored ruins of the ancient city and relax. After this we hike down for about 2 hours to reach Hidroelectrica via Aobamba river passing through bamboo forest, orchard, and coffee plantations. From Hidroelectrica we take train to Aguas Calientes. At Aguas Calientes we reach the base camp of Machu Picchu citadel and we take accommodation at the lodge of our choice and get ready for a day of adventure.

Facts and Figures:

• Distance covered while hiking: 9 Hours (30 km /approx 18.6411 Miles)
• Highest point: 4,500m (14763.78 ft.)
• Level: Challenging day
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Coffee
• Weather: Cold, windy, rainy during rainy season

Day 05: Machu Picchu mountain and back to Cusco

Early in the morning, we get into the bus to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes. After reaching the Machu Picchu fortress, you will have a 2-hour tour around Machu Picchu, visiting all the temples, terraces, and ceremonial places in Machu Picchu, getting familiar with the Incas culture. This is your chance to really see Machu Picchu.

Later on, you will be free to explore Machu Picchu on your own or you may take an optional excursion to either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain. We can help you arrange all the necessary tickets beforehand.

After your visit to Machu Picchu, we return from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu town by bus, enjoy lunch, and then take the afternoon train to Ollantaytambo followed by private transport back to Cusco, completing this unforgettable 5-day Salkantay Trek, one of the best ways to hike to Machu Picchu in 5 days instead of 2 or 3 days.

Facts and Figures:

• Hiking Distance: 4 Hours (6 km /approx 3.72823 Miles)
• Highest altitude: 3400m (11,154ft)
• Considered: Moderately day
• Meals: Breakfast

Tour Guides:

All of our guides are native to the Cusco region and have a deep passion for sharing their culture, traditions, and knowledge of the Andes. They are professionally trained, fluent in English (and other languages), and highly experienced in leading the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu and other high-altitude expeditions.

Throughout this challenging journey around the majestic Salkantay Mountain, your guide will ensure your safety, provide detailed historical and cultural insights, and motivate you every step of the way until you reach Machu Picchu.

Tickets & Permits:

We are a fully authorized tour operator for the Salkantay Trek, and all necessary permits and entrance tickets are included in this unforgettable 5-day adventure.

Your package includes:

• Entrance to Machu Picchu
• Access to all private and authorized campsites
• Entrance to thermal baths (when included in the itinerary)
• All logistical permits required for the Salkantay route

We take care of every detail so you can focus entirely on enjoying the trek.

Meals:

Our highly trained trekking chefs prepare delicious, energy-rich meals designed specifically for high-altitude hiking. We accommodate dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.) while offering a creative mix of Peruvian and international cuisine.

Your meals will be served family-style in our cozy dining tent three times a day. You will have healthy food with fresh products, hot drinks, and hearty dishes which will keep you energized during the trek.

Horses & Wranglers:

Unlike the Classic Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek includes horses and professional wranglers to carry your duffel bag. There is no additional cost for this service.

Each hiker is permitted to carry up to 7 kg / 14 lbs (including a sleeping bag). We take into account our weight restrictions and adhere to ethical animal treatment guidelines for the sake of our horses. We would like to inform you that you will have access to your duffel bag as soon as you reach each campsite.

Tents:

Our high-end 4-season tents are made to survive in harsh Andean weather conditions (including cool nights in the Salkantay Pass area which stands 4,650 meters / 15,255 feet above sea level).

For your comfort, we offer large four-person tents for two hikers. In case you prefer privacy, you can consider our premium service with single-tent option.

Water:

We offer clean filtered drinking water all the way through your trek both at every mealtime and refill place. Our water is taken from fresh mountain streams and is properly filtered prior to consumption.

In order to preserve the fragile nature of Andes mountains, we kindly ask you to bring your own water bottle or Camelbak. We discourage you from using plastic bottles.

Transportation:

All transportation is included.

• Hotel pick-up service in Cusco
• Private transportation to the trail head (either Soraypampa or Mollepata, depending on your schedule)
• Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
• Private transportation back to your hotel in Cusco

We guarantee smooth coordination from beginning to end.

First Aid & Safety:

Our guests’ safety comes first. The guides are all first aid trained and will have a full medical kit including oxygen in case of problems due to altitude, minor injuries or other trekking diseases.

If an accident occurs, the guides will be equipped with a satellite communicator to organize the immediate evacuation if needed.

Pre-Trek briefing:

The day before you embark on your Trek, there will be a comprehensive briefing at our office or hotel in Cusco.

During the briefing you:

• Meet your guide and possible other trekkers
• Learn about your itinerary in details
• Receive your duffel bag for packing
• Answer any other questions about the trek preparation

So you are ready for the adventure.

Documents and Cash

• Original passport: required for check points during your trek and your entrance to Machu Picchu.
• Cash (Soles): we strongly recommend to take small amounts of cash for snacks, bottles of water, bathrooms expenses and tips for muleteers and cooks.

Footwear and Socks

• Trekking boots: waterproof with great ankle protection (make sure your footwear is well broken-in before the trek).
• Camp shoes: light sneakers or sandals for wearing in camp sites.
• Hiking socks: 5 pairs of woolen socks.

Clothing (Layering System)

• Base Layer: Moisture wicking t-shirts (synthetic fabric).
• Warm Layer: Thermal jacket (made of down or synthetic fibers) and fleece for the second night, which will be the coldest one.
• Waterproof Layer: Either Gore Tex jacket or a heavy duty rain poncho (as the weather may change unpredictably).
• Pants: 2 pairs of lightweight trekking pants.
• Accessories: Beanie (wool hat) to wear when it gets very cold at night, gloves and sun cap.

Trekking Equipment

• Day Pack (25-30 L): For carrying water, sunscreen, camera and additional clothing layers.
• Sleeping Bag: Must be rated for at least -10°C/ 14°F (professional sleeping bags can be rented through us).
• Trekking Poles: Recommended to protect your knees while going downhill (rubber tips are obligatory).
• Head Lamp: Needed to navigate the campsite at night and start hiking early next morning.

Health and Sun Protection

• Sunscreen & Lip Balm: The level of UV radiation at Salkantay Pass is extremely high.
• Insect Repellent: Required on days 3, 4 and 5 when passing through high jungle areas.
• Personal Hygiene Set: Wet wipes, hand sanitizer, toilet paper and toothbrush / toothpaste.
• First Aid: Altitude sickness tablets (Sorojchi pills), pain killers and moleskin / bandaids for blisters.

Hydration

Purification Tablets: Optional, although we will give you boiled and filtered water after breakfast every day.

Water Bottle or Camelbak: Minimum 2-liter capacity.

Booking Information – Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

How to Verify Your Booking?

Your booking of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is an easy, quick and completely safe process. To verify your booking, kindly provide us with the following information:

It is extremely important that all personal information is provided exactly as stated in your passport since this information is required by the Peruvian government for issuing your official entrance permit to Machu Picchu and train reservation.

Passenger Information

Kindly provide us with the following information for each traveler:

• Full Name:
• Passport Number:
• Nationality:
• Copy of Passport (Photo Page):
• Date of Birth:

Complete information is necessary for us to process your permits and tickets without any delay.

Travel Information

In order to organize the logistics in a well-coordinated manner, kindly inform us about the hotels where you will be staying before and after your Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu:

• Hotel where you will stay before your Salkantay Trek
• Hotel where you will stay after your visit to Machu Picchu

It will help us arrange the pick up of your hotel, transportation to Mollepata/Soraypampa and return transportation from train station to your hotel in Cusco.

Food Requirements

Your health and safety are of utmost importance to us during this journey up into the Andes. In case you have some restrictions regarding what you can eat or have some food allergies, such as being a vegetarian, a vegan, gluten free, or lactose intolerant, we would like to know about that beforehand.
Our trekking chefs will be more than happy to prepare your meals so that you could feel completely comfortable eating the food during your journey.

Payment Information

Our payment method is 100% secure and encrypted. In order to confirm your booking, please make your deposit or full payment by using the secure link below with your credit/debit card:
[PAYMENT LINK]
As soon as your payment is confirmed, we’ll start to arrange all the services included in your Salkantay Trek package, which are:

• Ticket for entry to Machu Picchu
• Train tickets from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
• Private transfer
• Camping
• Guide and trekking team

Important Information

Tickets for entry to Machu Picchu and trains are limited and available on a first come, first served basis. Salkantay Trek is one of the most popular alternative treks to Machu Picchu especially during high season.
Therefore, we highly recommend you to make your payment as soon as possible in order to ensure your place in the tour.

Booking Information

After your booking is confirmed, you will receive an email containing the following information:

• Final itinerary
• Pick up time
• Recommendations for packing
• Useful information for your trip
• Emergency contact information

In case of any questions during the whole booking process, our staff will help you with pleasure.
We’ll be glad to help you explore Machu Picchu by Salkantay route!

How difficult is the Salkantay trek?

Both the 7days and 5 days options are considered Difficult on the scale. They both have their own challenges to face. The 5 Days moves through the pass which can be affected by weather creating arduous terrain. However, on the 7 Day, you have to conquer Dead Woman’s Pass. Having said this, you will have a guide with you throughout.

What does the difficulty rating mean?

Each trek is assigned a difficulty level. This has been developed based on prior information of the trek and feedback from previous clients. The ratings in ascending order are as follows:
Easy – Moderate – Challenging – Difficult

Am I fit enough to undertake this trek?

This trek is difficult and does challenge you throughout however, it is completely do-able with a good level of fitness. If you are worried about your level of fitness then we encourage you to train for your trek through cardio pursuits.

Will I get altitude sickness on this trek?

It is unfortunately a possibility; however, people suffer from altitude sickness differently. We recommend being in Cusco at least 2 days before your trek to acclimatize. Taking altitude sickness tablets prior to your trek also diminishes a lot of people’s symptoms. In worst case situations, which are very rare, all our guides carry oxygen to administer.

What happens if I have a medical condition?

You know yourself better than anyone else if your medical condition will hinder your trip or not. It is imperative that you let us know however, especially if you intend to carry medications with you. If we are made aware we can advise on best options and also make special provisions if needed. If you do have an ongoing medical condition, we recommend you to seek council with your doctor before booking any trek.

What happens if I have dietary needs?

Not a problem, we can cater for you. Please let us know at the time of booking so we can ensure tasty options for you!