Salkantay Backpacker Trek to Machu Picchu 5D/4N
Tour Overview
Experience an incredible backpacker trek through beautiful Andean mountains and finish your journey with the visit of the spectacular archaeological site of Machu Picchu. Enjoy some stunning views of the snow-capped mountains, the magnificent waterfalls, and the Andean vegetation. Get a guided tour of the mysterious city of Machu Picchu and learn about the history of this unique place. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Cuzco - Soraypampa, Peru
Location: Cuzco
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Cuzco to Mollepata to Challacancha, Trek to Soraypampa Camp (3,920 m) Your day will start quite early as you will be picked up between 05:00 am and 06:00 am to reach Mollepata where you will be able to buy some snacks before continuing your way to Challacancha. There, you will check your equipment and make final preparations before starting a 3-hour trek that will lead you to Soraypampa (3,920 m). You will get some stunning views of the snow-capped mountains. After lunch, you will head towards the magnificent Laguna de Humantay (around 1 hour and 30 minutes each way) for a more spectacular panorama of the Andean mountains before returning to the camp. Enjoy your first night in nature and go to bed early as a big day is waiting for you tomorrow. This campsite is the highest (3920 m) and the coldest of the trip. ...more ...less
Day 2: Soraypampa - Challhuay or Colcapampa, Peru
Location: Soraypampa
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek to Challhuay or Colcapampa Camp via High Pass (4,650 m) After an early breakfast at 06:00 am, you will hike for 4 hours to reach the highest Pass (4,650 m), located between two impressive mountains, Salkantay (6,267 m) and Humantay (5,900 m). You will be rewarded with incredible views of the two snow capped-mountains. You will then step down for two hours to Huayracpampa where you will stop for a deserved lunch. You will continue your way for another 3 hours to reach your campsite at Challhuay or Colcapampa, close to the beginning of the high jungle region (2,900 m).
Day 3: Challhuay or Colcapampa - Santa Teresa Town, Peru
Location: Santa Teresa
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek to La Playa & Transfer to Santa Teresa Town (1,700 m) After an early breakfast at 06:30 am, enjoy walking through the upper jungle and pass Santa Teresa River. Get some scenic views of beautiful waterfalls and the Andean exotic vegetation while you hike through green lush valleys. You will continue your way to La Playa (2,200 m) where you will have lunch before heading towards Santa Teresa town (1,700 m) by car. After getting some rest at the campsite, you will have the option to visit the Hot Springs (at an extra cost) in Santa Teresa town and relax in the thermal waters, a real treat after 3 hard days of trekking!
Day 4: Santa Teresa Town - Aguas Calientes, Peru
Location: Aguas Calientes
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek to Hydroelectric Station & Aguas Calientes After breakfast at 08:00 am, enjoy your last trekking-day and start with a 3-hour walk to the Hydroelectric Station (1,880 m) where you have a lunch break. You will then step up for 3 other hours to reach Aguas Calientes. Get some rest and enjoy a delicious local dinner. Note: An optional bus transfer from Santa Teresa to the Hydroelectric Station and an optional train transfer from Hydroelectric Station to Aguas Calientes are available for an extra cost.
Day 5: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cuzco, Peru
Location: Machu Picchu
Meals Included: Breakfast
Explore Machu Picchu & Return to Cuzco Today, take off on a bus at 05:30 am to the incredible city of Machu Picchu (25-minute ride). You will get the opportunity of having an awesome 2-hour guided tour of this mysterious city, you will learn more about the history of this wonderful archeological site. You will then get free time to explore this unique place on your own. You will also be able to climb the optional Huayna Picchu Peak inside the archaeological site (to be booked in advance at an extra cost). You will then return to Aguas Calientes by bus before taking a train back to Ollantaytambo and finally take a bus to Cuzco. You will be dropped around 08:30 pm at the Plaza San Francisco. Upon arrival, you will need to make your own way to your accommodation.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
4N in camping during the trek (including basic sleeping mattress and tent for 2)
1N in hostel accommodation in Aguas Calientes -
Transport
Van transfer Cuzco - Mollepata - Challacancha (starting point of the trek)
Car transfer La Playa - Santa Teresa
Tourist train Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo
Tourist bus Ollantaytambo - Cuzco
Accommodation pick-up in Cuzco -
Meals
4B / 4L / 4D
-
Activities
Trekking
Visit the archaeological site Machu Picchu -
Guides
Professional English-speaking guide
-
Extras
Pre-departure briefing
Machu Picchu entrance fee
First aid kit and emergency oxygen bottle
Horseman and mules to carry a total of 7 kg for each trekker (including 3 kg for your sleeping bag and mattress plus 4 kg of personal items)
What's Not Included
-
Guide for bus and train transfers (those portions are on your own)
-
Sleeping bag
-
Breakfast on day 1 and lunch on day 5
-
Travel insurance
-
Other Meals/Drinks
-
Personal expenses
-
Tips
-
Roundtrip bus Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu
-
Optional activities (Hot Springs Santa Teresa, Huayna Picchu Trek, Machu Picchu Mountain Hike)
Mode of Transport
Includes pick-up in Cuzco, transfers to and from the trek starting points, tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, and a tourist bus to Cuzco.
Accommodation
Enjoy camping during the trek with basic sleeping mattresses and tents for two, and hostel accommodation in Aguas Calientes.
Check out our Q&As
-
What type of accommodation is provided during the trek?
During the trek, you will enjoy camping with basic sleeping mattresses and tents for two. In Aguas Calientes, you will stay in hostel accommodation.
-
What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners. Breakfast on day 1 and lunch on day 5 are not included.
-
Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, optional activities include visiting the Hot Springs in Santa Teresa, the Huayna Picchu Trek, and the Machu Picchu Mountain Hike. These activities are available at an extra cost.
-
What is the highest point reached during the trek?
The highest point reached during the trek is the High Pass at 4,650 meters, located between the Salkantay and Humantay mountains.
-
Is there a guide provided for the entire tour?
A professional English-speaking guide is provided for the trekking and the visit to Machu Picchu. However, there is no guide for the bus and train transfers.
-
What should I bring for the trek?
You should bring a sleeping bag, as it is not included. Additionally, you may want to bring snacks, personal items, and money for optional activities and personal expenses.
-
What kind of transportation is included in the tour?
The tour includes pick-up in Cuzco, transfers to and from the trek starting points, a tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, and a tourist bus to Cuzco.
-
Is there any support for carrying personal items during the trek?
Yes, horsemen and mules are provided to carry a total of 7 kg for each trekker, which includes 3 kg for your sleeping bag and mattress plus 4 kg of personal items.
-
What is the itinerary for the last day of the tour?
On the last day, you will take a bus at 05:30 am to Machu Picchu for a 2-hour guided tour, followed by free time to explore. You will then return to Aguas Calientes by bus, take a train to Ollantaytambo, and finally a bus to Cuzco, arriving around 08:30 pm.
-
Is there an age limit?
No! Most of our bamba travellers fall between the ages of 18 - 35, but everyone is young at heart and welcome to come experience the world with us! If you are between the ages of 18 and 118, we invite you to travel with bamba and have the time of your life! Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Most of our trips cater to the adventurous independent traveller. In fact, many of our travellers arrive on their own and quickly find that they easily meet like-minded people along the way at their hostels, on transportation, or during activities.
-
Do I need travel insurance?
We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance for your trip, especially when travelling in developing countries. Bamba does not include travel insurance of any type.Your current medical insurance may cover part of your trip, so it is important for you to become familiar with your current coverage. We recommend purchasing additional travel insurance that provides coverage for medical emergencies, emergency evacuation and repatriation, lost or stolen items and unforeseen cancellations. If you plan to participate in activities such as white-water rafting, trekking, sand-buggy rides, etc please make sure they are included in your policy.
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Wednesday - Sunday
Mar 19, 2025 - Mar 23, 2025Thursday - Monday
Mar 20, 2025 - Mar 24, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Mar 21, 2025 - Mar 25, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Mar 22, 2025 - Mar 26, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Mar 23, 2025 - Mar 27, 2025Monday - Friday
Mar 24, 2025 - Mar 28, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Mar 25, 2025 - Mar 29, 2025Wednesday - Sunday
Mar 26, 2025 - Mar 30, 2025Thursday - Monday
Mar 27, 2025 - Mar 31, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Mar 28, 2025 - Apr 01, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Mar 29, 2025 - Apr 02, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Mar 30, 2025 - Apr 03, 2025Monday - Friday
Mar 31, 2025 - Apr 04, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
Bamba Travel allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Bamba Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform bamba travel, 60 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
Bamba Travel requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of bamba travel charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Salkantay Backpacker Trek to Machu Picchu 5D/4N
5 Days Starting and ending in Cusco
Visiting: Cuzco, Soraypampa, Santa Teresa, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu
Tour operator:
Tour code:
52624
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
