5-Day Salkantay Trail Tour to Machu Picchu
5-Day Salkantay Trail Tour to Machu Picchu
5 Days Starting and ending in Cusco, Peru
Visiting: Cusco, Salkantay Pass, Santa Teresa, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu
Tour operator:
Tour code:
823
Specialist Group:
Singles Solo
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 10
Age range:
18-65
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Meat
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Adventure Tours, Camping, Small Group, Walking Hiking and Trekking
Interests:
Tour Overview
Embark on a thrilling 5-day Salkantay Trail adventure to the iconic Machu Picchu, one of the world's seven wonders. This guided trek through the Peruvian Andes offers breathtaking views of the majestic Salkantay peak and the serene Humantay Lake. Starting from Cusco, you'll journey through diverse landscapes, from snow-capped mountains to lush jungles, with opportunities to spot the Andean Condor. Enjoy comfortable camping with igloos under starry skies and savor delicious meals prepared by a dedicated cook. The tour includes a night in Aguas Calientes and culminates with a sunrise visit to Machu Picchu, where you can explore the ancient citadel and its surroundings. With professional guidance and all essential amenities provided, this trek promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of Peru.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : CUSCO - MOLLEPATA – SORAYPAMPA
Location: Cusco
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Soraypampa campsite
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
After picking you up from the hotel located in the city of Cusco, you will travel for 3 hours by bus towards the town of Mollepata, located at 2,803 meters above sea level. We are going to have time to rest and from there, you`ll hike uphill for 3 hours to Soraypampa, where the first campsite is located. You will have lunch with panoramic views of the beautiful snow-capped mountains of Humantay (4,120m / 13500feet) and Salkantay (6,271m / 20,575feet). Also, this campsite is very special, because it has igloos with skylight in the ceiling to admire the starry sky during the night. Later, we are going to start an uphill hike towards Lake Humantay. This trekking takes 4-hour total. This is a magical place with unique views of snow-capped mountains that are reflected in its crystal clear waters. The Humantay Lake is located at 4,200 meters above sea level, and is a perfect natural place to explore in the middle of the Andes. Back to Soroypampa we are going to enjoy a delicious dinner, and spend the night. Walking distance: 8.08 miles
Day 2 : SORAYPAMPA – PASO SALKANTAY – COLPAPAMPA
Location: Salkantay Pass
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Colpapampa campsite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, begin hiking for one hour and a half until reach Salkantay Pampa located at 4,620 meters, a place that offers panoramic views to the Vilcanota Mountain Range. Salkantay is a quechua word that means “Wild Mountain”. You will keep going uphill for 2 hours and a half to the highest point of the trek known as Salkantay Pass. It is located at 4,650 meters (15,200 feet) and halfway between two huge mountains; Salkantay Mountain on the right and Tucarhuay on the left. In this place you have to be on the ball to spot the amazing Andean Condor flying around. The views from this point are awesome, a spectacle that nature offers between mountains and crystal clear lagoons. Then, continue downhill through an incredible cloud forest towards Huayracpunku, also known as Huayracmachay. Have lunch and then hike for about 3 hours towards the jungle to reach the second campsite, Colpapampa (2,700 meters). This campsite has a strategic location and it has igloos with skylight in the ceiling to admire the starry sky during the night. Dinner and overnight. Walking distance: 16.16 miles
Day 3 : COLPAPAMPA – LUCMABAMBA
Location: Santa Teresa
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Lucmabamba campsite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, start hiking through the upper jungle and cross the Lluskamayo River through small brooks and creeks. The downhill path is in rural areas with more population. The Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu continues hiking towards the valley of Santa Teresa. The vegetation is around us. You will pass through farmlands of banana, avocado and passion fruit. Also, you will see coffee plantations with the best organic coffee of the world. Arriving at the Inca Trail Llactapata we will say goodbye to the horses and the equestrian staff. After lunch we will reach the next campsite located in Lucmabamba at 2,062 meters. This day you are going to hike like 5 hours. The campsite has igloos with skylight in the ceiling, so you can watch the starry sky during the night. Dinner and overnight. Walking distance: 9.94 miles
Day 4 : LUCMABAMBA – HIDROELECTRICA – AGUAS CALIENTES
Location: Aguas Calientes
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, hike up for 3 hours to Llactapata pass located at 2,736 meters above sea level. Here, the first panoramic views of Machu Picchu start to appear in front of us. A well-deserved rest in the archaeological site of Llactapata will comfort you. The trail to Machu Picchu in the Sacred Valley continues for 2 more hours downhill passing coca and banana plantations. Reach the Hydroelectric dam for lunch and hike for 3 more hours to reach the town of Aguas Calientes, where you will spend the night. After the check in at the hotel, we are going to enjoy the last dinner together as a small group, with our professional guide. We will talk about the tour to Machu Picchu on the last day. Optional: In Aguas Calientes, you can take advantage of the hot springs in the town. Walking distance: 11.81 miles
Day 5 : MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
Location: Machu Picchu
Meals Included: Breakfast
Early morning enjoy breakfast and then take the bus to Machu Picchu. See the magnificent city as the sun rises. Our professional guide will take you to the Guardian’s House to explore the citadel for 30 minutes. The guided tour will take 1 hour, and later, you can continue the walking tour with the guide for one more hour with the chance to climb the Huayna Picchu Mountain (optional), or you can go to the Sun Gate on your own, the arrival point of Inca Trail, and explore the rest of this place. You have the freedom to choose how to discover this wonder of the world. In the afternoon, you will back to Aguas Calientes by bus and get your train tickets back to Cusco. After one hour and a half of journey, you will arrive to the train station of Ollantaytambo, and our transport will take you to the city of Cusco and drop you off at the hotel.
What's Included
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Tour Briefing
A briefing is provided one day before starting the tour.
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Professional Bilingual Guide
A professional bilingual guide will accompany you throughout the tour.
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Private Bus Transport
Private bus transport from Cusco to the starting point of the trekking is included.
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Horses and Cowboys
Horses and cowboys are provided for the trek.
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Cook
A cook is included to prepare meals during the trek.
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Camping Equipment
Camping equipment such as mattresses, tables, seats, cooking tent, and eating tent are included.
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Meals
Excellent meals are provided, including 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners.
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Personal Staff
Personal staff with a maximum of 6 kg is included.
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First Aid Kit and Oxygen Balloon
A first aid kit and oxygen balloon are available for emergencies.
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Hotel Accommodation
One night of standard hotel accommodation at Aguas Calientes is included.
What's Not Included
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Meals at Aguas Calientes
Meals at Aguas Calientes on the last day are not included.
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Hot Springs Pool Visit
The visit and ticket entrance to the hot springs pool are not included.
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Tips
Tips to the crew, including guides and porters, are not included.
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Sleeping Bag
A sleeping bag is not included in the tour package.
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Extra Horse
An extra horse with a horseman is not included.
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Huayna Picchu Ticket
Ticket entrance to the Mountain Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu is not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included in the tour package.
Mode of Transport
Travel by private bus from Cusco to the trek's starting point, and return via train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco, with additional bus transfers included.
Accommodation
Experience unique accommodations with igloos featuring skylights for stargazing at campsites, and enjoy a night in a standard hotel at Aguas Calientes.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the trek?
The trek includes camping accommodations with igloos that have skylights in the ceiling, allowing you to admire the starry sky at night. On the fourth night, you will stay in a standard hotel in Aguas Calientes.
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Are meals included during the trek?
Yes, the tour includes excellent meals with 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners provided during the trek.
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Is there a professional guide during the tour?
Yes, a professional bilingual guide will accompany you throughout the tour to provide insights about the Salkantay trail and Machu Picchu.
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What is the highest point reached during the trek?
The highest point of the trek is the Salkantay Pass, which is located at 4,650 meters (15,200 feet) above sea level.
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Is transportation provided from Cusco to the starting point of the trek?
Yes, a private bus will transport you from Cusco to the starting point of the trek.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, on the fourth day, you have the option to visit the hot springs in Aguas Calientes. Additionally, on the last day, you have the option to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain or visit the Sun Gate.
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What is the total walking distance covered during the trek?
The total walking distance covered during the trek is approximately 46 miles over the course of five days.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
Please let us know as soon as you are aware you need to make changes and we can check on what is possible for you.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for our latest COVID-19 poilcies.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We provide services to customers from multiple countries around the world.
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Free Date Changes
Tangol Tours allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 10 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Tangol Tours requires a minimum deposit of 50% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of tangol tours charges.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 20% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 20 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 8 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
