8-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 8-day adventure with the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, a journey that combines cultural exploration and breathtaking natural beauty. Begin your experience in the heart of Peru, exploring the historic city of Cusco and the Sacred Valley, where you'll visit iconic sites like the Cathedral, Koricancha, and Sacsayhuaman. As you acclimatize to the altitude, prepare for a 5-day trek through the stunning Cordillera de Vilcabamba, visiting Humantay Lake and local villages along the way. The trek culminates at the legendary Lost City of Machu Picchu, where you'll spend a day exploring its wonders. Conclude your journey with a scenic ride back to Cusco on the Vistadome train, enriched by the memories of this extraordinary adventure. Perfect for photography enthusiasts and hiking aficionados, this tour promises an immersive experience in the heart of the Andes. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Day 1: Arrival At The Airport – Cusco City Tour
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: Munay Wasi Hotel or Similar
Pick up will be from the airport of Cusco upon your arrival and transfer to your centrally located hotel, check-in and free time to relax in the morning (recomended to book morning flights to Cusco). In the afternoon, you’ll start a walking tour with your tour guide, visiting the most remarkable places in Cusco: Explore the plaza de Armas, marvel at the priceless paintings in The Cathedral, visit the 12 angled stone, and discover the temple of the sun at Koricancha. The second part is by car, 10 minutes drive to Sacsayhuaman, and enjoy the views from the upper of Cusco, then visit the labyrinth of Quenqo, the temple of the water at Tambomachay, and the red fortress at Pucapucara. On the way back to your hotel, if you still have time, visit the large white statue of Christ perched up the hill overlooking the city of Cusco.
- Duration: Half-day
- Meals: Not Included
- Entrance Ticket: Included
- Accommodation: Munay Wasi Hotel or Similar
Day 2 : Day 2: Sacred Valley Tour: Pisaq, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero
Location: Sacred Valley
Accommodation Name: Munay Wasi Hotel or Similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After Breakfast in your hotel, The tour guide will collect you from the hotel at 8:00 a.m and drive across the mountains to the Sacred Valley. On the way, you’ll stop at Awanacancha alapca farm, here you can see llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, guanacos, and learn the difference between them. Then continue to Mirador of Taray, a lookout point with spectacular views of the Sacred Valley, the eastern mountain range of the Andes, and the Urubamba River.Later, you’ll head to the Pisaq archeological site, a very well preserved Inca settlement built on top of the mountain. Explore impressive agricultural terraces, the thousands of tombs, palaces, houses surrounded by enormous walls, and the beautiful vistas of the Sacred Valley. After exploring, You´ll drive to Pisaq town to visit the handicraft market, very famous because of the local artisans produce their own textiles and sell it directly to the tourist. After bargaining in the market, you’ll drive for 1 hour to lunch at a local restaurant in Urubamba, you’ll have a variety of dishes prepared with fresh products from the area. After enjoying a delicious lunch you’ll drive and discover the fortress of Ollantaytambo, walk along the narrow Inca streets in the town and head back to Cusco, on the way you’ll visit Chinchero, explore the well preserve Inca site, visit the colonial church built over the Inca Palaces, and finally visit the textile center to learn the art of Andean textiles. Drop off at your hotel around 6.00 pm.
- Duration: Full-day
- Meals: Buffet Lunch
- Entrance Ticket: Included
- Accommodation: Munay Wasi Hotel or Similar
Day 3 : Day 3: Cusco – Humantay Lake – Salkantaypampa
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: Camping under million stars
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leave from your hotel in Cusco around 4:30 am in our exclusive van and drive to Soraypampa (3900m) – arriving approximately at 8:30 am. After breakfast, you’ll start the trek To Machu Picchu. First, you’ll hike 2 hours up to Humantay Lake, located at 4200 meters, this turquoise water lagoon is visited by hundreds of visitors every day, arriving first and enjoying the amazing views with fewer people. After exploring the lake, you’ll begin another 2 hours down Back to Soraypampa where your trekking chef will be waiting with a delicious lunch. Then, continue along the Salkantay Valley, following the meandering streams up to Salkantaypampa, the first campsite at the base of Salkantay Mountain located at 4000 meters. Upon arrival, you’ll find the tents ready, warm water to wash, tea time, dinner, and go to sleep in the comfortable million-star tents.
- Campsite Altitude: 4000 m/13123 ft
- Distance: 12 km / 7.4 miles
- Duration: 6 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea time, and dinner
- Accommodation: Camping under million stars
- Considered: Moderate
Day 4 : Day 4: Salkantaypampa -Hayrajpunku – Collpapampa
Location: Salkantay Pass
Accommodation Name: Camping next to a village
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wake in your tent with a hot cup of coffee or tea and the spectacular view of the mountains, you’ll have time to pack and get ready for the day, after breakfast, start with the most difficult part of the trek, a 2-hours ascent to the highest point of the Salkantay Trek, The Salkantay Pass ( 4630 m / 15190 ft), once reaching the top, take some time to explore and enjoy the amazing vistas of the snow-capped peak. Then, continue a 2-hour descend to Hayrajpunku, here your amazing chef will be waiting with another amazing meal. After enjoying the well-earned lunch, continue descending for 3 hours until arriving at the second Campsite near the village of Collpapampa located at 2770m (9087ft). Along the way, you’ll see a variety of flora, fauna, and experience the fastest change in temperature that causes a drastic change in the landscape from clod snowy peaks to green tropical areas.
- Campsite Altitude: 2770 mt / 9087 ft
- Highest altitude: 4630 m /15190 ft
- Distance: 18 km/ 11.1 miles
- Duration: 9 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea, and dinner
- Accommodation: Camping next to a village
- Considered: Challenging
Day 5 : Day 5: Collpapampa – Lucmabamba – Llactapata
Location: Llactapata
Accommodation Name: Camping in front of Machu Picchu
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast around 7:00 AM, begin the 3-hour trek along the Salkantay Valley, following the white water river coming down from the high mountains like Salkantay, a verdant area home to several waterfalls, orchids, flowers, coffee farms, and small villages. Lunch is among avocado trees at Lucmabamba, you’ll arrive right on time to participate in a PACHAMNACA, a traditional underground barbecue with hot stones, we put all kinds of meat, vegetable, and even fruits then bury underground, while waiting for the special meal, you’ll visit Wilbert’s organic coffee farm, learn the harvesting process, and make your own cup of espresso. After the Pachamanca feast, you’ll continue the second part of the day, following an ancient Inca trail for 3 hours up to Llaqtapata archeological site, this is a unique Inca site located right in front of Machu Picchu, where you’ll catch the first views of the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu. Spent the night with your tents overlooking the citadel.
- Campsite Altitude: 2,750 m / 9022ft
- Distance: 16 km / 9.9 miles
- Duration of hike: 8 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Camping in front of Machu Picchu
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 6 : Day 6: Llactapata – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes
Location: Aguas Calientes
Accommodation Name: 3-star hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wake up early, open your tent and you’ll see Machu Picchu, if the weather allows you’ll have the most beautiful sunrise over Machu Picchu, spend time relaxing, and getting ready for the final and last day of hiking to Aguas Calientes. The first part is a 2 hour downhill to Hidroelectrica Station, where you’ll get a box lunch to reenergize and say goodbye to our trekking team. Then, you’ll continue to Intiwatana (sundial rock). visited by Hiram Bingham during the 1911 expeditions, this carefully carved rock is perfectly aligned with the Sundial at Machu Picchu during the winter solstice.
Continue a pleasant 3-hour hike along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes. This part of the hike is full of history not only because you’ll be walking around Machu Picchu but also because it was used by American Explorer, Hiram Bingham III during the 1911 expedition that led to the discovery of Machu Picchu. You’ll be able to visit the Mandor gardens, this is the exact place where Hiram Bingham arrived in 1911, he met a farmer named Arteaga, and eventually discover Machu Picchu thanks to this farmer. Due to the rich flora and fauna, you’ll be able to see different species of birds and flowers. Upon arrival to Aguas Calientes, check-in in a hotel and enjoy a relaxing shower. Dinner at Local restaurant.
- Aguas Calientes: 2,000 m/ 6561 ft
- Distance: 14 km / 8.6 miles
- Duration: 6 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: 3-star hotel
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 7 : Day 7: Machu Picchu (Lost City Of The Incas) – Cusco
Location: Machu Picchu
Meals Included: Breakfast
On the last day and most important day, wake up early, have breakfast in the hotel and catch the first buses to Machu Picchu, the hotel will store the heavy bags for you and you’ll go very light to get the best of the day. Upon arrival to the checkpoint, you need to show the original passport and the entrance ticket that we will provide, once inside you’ll start with an optional hike to Sungate of Inca Bridge, then, explore the most important places with your tour guide, plazas, temples, palaces, and learn about the history of this amazing place. Afterward, you’ll have time to explore by yourself or climb either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (optional and different from Machu Picchu citadel).
Once you finish visiting Machu Picchu, you’ll take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, have lunch (not included) and take the Vistadome panoramic train back to Ollantaytambo and then private van back to Cusco. Drop off at your hotel around 7.30 pm.
- Duration of the tour: 3 – 4 hours
- Meals: Breakfast (hotel), others not included
- Difficulty: Easy
Day 8 : Day 8: Depart Cusco
Location: Cusco
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, transfer to the airport or bus terminal according to your schedule
What's Included
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Airport Transfers
Airport transfers from the Airport and hotel in Cusco are included.
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Professional Tour Guide
A professional English-speaking native tour guide is included.
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Second Tour Guide
A second tour guide is provided for groups of 9 or more.
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Entrance Tickets
Entrance tickets to all the places visited are included.
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Hotel Accommodation
Four nights in a 3-star hotel in Cusco and Aguas Calientes are included.
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Camping Accommodation
Three nights of camping with comfortable equipment are included.
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Camping Equipment
Sleeping foam mattress, pillows, hand towels, and camping equipment such as dining tent, tables, chairs, and portable toilets are included.
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Chef and Support Staff
A chef, porters, and horsemen are included.
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Cargo Mules
Cargo mules to carry food, equipment, and 7 kilos of your personal items are included.
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Meals
Lunch on day 2 during the Sacred Valley tour and meals during trekking (5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners) are included.
What's Not Included
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Sleeping Bags and Equipment
Sleeping bags, air mattress, and trekking poles are not included but can be hired.
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Huayna Picchu Mountain
Entrance to Huayna Picchu mountain is not included.
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Machu Picchu Mountain
Entrance to Machu Picchu Mountain (different from Machu Picchu citadel) is not included.
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Other Meals
Other meals not mentioned in the tour are not included.
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Flights
International or domestic flights are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included but highly recommended.
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Gratuities
Gratuities are not included.
Requirements
- Original Passport
- Rain gear
- Sun protection
- Warm layers (fleece / long sleeved tops)
- Personal medication
- Camera, extra batteries
- Head torch
- Extra snacks, power bars, chocolate
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips (small change is useful for paying to use the villagers' toilets on the first day)
Please Note
- Confirmation will be received at the time of booking
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Infant seats are available on request if advised at time of booking
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at the time of booking
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
- Passport name, number, expiry, and country is required at time of booking for all participants
- A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
Mode of Transport
The tour includes airport transfers, a Vistadome panoramic train ride back to Cusco, and transportation by van for various segments of the journey, ensuring a seamless travel experience.
Accommodation
Enjoy four nights in 3-star hotels in Cusco and Aguas Calientes, complemented by three nights of comfortable camping with provided equipment, including sleeping foam mattresses, pillows, and hand towels.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the trek?
During the trek, you will stay in a combination of 3-star hotels in Cusco and Aguas Calientes, and camping with comfortable equipment for three nights. The camping includes sleeping foam mattresses, pillows, and hand towels.
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Are meals included during the trek?
Yes, meals are included during the trek. You will have breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided on most days, along with snacks and tea time on certain days. Drinkable water is also provided during the four days of hiking after the first lunch.
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What is the highest point reached during the Salkantay Trek?
The highest point reached during the Salkantay Trek is the Salkantay Pass, which is at an altitude of 4630 meters (15190 feet).
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Is there an opportunity to see Machu Picchu before the final day?
Yes, on Day 5, you will reach the Llactapata archaeological site, which offers a unique view of Machu Picchu from a distance.
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What is the difficulty level of the trek?
The trek is considered moderate to challenging, with the most difficult part being the ascent to the Salkantay Pass on Day 4.
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What kind of support is available during the trek?
The trek includes support from a professional English-speaking native tour guide, a second tour guide for groups of 9 or more, a chef, porters, horsemen, and cargo mules to carry food, equipment, and up to 7 kilos of your personal items.
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What should I bring for the trek?
You should bring your original passport, rain gear, sun protection, warm layers, personal medication, a camera with extra batteries, a head torch, extra snacks, and extra money for souvenirs, drinks, and tips.
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When is the best time to travel to Cusco?
The best time to visit Cusco is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. The weather is perfect for trekking and exploring the city, with clear skies and little chance of rain. This is also the peak travel season, so it can be busier. If you prefer fewer crowds and don’t mind a little rain, the shoulder seasons (April and October) can also be great times to visit.
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When do you have to arrive in Cusco?
It’s a good idea to arrive in Cusco at least 2 to 3 days before your trek starts. This gives your body time to adjust to the high altitude, which is crucial since Cusco sits pretty high up at 11,152 feet (3,400 meters). The extra days also give you time to explore the city and its surroundings before your big adventure begins.
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How to prevent altitude sickness?
Altitude sickness is pretty common when you head to places like Cusco, so it’s smart to be prepared. Here are a few things you can do to avoid or lessen it: - Arrive early: Give yourself a couple of days to acclimate. - Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated is key. - Try coca tea: Locals swear by it. It's made from coca leaves and can help with altitude adjustment. - Avoid heavy meals and alcohol: These can make it harder for your body to adjust. - Take it easy: Don’t push yourself too hard on the first day or two. - Medication: Talk to your doctor about altitude sickness pills like Diamox if you're worried. If you start feeling dizzy, tired, or get a headache, slow down, rest, and stay hydrated.
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Which is better, Inca Trail or Salkantay Trek?
Both treks offer incredible experiences, but they’re different in key ways: - The Inca Trail is all about history, as you’ll walk the same paths the Incas did and pass through several archaeological sites. It’s a shorter trek but highly regulated, with limited permits. - The Salkantay Trek is a bit more off the beaten path. It’s longer and tougher but offers stunning scenery, including glaciers and cloud forests. There are fewer crowds, and no permit is required. If you want the classic Machu Picchu experience, go for the Inca Trail. If you're looking for a more rugged adventure, Salkantay might be the better choice.
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How many people are allowed in each group?
The size of each group on the Inca Trail is typically limited to 16 people. This ensures a more personalized experience and allows for easier management on the narrow paths of the trail. TreXperience, like most tour operators, adheres to this limit to comply with government regulations and to preserve the environment along the trail.
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Low Deposit
TreXperience requires a minimum deposit of 140 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 2 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trexperience charges.
Up to 3 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 2 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 0 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
8-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
8 Days Starting and ending in Cusco, Peru
Visiting: Cusco, Sacred Valley, Salkantay Pass, Llactapata, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu
Tour operator:
Tour code:
381230
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
8-70
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Active, Adventure Tours, Small Group, Walking Hiking and Trekking