Salkantay Classic Trek 5 Days from Cusco, Cusco

The Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu is one of Peru's most famous hikes and boasts the best alternative route to the Inca Trail. On this 5-Day adventure, you will experience the wildest range of eco-systems. Watch towering snow-capped peaks like Humantay, make a dramatic transition to venture into the Cloud Forest, and pass a section of the Inca Path. If you want to be off the main route to Machu Picchu, close to remote towns, and Peru’s hypnotic nature, this Salkantay Trek is for you.

• Join a small-group trek with the Kings of the Salkantay Trail • See Humantay Lake and beat the Salkantay Pass • Spend three nights in exclusive accommodations in the middle of the mountains • Visit an organic coffee farm in the High-jungle valleys • Explore the World best UNESCO site: Machu Picchu

Inclusions & Exclusions

✔ Meals: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners (we cater to every dietary restriction)

✔ 3 nights camping accommodation (Sky Camp, Andean Huts, Jungle Domes)

✔ Hotel pickup and drop-off

✔ All entrance fees (Salkantay Trek & Machu Picchu)

✔ Experienced Mountain Guide

✔ Duffle Bag for 7kg of your personal gear (carried by the horses)

✔ Safety: First aid kit, oxygen supply, and emergency satellite phones

✔ One way bus between Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu

✔ Tourist Class Train Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo

✔ Extras: Trekking poles, sleeping bag, backpack cover and rain poncho

✔ All Private Transport and transfers during the tour

✔ Water, Tea Time, and daily snacks on the trail

✔ Expert chef, porters, and horsemen

✔ 1 night in a 3-star hotel at Aguas Calientes

✔ Private Camping Facilities & Equipment (dining rooms, kitchen, tables, and chairs)

✔ Pre-departure briefing (One day before your trek at 17:00hrs)

✖ Lunch and Dinner on Day 5

✖ Train Transfer from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes (Optional)- $35

✖ Huayna Picchu Mountain Hike (Can be booked, subject to availability)

✖ Machu Picchu Mountain Hike (Can be booked, subject to availability)

✖ Travel Insurance (Recommended)

✖ Gratuities for the staff (Optional)

Pickup Locations

1. Hotel Museo Cusco

2. Chaski Hotel

3. Hotel Darenso

4. Casa Fideranda Hostel & Apartments

5. Xima Exclusive Cusco

6. Hotel Inkas Inn Cusco

7. Hostal Sol Imperial

8. La Casona de San Jeronimo - Hotel Boutique

9. Kantu Progreso Inn

10. Royal Inn Cusco Hotel

11. InCasita Florida

12. Posada Inti Wasi

13. Capac Hotel II

14. Hospedaje Qausay

15. Hotel Suenos del Inka

16. Wayra Dreams Hotel

17. Ruwa B&B

18. Hotel de la Villa Hermoza

19. La Torre Hotel Cusco

20. Samay Hotel

Itinerary

Cusco - Challacancha - Soraypampa - Humantay Lake - Sky Camp

1

Salkantay Trail Start with an early pickup and a drive to Mollepata, where you'll get an optional breakfast before continuing to Challacancha, the trek's starting point. The first-morning walk will be about 3 hours and will take you to your first accommodation, the Sky Camp of Soraypampa. After an energizing lunch at the facilities, the afternoon trek goes to the famous Humantay Lake, known as the jewel in the mountains. The 3-hour round trip will allow you, on this first day, to soak in the impressive Andean scenery and the lake reflections before you head down for a tasty dinner and well-earned sleep.

Duration: 6 hours

Soraypampa - Salkantay Pass - Chaullay - Andean Huts

1

Salkantay Trail Today is the toughest day, but you’ll be greatly rewarded with fantastic views and the most wonderful scenery. After breakfast, you’ll be heading for 3 hours up to the Salkantay Pass, where you’ll spend some time taking photos of the incredible landscape and recovering your energy. Next, you’ll hike downhill to the lunch spot through the cloud forest before continuing on your way to the edge of the jungle. Amidst exotic scenery, you'll get to Chaullay, where you’ll spend the night in your Andean Hut.

Duration: 10 hours

Chaullay - Colpapampa - La Playa - Lucmabamba - Jungle Domes

1

Salkantay Trail The adventure continues by hiking through the jungle of the Santa Teresa Valley, where you’ll observe a lush landscape of rivers, waterfalls, orchids, and many plantations, including banana, coffee, and avocado. You’ll get to our Jungle Domes camp at lunchtime for a rest before you get to enjoy a free afternoon to explore your surroundings and visit an organic coffee farm. You’ll get a good night’s rest this evening, listening to the sounds of nature all around.

Duration: 6 hours

Lucmabamba - Llactapata - Hidroelectrica - Aguas Calientes

1

Salkantay Trail Today, things get more exciting as you hike along a part of the original Inca Trail. You’ll walk up for 2 hours to the Inca archaeological site of Llactapata and enjoy your first glimpse of Machu Picchu. You’ll also learn about the site’s history before beating the next stretch. Next, you’ll walk downhill to lunch before making your way to Hidroelectrica. From here, you can continue on foot to Aguas Calientes for about 3 hours or board a train for an extra fee. Tonight, you’ll be dining in a restaurant and sleeping in a hotel before the grand day tomorrow.

Duration: 9 hours

Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco

1

Machu Picchu This day is to crown your journey at one of the World's Seven Wonders, Machu Picchu. To beat the crowds, you'll kick off early to the Citadel and get in for the first lookover. You'll enjoy a 2-hour guided tour of the site and learn everything there's to know about it, including a visit to the most important nooks and sectors. If you book any additional hikes to the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountains, there's plenty more time to explore at your pace. You'll later return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and catch your train to Ollantaytambo. From there, our private transport will take you back to your hotel in Cusco, where you can rest and reflect on this unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Duration: 4 hours

Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Additional info

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

• Not recommended for pregnant travelers

• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

• Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness

• It's recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before the trek to adjust to the altitude.

• Spots at Machu Picchu sell out quickly. Book this trip at least two months in advance to secure spaces.

• KEEP IN MIND THIS HIKE IS A CHALLENGING TREK. TRAVELLERS HAVE TO BE IN GOOD HEALTH AND PHYSICAL SHAPE TO FULLY ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF THIS ADVENTURE.

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