Travel confidently with Alpaca Expeditions, Peru's #1 Tour Operator!.
The Salkantay Trek is rated one of the world’s greatest treks. Experience stunning alpine scenery of glaciated Salkantay Mountain and travel through various ecosystems to the ancient city of Machu Picchu. An ideal trek for those wanting a wide open, uncrowded experience in the Andes. Enjoy Glass Cabanas, Hobbit Houses with outdoor jacuzzis, gourmet meals, a coffee farm, and expert, local indigenous guides that make all the difference. You’ll hike right to Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of Machu Picchu, & spend your final day at Machu Picchu.
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ Round trip bus ticket to Machu Picchu
✔ Expeditions Train ticket for the way back
✔ All Meals during the tour, except the last lunch. We cater to every dietary restriction.
✔ Experienced English speaking tour Guide
✔ Lunch
✔ Dinner
✔ Personal porter up to 7k per person (duffle bag for it we provide you at the briefing time)
✔ Breakfast
✔ Drinkable water along the trek
✔ All Entry fees, ( Sacred Valley, Salkantay and Machu Picchu)
✔ Accommodations: 1 night at Glass Cabañas, 2 night at camping, 1 at hobbit house, 1 at Hotel.
✔ First aid kit, oxygen tank and satellite phone for safety
✔ Professional chefs and porters.
✔ All Private transportation during the tour
✖ Sleeping bag, air mattress, trekking poles (all available for rent)
✖ Huayna Picchu Mountain - it cost $75 each, needs to book in advance
✖ tips for the crew
✖ travel insurance ( advisable)
✖ Hotel in Cusco for before and after the tour
Pickup Locations
1. Estancia San Pedro Hotel
2. Kaaro House Cusco
3. Hotel Piedmont
4. New Day Hotel
5. Sol Andino
6. Luna De Oro Hotel
7. Anahuarque Hotel Boutique
8. Katari Apart Hotel At Qorikancha
9. Sara Casa Boutique
10. Hotel Cusco Pacha Inti
11. Redy's House
12. Hotel Santoyo Inn
13. Muyurina Inn
14. Qori Kintu
15. Turi Wasi House Boutique
16. Elsa Wasi Cusco
17. Casa Biru Hotel Boutique
18. Unaytambo Hotel
19. Munay Wasi Inn
20. Emperador Plaza Hotel
Additional Info: We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco, you have to let us know the name once you book it.
Itinerary
Transfer to the Salkantay GLASS CABAÑAS
1
Cusco
You'll begin the Classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu at 3 p.m. local time on Day 1. That's when you'll meet your Alpaca Expeditions trekking team, and your adventure will begin.
Since you'll likely have checked out of your hotel before the departure time, the meeting point for this trek will be at the Alpaca Expeditions office, located near the main square.
At 3 p.m., we'll board our private van for a 3-hour drive to the Glass Cabañas in Soraypampa, located at 3,800 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l.). We'll arrive just in time for you to capture photographs of the sunset over the glacier peaks.
At the Glass Cabañas, your guide will help you settle into your rooms before you enjoy dinner along with some hot drinks. This area is known for its breathtaking views of the night sky, so be prepared for unforgettable stargazing.
No hiking today.
Elevation: 3,800 meters above sea level
Weather: Cold, windy, and rainy during the wet season
Duration: 6 hours
Start the Salkantay Trek (3800m)
1
Salkantay Trail
After a good night's rest, wake up early to enjoy breakfast before starting your trek. The day's adventure begins with a visit to Humantay Lake, a beautiful 1.5-hour hike along a steady uphill trail. Once you reach the lake, take in the serene views of its crystal-clear blue waters.
After soaking in the beauty of this magical spot, you'll make your way back down to the starting point and continue your hike to the lunch spot at Soyroccocha, a 3-hour trek over gradually ascending terrain.
After lunch and a well-deserved break, you'll have another hour of hiking to reach Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the trek at 4,650 meters. From there, it's a 3-hour descent to your final campsite for the day, Wayracmachay.
Upon arrival at the campsite, the trekking staff will have your tents set up. You'll enjoy a "happy hour" with hot chocolate and coffee, followed by a well-earned dinner.
Duration: 8 hours
Wayracmachay - Collpapampa - Loreta (Hobbit House +Hot Jacuzzi)
1
Salkantay Trail
Your trekking team will wake you early with a hot drink to help you start the day. As you step out of your tent, you'll hopefully be greeted by the sunrise over the glacier peaks and the sight of clouds lifting from the green cloud forest. Afterward, you'll have time to pack up and enjoy a delicious breakfast prepared by your trekking chef.
The day's hike begins with a 4-hour descent to the lunch spot at Ccollpapampa (2,700 m). After lunch and a well-deserved rest, you'll continue trekking for another 4 hours to your next private campsite, La Loreta (2,400 m). This portion of the hike will be on gradually downhill terrain, allowing you to explore beautiful waterfalls, rivers, and rich flora and fauna. You'll also pass through a tropical forest microclimate, where local people farm.
Upon arriving at the campsite, your trekking staff will welcome you, and you'll have the opportunity to relax with a free hot shower and even a hot jacuzzi-perfect after two days of hiking!
Duration: 8 hours
Sahuayacu - Inca Trail - Llactapata
1
Salkantay Trail
Today, you will experience some of the most beautiful sights along your trekking route to Machu Picchu, including a tropical forest and a visit to a local organic coffee farm. At the farm, you'll have the opportunity to explore orange and avocado plantations and taste freshly brewed coffee.
Afterward, you’ll continue your trek to Llactapata by hiking along a section of the Inca Trail for approximately 2.5 hours. Along the way, you'll enjoy stunning views of the Santa Teresa Valley. Once at Llactapata, you’ll catch your first glimpse of Machu Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, and Huayna Picchu Mountain. You’ll also have the chance to explore the Llactapata Inca site with your guide and capture some memorable photographs.
The campsite provides the perfect vantage point to enjoy both the sunset and sunrise over Machu Picchu. As night falls, you can gaze at the Milky Way and the Inca constellations, just as the Incan astronomers did to predict the weather.
Duration: 7 hours
Llactapata - Hydroelectric - Aguas Calientes
1
Salkantay Trail
Your trekking team will wake you early with a hot drink to help you start the day. Afterward, get ready for today’s adventure and enjoy your final breakfast prepared by your trekking chef. The day's hike begins with a scenic 2-hour downhill trek, offering breathtaking views of Machu Picchu, leading you to the Hidroelectrica Station. One of the highlights of this area is the towering 300-meter natural waterfall, which provides electricity to the Cusco region.
From Hidroelectrica Station, you'll continue to the famous Intiwatana (sun-dial rock). Historically, this Inca stone aligned with the sundial rock at Machu Picchu during the winter solstice, marking the start of a new agricultural season for the Incas.
After visiting Intiwatana, you'll follow a pleasant walking path along the train tracks.
Finally, you'll arrive in Aguas Calientes, where you can head to your hotel for a much-needed hot shower. In the evening, you’ll enjoy your final dinner with your trekking chef.
Duration: 6 hours
Machu Picchu
1
Machu Picchu
After an early breakfast, we will pick you up and head to the bus station for a 25-minute ride up to the Inca site, offering stunning views of the cloud forest along the way.
Your guide will provide a full tour of the magnificent Machu Picchu Citadel, which will last about 2 hours. If you have purchased tickets for Huayna Picchu ($75 each, booked in advance), you will embark on this additional hike after the guided tour. Your guide will conclude the tour and meet you later in Aguas Calientes.
After lunch, you will head to the train station to catch your train back to Ollantaytambo. From there, our driver will pick you up and drive you back to Cusco, where you will be dropped off at your hotel.
Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Additional info
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
