Send Us An Enquiry

Save To Wish List

506

Tour Details Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

Embark on a journey through “Hidden Peru” with Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, as you trek some of the country’s most scenic terrains near Cusco. Over a span of four days, this expedition leads you to the foot of the revered Salkantay snow peak, standing tall at 6,271 meters (20,700 feet). Locals regard this majestic mountain as the “Guardian Spirit of the Jungle”.

Along the way, immerse yourself in isolated native communities and marvel at the region’s rich ecological diversity, culminating in a visit to the iconic Machu Picchu Sanctuary. Brace yourself for a surge of adrenaline as you ascend a pass exceeding 4,600 meters (15,000 feet) and revel in the breathtaking panorama of Machu Picchu from Llactapata, an ancient Inca site perched on a mountain opposite the Machu Picchu peak.

For your convenience, pack animals will support the journey. We equip you with top-tier camping gear and serve nourishing meals, complete with a vegetarian option, to keep your energy levels high.

Seeking an unparalleled Andean adventure? Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu beckons!

Departure & Return Location

Cusco hotel transfer

Departure Time

05:00 AM

Price Includes

Predeparture briefing
English speaking professional tour guide. (For groups larger than 9 persons, two tour guides)
Early morning transfer by private transport to trailhead at Soraypampa
Meals: 4 breakfasts / 3 lunches / 3 dinners /3 afternoon hot drinks
Drinking water Day 2 and 3
Two-man Tents: (for a personal tent request, there is a surcharge of $35)
Foamy sleeping mat
Dining tent, cooking tent, cutlery, folding tables, and stools
Chef and assistant
Mules, carrying heavy gear such as: food, tents, gas bottle, and cooking stuff, and 7kilograms/15 pounds of your belongings
Emergency riding horse
Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu/Aguas Calientes
Return train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and tourist bus from Ollantaytambo back to Cusco

Price Excludes

Last day lunch (recommended in Aguas Calientes)
First day breakfast
HUAYNAPICHCU TICKET (30USD entrance fee)
Sleeping bag (30USD for the whole trek)
Optional late train from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes (35USD)
Tipping your trekking stuff is customary

Recommended to carry

A 60 litre rucksack with your personal belongings for the whole period of the trek which is carried on the mules, and a 20 litre daypack
Rain gear (annorax and rain trousers if available) and rain poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco)
Strong and waterproof trekking boots recommended
Foamy mattress
Camera, batteries and memory card (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
Insect repellent – minimum recommended 80% DEET – no malaria risk has been reported

What to Expect from Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu?

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu over four days is a captivating journey that interweaves nature’s grandeur with ancient history. As you traverse diverse terrains, expect to be awed by dramatic mountain vistas, including the imposing Salkantay peak, a sentinel of the Peruvian Andes.

The trail leads adventurers through a tapestry of ecological zones, from lush jungles to high-altitude meadows, each teeming with unique biodiversity. The trek not only challenges one’s physical endurance but also offers a spiritual connection, culminating in the mystique of Machu Picchu, the ancient citadel.

Along the way, the rich cultural tapestry of the region becomes evident as one encounters remote communities preserving age-old traditions. With ever-changing landscapes and the promise of discovering the lost city, the Salkantay Trek is an experience that resonates deeply, promising memories that last a lifetime.

Itinerary of Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

Day 1Cusco - Soraypampa - Wayracmachay

In the early morning, we’ll collect you from your hotel and embark on a private 2:30-hour bus journey, pausing for breakfast in Mollepata. Following our meal, we continue by bus for another two hours until we reach the trailhead at Soraypampa. Here, following a brief orientation, we’re greeted by the impressive snow-capped Umantay Mountain, standing tall at 5,700 meters, and the encompassing rugged landscape.

Our hike begins at a leisurely pace, navigating the picturesque alpine valley towards Salkantaypampa. The trail then presents a challenging ascent, characterized by winding zigzags. But as we climb, the majestic Salkantay Mountain dominates our view, serving as a rewarding backdrop. By midday, we’ll stop beside the serene Soirococha Lake, sitting at 4,400 meters, for lunch. After four hours of trekking, we achieve a milestone: the high pass at 4,600 meters.

This vantage point offers an unparalleled view of the sacred Salkantay, a jewel of the Peruvian Andes. Reaching this height feels momentous, and it’s customary for travelers to add a stone to an ever-growing mound, expressing gratitude to the Apus, or mountain spirits, for ensuring a safe journey.

From this peak, our path winds downward, revealing a vast moraine and valley teeming with wildlife. Keep an eye out for chinchillas, the predatory Mountain cara cara, Andean gulls, and if fortunate, a sighting of the majestic Andean condor, the world’s largest bird. Our day’s trek concludes as we descend to our campsite at Wayracmachay, nestled at 3,700 meters, surrounded by a panorama of mountain ranges.

Day 2Huayracmachay - La Playa

Today, we bid farewell to the striking pyramid-like peak of Salkantay. As we progress, the environment transforms, welcoming us into the tropical rainforest teeming with wild orchids, bromeliads, indigenous flora, and vibrant birds. Our path takes us through expansive bamboo groves; even as we move forward, it’s worth glancing back at the snow-capped mountains framed beautifully by the bamboo.

Traversing alongside the river that meanders through the valley, the towering trees grow denser. The trail reveals untouched spots where strawberries carpet the ground and passion fruit dangle overhead amidst begonias and purple orchids. We pause for lunch at Colpapampa.

Post-lunch, our journey weaves through woodlands, giving glimpses of unique high-altitude crops and, as we descend, the climate warms noticeably. Soon, plantations of banana, avocado, and coffee emerge. By day’s end, we find ourselves at La Playa (1,900 meters) where we’ll set up camp.

After a well-deserved rest, there’s an opportunity to explore organic coffee farms or simply unwind, anticipating the next day’s adventures that include glimpses of Machu Picchu from the ancient Incan site, Llactapata.

Day 3La Playa- Llactapata - Hidroeléctrica - Aguas Calientes

We embark on our journey early, ascending a genuine Inca path that bestows upon us spectacular vistas of the valley and adjacent mountains. Within three hours, we reach the Llactapata Incan ruins, pausing to relish a unique perspective of the iconic Machu Picchu — a view many travelers to South America seldom experience.

From here, the path ushers us into a dense forest, alive with the chorus of birds and rich foliage. As we continue, the sight of a majestic man-made waterfall captivates us, guiding us towards our lunch stop in the hydroelectric town. For the final leg of our journey, we tread alongside the railway tracks, with the Urubamba River flowing parallel, directing us to Machu Picchu. We end the day with an overnight stay in a local hostel.

Day 4Machu Picchu - Cusco

In the early morning, we board a bus destined for Machu Picchu, aiming to capture its beauty in the soft dawn light and embark on a guided tour. After the tour, you’ll have ample time to wander and explore the ancient citadel at your own pace. Concluding our visit, we take a bus back to the Machupicchu town and then board a train to Ollantaytambo. From there, a bus will transport us back to Cusco.

FAQ's

How difficult is the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu?

The trek is considered moderate to challenging. The difficulty often depends on the individual’s physical condition and acclimatization to the altitude.

How long is the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu?

The classic Salkantay Trek is typically 4 to 5 days long, covering approximately 72 kilometers (45 miles).

How do I acclimatize to the altitude?

It’s recommended to spend a few days in Cusco or another high-altitude location before the trek to acclimatize and reduce the risk of altitude sickness.

How high does the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu go?

The highest point is the Salkantay Pass, which is around 4,600 meters (15,090 feet) above sea level.

Is there a weight limit for my backpack?

If you’re utilizing the services of a porter or pack animal, tour companies often set a weight limit, typically around 5-7kg for personal items.

Photos

1 Review

Sort By:RatingDate

Luke

Solo Traveller

An unforgettable journey through breathtaking landscapes! The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is a must-do adventure, seamlessly blending nature’s wonders with rich history. Highly recommended

June 3, 2023

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days

Why Book With Us?