Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu – 5D/4N

Duration:
5 Days
Max People:
20
Min Age:
15+
Machu Picchu, Salkantay
Peru » Cusco
English
Overview

This tour and trek is full of beautiful landscapes and visits to the Humantay lake, Salkantay, Santa Teresa, Colcalmayo (thermal baths), Machu Picchu Town (Aguas Calientes), the archaeological site of Machu Picchu (wonder of the modern world) and Huayna Picchu o Mountain (optional).

  • Perfect for all ages and skill levels. 
  • Get advice from a local. 
  • Soak up the atmosphere on a walking tour.

Attractions You’ll See

Machu Picchu

Salkantay

Whats Included

Transportation

  • All Transfer services
  • Transportation back from Hydroelectric to Cusco

Meels

  • Food as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Vegetarian options available.
Does not include
  • Bus up and down from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu ($24 USD)
  • Train back from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo ($80 USD)
  • Personal care items.
  • Tips for the guide and the horsemen.
  • Breakfast on the first day,lunch and dinner on the last day.
  • Cocalmayo hot spring
  • Sleeping Bag
  • Zip LineActivity

Packing List

Trekking Accessories

Strong walking shoes for trekking
Lightweight backpack of 20 liters
Some cash in small bills

Clothing

Hat or cap
Long sleeve shirt
Long and short pants
Rain coat
Sweater and thick jacket
Itinerary
Day 1 Cusco - Soraypampa

We will begin our adventure picking up each passenger from their respective hotels before embarking on a 3:30 hours by bus. Halfway through the tour, we will stop in Mollepata at an altitude of 2900 m.a.s.l. for a 30 minute break, then we continue with our trip directly to the last bus stop in Challacancha, where we will meet our horsemen and horses, who will carry the all camping equipment and we begin our trek to Soraypampa at (3900 m.a.s.l.).

Arriving we will establish a camping area from where we’ll enjoy the beautiful views of the snowy peak of Salkantay and we will have a break for lunch. After lunch, we will visit the Humantay Lake at (4200 m.a.s.l.) before starting our return to the camping area in Soraypampa, around 5:00 pm. Where our camping team will be waiting for you with an afternoon tea and our delicious dinner.

Day 2 Soraypampa - Chaullay

Early in the morning we will have our breakfast and then we will start a 3-hours trek until we will reach the highest point of our expedition, the Salkantay Pass (4600 m.a.s.l.). From there, we’ll walk towards Wayrac Machaq, to have our lunch. Then, trekking will continue into the high jungle where we will observe large trees with their arms extended over the streams, all full of bromeliads and orchids. This walk will take about 5 hours to reach our camp in Chaullay for dinner and rest.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Salkantay trek?

Salkantay trek is another of the Inca roads that leads to Machupicchu and also other wonders such as Choquequirao and Vilcabamba discovered approximately 20 years ago.

What is in the Salkantay trek?

In Salkantay Trek we find adventure activities, local people who are dedicated to the agriculture that works the coffee, the coca among other products of the zone also we found medicinal and exotic plants and also we found types of birds.

What to see in Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu is home to almost 150 amazing constructions, these are some of the places that stand out:

  • The Temple of the Sun.
  • The Intihuatana.
  • The Temple of the 3 Windows.
  • The Temple of the Condor.
  • The Hall of Mirrors.
  • The Ladder of the Fountains.
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain.
  • The Temple of the Moon.
  • The Door of the Sun (Intipunku).
  • The Main Square.
  • The Royal Tomb.
  • The Sacred Rock.

Why is the Salkantay Way an alternative Inca trail?

It is called the ALTERNATIVE TRAIL because it is another way to get to Machu Picchu besides the already famous Inca Trail, which is in great demand and must be booked 8 months in advance.

The Salkantay Trek is the only alternative road specialized in adventure for different activities such as cycling, rafts, zip lines, hiking

Can Machu Picchu be visited by people of any age?

Yes, it can be visited by people of all ages. However, in order to ascend Huayna Picchu mountain, it can only be visited by people older than 12 years old.

From what time can I enter Machu Picchu?

Public access is from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.