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Salkantay Hike To Machu Picchu

3 reviews

120 hrs

From

1.121.453 ARS

Did the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu slip through your fingers? Don't let adventure pass you by and relish the Salkantay route, which offers diverse vistas of valleys, meadows, glaciers, cloud forests, and jungles.

Journey through stunning turquoise lagoons flanked by mountains and snow-capped peaks, and unwind in splendid hot springs as a perfect conclusion to your adventure.

Recognized as one of the world's premier hikes, the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu delivers everything an adventure enthusiast could dream of. What better finale to this trek than visiting one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World?

Tour Description

Day 1 CUSCO - MOLLEPATA – SORAYPAMPA

Starting with a pickup from your hotel in Cusco, you'll embark on a 3-hour bus journey to Mollepata, situated at an elevation of 2,803 meters. After a short rest, you'll commence a 3-hour uphill trek to Soroypampa, the location of our first campsite.

Enjoy a meal while taking in the breathtaking views of the snow-capped Humantay (4,120m/13,500 ft) and Salkantay (6,271m/20,575 ft) peaks. This campsite is special, featuring glass-roofed igloos perfect for stargazing.

Once settled, we'll set off on a hike to Humantay Lagoon. This uphill trek takes about 4 hours round trip and offers stunning views of the snow-capped mountains mirrored in its clear waters.

Located at 4,200 meters, Humantay Lagoon is an ideal spot to explore in the heart of the Andes. We'll return to Soroypampa for a delightful dinner and an overnight stay.

Distance covered: 13 Kilometers.

Day 2 SORAYPAMPA – SALKANTAY PASS – COLPAPAMPA

Following breakfast, you'll begin a 1.5-hour hike to Salkantay Pampa at 4,620 meters, offering panoramic views of the Vilcanota range. Salkantay translates to "Wild Mountain" in Quechua.

Continue ascending for another 2.5 hours to the trek's highest point, the Salkantay Pass, situated at 4,650 meters (15,200 feet), nestled between the towering Salkantay and Tucarhuay mountains.

Keep an eye out for the majestic Andean condors soaring above. From this vantage point, enjoy breathtaking views of mountains and clear lagoons—a true natural spectacle.

Descend through a stunning cloud forest towards Huayracpunku, also known as Huayracmachay, where lunch is served. A 3-hour trek into the jungle follows, leading to the second campsite, Colpapampa (2,700 meters/9,800 feet).

This campsite is strategically located, with igloo-shaped cabins featuring transparent roofs for stargazing. Dinner and overnight stay included.

Distance covered: 26 Kilometers.

Day 3 COLPAPAMPA – LUCMABAMBA

After breakfast, our trek continues through the upper rainforest, crossing the Lluskamayo River via small streams, and entering the cloud forest. The trail descends through more rural areas.

Proceed along the Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu, traversing the Santa Teresa River Valley. The path is lush with vegetation, passing banana, avocado, and passion fruit fields, as well as coffee plantations producing some of the world's finest organic coffee. Upon reaching the Llactapata Inca Trail, we'll bid farewell to the horses and equestrian team.

After lunch, we'll arrive at the next campsite in Lucmabamba at 2,062 meters. Today's hike takes about 5 hours. This site offers igloos with transparent roofs, providing a unique opportunity to stargaze. Dinner and overnight stay.

Distance covered: 14 kilometers

Day 4 LUCMABAMBA – HYDROELECTRIC PLANT – AGUAS CALIENTES

After breakfast, we'll embark on a 3-hour ascent to the Llactapata Pass, at 2,736 meters above sea level. You'll have your first glimpses of the southeastern side of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. A brief visit to the Llactapata archaeological site follows, offering a chance to rest.

The journey to Machu Picchu proceeds with a 2-hour descent through coca and banana plantations. We'll reach the hydroelectric dam for lunch, then continue with a 3-hour trek along the railway tracks to arrive at the town of Aguas Calientes, where you'll spend the night.

Check into your hotel and join us for a final group dinner with the guide, where we'll discuss the Machu Picchu excursion planned for the next day.

Distance covered: 15 kilometers

Day 5 MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

Start your day with breakfast, then take the bus to Machu Picchu early to witness the city at sunrise. With the guide, we'll head to the "Guardhouse" area for a 30-minute exploration of the citadel.

Enjoy a 1-hour guided tour, then have the option to continue with the guide for another hour. You may choose to climb Huayna Picchu (optional) or explore the Sun Gate and the rest of the site independently. The choice is yours to explore this world wonder.

In the afternoon, take the bus back to Aguas Calientes to collect your train tickets for the return journey to Cusco. After a 1.5-hour ride, you'll arrive at the Ollantaytambo train station, where our transportation will take you back to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel.

What’s included?

What’s included:

* Meeting with the guide one day before the tour begins * Professional English/Spanish-speaking guide * Private bus from Cusco to the starting point of the trek * Horses and cowboys * Cook * Camping equipment (igloos, sleeping mats, tables and chairs, dining and kitchen tent) * Good food (4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners) * Personal belongings maximum 6 kg * First aid kit and oxygen tank * 1 night of standard accommodation in Aguas Calientes (Comfort Service) * Round-trip bus tickets to the entrance of Machu Picchu (Comfort Service) * Entrance tickets to Salkantay, Humantay Lagoon, and Machu Picchu * Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco * Hydroelectric train to Aguas Calientes (Comfort Service)

What’s NOT included:

* Meals on the last day in Aguas Calientes * Entrance and visit to the hot springs * Tips for the team * Sleeping bag * Extra horse with rider * Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu * Travel insurance

Frequently Asked Questions

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is a moderate-to-difficult trek through the Peruvian Andes. It ascends to the Salkantay Pass (approximately 4,630 meters above sea level), with steep inclines, 6- to 9-hour treks, and sections of 10-22 kilometers per day. Arriving in Cusco 2-3 days prior to the trek is essential for acclimatization and to reduce the risk of altitude sickness. Good physical condition is recommended, along with prior training in hiking, cardio, and leg strengthening. Stay hydrated, eat well, and maintain a steady pace. Travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking is recommended; local guides typically carry a first-aid kit and supplemental oxygen.

Depending on the tour package you book, the Salkantay Trek typically includes: a pre-trek briefing, transfer from Cusco to the starting point, a certified bilingual guide, camping equipment or lodge accommodations, muleteers/horses for shared equipment, meals during the trek, a first-aid kit and emergency oxygen, and entrance tickets to Machu Picchu with return train and bus transportation to Cusco. What is usually not included are: sleeping bags and trekking poles (optional rental), extra drinks and snacks, entrance fees to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, hot springs, tips, travel insurance, breakfast on the first day, and meals on the last day. Please check the tour operator's information sheet to confirm exactly what is included in your booking.

The best time for the Salkantay Trek is the dry season (April–October), with mostly clear days, cool nights, and a lower chance of rain. During the rainy season (November–March), the landscape is greener, but there is mud, fog, and possible cancellations for safety reasons. At higher altitudes, temperatures can drop below freezing; closer to the high jungle, the climate is temperate and humid. Pack layers of clothing, a waterproof jacket, a hat and gloves, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Check the forecast before you leave and be prepared for Andean microclimates: intense sun, wind, rain, and hail can all occur in the same day.

Travel light. Most tour operators allow a 5–7 kg duffel bag carried by muleteers/horses, plus a daypack (20–30 L) that you carry yourself. Essentials: waterproof trekking boots, technical socks, thermal and quick-drying clothing, waterproof jacket and pants, -5 to -10 °C sleeping bag (rental possible), trekking poles with rubber tips, headlamp, power bank, hydration bottle or bladder (2 L), water purification filters/tablets, personal first-aid kit, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Add a hat, sunglasses, microfiber towel, dry bags, cash in soles, and your passport for Machu Picchu entry. Sandals and a swimsuit are optional for the hot springs.

To secure your spot on the Salkantay Trek and Machu Picchu entrance, book 2–3 months in advance during peak season (June–August) and at least 4–6 months in advance if you want to visit Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, as these have limited availability. A non-refundable deposit is usually required; change and cancellation policies vary by operator, so please review the terms and insurance details. Send your passport information and dietary restrictions. Confirm your briefing, pick-up point in Cusco, and return train/bus times. We recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and expenses related to weather-related changes.

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