SALKANTAY TRAIL

$550
/person
5 Days
Small Group Tours
Bus, Hike & Train

Clasicc Salkantay Trail To Machu Picchu 5Days /4Night

The Classic Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu, 5 days/4 night, is ideal for those on a slightly tighter budget, who still want to experience the full diversity of the Peruvian Andes landscape and nature. Throughout this trek, you will enjoy.

Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to see beautiful lakes, spot wildlife in the cloud forest, and take part in a unique coffee experience. Finally, the Classic Salkantay trail to Machu Picchu culminates with a 2-hour guided tour in Machu Picchu.

  • Observe incredible views of majestic mountains, serene lagoons, cascading waterfalls, dramatic canyons , as well as towering snow capped peaks.
  • Take unforgettable photos and create lasting memories, which are rich in living culture and brimming with unique experiences.
  • Discover the Humantay Lake, which is the most famous lake in Cusco, and experience its stunning beauty firsthand.

Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Humantay Lagoon – Salkantaypampa 4200.

Your adventure begins early in the morning with a private pick-up from your hotel in Cusco between 4:15 and 4:40 a.m. From there, we will travel in a comfortable private van toward Mollepata, the entrance to the Salkantay Park. Along the way, we will stop to enjoy a delicious breakfast and, if needed, purchase water, snacks, mosquito repellent, or rain ponchos.

After breakfast, we continue with a scenic 1-hour drive through the Andes until we reach Soraypampa, the starting point of our trek. Once here, we begin our hike toward the stunning Humantay Lake, located at an elevation of 4,200 meters. As we arrive at the turquoise Humantay Lagoon, you will have time to explore, take photos, and appreciate this sacred Andean landscape.

Afterward, our knowledgeable tour guide will share valuable insights into the history, significance, and natural beauty of the Humantay area. Following this enriching explanation, we begin our descent back toward the lunch area, a pleasant 1.30-hour walk. There, near the traditional Andean cabins, you will enjoy a well-deserved meal in the serenity and comfort of the high Andes after a rewarding day of hiking.

Distance: approx. 10 km /6.21 miles

Altitude: 3,800m (12,467ft)-4,200m (13,780ft)

Weather:10-15 °C (50-59 °f) Nightime : -5°C to 5°C(23°f to 41°F)

Day 2: Near Salkantay pampa – Salkantay Pass – Huayramachay – Chaullay Andean cabins.

With a wake-up call at 5:00 a.m, accompanied by a warm cup of coca tea to help us adjust to the altitude. Shortly after, at 5:30 a.m, we enjoy a delicious breakfast prepared by our professional chef. Then, at 6:00 a.m, we start the most challenging section of the trek: a 4-hour steep ascent to the highest point of the route, the spectacular Salkantay Pass (4,600 m / 15,091 ft).

As we make our way up, you will be treated to breathtaking views of snow-covered peaks. Along the trail, we will take a short break near the small Soyrococha Lake to enjoy our snacks. It is also possible to spot local wildlife such as chinchillas, the Salkantay condor, llamas, and alpacas, adding even more magic to the experience.

Upon reaching the Salkantay Pass, we will have time to take photos, appreciate the majesty of the Salkantay Mountain, and listen to a detailed explanation from our official tour guide about the importance and history of this sacred glacier.

Afterward, we begin our 2-hour descent to the lunch area, where a delicious meal awaits you. Once we finish lunch, we continue descending toward Chaullay, a 3-hour hike that gradually leads us into the lush cloud forest. As we move deeper into this unique ecosystem, you will notice the warmer climate and abundant biodiversity—mosquitoes, butterflies, birds, orchids, and vibrant vegetation that define this region.

Upon arriving at our campsite at the Chaullay Andean Cabins, we enjoy a relaxing tea time followed by dinner. Finally, our tour guide will brief us about the next day’s itinerary before we settle in for an overnight stay in the comfort of the Andean cabins.

Distance :22km/13.7miles

Altitude:4,200 m (13,780ft) -3,000 m(9,843ft)

Weather:(day:50°f to 59°f) Night :23°f to 41°f)

Day 3: Chaullay – la Playa -Lucmabamba- Tropical Cabins.

We begin the day with a delicious breakfast and a warm cup of coca tea. Afterward, we start our 15 km hike along a mostly flat trail that takes us through the lush jungle. As we walk, we will pass local family homes, small waterfalls, rivers, and vibrant fruit farms. Along the way, we will also make several stops to taste fresh local fruits directly from the source.

Eventually, we arrive at Playa, where our private transport will take us to Lucmabamba, our lunch point. After lunch, we enjoy a fascinating coffee tour located nearby. Here, you will have the opportunity to learn about the coffee-making process and taste freshly roasted Peruvian coffee.

Once the tour ends, we head to our cabins to relax. Then, for those who wish, there is an optional visit to the hot springs, a perfect way to unwind after a long and rewarding hiking day—you won’t want to miss it.

Later in the evening, we gather for tea time at 6:00 p.m., followed by a delicious dinner. After dinner, your guide will provide a detailed briefing about the next day’s adventure.

Altitude:2,800 m( 9,186ft)-2,000m(6,561 ft)

Weather: Day:20°C to 25°C( 68 to77 °f) Night: 10° to 15°C (50 to 59 °f 41°f )

Day 4: Lucmabamba – Inca Trail Llaqta Pata – Hydroelectric- Aguas calientes Machu Picchu town.

We wake up at 5:00 a.m. with a warm cup of local tea, and at 5:30 a.m. we enjoy a nourishing breakfast. By 6:00 a.m., we begin our hike along the Inca Trail toward Llactapata, gradually ascending while admiring the beautiful landscapes of the cloud forest.

Upon reaching Llactapata, we are rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of Machu Picchu from a unique vantage point. Here, our official tour guide will provide an informative explanation about the Llactapata Inca Trail and its historical significance.

After the visit, we continue our journey with a steady descent toward the Hydroelectric lunch point, where a delicious meal will be waiting for us.

Once we finish lunch, we resume the hike to Aguas Calientes, following a mostly flat 10 km trail for approximately 3 hours. Along this route, it is possible to spot some of Machu Picchu’s exotic bird species such as toucans, parrots, Andean motmots, flycatchers, green jays, woodpeckers, and even the iconic cock-of-the-rock.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, we check into our hotel and take some time to rest. Later, we gather for dinner, and afterward, our official tour guide will provide a detailed briefing about the next day’s adventure.

Distance: 18km /11.2 miles

Elevation: 2000m (6,561ft)- 2800m (7,342ft)

Day 5: Aguas Calientes Town – Machu Picchu Tour – Ollantaytambo – Cusco.

we recommend you take the bus from Aguas Calientes town to Machu Picchu. Afterward, we will board a bus for a 35-minute ride up to the Machu Picchu entrance. Moreover, this scenic journey offers breathtaking, stunning views along the way.

Machu picchu tour:Upon arrival, we will enter the Machu Picchu ruins with your private professional tour guide.Additionally, ensure you have your entrance tickets and personal passport ready.Once inside, we’ll begin a 3-hour guided tour. During the tour, you will have the chance to admire the impressive architecture, Incan hydraulic engineering, and other significant sites within the archaeological center.

Return from Machupicchu: After the Machu Picchu tour, we will, consequently, head back to Machu Picchu town, where you can relax afterward and enjoy a delicious meal. Following lunch, then, make your way to the train station, ensuring that you arrive at least 30 minutes before your train departure to take your tourist train back to Ollantaytambo for 2 hours, then bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco for 2 hours directly to your hotel in Cusco.

  • Pre-departure briefing:You will meet your official tour Guide.
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Private Transport during the tour
  • Accommodation: 3 nights in Andean cabins.
  • Duffle Bag for 5 Kilos of your gear carried by the horses.
  • Expert chef, and horsemen
  • Meals: 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 dinners, and Snacks, tea time
  • Medical kit: Our crew brings the First-aid kit, including an emergency oxygen bottle.
  • Tourist class train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, back to Cusco.
  • 1 night in Aguas Calientes Pueblo (Hotel).
  • All Entrance fees for the Salkantay trek and the Machupicchu ticket.
  • Sleeping Bags: you can hire from our company, our sleeping bags are -18ºC-comfort 0ºF,
  • Walking Sticks: you can hire from our company.
  • Travel Insurance is recommended.
  • Last Day 5: Lunch and Dinner in Aguas Calientes.
  • Gratuities for the staff.
  • Drinks, beer, soda, etc.
  • Bus tickets up and down to Machupicchu city.
  • Horse from Soraypampa to Humantay Lake or Salkantay pass optional.
  • Hiking clothes and gear.
  • Original passport, Warm sleeping bag
  • A comfortable 25 Lt trek backpack to carry your personal belongings of 5 Kg. If you want to bring more than 5 kg, let us know in advance.
  • Lighter-style trekking boots with good ankle support or tough sports shoes, light sandals, or clogs are recommended to rest at campsites.
  • Trekking poles with rubber tips, Gloves or mittens, scarf, wool socks, woolen hat for 1 cold night.
  • Warm clothes and layers for variable temperatures, especially for one night.
  • T-shirts and trekking pants that zip off to short pants for comfort.
  • Flashlight, head torch, Sunscreen, and sunglasses.
  • Wear a hat with a broad visor to keep the sun off your face.
  • Personal medical kit, insect repellent.
  • Rain Gear: a good rain jacket.
  • Toiletries, toilet paper.
  • Extra money for drinks on the route, Machupicchu and Aguas Calientes.
Contact a travel advisor

We will contact you as soon as possible, typically within 2 hours via WhatsApp, and in case we are unable to reach you sooner, we will follow up within 24 hours via e-mail,Thank you for your time and interest in touring with Peruvian Culture Tours.

  • WhatsApp / Phone: +51 927628548
  • Emergencies:  +51 927628548
  • peruvianculturetours@gmail.com

Follow the steps below to book the tour:

  1. Select a day from the calendar.
  2. Enter the number of passengers and enter the required data.
  3. Enter the additional information.
  4. Choose the payment method.

Prices

  • Adult Price: $ 550 per person.
  • Student Price: $ 530 per student.

Discount:

We offer a special discount of $20 for children.

  • Huayna Picchu: Tickets need to be booked in advance and cost an additional $70 per person.
  • Montaña: Tickets need to be booked in advance and cost an additional $70 per person.
Options
  • Sleeping bag (25 USD) for the entire excursion.
  • Horse ride (150 soles) extra.
  • Bus tickets are up and down.
  • Hot spring Cocalmayo
  • Trekking poles. $15 pair.

How to book?

Reservation Form

Fill out the reservation form, this information is significant to contact you.

Travel Date

Choose the date you want, for this tour we have daily departures.

Payments

We have Payments via credit or debit card and Paypal. Make your reservation effective using one of the mentioned options.

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$600
$550

Indispensable:Clasicc Salkantay Trail To Machu Picchu 5Days 4Night
Daily departures! (Minimum 2 people).

Students have a discount of $ 20 dollars per person. Valid with your university student card.

The difficulty is moderate, Before embarking on a Moderate trek or tour, you should be at least partly acclimatized to the high altitude of the Andes as it affects your oxygenation, energy levels, and hydration. 

Availability

This tour is available all year. The best season to hike is the months of April to September.

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