Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu 5 Days / 4 Nights
General description
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days 4 Nights, This is the most popular of the alternative treks to Machu Picchu. The trek is located in the Vilcabamba mountain range and passes through stunning landscapes varying from the cloud forest to the high mountains. Along the way are fantastic views of second highest mountain in the Cusco area, Salkantay (Savage Mountain) standing at 6,271m/19.685ft. This tour is for the adventurous. It passes through little visited areas and combines culture and tradition with the incredible flora and fauna offered by Peru. You will be in the real Andes and the perfect conditions to get a sense of the life in the area.
OVERVIEW:
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days 4 Nights is the number one alternative to the Inca Trail. With high snow-capped mountains, lowland jungle and a visit to the Inca site of Llactapata the trek offers a perfect mix of trekking, culture and nature.
With fewer people on the route the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days 4 Nights allows you to enjoy the natural beauty of the Andes without any of the distractions and disturbances you find on the Inca Trail
By booking your Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days 4 Nights with Cachi life Peru you are choosing the best. Don’t believe us? Check out our reviews on TripAdvisor!
Pre-trek briefing:
You will have an exhaustive information session with your guide 1 day before your Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days 4 Nights. Your guide is allowed in your hotel and can take this opportunity to ask questions and make final preparations.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Cusco – Mollepata – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa
We start to pick up you on the hotel around 05:00 am, the bus driving taking 2 hours to Mollepata through the bus is clearly to see the white snow capped mountain like Salkantay and Humantay, the holy Gods of the Incas, the spectacular scenic on the upper part and lower valleys with colorful landscape. Two hours driving at head the first stop in Mollepata town there are toilet facilities, souvenirs and optional short breakfast, to soon continue at Challa Cancha the trail head. There we will meet with our support staff. There we will organize all the equipment, horses and mules. Around 9:30 a.m. we will start our trek to Soraypampa (3850 m.a.s.l) the first section of the path are paved rock trail there are the old water channel still supply to new habitants, the begin is 8 km in 3 hours to Soraypampa the lunch place as well base camp, after lunch and nap to continued hiking up to the Humantay lake (4200 masl) 3 km in 2 hours round trip, bottom the glacier the most spectacular views to the back ground valley and sunset, Soraypampa is located on the middle of the glaciers valleys at night clear appreciate the constellation on the sky…
Meals:Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Maximum Altitude: 4150 masl
Minimum Altitude: 2850 masl
Distance Travelled: 11km approx
Day 02: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Colpapampa
Today, nature will change drastically from dry sceneries to snowy peaks and tropical areas. After a nutritious breakfast, we will start the most difficult part of the trek. We will start the hike around 6:30 in the morning. We will hike to a place called Salkantaypampa, Soyrococha, then go toward the left side of the snowy peaks of Umantay located next to the Apu Salkantay. At midday, we will be on the highest point (4617 meters above sea level). We will appreciate spectacular views of the mountains and the imposing snowy peaks of the Salkantay (6264 meters above sea level) which is known as the second highest point of the Cusco region. Around 1:00 p.m., we will have our lunch, in the area called Huayracmachay. The walk downwards is on a serpent shape trail and a rocky gravel path to get to the Huayracmachay lunch spot. In the afternoon we will enter the upper part of the amazon jungle, which is also called “the cloud forest”. This is a 10 km (6.2miles) hike in 3 hours on a wide trail in the thick forests. This hike is truly beautiful, there are decorated the hills with colorful sceneries and a lot of wildlife and native plants. The forests are most times of the year warm or have a temperate temperature. When finishing this magnificent hike we finally arrive at Colpapampa Village (2900 masl – 9,514 ft), our base camp in the jungle.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Maximum Altitude: 4617 masl
Minimum Altitude: 2920 masl
Distance Travelled: 21 km
Day 03: Colpapampa – Playa Sahuayaco– Lucmabamba
At 6:00 am. we will start our trek to La Playa through the Santa Teresa valley. We will be hiking for approximately 6 hours. During the hike we’ll see waterfalls, wild orchids, but also coffee, banana and avocado plantations. Here you can taste the famous passion fruit and granadilla fruit. We will see a village called Colpapampa, also called the “forest cloudy brow” where waterfalls, thermal hot springs, fruit-bearing trees, varied flora and birds can be observed. If we are lucky, we will be able to
see the famous bird called “the Cock of the Rocks” this bird is the national bird of Peru. After lunch at La playa, we will hike for approximately 1 hour to our base camp called Lucmabamba (2400 MASL – 7874 ft). We will explore the tropical forest for a little while and have a lovely visit at an organic coffee farm. Here you can taste the coffee prepared by the local people. Coffee is the main farming industry of the local people here in the jungle and they farm many hectares of coffee to export to the USA, Asia and Europe. Coffee was first discovered in Ethiopia, but it wasn’t until the Spanish invaded Cusco that it was brought to this region. We will also explore an orange and an avocado plantation.
*** On this day you may enjoy the Hot Springs – not included in the price.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Maximum Altitude: 2920 masl
Minimum Altitude: 2350 masl
Distance Travelled: Approx 14 km
Day 04: Lucmabamba – Hidroelectric – Aguas Calientes
The chef of the trek will wake you up early with a hot cup of coca tea served in your bed. You will get ready for today’s activity while enjoying your last prepared breakfast by the trek chef. We will begin the hike early and you will get the opportunity to enjoy a small part of the famous Inka trail! After a climb of 2 hours with amazing views of the Santa Teresa valley we will arrive at the Llactapata Inca site right in front of Machu Picchu. This will be the first archaeological site we will see of the Lost City of the Incas and a very special place to enjoy and spend time. We will be able to see not only the Machu Picchu ruins from this spot, but also the Huayna Picchu and the Machu Picchu Mountain. We will explore this Inca site with the guide and he will continue the history lessons about the Incas of this
beautiful country and of course you will have plenty of time to take as many photos as you want.
After the Llactapata ruins, we will continue our Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days 4 Nights with a 2 hours downhill hike. At this hike you’re always able to have views of Machu Picchu until we arrive at the Hidroelectrica train station which is our lunch place. The most impressive part of this area is the natural waterfall of 300 meters high which generates the electricity for the region of Cusco. We will then arrive at the famous Intiwatana. Intiwatana is an ancient rock used as a sundial in the ancient Inca times. According to history, this old Inca stone used to work with the famous sundial stone in Machu Picchu. These could measure and read the winter solstice which was the beginning of the new farming season for the Incas. After we pass this small Inca site we will reach the train rails. Next to the rails there is a nice path to walk on; this path will take us approximately 3 hours. After the 3 hours we will arrive at Aguas Calientes, which is located at the foot of Machu Picchu. This section is very interesting because it is the trail that was used by the American Professor Hiram Bingham who rediscovered Machu Picchu after centuries of it being lost.
*** On this day you may enjoy the biggest Zip Line tour before heading to Aguas Calientes – not included in the price.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Maximum Altitude: 2350 masl
Minimum Altitude: 2000 masl
Distance Travelled: 18km aprox.
Day 05: Aguas Calientes – MachuPicchu – Cusco
After breakfast we will board the bus which will take us to the biggest energetic center of the Incas, “Machu Picchu”. As part of our itinerary the same professional tour guide from the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days 4 Nights; will teach you about all the history of this mysterious and mystical place. We will visit the Sun Temple, Royal palace, Main Temple, Three Windows Temple and Sun Dial. It will be an unforgettable experience. After the guided tour, you will have free time to explore on your own.
If you have booked Wayna picchu, you will need to coordinate with your guide for Machu Picchu visiting depending on your scheduled time to the mountain, for people not hiking any of the mountains there are some other optional activities on your own (not included in the price):
Train back to Cusco: In the afternoon you will return to the train station in Aguas Calientes for the trip back to Ollantaytambo. Upon your arrival to train station you will be transferred by car to your hotel in Cusco.
Meals: Breakfast
Lowest Elevation: 2,040 m/ 6,691 ft
Highest Elevation: 2,440 m/ 8,052 ft
Included
- Trek briefing with your Guide.
- Professional local Guide (on hike)
- Second tour guide for groups of 9+
- Private Transport and professional driver (to the starting point of hike “at Challacancha”)
- All entrance tickets and permits for Salkantay hike and Machu Picchu Citadel.
- Horses or mules and Indigenous horsemen to carry ((camping equipment: client tents, dining and cooking tents, table, stools, cooking gear, stove, gas container, cutlery, plates, food and fresh vegetables).
- 1 train Ticket Service from Machu Picchu pueblo to Ollantaytambo Village (Expedition Tourist Train)
- 2 bus Tickets from Aguas Calientes town to Machu Picchu Park (round trip).
- Machupicchu guided tour (3 hrs) and extra time for you.
- Personal items to carry 7 kg/15 lb. (so you just need to carry your day backpack with everything you will need during the day).
- 3 nights camping
- Spacious tents / Sleeping mat.
- 1 night in a Hotel in Aguas Calientes. based on sharing a room; either double, matrimonial or triple depending on availability. Hotel brand rooms all include private bathrooms with hot showers and Wi-Fi.
- We provide a duffle for personal items.
- One Cook
- Excellent Meals (4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners)
- Food includes pancakes, omelets, soups, fresh fruit, avocado, pasta, chicken, fish, meat, rice, all before rich in carbohydrates and suitable for trekking (Vegetarian, vegan or special diet meals upon request).
- Tea time before dinner (tea, coffee, coco, biscuits, popcorn)
- Boiled water provided from 2nd day (for drinking).
- Wake up coca tea in your tent.
- Buckets of hot water for washing in your tent every day
- Biodegradable soap and hand cleansing gel
- Cachi life Peru uses walkie-talkies on all treks.
- Oxygen Tank & First aid kit
- All local taxes
Not Included
- First breakfast & lunch on the last day
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain tickets (US$65)
- Hot springs (S/15.00 soles)
- Sleeping bags
- Extra activities such as zip line and barbecues.
- Additional horses for extra personal luggage above that of the personal item allowance.
- Optional up – grades (train and hotel)
- **Tips, for the crew (muleteers, chef and guide)
Recommendations
What to Bring for the Inca Trail Trek:
- Daypack: Such as the Eagle Creek Afar Backpack – appropriate for carrying your personal belongings.
- Original passport (International Student Identity Card “ISIC” if applicable).
- Travel insurance: Strongly recommended, but not required.
- Light trekking boots with good ankle support.
- Trekking pants: 3 pairs (not jeans) – 1 hiking, 1 cotton. Spray both pairs with insect repellent before the trip.
- Clothing layers for variable temperatures, especially at night.
- Rain jacket: Nights can be as cold as –5°C / 23°F, and rain is possible even in the dry season.
- Warm/winter jacket and thermals (wool socks, gloves, scarf, and woolen hat) for cold nights.
- Underwear and socks: 4 pairs each. Bamboo or cotton/nylon-blend socks dry faster than 100% cotton. Bring both heavy hiking socks and lighter socks for variable weather. Extra pairs for the evening are recommended.
- Shirts: 4 total, including 2 long-sleeve shirts.
- Sleeping bag liner: Lightweight and easy to pack – highly recommended.
- Travel-size tissues and wet wipes: Essential, as bathrooms are limited and the air is cold and damp.
- Iron tablets and pills for altitude sickness: Helpful in addition to coca tea.
- Sun protection: SPF 45 or higher.
- Bug spray: 30% DEET recommended. Note: many insects on the trail are tiny flies that are hard to repel; anti-itch ointment is also helpful.
- Water container or hydration pack: Such as a CamelBak. Water will be provided throughout the trek, but bring your own for the first day.
- Camera and film.
- Headlamp with spare batteries for navigating camp in the evenings or early mornings.
- Bandages or moleskin for blisters.
- Flip-flops for evenings – your toes will thank you!
- Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste/floss, shampoo/conditioner, brush/comb, Vaseline (for blisters), feminine hygiene products, deodorant, nail clippers/file/tweezers, spare glasses or prescription, mini-eyeglass repair kit, contact lenses and supplies, hand sanitizer. Pack light.
- Medication: Imodium AD or similar for upset stomach, Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen for aches and pains.
- Plastic bags for dirty or wet clothes.
- Something to read in the evenings.
- Extra money: For drinks and emergencies. At least 300–450 soles (approx. USD $220).
Prices
PRICE: 650 USD per person
Discounts:
Student Discount: US$20.00 Student discounts apply to anyone who has a valid UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD at the time of the trek or who is 17-years-old or younger. For those using a University Student Card our under 17-years-old, we need to see a copy of their card or passport at the time of booking to receive the discount. Please send all to info@cachilifeperu.com
Optional Extras (Need to Book in Advance):
Machu Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 65.00 (Need to book in advance)
Huayna Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 65.00 (Need to book in advance)
Upgrades:
Hotel Upgrades:
The hotel is 2-star and is based on sharing a room – either double, matrimonial, or triple. There is a single room surcharge of $30 if you are booking alone. Rooms all include private bathrooms, with hot showers and wifi. We can also upgrade your hotel if you prefer something fancier. Please remember that the service you receive in Aguas Calientes may not be comparable to that in Cusco. Below is a list of possible upgrade options, although we can usually work with most hotels in Aguas Calientes.
Belmond Sanctuary Lodge (5 star hotel) – US $580 per person per night (double occupancy)
Sumaq Machu Picchu hotel (4 star hotel) – US $345 per person per night (double occupancy)
Santuario Hotel (3+ star hotel) – US $65 per person per night (double occupancy)
Train Upgrades:
Vistadome train -US $65 for trip from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
Hiram Bingham train (deluxe) -US $485 for trip from Aguas Calientes to Poroy
Rentals:
Hiking poles – US$20.00
Sleeping bag – US$25.00
Private Tent – US$30.00
Frequently Asked Questions:
FREQUENT ASKED QUESTION
How to book the Salkantay trek private tours with Cach Life Peru
To reserve your Salkantay trek 5-day private service, please find the “book now” button on our website. once you click the button, you will be redirected to a booking platform where you can choose your desired departure date and provide essential personal information about each participant. the payment process can be completed using either a credit card or a debit card.
If you are interested in additional options like the Huayna Picchu mountain hike, we recommend booking them simultaneously with your Salkantay trek reservation. this approach ensures that you don’t miss out on any possible opportunities due to availability. You can rent walking sticks in Cusco 1 day before your trip.
We will send you a confirmation email once your reservation has been secured to ensure a meticulously organized and successful trip. we guarantee that it will proceed as planned once the start date is confirmed.
Can I store my luggage at your office?
Certainly! During the 5-day Salkantay private trek to Machu Picchu, we provide a luggage storage facility at our office. we kindly request that you only bring the essentials necessary for the duration of your hike to Machu Picchu.
What about the outstanding balance?
We would like to inform you that settling your outstanding balance can be done efficiently and securely with our various payment options. you may choose to pay in cash, either in USD or soles, one day prior to your trip. for your convenience, credit card payments can also be made with a 5% service fee. please let us know your preferred payment method in advance.
Please note that cash payments must be made one day prior to your trip without exception. we appreciate your prompt attention in settling your outstanding balance and look forward to providing you with the best service possible.
How about the student discount?
Please note that individuals who are 18 years or older must present a valid student card in order to be eligible for discounts on the tour. for students aged 11-17 years, a discount of $30 USD applies, while children aged 2-11 years can avail of a discount of $ 40 USD. in order to obtain the student discount, please ensure that a copy of your passport and student card are sent to our team at the time of booking via email to info@cachilifeperu.com
May I change the departure date after the reservation has been made?
We regret to inform you that Salkantay trek reservations are subject to availability and modifications depend on logistics such as campsites, trains, and accommodation. we would like to clarify that changes after confirmation may not always be possible. please let us know if there are any other questions we can help answer or concerns we can address. thank you for your understanding.
Do I need to bring my original passport on the Salkantay trek 5 days to Machu Picchu?
We kindly remind you that it is imperative to bring your original passport for your upcoming Salkantay trek 5-day tour. it is highly important that the passport you bring is the same one you provided to us during the reservation process. your passport will be checked at Machu Picchu and when boarding the train.
Updating passport numbers
If you are in the process of renewing your passport and planning to book the Salkantay private guided trek, we kindly request that you email us a copy of your old passport for verification purposes. in case you do not possess your old passport anymore, any valid government-issued identity card can be presented as long as it bears the same name.
Furthermore, once you receive your new passport, we sincerely ask that you immediately email us a copy of it to modify the information on your reservation. it is essential to ensure that all details match those on your passport exactly to avoid any inconvenience during your private premium Salkantay Trek Tours.
What is the schedule of my train ticket?
Typically, return train tickets are reserved for departure at 14:55 pm or 15:20 on day 5, allowing arrivals in Cusco at 07:00 pm. This itinerary allows for sufficient rest and the opportunity to participate in tours such as Rainbow Mountain on the subsequent day.
Can I stay in the Sacred Valley for my private Salkantay trek 5 days?
We recommend that you consider staying in either Urubamba or Ollantaytambo during your visit to the sacred valley. by opting for accommodation in this area, your pick-up time will be scheduled an hour and a half after the usual pick-up time in Cusco, which will allow you some more time to rest.
If I cancel my Salkantay private tour. do I get any refund?
If you are unable to join us for any reason such as illness, missing your flight, or a natural disaster, we regret to inform you that certain expenses will already have been incurred, such as train tickets or campsite bookings. please note that these are non-refundable and non-transferable. we understand that unexpected changes can occur, and we want to assure you that we will always do our best to be reasonable and only charge you for any expenses that have already been incurred.
What time will we get to Machu Picchu?
our group’s usual arrival time to Machu Picchu town (Aguas Calientes) is in the afternoon of day 4. on day 5, the visit to Machu Picchu typically begins early in the morning. you can expect to be at Machu Picchu around 6:00 to 7:00 am depending on bus availability and schedule.
Will water be provided?
We recommend that you purchase 2 liters of water for the first day of your trek for adequate hydration. From the second day onwards, we will supply you with boiled water three times a day — after breakfast, during lunchtime, and at dinner. this measure has been implemented for your health and safety, ensuring that you have access to safe drinking water throughout your trekking journey.
What kinds of reusable water bottles should we bring to the Salkantay Trek private Tours 5 days?
From march 2022, the use of single-use plastic water bottles and other plastic waste will be strictly prohibited while trekking on the Salkantay route for 5 days and 4 nights. to comply with this policy, we kindly ask that all guests bring their own personal reusable water bottles to be filled with the water we provide. we suggest opting for a bladder, hard shell bottle, or pouch that is most convenient for your needs. this measure is part of our ongoing commitment to minimize our environmental impact and preserve the natural beauty of this iconic landmark. thank you for your cooperation in this endeavor.
Is there an age limit for the private Salkantay trek 5 days?
It is important to note that there is no age limit for the Salkantay private tours 5 days 4 nights. however, for safety purposes, we recommend a minimum age of 6 years old due to the demanding nature of the trek. our team prioritizes the safety and well-being of our customers, and we believe that this recommendation will help ensure an enjoyable, memorable, and safe experience for all who embark on this journey with us. we appreciate your understanding and look forward to providing you with an exceptional experience on the Salkantay trek.
How many kilos is it allowed to carry on the Salkantay trek?
As per our porter and horse policy, our staff and horses carry the necessary camping equipment. however, we understand that as a guest, you may wish to carry your own personal belongings. there is no weight limit for guests, so you can carry the weight that you want. we saw some people carrying up to 30 kg.
Is there any location where I can plug and charge my electronic devices on the Salkantay trek?
Please note that electricity is only available at certain lodges or campsites depending on the itinerary. to ensure a comfortable stay, we highly recommend that all visitors bring along extra portable battery packs or power banks to keep their devices charged.
What is the temperature rating of Cachi life Peru sleeping bags?
We offer top-quality mummy-style sleeping bags that are designed for use in temperatures as low as -15°c / 5°f.
Which campsites do you usually book for your groups?
During the booking process, you will be presented with several campsite or lodge options depending on availability. some itineraries include Soraypampa, Chaullay, Lucmabamba, or Collpapampa. these locations allow you to follow the standard route and reach Machu Picchu town on the afternoon of day 4 so you can visit Machu Picchu early on day 5.
Starting from
Duration
5 Days
Destination
Cusco
Type of activity
Alternative Treks to Machupicchu, Trekking in Cusco
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