Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days

Welcome to the adventure of your life! Our 5-day Salkantay and Machu Picchu Trek takes you through an unparalleled experience, where the majesty of nature and cultural richness intertwine. On this trip, you will explore the imposing Salkantay Mountain, traverse trails that will take you to the magical Humantay Lagoon, and walk through ancient cloud forests. Get ready for an experience that will be engraved in your heart forever!

We will depart from Cusco at 5:00 am and head towards Challacancha (3400m/11154f), passing through the charming town of Mollepata (3000m/9843f). In Challacancha, we will meet the riders and the trekking team before embarking on the hike. Along the way, we will witness the majesty of imposing mountains such as Humantay (5217m/17116f) and Salkantay (6264m/20551f). After a 3-hour hike to Soraypampa, you will delight in lunch, prepared by our experienced chef, and we will establish our camp in Soraypampa (3700m/12139f). a place that will offer impressive views. In the afternoon, we will visit the impressive Humantay Lake (4220m/13845ft) and contemplate the majesty of the snow-capped peak of Humantay. Transportation time: 4 hours Walking time: 2-3 hours Cold weather Additional option: During the route to Soray Pampa (3900m/12795ft), we suggest taking a 2-hour detour to visit the impressive Humantay Lake (4220m/13845ft) and contemplate the majesty of the snow-capped peak of Humantay.

After breakfast, we will embark on a hike to the Salkantay Pass (4600m/15092f), from where you can admire an exceptional view of the imposing Salkantay snow-capped mountain (6264m/20551f). Afterwards, we will descend to immerse ourselves in the lush vegetation of a constantly changing ecosystem. We will establish our camp in collpapampa (3350m/10990f), surrounded by a tropical forest with hot weather and mosquitoes. Walking time: 10 – 11 hours

After breakfast. The third day will focus on exploring the regional flora and its crops. We will descend into a softer forest, where we can appreciate the diversity of species, such as orchids and bromeliads, and we will observe coffee, cocoa and fruit plantations. Additionally, we will have the pleasure of interacting with local families from Wiñaypoco (2650m/8694f), Granadilla (2100m/6890f) and Lucmabamba (2000m/6561ft). Our camp will be in Lucmabamba. Climate: warm during the day with mosquitoes Walking time: 07 hours Recommended option: After intense days of hiking, we suggest enjoying a moment of relaxation in the mineral hot springs of Santa Teresa. Afterwards, it is recommended to coordinate with your tour guide to organize transportation from Lucmabamba to Santa Teresa. This service is included.

After breakfast, we will ascend the Inca Trail to the archaeological site of Llactapata, located 2,650 meters above sea level (8,694 feet). This route offers a beautiful landscape that reveals the surrounding flora and evidence of the rich Inca culture. From this point, we will enjoy an exceptional view of the Machu Picchu mountain and the impressive Vilcanota Canyon. Afterwards, we will descend towards the hydroelectric train station, which is located at an altitude of 1950 meters (6398 feet). At this point, we will make a stop to relax before continuing the hike to the town of Machupicchu, located at an altitude of 2,050 meters (6,726 feet). We will spend the night in Machupicchu town. Climate: warm with some insects Walking time: 8-9 hours

We will leave our hotel after breakfast at 5:30am and head to Machu Picchu (2400m/7874f) by tourist bus. We will arrive at the citadel around 6:00am. After a guided tour of the archaeological site, including information about the life and culture of the Incas, you will have enough time to enjoy Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu (2750m/9022f) on your own. We will leave Aguas Calientes by train either around 6:20 pm. Until then you will have time to have lunch in one of the nice restaurants. On the other hand you can visit the hot springs in Aguas Calientes to relax a bit. Walking time: 2 hours. Departure from the hotel will be at 5:30 am, at which time we will head towards Machu Picchu (2400 m / 7874 ft) on a tourist bus. We estimate to arrive at the citadel around 6:00 am. During the tour, the guide will provide detailed information about the various sectors of Machu Picchu, highlighting points of interest such as the Main Plaza, the Intihuatana (Sundial), the Temple of the Sun and the agricultural terraces. In addition, you will share knowledge about urban planning and the ceremonial importance of this UNESCO World Heritage site. After a guided tour of the archaeological site, you'll have plenty of time to explore Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu (2,750 m / 9,022 ft) at your own pace. The departure from Aguas Calientes by train is scheduled for approximately 6:20 p.m. Until then, you will have the opportunity to enjoy lunch at one of the pleasant local restaurants. Additionally, you can choose to visit the hot springs in Aguas Calientes to relax before your departure. Walking time: 3 hours. Trek Includes Pre-briefing at 7pm in our office 1 or 2 days before your departure date (Must be confirmed at the time of booking).

Pre-briefing at 7pm in our office 1 or 2 days before your departure date (Must be confirmed at the time of booking). Private transportation from your hotel in Cusco to Mollepata (Challacancha). Transportation from Lucmabamba to the Hydroelectric Power Plant (only for each person's equipment and bag). Tourist train from Machu Picchu town to Ollantaytambo and transportation to Cusco. Hotel with Private Room and Bathroom in the town of Aguas Calientes with breakfast included (Coya Palace, Terrazas de la luna or Flower House). Entrance to Salkantay National Park and Machu Picchu. Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English). Entrance tickets to the Inca Trail and the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Hostel with room and private bathroom in Aguas Calientes. Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English). Camping equipment (dining tent equipped with table and chairs). Cook, kitchen equipment, meals (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners). Food includes pancakes, omelettes, soups, fresh fruit and spaghetti, chicken, fish, meat and rice, all rich in carbohydrates and very suitable for trekking, hot drinks including coca leaf tea which is excellent for the altitude/Vegetarian optional . Tea time and snack every day (tea, coffee, wonton, popcorn, cracker). Carrier and mules for up to 7 kg of client's personal equipment. Emergency horse (from Marcoccasa to Chaullay). First aid kit and oxygen bottle.

Breakfast on the first day and lunch on the last day in the town of Aguas Calientes. Tourist Train from the Hydroelectric Power Plant to the town of Aguas Calientes (Walk time in the tropical forest of approximately 3 hours). Tourist Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes town (on the way back to Aguas Calientes you can go hiking that lasts about an hour, otherwise you can take a bus at an extra cost of $12.00 per person). Sleeping bag (If you do not have a sleeping bag, there is the possibility of renting a good quality one - 10° for $20.00 for the entire trip). Services not detailed in the program.

Backpack with rain protection. Sleeping bag. Clothing for warm and cold weather such as a waterproof jacket. Rain pants and light pants. Trekking shoes. Slippers or sandals (for showers and hot springs). Wool or synthetic socks and a sweater. Polos or long and short sleeve t-shirts. Rain poncho and hat. Swimsuit (for the hot springs in Machu Picchu town). Sunscreen, insect repellent, alcohol and disinfectant gel, bottle of water and sterilizing tablets, toiletries and toilet paper. Photographic camera (wrapped in a plastic bag). Flashlight and batteries. Some snacks such as chocolate bars and nuts. Original passport, original ISIC student card and extra money in soles. As the weather can be very cold and wet, your clothes once wet will not dry overnight. So take some clothes to change into.

From the first to the third day (from Challacancha to Collapapampa) we are accompanied by horsemen and mules who will carry all the camping equipment and the client's private luggage (up to 7 kg). On the fourth day all the luggage will be transferred to the hydroelectric plant by car. Visit to Huayna Picchu: For the mountain Huayna Picchu requires to be booked well in advance however we charge additional US$65.00 and then we will guarantee your entry to Huayna Picchu as well (This new State law started from July 18, 2011 ). (Campings: The camping sites on the trip to Machu Picchu may vary from those described in our itinerary. This is because some camping sites are already reserved, otherwise it may be the discretion of our guide and the progress of the group. Altitude Tips: To avoid problems with altitude, we recommend that you arrive at least 48 hours before the departure of your hike. Please contact us as soon as you arrive in Cusco to arrange the pre-departure meeting. Tips to cooks and guides are always welcome and they will be very grateful for your donation.