What is included? Pre-trek briefing Pick-up from your accommodation in downtown Cusco Tourist transportation from Cusco to Mollepata (Challacancha) Staff in charge of mules and setting up tents Horses and mules are responsible for carrying camping equipment and your duffel bag Duffel bag for a maximum of 7 kilos (approx. 15.4 lbs) The kitchen crew that manages food preparation and cooking equipment Professional Guide Service for Salkantay Trek & Machu Picchu Dining tent for the group Tent for 2 people First aid kit and oxygen tank Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu 1 night in a hostel or basic accommodation in Aguas Calientes 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners are covered (vegetarian food options available) Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to the Ollantaytambo train station Tourist transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco with a final stop at Plaza Regocijo (Historic Center.) Not Included Meals: Lunch and dinner on the fifth day Entrance ticket to Humantay Lake Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes Showers and bathrooms along the trail Sleeping bag Trekking poles Travel insurance Tips for the guide, cook, and muleteers (optional.)

Traverse Cusco's high jungle on the way to Machu Picchu. Visit the Llaqtapata archaeological site. Develop a more meaningful connection with an impressive nature. Discover excitement and adventure over 4 days, trekking a spectacular route between glaciers and the Amazon.

Backpack Sleeping bag Sturdy hiking boots Warm clothing and hiking pants Sun protection: sunscreen, sun hat, and sunglasses Thermal clothing: wool socks, gloves/scarf, and a wool hat for cold nights Insect repellent Rain poncho or rain jacket Toiletries/toilet paper / small towel Swimsuit for the hot springs Water bottle: water purification tablets optional Personal first-aid kit Original passport Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, and snacks Trekking poles.

Group service

Salkantay

Trek

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Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 days / 4 nights

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with our Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 days / 4 nights service. For adventurous spirits, we present a 5-day experience that immerses you in natural serenity, an escape from modern life route to the majestic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. This unique five-day journey stands out by including the Llaqtapata archaeological site, offering spectacular panoramic views of Machu Picchu from an uncommon perspective.

Tour type

Hikking / Trekking

Duration

5 Days

Difficulty

Challenging

Season

March to November

Minimum altitude

2,000 MASL / 6,561 ft.

Maximum altitude

4,600 MASL / 15,092 ft.

Include

What is included?

Pre-trek briefing
Pick-up from your accommodation in downtown Cusco
Tourist transportation from Cusco to Mollepata (Challacancha)
Staff in charge of mules and setting up tents
Horses and mules are responsible for carrying camping equipment and your duffel bag
Duffel bag for a maximum of 7 kilos (approx. 15.4 lbs)
The kitchen crew that manages food preparation and cooking equipment
Professional Guide Service for Salkantay Trek & Machu Picchu
Dining tent for the group
Tent for 2 people
First aid kit and oxygen tank
Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
1 night in a hostel or basic accommodation in Aguas Calientes
5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners are covered (vegetarian food options available)
Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to the Ollantaytambo train station
Tourist transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco with a final stop at Plaza Regocijo (Historic Center.)

Not Included

Meals: Lunch and dinner on the fifth day
Entrance ticket to Humantay Lake
Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
Showers and bathrooms along the trail
Sleeping bag
Trekking poles
Travel insurance
Tips for the guide, cook, and muleteers (optional.)

What to Expect

Traverse Cusco’s high jungle on the way to Machu Picchu.
Visit the Llaqtapata archaeological site.
Develop a more meaningful connection with an impressive nature.
Discover excitement and adventure over 4 days, trekking a spectacular route between glaciers and the Amazon.

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa Camp

We will begin the Salkantay journey with a 4:00 a.m. pick-up from your accommodation in tourist transportation. From Cusco, we will travel via the Anta plateau and Limatambo until we reach Mollepata. Enjoy the views along the way. Around 7:00 a.m., we’ll have breakfast and a brief visit to the town of Mollepata for any last-minute purchases.

The vehicle journey continues for another 40 minutes to Challacancha, where the trek will begin. Prepare for an approximately two-and-a-half-hour hike, ascending through the terrain as the mountain views become increasingly spectacular on the way to Soraypampa. This will be the designated location for your first overnight camp.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Hiking distance: 8 km / 5 miles
Minimum altitude: 3,350 masl / 10,990 ft
Maximum altitude: 4,200 masl / 13,779 ft
Hiking hours: 7 hours
Accommodation: Campsite.

Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Huayracmachay – Chaullay

The day begins with an early wake-up at 5:30 a.m. After a nutritious breakfast to energize you, you will start the steady ascent towards the highest point of the route. Upon reaching the Salkantay Pass, you will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views, contemplating the majesty of the snow-capped Apus (sacred mountains) that rise impressively against the sky. Afterwards, you will gradually descend towards the Huayracmachay camp, where a comforting and delicious lunch awaits you, carefully prepared by our local cook amidst this natural environment.

Once lunch is finished, you will continue the descent through the captivating cloud forest, an ecosystem enveloped in a mystical atmosphere and brimming with biodiversity. Immerse yourself in a landscape of intense greens and palpable humidity until you reach Chaullay, where we will camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Hiking distance: 19 km / 11.8 miles
Minimum altitude: 2,900 masl / 9,514 ft
Maximum altitude: 4,600 masl / 15,092 ft
Hiking hours: 8 hours
Accommodation: Campsite.

Day 3: Chaullay – Playa Sahuayaco – Lucmabamba

Departing early in the morning from Chaullay, we will undertake a 4-hour trek towards Lucmabamba, the third campsite on the route. This journey primarily takes place on flat terrain along the Santa Teresa Valley, allowing for the observation of its diverse plant and animal life.

Your destination after a 4-hour hike is Lucmabamba, well-known for its excellent coffee. There, at the Coffee Park, a local family will welcome you and guide you through each stage of coffee cultivation and processing. You will be able to participate and, finally, savor a cup of coffee freshly prepared by yourself, enjoying the quality that has made Lucmabamba famous.

After thoroughly exploring the surroundings, we head to our campsite in Lucmabamba, where our exquisite lunch awaits us. After lunch, you will have free time to rest and relax. You can also visit the Santa Teresa hot springs (a local transport journey of approximately 2 hours). The delicious dinner prepared by the kitchen team will be ready for you at the camp, with service usually around 7:00 p.m.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Hiking distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
Minimum altitude: 2,000 masl / 6,561 ft
Maximum altitude: 2,900 masl / 9,514 ft
Hiking hours: 7 hours
Accommodation: Campsite.

Day 4: Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Hydroelectric Plant – Aguas Calientes

After a delicious breakfast, begin the hike through the tropical forest, which is popular as the “high jungle.” Many consider this section the best, as it offers spectacular views of various vegetation, from orchids and wild begonias to coffee, banana, orange, and other plantations.

We continue along a stretch of the Inca Trail, which was rediscovered and habilitated to offer a unique perspective towards Llaqtapata. As you gain altitude, upon reaching Llaqtapata, the view becomes truly breathtaking; from this privileged point, you can see in the distance the mystical silhouette of the Inca city of Machu Picchu.

After thoroughly exploring the surroundings, begin a picturesque descent towards the hydroelectric plant. Here, amidst a stunning natural environment, you will savor your last delicious lunch, carefully prepared by our experienced local expedition cook. Once lunch is finished, please take a moment to say goodbye and thank our cook and the other team members who accompanied you on this journey. The first alternative is a fascinating hike of approximately 2.5 hours along the railway tracks, an experience that allows you to enjoy the surrounding landscape up close. The second alternative, quicker and more comfortable, is a train journey of about 40 minutes. Tickets for this option can be conveniently purchased at the hydroelectric plant itself.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Hiking distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
Minimum altitude: 2,000 masl / 6,561 ft
Maximum altitude: 2,700 masl / 8,858 ft
Hiking hours: 8 to 9 hours
Accommodation: Hostel in Aguas Calientes.

Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Visit to the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco

The day begins very early with a comfortable bus journey for approximately 25 minutes, offering partial views of the mountainous surroundings as you approach the majestic Citadel of Machu Picchu. Once at this historic sanctuary, you will enjoy a 2.5-hour guided tour, where local experts will bring the ancient ruins to life, revealing the secrets of Inca architecture, its sacred temples, and its fascinating history.

Afterwards, you will have ample free time to explore at your own pace, capture the magnificence of the surroundings with your camera, and optionally, undertake additional climbs such as the challenging hike to Huayna Picchu.

Usually around 1:00 p.m., you will begin the return to Aguas Calientes to enjoy a well-deserved buffet lunch. The day culminates with the train departure at approximately 3:20 p.m. to Ollantaytambo, followed by a bus transfer that will take you back to Cusco, arriving at approximately 9:00 p.m.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Hiking distance: (Mainly bus and exploration within Machu Picchu, not a long-distance hike)
Altitude of Machu Picchu: 2,450 masl / 8,038 ft
Exploration Machu Picchu/Tour hours: Approximately 6 hours
Accommodation: None.