Classic Salkantay Trek 5 Days 4 Nights

Duration

5 days 4 nights

Difficulty

Medium

Groups

Max. 15 people

Tour Location

Cusco - Peru

The Salkantay Trail is one of the best options for those who want to experience Machu Picchu in a different and challenging way. During the five-day trek, travelers can appreciate the diversity of nature and culture of the Peruvian Andes, passing through valleys, mountains, landscapes, cuisine, forests, and adventure. The Salkantay Trail is a unique and unforgettable experience for those who enjoy adventure and contact with nature.

The Salkantay Trail is one of the best options for those who want to experience Machu Picchu in a different and challenging way. This trail covers approximately 75 km over five days, passing through incredible landscapes such as snow-capped mountains, rainforests, rivers, and waterfalls. The Salkantay Trail is considered moderate to difficult, as it requires good physical preparation and acclimatization to the altitude. The highest point of the trail is the Salkantay Pass, at 4,600 meters above sea level. The reward is reaching the sacred Inca city of Machu Picchu, one of the wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 1: Trail Salkantay Cusco – Humantay Lagoon (no hot baths)

On this day, we’ll pick you up early from your hotel to begin the Salkantay trek. The first day we’ll only hike 12 km of the trail, including Humantay Lagoon, sleeping at 3900 meters above sea level. This tour is a great opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty and Andean culture of the region. You’ll be enchanted by the landscapes of mountains, valleys, rivers, and lakes, as well as learn about the history and customs of the local people. The Salkantay trek is one of the most famous and challenging in Peru, requiring good physical and mental preparation. But don’t worry, we offer all the necessary support and safety to ensure you have an unforgettable experience.

We’ll pick you up at the hotel at 4:00 AM.
7:00 AM Breakfast in Mollepata
9:00 AM start of the hike in Challacancha
12:00 Lunch in Soraypampa
2:00 PM start of the Humantay Trail hike
6:00 PM return to camp and dinner time
There will be no hot showers today due to contamination.

Day 2: Trail: Salkantay – Soraypampa – Chaullay (Hot baths available)

Today we begin the second day of our journey, a challenge that demands determination and endurance, but one that is not insurmountable. We will cross the highest point of the trail and cover 22 km, admiring the mountainous landscapes and plains. It is a day of overcoming obstacles and connecting with nature.

On the second day, the route will be longer and more demanding, so it is essential that travelers adapt to the weather and altitude conditions before starting the Salkantay Trail. This is one of the most challenging and beautiful routes in Peru, leading to the foot of the sacred Inca mountain. Physical and mental preparation is necessary to fully enjoy this unique experience.

The walk begins at 5:00 AM.
At 10:00 AM we passed the highest point of the hike.
12:00 Energy lunch
We arrived at the campsite at 5:00 PM.
7 PM Dinner time, and you have the option of taking a hot bath.

Day 3: Trail Salkantay Chaullay – Lucmabamba (Hot Bath)

Today we start our day with a later breakfast, as our hike will only be 14 km through a flat and very hot region, where we can observe various fruit plantations, interact with local residents, and learn a little more about coffee cultivation in the region. In addition, we will have the opportunity to visit the Cocalmaya hot springs, a relaxing and invigorating place for our body and mind.

8:00 AM trail begins
1:00 PM Lunch
2:00 PM Optional free afternoon to visit the thermal baths
6:00 PM Farewell dinner for the cooks and muleteers

Day 4: Salkantay Lucmabamba Trail – Hot waters

Today we’ll have an incredible experience: we’re visiting the Llaqtapata viewpoint, a privileged observation point overlooking the back of Machu Picchu, where it feels like we’re touching the sky – the ideal place to take pictures of the rear of Machu Picchu.

We followed the Llactapata trail, which is the original 10 km long Inca trail, a wonderful landscape of flora and fauna.

5:00 AM start of the walk
1:00 PM Lunch at the hydroelectric restaurant; you have the option of taking your backpack on the train.
2:00 PM start of the trip
We arrived in the town of Aguas Calientes at 4:00 PM.
7:00 PM Dinner and ticket distribution for Machu Picchu
9:00 PM Overnight stay at a hotel

Day 5: Salkantay and Machu Picchu Trail – Cusco

The most anticipated day for travelers has arrived! You will discover one of the wonders of the world: Machu Picchu. On this tour, you will have the opportunity to explore the archaeological site for 3 hours, accompanied by a professional guide who will explain the history and culture of the Incas who built this sacred city. You will visit many Inca temples, such as the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Temple of the Condor, and the Intihuatana, the Inca sundial. You will also admire the natural beauty of the landscape, surrounded by mountains and forests. Machu Picchu is a unique and unforgettable place that you cannot miss!

5:00 AM Breakfast in hot springs
At 6:00 AM we began the two-kilometer climb to Machu Picchu.
We entered Machu Picchu at 7:00 AM.
We left Machu Picchu at 10:00 AM.
12:00 Lunch (at your own expense) in Aguas Calientes
2:55 PM return train to Cusco
4:55 PM Transfer to Cusco

Transportation to the starting point of the hike.
Professional guide, mountain expert.
Authorized cooks and muleteers, with the utmost care.
Horses for group loading
Basic camping equipment: tent, sleeping mat.
Peruvian cuisine
Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu
Return train tickets to Cusco – bus
1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes

Sleeping bag $20
Day 1 breakfast in Mollepata 15 soles
Entrance ticket to Mollepata 20 soles

Last lunch in Machu Picchu 30 soles depending

Entrance ticket to WaynaPicchu 80 dollars
Entrance ticket to the Thermal Baths: 10 soles
The backpack is shipped by train; you can also carry it yourself.
Personal expenses for hot showers, fruit, and sweets.
Tips for the guides and cooks

Recommendations.

The best time to hike the Salkantay Trail is from April to November, the dry season; during the other months it rains, so be in good physical condition.
If you are in a group of more than 4 people, request a private service.
Minimum age 6 years, maximum age 60 years.
Reservations made several months in advance.