Majestic Salkantay Trek

Difficulty

Challenging

Comfort

Basic

Upscale

The Salkantay classic trek is arguably the most popular alternative to the Inca Trail available in Cusco.

This 5-day, 4-night hike to Machu Picchu features stunning scenery that ranges from snow-capped mountains to lush rainforests. The journey begins in the city of Cusco, with transportation to Mollepata, where the hike commences. The first campsite is situated near the renowned Humantay Lake. The second day is the most challenging, as hikers will cross the Salkantay Pass at an elevation of 15,000 feet, with the campsite located in the cloud forest. The following day is spent entirely in the forest, offering a completely different landscape and views. On the next day, hikers will reach Aguas Calientes, where they will spend the night in one of our hotels before finally visiting Machu Picchu on the last day and returning to Cusco.

Hiking and Trekking

Franco F. is the provider of this trip

The provider speaks: English, Spanish

I am a professional Peruvian tour guide with more than 13 years in the travel industry. our specialty are the operation of hiking routes in Peru with an emphasis in the hiking routes to Machu Picchu and the Inca trail.

Tour highlights

Diverse Landscapes

The trek offers an incredible variety of landscapes, from snowcapped peaks to lush rainforests

Machu Picchu

Visit the iconic Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World

Cultural Experience

Meet local communities and learn about the culture and traditions of the Andean people

Route details

The Salkantay trek begins picking you up at 5:00 am and travel by bus to the district of Mollepata where we will take the breakfast. We will then take a 4-hour hike to Wayracpampa where we will have lunch with the panoramic views of the beautiful snow-capped mountains of Humantay, just the start! We will begin our trek towards Salkantaypampa, our first campsite at 4150m / 13612ft; the highest and coldest campsite of the trip.
– Campsite: Salkantaypampa 4150 m / 13612 ft.
– Distance: 15 km / 9.03 miles
– Highest point: Salkantaypampa pass 4150 m / 13612 ft.

Difficulty

Challenging

Does not require specific skills, but one must be in good health

Tour provider's comments

Day 1: Distance: 15 km / 9.03 miles
– Highest point: Salkantaypampa pass 4150 m / 13612 ft.

Day 2: Distance: 13 km / 8.06 miles
– Highest point: Salkantay pass 4650 m / 15200 ft..

Day 3: Salkantay Hike, Colpapampa – Playa Sahuayacu Camp Site

Day 4: Distance: 19 km / 11.78 miles
– Highest point: Llaqtapa 2760 m / 9052 ft.

Day 5: Walking tour, approximately 2 hours

Accommodation

Comfort

Basic

Upscale

Tent

3 nights

Hotel

1 night

4 man tents are provided for 2 people only. Sleeping mattresses. Dining tent with tables and chairs. A spare blanket per tent. Toilet tent and hot portable shower. Sleeping Bags can be rented.

Weather during the tour

Weather conditions along the route

You will get a weather forecast for this tour’s route based on

the forecasts for this season
the statistics from previous years’ trips

Tour conditions

Included

professional, bilingual tour guide;
assistant guide;
pick up from the hotel;
return transportation (bus to start of trail and tourist train back to Ollanta);
entrance fee to Machu Picchu;
1 bus ticket up to the Machu Picchu world heritage site;
4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4-afternoon snacks (hot drinks, biscuits, and popcorn) and 3 dinners. If you have a dietary request such as vegetarian food please let us know;
dining tent with tables and chairs;
chef;
4 man tents are provided for 2 people only;
sleeping mattresses;
horseman and mules (they carry cooking and camping equipment);
1 night’s accommodation in Aguas Calientes;
extra oxygen;
First-Aid kit;
a spare blanket per tent;
toilet tent;
hot portable shower.

Extras

flights;
entrances to Huayna Picchu Mountain (need to book in advance);
entrances to Machu Picchu Mountain (need to book in advance);
sleeping bag;
walking sticks;
breakfast on Day 1 and lunch and dinner on Day 5;
water (during the first 4 hours, after that, our team will provide you);
tips;
travel insurance – you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of your trip;
alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages;
laundry.

Group size

From 2 to 10 tourists

Duration

5 days

4 nights

It's important to know

In case of booking cancellation the next policy applies. Tourists will receive a full amount they paid for the reservation in case they cancel more than 35 days in advance of the tour start date. In the event of cancellation within the period of 34 to 16 days before the tour start date - they are entitled to receive 50% of the booking amount. Cancelations made within 15 days before the tour starts will not be entitled to a refund.