Salkantay to Machu Picchu Trek 5D/4N

Salkantay Trek 5D

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Highlight : Hiking alongside the magnificent, sacred mountain Apu Salkantay and finishing at Machu Picchu Sanctuary.

Location : The provinces of Anta, Quillabamba, and Urubamba, all in the Cusco region. The Salkantay trek begins at Marqoq’asa, which is a 3-hour drive west of Cusco.

Duration : 5 days/ 4 nights, typically. Short on time? It’s also possible to do this hike in 4 days/ 3 nights or even 3 days/ 2 nights.

Level : Moderate to challenging.

Adventure Rating : Salkantay is one of the most popular treks in the region, second only to the traditional Inca Trail.

Inka Trail alternative : Yes, the Salkantay trek is an excellent option.

Departure Dates : Any day with two people. We offer affordably-priced tours for 2 people so that you can depart on the date that suits you. NOT RECOMMENDED in December, January or February (poor weather conditions).

Acclimatization : Minimum 2 days at altitude recommended.

Combos : Combine with one of our other tours for a complete Peru experience. Buy two tours, and receive a Comfort Camping upgrade for free.

Trekkers Wanted : If you wish to join a group tour, please see trekkers dream. You can also form your own tour group to be advertised on our page. Maximum group size 12.

Day 1

We pick you up from your hotel in order to depart to Mollepata. We then continue on to Marqhuq’asa. After meeting the horsemen in Marqhuq’asa we’ll begin the hike to Salqantay with massive views of the mountains.After a five hours of hiking observing the imposing peaks we will stop to have lunch in Soraypampa . From there we hike one more hour to Salkataypampa(4100m/ ) and will set up our first campsite.

Day 2

Early in the morning we begin the steep hike up by zig-zags between the Salkantay (6271m) and Humantay (5850m) snowcapped mountains to the highpass (4645n / ) from where we have spectacular views of the landscape. We then descend to the village of Huayraqmachay (3900m) for lunch. In the afternoon we will continue the descent via cloud forest to our camp in the village of Qollpapampa (2900m / ).

Day 3

In the morning we continue descending through a narrow valley where you will appreciate banana, coffee, passion fruit plantation and avocado trees walking along the river until we reach the village of La Playa/Sawayacu (2064m) our third campsite. After lunch we say goodbye to our horsemen and we have free time to rest or explore the village.

Day 4

After having an early breakfast we start hiking the road to Lucmabamba from where we will walk along part of an Inca trail. We arrive at Llactapata, a small archaeological complex, from where we can view Machu Picchu in the distance. After a short rest we descend to the Hydroelectric Station for lunch from where we take the train to Machu Picchu Town.

Day 5

Early in the morning we take the bus to go to the Machu Picchu sanctuary where we have a guided tour through the different sectors of the citadel that lasts around 2.5 hours. From there you say goodbye to our Machu Picchu tour guide. You will now have free time to explore more of Machu Picchu. After you’re finished we will go back by bus to Machu Picchu Town to take the train back to Cusco.

What’s Included?

• Private transportation to Mollepata and Marqhuqasa (day 1), train from Hydroelectric to Machu Picchu (day 4), train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (day 5), and private transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco (day 5).
• Horses to carry all the camping equipment, food and fuel, cooking equipment, and 8 kilos of luggage per person that needs to be in duffle bag.
• Meals during the trek. If you are vegetarian please let us know when you reserve the trek.
• Expert bilingual guide in English, Spanish and Quechua.
• Cook, horsemen.
• Camping equipment, confortable tents for two people and mattresses.
• Dinning tent.
• Boiled water is provided during the trek.
• First aid kid.
• One night in a 3 start Hotel at Machu Picchu Town (the accommodation is in a double room if you wish to have a single room there is an extra cost )
• 1 dinner in Machu Picchu Town in one of the best restaurants.
• 1 Lunch in one of the best restaurants of Machu Picchu Town
• Round trip Bus tickets to Machu Picchu
• Entrance fee to the Machu Picchu sanctuary
• Entrance fee to the Lares hot spring

What Is Not Included?

• Breakfast first day (day 1)
• Hotels and food in Cusco.
• Medical insurance.
• Sleeping bag.
• Walking sticks.
• Chocolate bars, dried fruit, other snacks.
• Back pack ($15 if you want to rent one).
• Alcoholic drinks, laundry and any other personal expenses.
• Gratuities for the (guides, horsemen, cooks, etc).

Group size- Minimum: 3 people. Typical group size: 7 – 8 people.

• Insect repellent (50% deet).
• A duffle bag to transport your belongings.
• Sleeping bag.
• Hiking boots, strong footwear.
• Trekking poles: poles with metal tips are allowed on this trek.
• Layers for variable temperatures, especially at night.
• Wool socks and woolen hat for cold nights (-3 -5 c).
• T-shirts and trekking pants that zip off to short pants for a confortable day hike.
• Flash light or torch and batteries.
• Camera and extra batteries (batteries are consumed rapidly under cold conditions).
• Sun block, sunglasses, and hat to protect you from the sun.
• Personal medical kit.
• Rain jacket or poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco).
• Toiletries, toilet paper, small towel.
• Two liter water bottle: disposable bottle are not recommended.
• Original passport.
• Extra money for drinks, tips, souvenirs etc. (soles or dollars) and emergency money.
• Bathing suits optional.
• Thermal rest inflatable mattress.
• Snacks, biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, fruit, etc.