5 Days Salkantay Trek
«Salkantay Odyssey: An Unforgettable Trek»
When
All Year
Price
Return: bus $255 /train $330
How Long
5 Days
Brief Summary
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
- Pick-up from hotel in Cusco
- Bilingual guide: English/Spanish
- Private transport to trailhead
- 4 nights accommodation: 1 night little huts (Soraypampa), 2 nights little huts, 1 night hotel in Aguas Calientes. Shared room
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu Citadel.
- Ask for the availability before booking
- Transfer back to Cusco .
- All meals during the trek (except last day lunch)
- Cooking team
- Horses to carry duffels (up to 6 kg and only until Sta.Teresa. From Sta. Teresa to Aguas Calientes has an extra cost of 55 soles)
- First aid kit & oxygen bottle for emergencies
- Drop – off at Regocijo Square. BOOK NOW!
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
- Sleeping bag (available to rent) 15 USD
- Trekking poles (available to rent) 10 USD
- Entrance to Humantay Lake (S/.20 soles)
- Cocalmayo hot springs ticket S/.30 soles, Bus S/.50 soles (optional)
- Lunch on day 5
- Tips for guide, cooks, and porters
- Travel insurance
- Bus to/from Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes)
- Extra snacks, drinks, or alcoholic beverages
- Machu Picchu Mountain / View Point entrance: Ask for availability before booking. 70 USD
- Huayna Picchu Mountain / View Point. Ask for availability before booking. 70 USD. Upgrade.
- Train service return. Depending of availability
- Vistadome train service. Upgrade 55 USD
- Vistadome Observatory. Upgrade 85 USD
Itinerary
Journey to Machu Picchu: The Adventure Begins!
Embark on the adventure of a lifetime as you journey through the breathtaking Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu. This trek pushes your limits and rewards you with stunning landscapes—from towering snow-capped peaks to lush cloud forests. Every step brings you closer to the Lost City of the Incas, a symbol of resilience and wonder. Get ready to challenge yourself, embrace nature, and experience the magic of this unforgettable journey!
A Journey Through the Andes
Your adventure begins with an early morning pickup from Cusco, followed by a scenic drive and breakfast in Mollepata. At Challacancha (3,800 m), we start our trek to Soraypampa (3,900 m), passing lush valleys and the towering Salkantay Mountain. After a chef-prepared lunch, we hike to the stunning Humantay Lagoon (4,200 m), its turquoise waters reflecting glacial peaks. As night falls, enjoy tea, a hearty dinner, and a briefing before resting in cozy mountain lodges under a starlit sky.
Conquering Salkantay Pass
Start the day with coca tea and a hearty breakfast before conquering the challenging ascent to Salkantay Pass (4,650 m), where stunning peaks and glaciers await. After a Pachamama ceremony, descend into lush cloud forests, passing cascading rivers and vibrant wildlife. Enjoy a scenic lunch at Rayanniyoc (3,300 m) before reaching Colpapampa (2,800 m) to unwind with tea, dinner, and a restful night under the stars.
«Machu Picchu: A Timeless Marvel of Nature and Innovation»
Machu Picchu is more than just an ancient Inca city—it is a testament to human ingenuity, resilience, and spiritual connection with nature. Nestled high in the Andes, this awe-inspiring citadel embodies the harmony between architecture and the natural world, reflecting the wisdom of a civilization that thrived centuries ago. A place of mystery, history, and breathtaking beauty, Machu Picchu continues to captivate and inspire travelers from around the globe.
A Journey Through Nature and Adventure
Wake up to nature’s symphony before descending into the lush cloud forest, alive with vibrant flora and wildlife. Pass local plantations, learning about coffee, coca, and tropical fruits. After lunch in La Playa (2,000 m), unwind in the soothing Cocalmayo Hot Springs (optional) or soar over the forest on a thrilling zip-line. As night falls, enjoy tea, a hearty dinner, and a celebratory Pisco Sour in Santa Teresa, sharing stories of the journey so far.
DAY 4
We begin with an early breakfast before trekking the ancient Inca trail to Llactapata (2,800 m), where a distant view of Machu Picchu awaits. After exploring the site, we descend through lush landscapes to Hidroeléctrica for lunch. A scenic walk along the train tracks leads us to Aguas Calientes (2,040 m), where we check into our hotel. Enjoy free time to explore before gathering for dinner, with a final briefing on the next day’s visit to Machu Picchu.
DAY 5
«Machu Picchu: Where History and Nature Unite»
The big day has arrived! After an early breakfast, we’ll set off for Machu Picchu, either by hiking a scenic 9 km (1 hr 50 min) trail or taking a 20-minute bus ride. As we reach the entrance, the first breathtaking views of the ancient citadel unfold. A guided tour will reveal the secrets of this legendary site. Afterward, we return to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included) before heading back to Cusco—either by bus via the hydroelectric route or by train through Ollantaytambo—bringing an unforgettable adventure to a close.
What to bring?
CLOTHING
- Thermal layers (important for nights at high altitude)
- Quick-dry hiking pants & long sleeves
- T-shirts and a fleece or down jacket
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Sleepwear and change of clothes for each day
- Hat and gloves (especially for cold mornings)
- Swimsuit (for hot springs)
- Comfortable hiking boots + camp shoes/sandals
- Several pairs of hiking socks
PERSONAL ITEMS
- Sunscreen, lip balm (SPF 90+)
- Insect repellent
- Travel-size toiletries
- Quick-dry towel
- Personal medications
- Toilet paper & hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes or biodegradable soap
GEAR & ESSENTIALS
- Daypack
- Reusable water bottle or hydration system
- Flashlight or headlamp (with extra batteries, for night
walks) - Plastic bags or dry bags (for protecting electronics and
clothes from humidity, and potential personal rubbish)
DOCUMENTS & MONEY
- Original Passport
- Original Student card. No copies
- Travel insurance
- Cash (Peruvian soles) for tips, snacks, or souvenirs
Important
TERMS & CONDITIONS
BOOKING
If you are booking the 5 Days Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu tour with Peru Bucket List, we will require 100% of the full amount at booking time 10 hrs. before the tour begins. For any last-minute booking please send us a message on our Whatsapp number +51 913 965 587/ +51 920 853 520, we may have places left for you.
CHANGES & CANCELLATIONS
NO SHOWS and CANCELLATIONS:
If you cancel for any reason 48hrs before the activity begins before 4:00 pm (Peru time), a 30% administration fee will be applied (operations and logistics of the trek or tour)
24hrs before 45% administration fee will be applied (operations and logistics of the trek or tour) . After this time, a 100% no-show and cancellation fee will apply.
It should be remembered that Machu Picchu tickets and tickets are 100% non-refundable. Unfortunately, there are no exceptions, but if you need a letter to provide evidence (expenses / lost) to your insurance company about your loss and help you recover some of the costs, we will be happy to issue one.
18% for payment of taxes must be added to all refunds. If the reservation payment was made by card. The 5% payment that is a reference to the bank transaction will not be included in the return. For more details about Terms & Conditions, we invite you click HERE
CHANGES: Any changes to the tour date MUST be done before 5:00 pm (Peru time) 2 day prior to the tour. For cancellations or changes to your tour please email contact@perubucketlist.com
GOOD TO KNOW
- Group Size: Max. 16 people per group.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging. Altitude and long trekking days.
- Acclimatization: Spend at least 2 days in Cusco before starting.
- Altitude: Max elevation at 4,650 m / 15,255 ft (Salkantay Pass).
- Luggage: You’ll receive a duffel bag to pack up to 6 kg; the rest of your belongings will remain in Cusco. This item must be returned in the same condition in which it was received. Please inspect the duffel bag carefully upon receiving it.
- Guiding in Machu Picchu: Due to the various entry times and circuit options, most groups will have participants entering at different times and on different routes. Therefore, guiding inside the citadel will only be provided to those with a ticket for Circuit #2 between 7:00 and 10:00 AM. If your ticket is for a different time or circuit, you can hire one of the official guides available at the archaeological site (the additional cost ranges between $9–10 USD per person).
- Pick-up and Drop-off: Pick-up is only available from hostels/hotels located near the city center of Cusco. If you are staying elsewhere, we will contact you to inform you of the exact pick-up point. For the return, we will try to drop you off as close to your accommodation as possible; if traffic does not allow it, we will drop you off at Plaza Regocijo.
- Itinerary Changes: Please note that the itinerary may be subject to modifications due to weather conditions and/or public disturbances, among other factors. We appreciate your understanding and patience should this occur.
- Base camps: The accommodations during the voyage may be modified depending on availability. This is due to the season. We ask for your patience and understanding.
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