The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days: A Unique Adventure through Peru’s Heart
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 days offers a unique adventure through Peru’s stunning landscapes and rich culture. This trek takes you deep into the heart of the Andes. It provides an incredible opportunity to experience diverse terrains, breathtaking views, and authentic Andean villages. Ultimately, the trek ends at the world-renowned Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas.
Day 1
Start Your Journey at the Base of Salkantay Mountain
The trek begins at the base of the majestic Salkantay Mountain. Dramatic mountain landscapes unfold as snow-capped peaks tower above you. Over the course of five days, you’ll pass through various environments. These include lush cloud forests, high-altitude plains, and crystal-clear glacial lakes.
Days 2-4
Discovering Peru’s Ecological Diversity
Throughout your journey, you will pass through remote villages. Here, you can meet locals and immerse yourself in vibrant Andean culture. The contrast between rugged mountains and peaceful valleys is striking.
Panoramic Views from Salkantay Pass
On the second day, you’ll reach the Salkantay Pass, offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. From here, you descend into warmer and greener landscapes. As you continue, the trek takes you through unique ecological zones. These zones are home to vibrant orchids and many unique bird species. The trek is surrounded by the beauty of the Andes, making every step feel rewarding.
Day 5
The Final Destination – Machu Picchu
On the final day of the trek, you’ll reach Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The ancient Inca city sits high above the cloud forests. It is an awe-inspiring sight and a perfect conclusion to your journey. Here, you’ll explore the sacred ruins and take in breathtaking views.
Why the 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu Is Worth It
The 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu combines adventure, natural beauty, and cultural immersion. Whether you’re an avid hiker or a traveler seeking to experience the heart of Peru, this trek will leave you with unforgettable memories. It provides a deeper connection to Peru’s history, culture, and people.
OVERVIEW
5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: A Challenging Adventure Through the Peruvian Andes.
Trip Details & Availability.
Frequency: This trek operates from March to December. We require a minimum of 2 participants to confirm a group on any given date. (Note: Due to the rainy season, we do not operate groups in January and February.)
Type of Service: English-speaking group tour with a maximum of 12 participants, ensuring a personalized and immersive experience.
Availability: Tours are available every day. Please check for availability of Machu Picchu permits at the time of booking to secure your spot.
Difficulty: The trek is moderate to challenging, suitable for adventurers with a reasonable level of fitness and a love for nature.
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 days is the perfect choice for those seeking an adventurous and diverse journey to Machu Picchu. This trek offers a unique perspective on the Peruvian Andes and its rich cultural heritage. Hiking the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is a popular choice for travelers for several compelling reasons:
Why Choose the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days?
Scenic Diversity: The Salkantay Trek offers a wide variety of stunning landscapes, from high-altitude mountain passes and pristine alpine lakes to lush cloud forests. You’ll experience diverse ecosystems and unparalleled natural beauty along the way.
Less Crowded: Unlike the Inca Trail, which can get crowded, the Salkantay Trek is generally less trafficked, providing a more peaceful and serene hiking experience. You’ll have the opportunity to connect with nature and immerse yourself in the environment without the crowds.
Challenging Adventure: For those who enjoy a physical challenge, the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is a more strenuous alternative to the Inca Trail. The trek takes you over the Salkantay Pass at nearly 15,200 feet (4,600 meters), offering a sense of accomplishment with every step.
Authentic Cultural Encounters: The Salkantay Trek passes through remote villages, where you can interact with local communities and learn about their way of life. This provides a rich cultural experience that adds depth to your adventure.
Diverse Wildlife: The region through which the Salkantay Trek passes is teeming with biodiversity. You may encounter unique flora and fauna along the way, enhancing the trek’s natural beauty.
Alternative to Permits: If you were unable to secure permits for the Inca Trail due to high demand or lack of availability, the Salkantay Trek offers a reliable alternative for reaching Machu Picchu.
Stunning Views of Salkantay Mountain: The trek offers breathtaking views of Salkantay Mountain, known as the “Savage Mountain,” the second-highest peak in the Cusco region.
Best Time to Hike the Salkantay Trek
The best time to hike the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days is during the dry season, from April to October. During these months, expect:
Clear Skies: Stable weather conditions provide stunning views of the mountains and landscapes.
Mild Temperatures: Pleasant daytime temperatures make for comfortable trekking, though nights can be cold, especially at higher altitudes.
Lower Rainfall: Reduced rainfall makes hiking easier and more enjoyable.
Is the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu Right for You?
The Salkantay Trek is an incredible adventure, but here are some factors to consider before deciding if it’s the right trek for you:
Physical Fitness:
Moderate to Challenging: The trek involves diverse terrain, including steep ascents and high-altitude passes. A good level of fitness is recommended, as you’ll be hiking for several hours each day. Regular walking or hiking in preparation is beneficial.
Altitude Acclimatization:
High Altitude: The trek reaches altitudes of up to 4,600 meters (15,000 feet). If you’re not accustomed to high altitudes, altitude sickness can occur. It’s important to acclimatize in Cusco or nearby areas before starting the trek.
Adventure Enthusiasm:
Love for Nature and Culture: If you enjoy stunning landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and cultural interactions with local communities, this trek will be highly rewarding.
Willingness to Camp:
Camping Experience: The Salkantay Trek involves camping in tents. If you’re comfortable with outdoor sleeping arrangements and enjoy the camaraderie of group camping, this trek will be an unforgettable experience.
Flexible Attitude:
Adaptability: Weather conditions in the mountains can change quickly. A flexible mindset will help you enjoy the journey, no matter the challenges.
If you’re physically prepared, eager for adventure, and excited to explore the breathtaking beauty and rich culture of the Andes, the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days is an excellent choice. This challenging trek offers stunning views, authentic cultural experiences, and the unforgettable thrill of reaching Machu Picchu, making it a journey of a lifetime.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Start the Classic Salkantay Trek to Machu picchu.
Your trekking adventure begins with an early pick-up from your hotel at 4:00 AM. From there, it’s approximately a 3-hour drive to the starting point at Soraypampa, which sits at an elevation of 3,450 meters. Upon arrival, our talented chef will prepare a delicious breakfast to fuel you for the day ahead.
After enjoying your breakfast, it’s time to prepare for the hike. Make sure you have sunscreen, a sun hat, and sufficient water. The first destination on your trek will be Humantay Lagoon, which is about a 2-hour uphill walk. The lagoon is situated at an elevation of 4,300 meters and is surrounded by stunning glacier peaks. During the winter season, you can expect breathtaking views of the area.
Our guide will provide you with informative insights about the region. Once you’ve taken in the beauty of Humantay Lagoon, you’ll hike back for about 1 hour to the lunch spot, where our chef will be waiting to serve you a delicious meal.
After lunch and a short break, you’ll continue along the Salkantay path for approximately 2.5 hours until you reach Salkantay Pampa, where you’ll spend the night at an elevation of 3,800 meters. Our team will set up the tents, and you’ll have some time to relax and take in the magnificent views of Salkantay Glacier. Happy hour will be followed by dinner at 7:00 PM. The night may be cold, so be sure to pack warm clothing for your comfort.
Acomodation: Camping with *****
Meals: B-L-D
Ticket: all included.
Walking distance: 12km
Day 2: Salkantay Pass, Huayracmachay, Ccolpampa.
Your day begins with a wake-up call at 4:45 AM, and you’ll be greeted with a hot cup of coca tea delivered to your tent. This early start allows you to be among the first to reach the Salkantay Pass (4,600 meters). After sipping your tea, you’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast, and we’ll provide you with water for your containers and snacks.
Then, it’s time to hit the trail. The hike to Salkantay Pass will take approximately 2.5 hours, and it offers some of the most stunning views of the Salkantay Glacier and the surrounding landscapes. Take your time to soak in the beauty and capture some incredible photographs.
After enjoying the pass, you’ll continue on the trail, which now leads downhill, eventually leading you into the cloud forest. This downhill section will take about 2 hours, and you’ll arrive at Huayracmachay. Here, our chef will be ready to serve you a delicious lunch along with refreshing drinks. Following lunch, you’ll have another 3 hours of hiking until you reach your second campsite, Colpapampa (2,450 meters). This campsite is located in a small jungle community and is at a lower elevation, characterized by a humid and hot climate, as well as the presence of mosquitoes.
Acomodation: Camping in tent
Meals: B-L-D
Ticket: all included.
Walking distance: 15km
Day 3: Start our trekking on cloud forest área (Sahuayaku – santa teresa).
The next day of your expedition begins with another early wake-up call. After breakfast, you’ll start your hike, which will last approximately 4 hours as you follow the valley. This part of the trail often goes along the car road, and along the way, you may have the chance to see orchids, various bird species, and agricultural areas. Local people in this region cultivate fruits and, most notably, coffee, which is known for being one of the best in Cusco.
After walking for about 4 hours, you’ll reunite with your chef, who will prepare a delicious lunch for you. Following lunch, you’ll have the opportunity to visit a coffee farm area, where a local family will teach you about the coffee production process that results in some of the finest coffee in Cusco. If you’re interested, you can purchase a small pack of their coffee, typically priced between 30 to 50 soles.
In the afternoon, you’ll visit the famous Cocalmayo hot springs in the region. You’ll take a minivan from your campsite, which is approximately a 1-hour drive. Here, you can relax and enjoy the soothing hot springs. Afterward, you’ll return to the campsite for dinner and a restful night’s sleep.
Acomodation: Camping in tent
Meals: B-L-D
Ticket: all included.
Walking distance: 13km
Day 4: Llactapata – Hidroelectrica- Aguas Calietes.
On this day, you will embark on an important part of the journey as you walk along the famous Inca Trail that connects Machu Picchu to the jungle. The hike will be a gradual ascent lasting approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, leading you to the Llactapata Inca site. This site is located in front of Machu Picchu and offers breathtaking, unique views of the area.
Following your visit to Llactapata, you’ll continue for about 2 hours downhill until you reach the hydroelectric station. Here, your chef will be waiting to prepare lunch. This meal will mark your last lunch with the trekking team, so it’s a moment to say goodbye and express your gratitude for their hard work.
After lunch, you’ll bid farewell to the chef and porters and embark on the final leg of your journey. It will take approximately 3 hours to walk along the railway tracks until you arrive in Aguas Calientes. Along this section of the trail, you’ll have the opportunity to see beautiful orchids, the Mandor waterfall, various bird species, and experience the rich flora and fauna belonging to Machu Picchu National Park.
Finally, you will reach Aguas Calientes town, situated at an elevation of 2000 meters. Your guide will accompany you to your hotel, where you can take a well-deserved shower and rest.
Acomodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes ***
Meals: B-L-D
Ticket: all included.
Walking distance: 14km
Day 05: Machu picchu Citadel- back to Cusco.
This is the most anticipated day of your journey. After an early breakfast at your hotel, your guide will pick you up and accompany you to the bus station. From there, you’ll take one of the early buses up to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival at Machu Picchu, your guide will lead you to the upper part of the Inca site, where you will have the opportunity to witness the sunrise (depending on the season you visit) and capture the most breathtaking photographs of Machu Picchu. You will have ample time to explore and fully appreciate the magic and grandeur of this new wonder of the world.
Following the sunrise and photographic session, you’ll embark on a comprehensive walking tour led by your guide. This tour will take you to the most important sectors and palaces within Machu Picchu, lasting approximately 2.5 hours. Your guide will provide detailed information about the historical and cultural significance of the site.
If you have obtained a ticket to climb Huayna Picchu, one of the famous mountains overlooking Machu Picchu, you can proceed with the hike. The climb typically takes about 2 hours, including the ascent and descent. Please note that there is a limited number of daily tickets for Huayna Picchu, so it’s essential to book in advance.
After completing your visit to Machu Picchu, you’ll bid farewell to this extraordinary archaeological site and take a bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes. There, you will enjoy your final lunch with the group (please note that lunch is not included). In the afternoon, you will board the train for the return journey to Ollantaytambo. Our driver will be waiting for you at the Ollantaytambo train station to transport you back to your hotel in Cusco. The estimated time of your return is around 8:00 PM.
Acomodation: book on your own.
Meals: only breakfast at hotel.
Ticket: all included.
PACKING LIST
Here's a comprehensive packing list for the Salkantay Trek 5 days- with Qoricancha Expeditions:
Essential Documents
✔️ Original Passport
✔️ Travel Insurance Information
Clothing
✔️ Trekking Pants: Quick-dry and comfortable.
✔️ Thermal Base Layers: Top and bottom for warmth at higher altitudes.
✔️ Insulating Layer: Fleece or down jacket for chilly evenings.
✔️ Waterproof Jacket: Lightweight and breathable to protect against rain.
✔️ T-shirts: Moisture-wicking for daytime hikes.
✔️ Hiking Socks: Several pairs, preferably moisture-wicking.
✔️ Hat: Wide-brimmed for sun protection and a warm beanie for cold nights.
✔️ Gloves: Lightweight for warmth, especially at higher elevations.
✔️ Swimsuit: If you plan to enjoy hot springs along the route.
Footwear
✔️ Hiking Boots: Sturdy, waterproof, and well-broken-in.
✔️ Camp Shoes/Sandals: For relaxing at the campsite.
Gear and Equipment
✔️ Daypack: 25-30 liters for daily essentials.
✔️ Sleeping Bag: Rated for low temperatures (recommended for -10°C/14°F).
✔️ Trekking Poles: Useful for stability and reducing strain on knees.
✔️ Headlamp/Flashlight: With extra batteries for nighttime visibility.
Hydration
✔️ Water Bottle or Hydration Bladder: At least 2 liters capacity.
✔️ Water Purification Tablets: For refilling water along the trail.
Food and Snacks
✔️ Snacks: Energy bars, trail mix, or dried fruits for extra energy during hikes.
✔️ Electrolyte Tablets: To replenish minerals lost through sweat.
Personal Items
✔️ Toiletries: Biodegradable soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes, toilet paper, and personal hygiene items.
✔️ Sunscreen: High SPF to protect against strong UV rays.
✔️ Insect Repellent: Especially for lower-altitude areas.
✔️ Camera/Smartphone: For capturing the stunning scenery (with power bank).
Health and Safety
✔️ First Aid Kit: Basic supplies including band-aids, pain relievers, blister treatment, etc.
✔️ Personal Medications: Any prescription medications you may need.
Optional Items
✔️ Travel Pillow: For added comfort during sleep.
✔️ Notebook and Pen: To jot down your experiences.
✔️ Lightweight Binoculars: For birdwatching and enjoying distant views.
✔️ Gaiters: To keep dirt and moisture out of your boots.
This packing list is designed to ensure you have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable Salkantay Trek with us. Tailor the list based on your personal preferences and specific needs, and prepare for an unforgettable adventure in the Andes!
INCLUSIONS
INCLUDED
✅ Pre-Trek Briefing: A detailed briefing the night before the trek at 6 PM, held at your hotel. Your guide will discuss the itinerary, answer any questions, and ensure you’re prepared for the adventure ahead.
✅ Experienced English-Speaking Tour Guide: Enjoy the expertise of a knowledgeable guide who will lead you through the trek, share insights about the region’s culture and history, and ensure your safety and comfort.
✅ Transportation to Trailhead: Comfortable transport to the starting point of the trek, ensuring a hassle-free beginning to your adventure.
✅ Expeditions Tourist Class Train: A scenic and comfortable train journey for part of your trip, allowing you to relax and enjoy the breathtaking views of the landscape.
✅ Meals: All meals are included, starting from breakfast on the first day to dinner each day, except for lunch on the last day. Our team is happy to accommodate any dietary restrictions or preferences—please inform us at the time of booking.
✅ Bus Tickets to Machu Picchu: Round trip bus tickets to and from Machu Picchu, ensuring easy access to the iconic site.
✅ Entry Fees: All necessary fees for the Salkantay Trek and entry to Machu Picchu are included in your package.
✅ Fully Guided Tour: Experience a comprehensive guided tour, with a focus on highlighting the stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of the region.
✅ Safety Equipment: An oxygen tank and a first aid kit will be provided to ensure your health and safety throughout the trek.
✅ Private Transportation: On the final day of the trek, you’ll have private transportation back to Cusco, making your return comfortable and convenient.
✅ Extra Porter: An extra porter is included to carry your personal belongings, allowing you to trek with ease. A duffle bag will be provided during the briefing to pack your additional gear.
✅ Taxes: All applicable taxes are included in your package, so there are no hidden fees.
EXCLUDED
❌ Hotel before and after the tour.
❌ Gratitudes: for the chef, porters and guide
❌ Insurance: Advisible but not mandatory.
❌ Rentals: for the Inca Trail you need sleeping bag (mandatory), airt matts and trekking poles (optional)
PRICE
Adults, Group service
$ 565.00 USD
per person (Min. 2 hikers)
FAQS
Why Travel with Qoricancha Expeditions?
Expertise and Excellence: Qoricancha Expeditions is renowned for its commitment to excellence in guiding and customer service. With their experienced team, you’re in the hands of professionals who will ensure a memorable and hassle-free experience.
Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of Peru. Qoricancha Expeditions provides expert guides who will share their deep knowledge of the region, offering insights into the ancient Inca civilization and local traditions.
Small Group Advantage: Smaller tour group sizes allow for a more intimate experience, increased interaction with guides, and the opportunity to form connections with fellow travelers.
Memories for a Lifetime: Traveling with Qoricancha Expeditions guarantees not only an unforgettable adventure but also memories that will stay with you forever. It’s a journey that promises to leave you with a profound appreciation for the wonders of Peru.
