Discover the breathtaking Salkantay Trek, a trail designed for adventurers seeking diverse landscapes and remote paths. From high Andean valleys to lush cloud forests, this trek crosses multiple ecosystems, offering spectacular views of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, and unique flora and fauna. The journey culminates at the legendary Machu Picchu, where history, culture, and nature converge in one unforgettable experience.
Overview
- Activities: Archaeology, culture, history, nature, and hiking
- Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
- Hiking distance: 67 km / 41.6 miles
- Average hiking time: ~8 hours per day
- Maximum altitude: 4,600 m / 15,092 ft
- Group size: 2–12
- Service type: Private (custom itinerary) or Shared (fixed schedule)
- Difficulty: Medium-high
Itinerary Highlights
- Day 1: Cusco → Mollepata → Challacancha → Soraypampa. Trek through deep valleys and arrive at the stunning Humantay Lake. Overnight at Soraypampa base camp.
- Day 2: Soraypampa → Salkantay Pass → Chaullay. Climb to the highest point (4,600 m), traverse the Puna grasslands, and descend into lush cloud forest. Camp at Chaullay.
- Day 3: Chaullay → La Playa. Descend to the border river, explore tropical vegetation, orchids, and local croplands. Overnight camp in La Playa.
- Day 4: La Playa → Aguas Calientes. Hike the original Inca Trail to Llactapata, enjoy panoramic views of Machu Picchu, then descend to Hydroelectric Station and take the train to Aguas Calientes. Optional visit to hot springs. Overnight in a hotel.
- Day 5: Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu → Cusco. Guided tour of Machu Picchu, optional Huayna Picchu climb, Temple of the Moon, or Inca Bridge. Afternoon train back to Cusco.
Included
- Pre-tour briefing
- Private transportation from Cusco to trail start
- Entrance fees for Salkantay Trail & Machu Picchu
- Professional bilingual guides, cooks, and horsemen/mules
- All meals (4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners)
- Camping equipment (tents, dining/kitchen tent, toilet tent)
- One-night accommodation in Aguas Calientes
- Bus to Machu Picchu, train back to Cusco
- Portable radios, first aid, oxygen, 24-hour support
Not Included
- Meals not listed above
- Sleeping bags (rentable)
- Personal expenses, tips, optional hot springs
- Optional luxury train services
What to Bring
Passport, sleeping bag, backpack, hiking boots, rain poncho, layered clothing, sunscreen, insect repellent, energy snacks, water bottle, flashlight, swimsuit, camera/binoculars, basic medical kit, optional walking sticks, extra cash.
Optional Add-ons
- Sleeping bag or thermal sleeping pad rental
- ISIC student discount
- Extra horse rental
- Luxury train upgrade (Vistadome or Hiram Bingham)