Skip links

Salkantay Trek Classic 5 Days

Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu

The Salkantay Trek is the number one alternative to the Inca Trail (with the real and old fashioned camping!). With high snow-capped mountains, lowland jungle and a visit to the Inca site of Llactapata the trek offers a perfect mix of trekking, culture and nature.

With fewer people on the route the Salkantay Trek allows you to enjoy the natural beauty of the Andes without any of the distractions and disturbances you find on the Inca Trail

By booking your Salkantay Trek with Llamapath you are choosing the best. Don’t believe ? try us !

Useful Information

  • Starting Altitude – 2900m / 9515ft.
  • Highest Altitude – 4650m / 15,200ft
  • Walking Distance – 60.5 km / 37.5 miles
  • Longest Day – Day 2, approximately 18 km/11 miles
  • Coldest Night – Day 1 around 0º celsius
  • Overall Difficulty – Difficult (depends on ypour level of fitness).
    Acclimatization is Recommended***

Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Challacancha – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa

We pick you up from your hotel at 4:30 a.m. to drive for about 2 and half hours to Mollepata where we stop to have breakfast and after we will keep driving to challacancha where we start hiking and as Soon as we are at challacancha the cook and the horseman will pack all the camping equipment and cooking stuff and we start hiking the first 25 minutes will be a little bit uphill to get the Water Channel where we will have a nice place with panoramic views of beautiful snow-capped mountains (Humantay; 4120m/13500ft and Salkantay; 6271m/20575ft) – just the start! We will begin our Salkantay trek towards Soraypampa our first Salkantay Trek camping spot (3800 m/11750ft; the highest and coldest campsite of the trip) we will be very close to the second highest Salkantay snow capped -mountain of Cusco. Then after Lunch we will go to Humantay Lake and explore around and the we will walk down to our best campsite of soraypampa.

1ST DAY: Total distance: 15 km (aprox.)
Estimated walking time: 7-8 hours
Maximum altitude point: 3,800 m (aprox.)
Campsite altitude: 3,800 m (aprox.)

Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Huaracmachay – Chaullay

After having our Salkantay Trek breakfast we start walking about 5:30 am ,because this day will be the longest day the first 4 hours is uphill to get the highest point of the Salkantay Trek (4650m/15200ft) located halfway between 2 huge mountains; Salkantay on the right and Tucarhuay on the left. From the pass, the views of the 2 snow-capped mountains are incredible. There is a possibility of snow here. After a rest, we will continue our walk (downhill) through a dramatic cloud forest towards Huayracpunku, where we will have lunch. We hike again after lunch in the direction of the start of the jungle until we reach our second Salkantay Trek camping spot of chaullay or Colcapampa (3000m/9800ft).
2ND DAY:Total distance: 19 km (aprox.)
Estimated walking time: 8 – 9 hours
Maximum altitude point: 4,650 m (aprox.)
Campsite altitude: 2,750 m (aprox.)

Day 3: Chaullay – La Playa – Loreta

After breakfast, at 6.30am, we start walking through the upper jungle crossing the Lluskamayo River and a variety of little brooks to reach La Playa walking about 6 hours. Today we will pass through valleys and have wonderful views of waterfalls, tropical fruits ,plants and as soon as we are at la playa we will have lunch and then we will rest and camp at la Playa.
(Optional: in the afternoon there is a chance to go to the hot spring of colcalmayo ist has an extra cost that you can see once you are there)
3RD DAY:Total distance: 16 km (aprox.)
Estimated walking time: 6-7 hours
Maximum altitude point: 2,750 m (aprox.)
Campsite altitude: 1,600 m (aprox.)

Day 4: Loreta – Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes

We will have breakfast at 8am and leave our camping spot of Lluscamayo. We walk up on a original Inca Trail to Llactapata site where you will get a chance to see Machupicchu far away (one of the most beautiful place to see Machupicchu) then We continue walking, passing a variety of crop plantations, coca, banana etc. until we reach the hydroelectric station. And after the lunch we keep walking about two and half hours along the train road till reaching Aguas Calientes town where we will spend the night in a hostel. In Aguas Calientes, you can take advantage of the thermal springs in the town (entrance 10 soles) a real treat after finishing the Salkantay Trek
4TH DAY:Total distance: 12 km (aprox.)
Estimated walking time: 5 – 6 hours
Maximum altitude point: 1,600 m (aprox.)
Hostel(aguas calientes) altitude: 1,900 m (aprox.)

Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

Salkantay trek important day ,We wake up early morning about 4 am to then to 4:30 to have the breakfast and leave to walk up to Machupicchu which takes one and half hours up to machupicchu but there is another option to catch the first bus which leaves 5:30 to Machupicchu (25-minutes long) in order to appreciate the magnificent city as the sun is rising. A walking tour (approximately 2 hours) is given by your Guide and after this you can explore the mysterious city by yourselves. If you still have energy you can also climb Huaynapicchu (2720m/8890ft)!!! It takes 45 minutes to reach the top.and after enjoying machupicchu you have to go down to aguas calientes to take the train back to ollantaytambo and then bus back cusco.
and those who return by bus they will have to walk back from Machupicchu to Hidroelectrica to take the bus back(you must be between 2:30pm to 3:00pm)
5TH DAY:Total distance: 4 km (aprox.)
Estimated walking time: 1- 2 hours
Maximum altitude point: 2,700 m (aprox.)

Included

  • Professional English Speaking Tour Guide
  • Assistant Tour Guide for groups of 9+
  • Chef
  • Mules to carry cooking and camping equipment and 7kg of your personal items.
  • Pick-up from your hotel
  • Transportation by bus to Challacancha
  • Return transportation by train and bus to Cusco
  • Water (excluding the first 4 hours of the trek when you need to bring your own)
  • 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Afternoon Snacks and 4 Dinners. If you have a dietary request such as vegetarian food please let us know.
  • Dining tent with tables and chairs
  • 4 man tent for every 2 trekkers
  • Hotel for final night
  • Sleeping mattress
  • Oxygen bottle
  • First aid kit
  • Entrance to Machu Picchu
  • Return bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes

IMPORTANT NOTICE: ZERO PLASTIC BOTTLES ON THE INCA TRAIL AND MACHU PICCHU FROM DECEMBER 1ST:

Due to New goverment regulations for the Inca Trail it will be 100% PROHIBITED to TAKE PLASTIC WATER BOTTLES. We believe that in the first days the new enforced regulations may NOT be 100% controlled however as the days go it will be more and more strict therefore WE KINDLY suggest you getting your aluminum plastic bottles to avoid any dissapointment at the check points along the Inca Trail and in the Machu Picchu citadel.

 

ALUMINUM 0.700ml BOTTLES:

As a way to avoid any inconvenience with our clientes Pacha Peru Explorers offers 0.700ml aluminum water bottles FREE, when our guide visit your hotel he bring you the bottle.

Also, if you are still at home and ready to fly to Peru for your trek we recommend you bringing aluminum water bottles or camel bags.

We look forward to meeting you…

Does Not Included

  • Sleeping Bag (Can be hired from us)
  • Breakfast on Day 1 and lunch and dinner on Day 5
  • Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain
  • Tips
  • Travel Insurance – you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of your trip.

PLEASE NOTE: Times provided may vary depending on your acclimatization and level of fitness..

PLEASE NOTE: If you haven’t been rent a personal porter your personal things will be carry by your own (clothes,sleeping bag,foam mattress,etc)

What you need to take

  • Original Passport
  • Student card (if you are a student and want to qualify for the discount)
  • Walking boots
  • Waterproof jacket / rain poncho
  • Warm jacket
  • Hat and gloves
  • T-shirts
  • Comfortable Trousers
  • Sun hat
  • Sun cream (factor 35 or higher)
  • Insect repellant
  • Toiletries and hand sanitiser
  • Personal medication
  • Camera and film
  • Torch with spare batteries

TRIP LENGHT

5

DAYS

2021 LAND COST

FROM

$650

PER PERSON

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT

PRE PAYMENT PER PERSON

$300

BALANCE

$350

Additional Items:

Below is a quick list of prices, but check our Additional Options section for more details.

Huayna Picchu

Huayna Picchu is the mountain that stands next to Machu Picchu. It is a 45-minute hike to the top. Even when you will do this hike on your own, your guide will still show you the trail entrance. This trek is an additional entrance ticket that we can secure for you with advance notice.

Your tickets will be purchased to coincide with when you need to start the trail. Tickets are either for the First Session from 7-8 AM or Second Session from 10-11 AM. We purchase the Second Session for our clients for you to enjoy your tour of Machu Picchu before you begin. This window is only your start time, and you may take your time up and down, so no rush.

The ticket is $45 per person.

Machu Picchu Mountain

* Only possible to do if you have an extra day to visit Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu mountain is the other mountain that stands above the Machu Picchu ruins. It offers even more stunning views than Huayna Picchu but takes an hour and a half to reach the top. For this trek, it will be an additional entrance ticket that we can secure for you.

Tickets for Machu Picchu Mountain are now also within a timeframe of when you can begin – which is between 9-10 AM. Due to this limited time frame, it is not possible to hike the Inca Trail and hike Machu Picchu Mountain. You can, however, schedule a second visit to the citadel on the next day.

This ticket is $45 per person.

Vistadome Train

All our tours include the Expedition Train. This train is usually booked at 4:22 p.m., leaving from Aguas Calientes. The Vistadome Train is an upgraded train that offers slightly larger seats, windows, and even some entertainment. Usually, the Vistadome train is booked for 4:43 p.m. and travels to Poroy, a train station closer to Cusco. While this is an upgraded fee, we will still include your transportation back to your hotel.

This train is $100 per person.

ESSENTIALS:

  • Passport
  • Valid, STUDENT CARD (if you booked as a student)
  • Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
  • Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
  • Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelbaks are encouraged – but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
  • Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles)

FOR YOUR DUFFEL:

Porters will carry up to 7 kg of your personal items. This must include your sleeping bag and air matt (if you bring/rent one). From us these two items weigh 3.5 kg.

  • 2-3 wicking t-shirts
  • 2-3 hiking pants
  • 4 sets of undergarments.
  • 4 sets of hiking socks
  • 1 Fleece
  • 1 Warm, down jacket: gets very cold at night
  • 1 Rain jacket and pants
  • 1 sun hat
  • 1 wool hat
  • Headlamp: essential
  • Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
  • Comfortable shoes for camp
  • Walking boots
  • Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
  • Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might enjoy something a little larger.
  • Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to clean – might make you feel fresh if you had a little soap.
  • Battery Charger: There is no place to plug in while trekking!
  • Large plastic bags: to help organize and keep clean from dirty.
  • Sleeping bag: Recommend down bags for -10C at least

TOILETRIES:

  • Sunscreen
  • Face moisturizer
  • Bug spray
  • Handsanitizer
  • Wet wipes
  • Toothbrush and paste
  • Toiletpaper
  • Personal medication
  • First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.

INSIDE YOUR DAYPACKS:

Daypacks can be any size for hiking, but we always recommend the smaller, the better. Inside Machu Picchu, no bag larger than 25L will be allowed in. If larger, you will need to store outside citadel gates.

  • Water: we supply clean water at each meal. You are responsible for your first morning of water only as we won’t have time to filter water until your first lunch.
  • Sunhat
  • Rain gear
  • Fleece
  • Camera
  • Music (IPhone)
  • Handsanitizer
  • Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
  • Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
  • Earplugs

FAQs on the SALKANTAY TREK CLASSIC 5 Days 

PREPARING FOR YOUR TRIP

BOOKING

We try to make booking as easy as possible at Pacha Peru Explorers. We need a booking form that is completed and includes all details for the entire party on one form please, and then a $300 deposit per person. We will then book your permits. When permits are in our hands, we will send you your invoice and confirmation that everything is 100% set. All start dates, once confirmed, are guaranteed.

PERMITS

Only licensed Inca Trail and Salkantay Trek tour operators, like Pacha Peru Explorers, can obtain permits from the government. Once your permit is secured, the name and start date can not be changed, under any circumstance. The only information the government permits us to change is the passport numbers.

UPDATING PASSPORT NUMBERS

The government will only allow us to change passport numbers if we have a copy of the new passport and old passport. If you no longer have your old passport, any government issue ID will be accepted, as long as the name is the same. Also, make sure your passport does not expire six months or less from your trip.

HOW TO GET TO CUSCO

Most people will get to Cusco by air. Please remember that the Cusco airport is for domestic travel only. If you come directly from overseas through Lima, you must get your bags in Lima and re-check them for your flight to Cusco. Four airline carriers fly roundtrip between Lima and Cusco. That includes LATAM Airlines, AVIANCA Airlines, Star Peru, and Peruvian Airlines. They all offer similar schedules and in-flight service, but we usually recommend either LATAM airlines or AVIANCA. They tend to be the most helpful when unexpected flight cancellations or delays occur.

WHERE TO STAY IN CUSCO

While you can stay at any hotel in Cusco, the city is becoming more challenging to navigate by car. Many roads, especially near the main square, are open to pedestrian traffic only. We will notify you if it is not possible to pick you up by car and arrange another meeting point for pick up/drop off. For a list of recommended hotels, please ask your Pacha Peru Explorers sales rep.

CAN I SPEND AN EXTRA NIGHT IN AGUAS CALIENTES

Of course, if you are ok with taking the same train out of Aguas Calientes that is part of your original itinerary, which is typically at 4:22 that evening than there is no additional charge to move the train back a day. If you need us to secure your hotel or another visit to Machu Picchu, this will be an additional cost. If you do choose to spend one more night in Aguas Calientes, make sure you tell the Pacha Peru Explorers office at least one month in advance, so your train ticket is purchased for the right day.

WHAT TYPE OF ELECTRICAL OUTLETS ARE USED IN PERU

Most hotels and even homes in Peru now have the standard US outlet and also the South American outlet.


DURING YOUR TRIP

HOW CHALLENGING IS THE TREK

While you don’t need any specific training to do the 5 Day Salkantay Trek, being fit will help. The best preparation for the trek is treadmill exercises with steep inclines and stairs. The second day will be your toughest day, as you will climb up two peaks that day.

DO YOU NEED HIKING BOOTS

We always recommend light hiking boots if possible. Ones with ankle support are extra helpful, especially for the inexperienced hiker. Because you will be climbing down so many steps created by the Incas, now uneven and at varying heights, the extra support helps from twisting your ankles.

SHOULD I USE WALKING STICKS

Walking sticks are always helpful to trekkers, but particularly on this trek. There are so many stairs that you will walk down and all made by the Incas 400 years ago. They vary in height and are not all straight. Using walking sticks can help take the pressure off your knees while doing this portion of the trail. Plus they will help you get up the mountain as well. All our walking sticks are expandable black diamond poles that can be folded up and tied to your bag when you are not using them. For those who are bringing your own, make sure you have rubber tips, or the rangers will not allow you to use them. Rubber tips can be purchased in Cusco if you forget before you leave.

WHERE DO I STORE MY LUGGAGE

All of your luggage is not needed for the trek and should stay in Cusco. All hotels are very accommodating and quite used to storing luggage on-site, or you can safely store with the Pacha Peru Explorers team.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AS FAR AS WEATHER

Please understand that this is an impossible question for us to answer. Historically April through September is the dry season, November through February is the rainy season and March and October and bridge months – a mixture of both. But the clouds have not followed these rules in the last few years. Prepare for sun and rain no matter when you come. As far as temperatures go, that is consistent throughout the year. Mornings and evenings are always cold. Make sure to bring a fleece jacket for the mornings and a down jacket for the evenings. Once the sun is up you should be comfortable hiking and touring Machu Picchu in short sleeves. Long pants (yoga or hiking) are encouraged to help from the mosquitos which can be a nuisance in Aguas Calientes.

Please complete the form below to request a reservation. One of our Trip Coordinators will contact you, often within two business hours, to confirm availability of the trip and/or provide you with other options. Once availability is established, we will ask for a deposit and a completed online registration to confirm your spot on the tour. Please call us or write us by whatsap at (+51) 998 037474 with any questions or to confirm availability or write us directly to pachaperuexplorers@gmail.com

 

 

Group Travel

Personal Details

Trip Details

You are booking NOW:  

SALKANTAY TREK 5 DAYS

Number of Travelers  

14 years and above
Below 14 years

USEFUL INFORMATION

Locations Visited: Mollepata, Challacancha, Soraypampa, Humantay Lake, Salkantay Pass, Chaullay, La Playa, Santa Teresa, Hidroelectric, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, Cusco.


Trip Style: Hikking, Camping, Adventure, History, Culture


Length: 60.5 Km/37.5 miles (5 days / 4 nights)


Frequency: All Year


Group: 2 pax min, max 12 pax


Difficulty: Challenging