5-Day Salkantay Trek from Cusco to Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu in Peru

Aguas Calientes in Cusco

View of the Salkantay mountain peak

Highlights

Visit coffee, cacao and fruit plantations

Relax at the hot springs in Aguas Calientes

Explore the archaeological site of Machu Picchu

Cusco

trekking, cultural, camping

Group Tour

5 Days

Medium

English

Description

Embark on an adventurous journey across the snow-capped Salkantay (6264m/20551ft), considered the most prominent mountain of the Vilcabamba mountain range. The trek takes one back to the time of the Incas via a trip to Machu Picchu. Also, it introduces travellers to the wonderful views of mythical mountains such as the Tucarhuay or the Humantay.

Itinerary

Day 1- Cusco - Mollepata (Marcoccasa) – Soraypampa
- Leave Cusco at 5:30 AM and head towards Marcoccasa (3500m/11482ft), passing the Mollepata village.
- Meet the horseman in Marcoccasa (3500 m/11482 ft). Start hiking within a magnificent valley, surrounded by snow-capped mountains such as the Humantay (5217 m/17116 ft) and the Salkantay (6270 m/20570 ft).
- Reach the campsite at Soraypampa (3900 m/12795 ft).
Day 2- Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Chaullay
- After breakfast, set off towards the Salkantay Pass (4650m/15255f), which offers an exceptional view of the snow-capped Salkantay (6264 m/20570 ft).
- Descend again and enjoy the increasing vegetation of the ecosystem. Arrive at the campsite of Challway (2900 m/9514 ft) in a tropical forest.
Day 3- Chaullay – Wiñaypoco – La Playa
- Explore the region’s flora, dimmed forest and the diversity of orchids, bromelains and many other plants.
- Visit coffee, cacao and fruit plantations. Meet local families at Wiñaypoco (2650m) and La Playa (1900m/6233f).
- Reach the camping site in La Playa.
Day 4- La Playa – Llactapata – Aguas Calientes town
- Early in the morning, trek to the archaeological complex of Llactapata (2800m/9186f), located amidst an eclectic array of vegetation. Take in a beautiful view of Machu Picchu.
- Continue down to the hydroelectric station (1950 m/6398 ft).
- Take the train to Aguas Calientes (2000m/6561f) to reach your next accommodation.
Day 5- Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
- Leave the hotel after breakfast at 5:30 AM and head for Machu Picchu (2400m/7874f) by a tourist bus.
- Arrive at the citadel around 6:00 AM. After a guided tour around the archaeological site, including information about the life and culture of the Incas, enjoy the sites of Machu Picchu on your own.
- Leave Aguas Calientes by train. Until then, have lunch at a restaurant and visit the hot springs in Aguas Calientes to relax.

What's Included

Transfer from the Airport to your hotel in Cusco

Pre-Briefing with the Tour Guide, before travelling

Private transport from your hotel in Cusco to Mollepata

Transport from La Playa to the hydroelectric station (just for the equipment and everyone’s bags)

Tourist Train from the hydroelectric station to Aguas Calientes

Tourist Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (TWO/WAYS)

Tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco or tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and bus to Cusco

Hostel with Private Room and Bathroom in Aguas Calientes town (Hotel if required)

Entrance to the National park of Salkantay & Machu Picchu

Professional Mountaineering Guide

High-quality camping equipment (Professional tent, Doite Cima 4, for 2 persons) Mattresses, eating tent with table and chairs, bathroom tent).

Meals during the excursion (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and tea time/Optional vegetarian)

Cook and assistant

Horseman and mules for up to 8kg of a customer's personal equipment

Emergency horse

First-aid kit and oxygen bottle

What's Excluded

Breakfast on the 1st day and lunch on the 5th day in Aguas Calientes

Hot Springs in Aguas Calientes (Optional:$ 4.00)

Sleeping bag (If you don't have a sleeping bag, there is the possibility of renting one with our company)

Know Before You Go

Visit to Huayna Picchu: For the visit to Huayna Picchu mountain, prepare advance booking; pay an additional $ 15.00 to confirm the entrance to Huayna Picchu (This new state law is applicable since the 18th of July, 2011).

From the first to the third day (from Marcocasa to La Playa) we are accompanied by horsemen and mules that will carry all camping equipment and the customer’s private luggage (up to 8 kg). On the fourth day, all luggage will be transferred to the hydroelectric station by car.

Tips for porters, cooks and guides are always welcome. The porters are also very grateful for a small donation, for example, clothes or school equipment for their children.

Since the weather can be very cold and moist, your clothes - once gotten wet - won’t dry at night. So take some clothes to change.

From Cusco to Soraypampa:

Bus Travel Time: 2 ½ hours

Approximate Walking Time: 6 hours

Approximate walking distance: 10kms

Difference of height: 3500-3900m (11482-12795ft)

From Soraypampa to Chaullay:

Approximate Walking Time: 8-9 hours

Approximate walking distance: 21 km

Difference of height: 3900-4650 Pass-2900m (12795-15255 pass-9514ft)

From Chaullay to La Playa:

Approximate Walking Time: 6 hours

Approximate walking distance: 15 km

Difference of height: 1900-2800 Pass-2000m (6233-9186 Pass-6561ft)

What To Bring

Backpack with rain shelter

Sleeping back (-10°C -15°C)

Clothing for a warm and cold climate like a waterproof jacket

Rain pants and lightweight pants

Trekking shoes

Slippers or sandals (for showers and hot springs)

Woolen or synthetic socks and a sweater

Long- and short-sleeved polo’s/T-Shirts

Rain poncho and a hat

Bathing suit (for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes)

Sunscreen, insect repellent, disinfecting alcohol and gel, toiletries and toilet paper

Camera (wrapped in a plastic bag), a flashlight and batteries

Some snacks like chocolate bars and dry fruit

Original passport, original ISIC student card and extra money insoles

Meeting Point

Cusco, Peru

Cancellation Policy

For cancellations upto 2 days before the tour -

Refund of 80% of the tour price.

Price

Adult
1 to 10	/person
This is a group tour

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5-Day Salkantay Trek from Cusco to Machu Picchu

Highlights

Description

Itinerary

Day 1- Cusco - Mollepata (Marcoccasa) – Soraypampa

Day 2- Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Chaullay

Day 3- Chaullay – Wiñaypoco – La Playa

Day 4- La Playa – Llactapata – Aguas Calientes town

Day 5- Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

What's Included

What's Excluded

Know Before You Go

What To Bring

Meeting Point

Cancellation Policy

Price

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5-Day Salkantay Trek from Cusco to Machu Picchu

Highlights

Description

Itinerary

Day 1- Cusco - Mollepata (Marcoccasa) – Soraypampa

Day 2- Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Chaullay

Day 3- Chaullay – Wiñaypoco – La Playa

Day 4- La Playa – Llactapata – Aguas Calientes town

Day 5- Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

What's Included

What's Excluded

Know Before You Go

What To Bring

Meeting Point

Cancellation Policy

Price

Check Availability Hide

Starting from

Can't Find the Perfect Tour? Tailor Your Dream Trip!

Create your own adventure!

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